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Bill· SS. 3619 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
National Energy Corporation Act - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to establish an independent instrumentality of the United States to be known as the National Energy Corporation, which shall be a wholly owned government corporation. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) explore for oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium on Federal lands and on lands under the ownership or control of Federal agencies, and to inventory the production capability of such lands for such energy resources; (2) develop, import, purchase, store, transfer, and sell such energy resources; (3) engage in research, development, and demonstration of improved methods of discovering and utilizing such energy resources; and (4) engage in other specified activities relating to energy resources and development, using the most advanced environmentally sound methods and technologies. Directs the Corporation to establish priorities among its activities so as to alleviate actual or anticipated shortages of oil, natural gas, coal, or uranium, and their derivatives; to maximize competition among energy industries; to maintain the best export prices of United States coal and uranium; to give preference to the purchase of energy resources from international entities willing to sell at prices lower than the world market price; and to submit specified reports. Establishes standby reserves to provide the Nation with readily available sources of additional oil, natural gas, coal and uranium in times of actual or anticipated shortage. Authorizes the President to designate as a standby reserve any Federal lands not offered for sale or lease for energy resource development. Authorizes the President with the approval of Congress, or the Congress by concurrent resolution, to issue a directive to the Corporation to construct energy production facilities at such reserves in times of shortages. Authorizes the Corporation to identify and select up to 30 percent of any public offering of Federal lands for sale or lease for energy resource development upon notice to the offering authority, and to obtain by conveyance from such authority, without consideration, such acreage after completion of the bidding process. Authorizes the Corporation to transfer its interest in such acreage to the highest bidder, in accordance with the terms of the bid, and to have the amount of such bid accrue to the Corporation. Specifies procedures for the development of energy resources on such land. Directs the Corporation to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of its determinations to construct energy resource facilities, and to obtain the Administrator's approval of such proposals. Requires the Corporation to utilize the highest and best commercially available methods to protect environmental quality. Sets forth principles and standards for the Corporation acting under the authority of this Act as the exclusive bargaining agent for the United States in purchases and sales of energy resources. Exempts the Corporation from Federal taxation. Directs the Corporation to prepare and submit annual reports of its activities. Establishes a Citizens Advisory Commission within the Corporation to monitor, review, evaluate, investigate, and make recommendations concerning the activities of the Corporation. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $1,500,000 to such Commission for each fiscal year. Authorizes the Corporation to issue bonds not to exceed an aggregate of $1,000,000,000 outstanding at any one time. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for each of the ten fiscal years commencing with fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Energy to transfer all rights in any uranium enrichment facilities owned by the Department of Energy to the Corporation.
Bill· SS. 3620 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
Federal Energy Bank Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to provide financing for: (1) energy conservation; (2) the development of adequate energy supplies consistent with the protection of the environment; and (3) the coordination of Federal expenditures in accordance with a comprehensive energy plan. Title II: Corporate Status, General Powers, and Tax States - Establishes a Federal Energy Bank as an agency of the United States with its principal office located in the District of Columbia. Enumerates the corporate powers of the Bank. Exempts the Bank from all Federal, State and local taxes except: (1) real property taxes; and (2) taxes on any entity acquired or activity undertaken by the Bank which engages directly in the production or trade of energy-related commodities or facilities. Title III: Financial Assistance - Authorizes the Bank to provide any form of advance, extension of credit, investment, or guarantee, excluding grants-in-aid, to any public or private entity for: (1) the purchase, construction, or expansion of productive facilities; (2) the acquisition of capital assets, land and mineral rights; and (3) the purpose of providing working capital. Enumerates factors to be considered by the Board of Directors of the Bank in granting such financial assistance. Makes eligible for such assistance those projects which: (1) would not otherwise receive sufficient financing; (2) foster the development, production, or conservation of energy; and (3) are consistent with the comprehensive energy plan. Limits the total amount of financial assistance outstanding at any time to $20,000,000,000, including not less than 25 percent of any outstanding guarantees. Limits the total of such guarantees at any time to $16,000,000,000. Prohibits the extension of a loan or guarantee greater than $60,000,000 unless approved by concurrent resolution of the Congress. Title IV: Capitalization and Finance - Establishes the capital stock of the Bank at $1,000,000,000 subscribed by the United States. Sets forth provisions governing the payment and deferral of dividends. Authorizes the Bank to issue obligations carrying interest and other terms and conditions determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. Authorizes the Secretary to purchase the obligations of the Bank through the sale of securities issued under the Second Liberty Bond Act. Title V: Management - Vests management of the Bank in five directors appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. Stipulates that such directors hold office at the pleasure of the President. Directs the President to designate one of the directors as Chairman. Stipulates that the Chairman shall hold no other salaried position. Sets forth provisions governing the terms and condition on the employment of officers and employees of the Bank. Requires annual financial review of the Bank by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Authorizes the General Accounting Office to conduct audits of the Bank's accounts. Requires the Bank to submit quarterly and annual reports to the Congress and the President. Sets forth the information to be included in such reports. Title VI: Comprehensive Energy Plan - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and report to the President a comprehensive energy plan setting priorities for Federal financing of energy-related programs. Makes such plan effective upon approval of the President and the Congress. Empowers the Secretary of Energy to review and reject as inconsistent with the comprehensive plan any commitment of financial assistance by the Bank or the Export- Import Bank which would alter the supply or demand for energy in the United States. Title VII: Unlawful Acts and Penalties - Establishes criminal penalties and liability to the Bank for lost profits for: (1) the making of false statements to the Bank; (2) forgery; (3) the misappropriation of funds by employees; (4) infringement on the name of the Bank; and (5) the making of unlawful contracts with the Bank. Limits standing to sue the Bank to the Attorney General or his delegate except in actions based on tort or breach of contract. Title VIII: General Provisions - Requires the Bank to submit an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 only if no other Federal agency is required to prepare an EIS with respect to the project receiving financial assistance from the Bank. Exempts the Bank from the provisions of: (1) laws relating to public contracts, buildings and works except the Davis-Bacon Act; and (2) the securities laws. Defines any securities issued or guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the Bank as exempted securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Bill· HRH.R. 14399 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
Liquified Gas Facility Safety Act - Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe minimum standards for the location, design, construction, and safe operation of any liquified gas facilities. Specifies factors to be considered by the Secretary in establishing such standards. Prohibits the construction or operation of liquified gas facilities without a license issued by the Secretary. Stipulates that such licenses shall be issued only to applicants which: (1) comply with applicable laws, regulations and license conditions; (2) obtain a valid certificate of public convenience and necessity pursuant to the Natiohal Gas Act; and (3) construct and operate their facilities using the best available technology designed to provide maximum public safety. Specifies the information to be included in applications for licenses. Sets forth the Secretary's authority to deny, suspend, or revoke such licenses. Requires the Secretary to submit copies of applications to the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission for antitrust reviews. Requires licensees to maintain such records as the Secretary may prescribe and to grant acess to such records to the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States. Directs the Secretary not to issue licenses for such facilities without the approval of the Governor of a State with an approved coastal zone management program. Authorizes such States to supersede license conditions and requirements established by this Act with comparable State requirements. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations of the prohibitions contained in this Act. Establishes the Liquified Gas Compensation Fund to provide for damage claims resulting from discharges of liquified gas. Provides for the establishment of such Fund from fees collected from owners of gas and from other amounts collected pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to require owners and operators of liquified gas vessels and facilities to provide evidence of insurance or of other financial responsibility to meet any liabilities imposed under the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that such owners and operators shall be strictly liable for damages resulting from discharges of liquified gas. Limits such liability to $200,000,000 except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, or where the discharge resulted from a violation of applicable safety or construction standards. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for filing, adjudication and payment of claims arising under this Act. Establishes United States district court jurisdiction over cases arising under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take any necessary actions to minimize or mitigate damage to public health or welfare from such discharges, in accordance with the Natural Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances. Directs the President to amend the Plan as necessary to include measures for responding to liquid gas discharges. Authorizes the Secretary to issue rules, regulations, and standards necessary to implement this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, and $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1981 and 1982, to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 14382 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
Alcohol Fuel Additive Act - Establishes a National Advisory Committee to assist the Secretary of Agriculture in conducting, promoting, and sponsoring basic and applied research, technology development, and technology transfer leading to effective and economical methods for farm operations and the extraction and production of alcohol from sweet sorghum or other hydrocarbon-containing agriculture crops (except timber). Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a bank of this research data and to make it available to other Federal and State agencies and private persons. Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to enter into cooperative projects with foreign governments to accomplish the purpose of this Act. Directs the Secretary to make a status report to the President and Congress no later than December 31, 1980, and each year through 1982 concerning research and development with respect to this Act and recommended funding levels for various elements of the overall project. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 14376 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1978
Alcohol Fuel Encouragement Act - Requires all gasoline stations, within three years of the passage of this Act, to sell a mixture of gasoline and alcohol in the same manner as they sell gasoline. Imposes a civil penalty for violations of such requirement. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow rapid amortization of facilities producing alcohol for use as a fuel in motor vehicles. Amends the Clean Air Act with respect to the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the use of alcohol as a fuel additive.
Bill· HRH.R. 14323 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 October 1978
Nuclear Waste Management Act - Title I: Definitions; Declarations of Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to establish an independent agency to be known as the Nuclear Waste Management Authority which shall have sole responsibility for the decontamination, storage, and disposal of all nuclear wastes as well as surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities; to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate health and safety standards with respect to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances; and to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to license the setting, design, and construction of nuclear waste facilities. Title II: The Nuclear Waste Management Authority - Creates the Nuclear Waste Management Authority as an independent executive agency. Requires the Director of the Authority to establish a plan together with cost estimates and an analysis of the social and environmental impacts for the temporary and permanent treatment and disposal of all nuclear wastes, as well as obsolete, surplus, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites in existence now or in the future which have been produced by the use of nuclear energy since January 1, 1940. Requires the Director to establish and operate nuclear waste facilities and to establish programs for the treatment and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the establishment of fees or user charges for the use of nuclear waste facilities or nuclear treatment and disposal programs. Requires the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to furnish the Director with a complete inventory of all nuclear wastes, nuclear fuels, radioactive materials and facilities and sites in their possession or in private ownership under their control or license. Requires the Director to report to the President, the Congress, and the International Atomic Energy Agency annually concerning any substantial loss of nuclear fuel or waste. Directs the Board of Directors, in association with specified agencies, to undertake a study to determine, among other things: (1) the quantity and types of presently existing nuclear waste and radioactive facilities and sites and the quantity and types of such wastes, facilities, and sites that will exist on January 1, 2000, and on January 1, 2020; (2) the number of nuclear waste facilities required to handle the amount of wastes estimated to be generated by January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2020; (3) the types of technology and design to be used at such facilities; (4) the appropriate construction schedule for each such facility; (4) potential sites for such facilities; (5) estimated construction and operation costs; (6) a user fee schedule for use of such facilities; (7) guidelines for the transportation of radioactive waste; and (8) appropriate methods for decommissioning radioactive facilities and sites. Stipulates that such sites must be capable of containing all the material disposed of therein without human intervention beginning 125 years after the date of disposal and following that date for a period of 25,000 years. Directs the Director to issue a report of the results of such study to be submitted to the President, Congress, and the Governor of any State selected as a potential site for a nuclear waste facility. Directs the Secretary of Energy to hold hearings in each such State to allow public participation on proposals for establishing a nuclear waste facility in such State. Authorizes the Governor of any affected State to disapprove the Director's selection of any site for a nuclear waste facility in that State. Directs the Director to issue a Plan for the Management of Nuclear Wastes and for the Decommissioning and Decontamination of Radioactive Facilities and Sites within three years of the date of enactment of this Act, or, if the number of approved sites is less than anticipated needs, within four years, and sets forth components of such plan. Specifies alternate components of such plan in the event such anticipated needs can not be met. Sets forth the Director's authority with respect to personnel necessary to perform the functions created by this Act. Stipulates that the Director shall have access to all nuclear wastes, nuclear waste facilities, and surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy or any other former owner, upon one year's notice to the Director, to reclaim any irradiated, abandoned, or "spent" nuclear fuel or fuel assemblies if such reclamation can be carried out in a manner which will not present future or present health and safety problems for humans or other living beings. Stipulates that the Authority shall take title to and custody of all nuclear wastes delivered to an operating nuclear waste facility in the specified manner. Title III: Research and Development - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy and the Authority to undertake all research and development necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to require the Secretary: (1) to post bond for the decontamination of sites and facilities used for such development work if it is determined that such work may cause hazardous radioactive contamination of physical facilities, the environment, geological formations or aquifers; or (2) to cease such development work if it is determined the potential for accident is unreasonably high, until such potential is reduced. Title IV: Powers of the Environmental Protection Agency - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to determine and promulgate such standards as will be necessary to protect the health and safety of humans and other living beings from hazardous exposure to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances and materials. Directs the Agency to determine those conditions under which the migration of nuclear wastes and materials from radioactive facilities and nuclear waste facilities shall constitute a hazard or danger to the health and safety of future generations. Directs the Agency to submit such standards to the President, the Congress, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within one year after enactment of this Act, and to report every five years concerning the necessity for revising such standards. Title V: Powers of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Stipulates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall have licensing and related regulatory authority with regard to the operation of existing or future nuclear waste facilities, the transportation, processing, storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes as well as the decontamination and decommission of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Directs the Commission every ten years to review licenses granted under this Act to determine whether the original conditions and provisos are sufficient to assure the health and safety of present and future generations in light of the advancement of knowledge since the date of issuance. Title VI: Transfers of Authority - Transfers the functions, powers, authorizations for appropriations and appropriations of the Department of Energy relating to nuclear wastes and waste facilities to the Authority. Transfers all regulatory and licensing powers and functions of the Environmental Protection Agency with regard to the disposal of nuclear wastes or radioactive materials in any body of water to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Title VII: Authorization of Appropriations and Reports - Authorizes appropriations for the establishment and operation of the Authority during each fiscal year. Requires the Director of the Authority, the Secretary of the Department of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to make a report to the President at the end of each fiscal year for submission to the Congress concerning their activities during the preceding year pursuant to the powers granted them by this Act. Requires that such reports include a detailed statement of goals, expenditures, plans and income projected for the ensuing two years. Title VIII: Separability and Consistency with Existing Laws - Stipulates that nothing in the Atomic Energy Act or contained in any other applicable law of the United States shall supervene or take precedence over the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that if any portion of this Act or its application shall be declared invalid the other provisions of this Act or their application shall not be affected.
Bill· SS. 3597 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Comprehensive Liquefied Energy Gas Siting Safety and Liability Act - Amends the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 to establish a safety program for liquefied energy gas facilities. Title I: Siting and Safety of Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities - Defines "liquefied natural gas" and "LNG" as natural gas in a liquid, semisolid, or solid state. Makes additional definitions for the purposes of this Act. Prohibits the construction of new LNG facilities and the operation of existing LNG facilities without the approval of the Secretary of Transportation. Directs the Secretary to publish compliance standards for such facilities. Sets forth criteria to be included in such standards. Provides that construction permits and operating licenses shall only be issued with the approval of the Governor or appropriate State agency in any affected State. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations governing annual Federal inspections of new LNG facilities in operation after the effective date of the above compliance standards. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for the violation of siting and safety standards. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 to carry out the provisions of this title. Title II: Liability and Compensation Fund - Amends the Ports and Waterways Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, to seek the development of international safety rules and regulations relating to the construction and operation of offshore liquefied energy gas facilities and vessels. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Liquefied Gas Incident Liability and Compensation Fund to provide for the payment of claims for damages arising out of an incident or accident involving the transportation, storage, or transfer of LNG. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to collect fees from owners of LNG facilities and liquefied petroleum gas importation facilities, based on the volume of gas received at such facilities. Sets a limit on the amount of fees to be accumulated in such fund. Imposes strict liability on the owner or operator of any LNG vessel or facility for damages arising out of incidents or accidents involving the transportation, storage, or transfer of LNG. Limits such liability to $100,000,000 except in cases of gross negligence or violations of applicable Federal standards. Waives strict liability upon a showing that the harm resulted from an act of war, specified natural phenomena, or the neglect or intentional acts of a claimant. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue notes or other obligations in the event the Fund cannot satisfy claims made upon it. Provides that any person, including the Fund, who pays for compensable losses under this title shall be subrogated to the rights of any claimant under this title. Requires a showing of financial responsibility by each owner or operator of liquefied energy gas facilities or vessels sufficient to satisfy the maximum amount of liability to which such owner or operator could be exposed. Requires owners and operators to notify the Secretary of Transportation immediately upon learning of an incident or accident. Sets forth procedures for making claims for damages resulting from such occurrences. Provides for judicial review of decisions made with respect to an award or denial of compensation for such damages. Authorizes the award of attorneys' fees and court costs to a claimant if a decision in his favor is affirmed. Requires contributors to the Fund to maintain and furnish, upon request of the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the United States, such records and other information as prescribed by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit to the Congress an annual report of the administration, management, and enforcement activities relating to the Fund. Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to administer the Fund. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study existing admiralty law and insurance practices related to coverage of vessels carrying liquefied gases. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Establishes criminal penalties for the willful destruction or attempted destruction of interstate pipeline or liquefied gas facilities. Sets standards for citizen civil actions relating to compliance with the provisions of this Act. Permits the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, by regulation, to include within the meaning of "pipeline facility" any storage facility or category of such facility which is physically connected to any pipeline facility used for the transportation or distribution of liquefied petroleum gas provided such facility has a storage capacity of 30,000 gallons or more or such inclusion would further the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to adopt interim minimum Federal safety standards for pipeline facilities and pipeline transportation prior to enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enforce safety regulations for facilities, other than pipelines, that are used for the storage or transportation on land of gas or liquefied petroleum gas, in interstate or foreign commerce. Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to prohibit the ownership, design, construction, or operation of an offshore liquefied natural gas facility except in accordance with a license issued pursuant to this Act. Sets forth the procedures for applying for such licenses. Directs the Secretary to prescribe safety standards for the location, design, construction, and operation of offshore liquefied natural gas facilities. Requires the Secretary to promulgate environmental standards for offshore facilities. States that regulations governing the location of such facilities shall include standards: (1) for their location at a safe distance from other facilities or operations which might be a hazard to the facility or increase the damage caused by a liquefied natural gas incident; (2) for natural hazards, such as meteorological or geological conditions; (3) for incident prevention and control facilities; (4) for the safe navigation of liquefied natural gas vessels into such facilities; and (5) for considering the effect of such facilities on the marine environment. Directs the Secretary to require that the best available technology be used in the design and construction of such facilities by prescribing minimum standards for materials and for methods and techniques of design and construction. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the operation of liquefied natural gas facilities. States that such regulations shall include standards: (1) for the use of Coast Guard-certified tankermen in the handling and transfer of liquefied natural gas from vessels to facilities, and for the training of other personnel; (2) for the availability and use of incident prevention and control equipment; (3) for the use of security measures at such facilities for protection against intentional acts which might cause incidents; (4) for the maintenance of facilities and equipment and periodic Coast Guard inspections; and (5) for vessel safety, including the establishment of safety zones around offshore facilities. Establishes Federal jurisdiction over offshore facilities licensed under this subtitle. Extends such jurisdiction to foreign vessels located within the safety zone of a facility. Directs the Secretary of State to see effective international action and cooperation in support of the policy and purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 14290 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Act - Title I: Temporary Storage of Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy in consultation with other agencies to conduct a study and issue a preliminary report on the amount of spent nuclear fuel which can be stored at temporary spent fuel storage facilities currently in operation or under construction and whether any additional storage facilities should be acquired by the Federal Government. Requires that a final report be evaluated by the President. Directs that within 60 days after the receipt of such report, the President issue a plan for the temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel. Stipulates that any such plan take effect at the end of 60 calendar days of continuous session of Congress after the date on which copies of such plan are transmitted to each House of Congress. Permits the Congress to reject such plan by the adoption of a concurrent resolution. Sets forth the legislative procedure for the consideration of any such resolution. Title II: Permanent Storage of Radioactive Waste - Directs the Secretary in consultation with other Federal agencies to conduct a study to evaluate methods of providing permanent storage of radioactive waste and to determine the amount of storage capacity required to permanently store all radioactive waste. Requires the Secretary within two years from the date of enactment of this Act to issue a preliminary report on the results of such study. Directs the President to evaluate the final report and issue a plan for the permanent storage of radioactive waste. Stipulates that the plan shall take effect after 60 calendar days of Congressional session unless rejected by the adoption of a concurrent resolution. Sets forth the legislative procedure for the consideration of any such resolution.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 744 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 14247 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1978
Oil Shale Production Incentive Act - Title I: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Purchase Program - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to purchase for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve a specified minimum number of barrels of crude oil produced from oil shale in the United States for each of fiscal years 1980 through 1985. Title II: Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to allow a tax credit of a specified amount for each barrel of crude oil produced from oil shale in the United States. Exempts from this tax credit oil sold for Strategic Reserve. Amends the Code to allow a taxpayer to treat specified expenses for oil shale mining property as expenditures for which a specified tax deduction is allowed. Title III: Study of Environmental Standards - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study Federal environmental laws and regulations to determine methods for: (1) reducing delays and paperwork required before oil shale exploration, development, and extraction may begin; and (2) making uniform the standards under such laws which have to be met by persons conducting oil shale mining. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to submit to the Congress a report of the results of the above study and recommendations for reducing such delays and paperwork. Specifies which Federal laws are to be considered in this study. Title IV: Study of Federal Leasing Procedures - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of Federal mineral leasing laws and regulations to determine methods of encouraging oil shale exploration, development, and extraction and production of petroleum products from oil shale mined on Federal lands. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a report on the results of such study and recommendations for encouraging oil shale mining and petroleum product production therefrom. Title V: Low British Thermal Unit Gas Turbine - Amends the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 to authorize the appropriation of $3,000,000 for the development and demonstration of the use in an on-site gas turbine of low British thermal unit gas produced as a byproduct of crude oil production from oil shale. Title VI: Miscellaneous Provisions - States that the effective date of this Act shall be October 1, 1979.
Bill· HRH.R. 14194 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 September 1978
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority of 1933 to prohibit the Tennessee Valley Authority from raising prices of energy sold without first securing approval for such increase by an affirmative vote of its board.
Bill· SS. 3523 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1978
Natural Gas Act Amendments - Amends the Natural Gas Act to expand its regulatory jurisdiction over the transportation and sale of natural gas in interstate and intrastate commerce.
Bill· HRH.R. 14170 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 September 1978
Directs that all utility rate schedules which provide for the sale of electric power shall do so at price levels which have been subject to and ordered into effect after prior public notice and full hearing. Prohibits the sale of electric energy except in accordance with rate schedules fixed, approved or allowed to go into effect by a regulatory authority. Prohibits such regulatory authority from instituting a rate schedule without prior public notice and full hearing. Sets procedures for the adjudication of alleged violations of this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1373 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1978
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 12355 (Nuclear Regulatory Commission appropriations authorization).
Bill· HRH.R. 14146 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 September 1978
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority of 1933 to prohibit the Tennessee Valley Authority from raising prices of energy sold without first securing approval for such increase by an affirmative vote of its board.
Bill· SS. 3503 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1978
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to prohibit the Tennessee Valley Authority from raising prices of energy sold without first securing approval for such increase by an affirmative vote of its board.
Bill· HRH.R. 14126 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1978
Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to permit utilities selling energy to a State which has established rules, regulations, or laws which prohibit or impede construction of new electric energy facilities to reduce or discontinue sales to that State before reducing sales in other States in the event that such utility cannot adequately meet the energy demand from all of its customers. Stipulates that such reductions shall not be permitted in the State in which the utility is located or when such reduction would adversely affect public health and safety.
Bill· HRH.R. 14098 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1978
Provides for full State participation in the planning, siting, and licensing of nuclear storage and disposal facilities. Authorizes the States, through their legislatures, to disapprove the site selection of any nuclear storage or disposal facility within their boundaries.
Bill· HRH.R. 14095 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1978
Title I: Office of Nuclear Waste - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to designate the Department of Energy as the lead agency in nuclear waste management; to centralize nuclear waste management responsibility in a new Office of Nuclear Waste within the Department; to set specific procedures and deadlines for establishing and implementing a comprehensive nuclear waste policy; and to clarify and coordinate the policymaking roles of other concerned agencies by establishing a Nuclear Waste Review Panel. Establishes an Office of Nuclear Waste, within the Department of Energy, to be responsible, among other things, for: (1) all research, development, and demonstration activities pertaining to nuclear waste; (2) design, construction, operation, and perpetual care of temporary and permanent high-level nuclear waste repositories; (3) administering the Nuclear Waste Management Fund; (4) establishing a system of user fees to cover costs incurred by the Fund; and (5) establishing a nuclear waste plan. Establishes a Nuclear Waste Review Panel to coordinate the nuclear waste policies and actions of its members, including designated Federal agencies, and others, as the Chairman of the Panel may require. Directs this Panel to submit to the Congress an annual report of its activities. Title II: Nuclear Waste Planning - Requires the Office of Nuclear Waste to submit to the Congress a nuclear waste plan, to include: (1) programs for research, development, and demonstration of nuclear waste disposal methods; (2) siting, construction, and operation of pilot or experimental nuclear waste facilities; (3) construction and operation of a permanent nuclear waste repository; (4) provisions for implementation of the Nuclear Waste Management Fund; and (5) identification of all environmental impact statements to be issued in connection with the establishment of facilities proposed under this title. Directs the Office to submit to the Congress an annual nuclear waste report. Directs the Office to submit to the Congress a plan: (1) defining the need for additional low-level waste sites and for remedial action, if necessary, at existing low-level facilities; (2) estimating the costs and describing procedures for disposing of uranium mill tailings at sites no longer used or licensed for uranium milling activities; and (3) providing for additional research and development work. Directs the Chairman of the Panel and the Director of the Office to implement procedures for allowing public and State participation in nuclear waste planning activities. Requires the Director to notify the Governor of any State of the Office's proposal to select that State as a site for a study area or facility authorized by this Act. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards and criteria for assessing the public health and safety aspects of nuclear waste plans prepared pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall: (1) affect the licensing and regulatory authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974; (2) exempt the Office from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) affect the authority of States to inspect nuclear facilities pursuant to State law or the Atomic Energy Act. Title III: Nuclear Waste Management Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Nuclear Waste Management Fund to furnish financial assistance for nuclear waste management. Authorizes the Director to prescribe and impose fees and charges for services rendered by the Office pursuant to this Act, based on reasonably expected costs for waste disposal, research, development, demonstration, and planning. Specifies that the Fund shall consist of deposits of such fees and charges, income and gain realized from investment of excess funds of the Fund, and advances or loans from the Treasury. Directs the Office to assume title to any existing waste facility not presently under United States ownership upon payment of just compensation to States which own such facilities. Authorizes appropriations necessary to implement the Fund and for such other purposes as the Director may determine, such sums to be repaid pursuant to the provisions of this title.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 559 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 September 1978
Authorizes the printing of "Highway Needs To Solve Energy Problems" as a Senate document.
Bill· SS. 3472 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1978
Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to prescribe regulations or orders prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure of nuclear safeguards information which identities a licensee's or applicant's detailed control and accounting procedures, security measures, or studies, reports, and analysis concerning such safeguards. Imposes civil penalties on any person who violates any regulations adopted under this Act. Requires the Commission to establish procedures designed to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of safeguards information in the case of any agency proceedings or actions arising under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 154 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 August 1978
Authorizes the President to invite the States and foreign countries to participate in the International Petroleum Exposition.
Bill· HRH.R. 13944 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Utility Lifeline Act - Requires State regulatory authorities and nonregulated utilities to establish uniform minimum amounts of electric energy and natural gas necessary to supply the essential needs of residential consumers during any billing period. Stipulates that no utility's rate schedule for such amounts shall exceed the lowest rate charged by such utility for any equivalent amount of electric energy sold during such period for use by any other customer or class or category of customers. Permits utilities to establish higher rates for that portion of electric energy or natural gas which exceeds the minimum amounts fixed by this Act. Sets forth procedures for enforcement of the provisions of this Act by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 by establishing a tax credit for residential users of propane and heating oil in an amount equal to an individual taxpayer's qualified propane and heating oil expenses, and sets limitations on the amount of such credit. Allows tenants and residents of rental units, condominiums and cooperative housing units to claim such credit where their rent or similar payments include qualified propane and heating oil expenses. Limits judicial review of determinations made under this Act to review in the United States Supreme Court of a decision of a State court decision concerning compliance with the requirements of this Act or to review determinations made by a State regulatory authority or nonregulated utility which is an instrumentality or agency of the United States.
Bill· HRH.R. 13931 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to develop and maintain comprehensive programs to insure widespread public involvement in formulating regional electric power programs and policies. Establishes a Bonneville Consumers' Council and a Bonneville Utilities Council with whom the Administrator is directed to consult, together with the Governor of the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, and the general public, in preparing a regional power planning and conservation program. Exempts such councils from the purview of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and exempts their members' actions from constituting potential violations of Federal or State antitrust laws. Directs the Administrator to offer to sell electric power to specified customers at rates to be established and periodically modified, in accordance with specific criteria, and establishes amounts of power such customers are to receive. Directs the Administrator to implement feasible and cost-effective measures to conserve electric power, and to assist governmental authorities in promoting conservation of electric power. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire additional electric power resources where regional electric power obligations cannot be met by employing conservation measures, but specifically directs the Administrator to give priority to, developing renewable energy resources where additional resources are needed. Authorizes acquisition or the construction and operation of other types of electric power resources where needed to assure transmission system reliability. Sets forth the procedural instructions for such acquisitions. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to authorize expenditures as are necessary to implement this Act. Amends such Act further to authorize the issuance of bonds and other debt obligations for the purpose of financing activities arising from the implementation of this Act. Stipulates that such obligations bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate applicable to such obligations if purchased by the Federal Financing Bank. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations incurred under such Act which are outstanding at any one time to include the principal amount of obligations incurred and outstanding which were issued to assist in financing the activities of this Act. Extends the definition of "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such agreements and contracts as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any "person" or "company," as therein defined, connected with electric generating facilities which sell 75 percent or more of their power to the Administrator.
Bill· HRH.R. 13928 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 August 1978
Nuclear Waste Management Act - Title I: Definitions; Declarations of Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to establish an independent agency to be known as the Nuclear Waste Management Authority which shall have sole responsibility for the decontamination, storage, and disposal of all nuclear wastes as well as surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities, to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate health and safety standards with respect to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances; and to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to license the setting, design, and construction of nuclear waste facilities. Title II: The Nuclear Waste Management Authority - Creates the Nuclear Waste Management Authority as an independent executive agency. Requires the Director of the Authority to establish a plan, together with cost estimates and an analysis of the social and environmental impacts, for the temporary and permanent treatment and disposal of all nuclear wastes, as well as of obsolete, surplus, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites which have resulted from the use of nuclear energy since January 1, 1940. Requires the Director to establish an additional treatment and disposal plan for nuclear wastes and obsolete, surplus, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites which are expected to result from the use of new facilities from the date of the enactment of this Act until the year 2020. Requires the Director to establish and operate nuclear waste facilities and to establish programs for the treatment and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the establishment of fees or user charges for the use of nuclear waste facilities or nuclear treatment and disposal programs. Requires the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to furnish the Director with a complete inventory of all nuclear wastes, nuclear fuels, radioactive materials, and facilities and sites in their possession or in private ownership under their control or license. Requires the Director to report to the President, the Congress, and the International Atomic Energy Agency annually concerning any substantial loss of nuclear fuel or waste. Defines "substantial" as any amount greater than the radiological or fissionable equivalent of 0.05 kg pure Pu 239. Directs the Board of the Authority in association with specified agencies, to undertake a nationwide study to determine an inventory of suitable sites for the disposal of nuclear wastes and contaminated radioactive materials produced by the decontamination and decommissioning of radioactive facilities and sites. Stipulates that such radioactive sites must be capable of containing all the material disposed therein without human intervention beginning 125 years after the date of disposal and following that date for a period of 100,000 years. Stipulates that the Authority shall have title and the Director shall have access, to all nuclear wastes, nuclear waste facilities, and surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities. Authorizes the Department of Energy, upon one year's notice to the Director, to reclaim any irradiated, abandoned, or spent nuclear fuel or fuel assemblies if such reclamation can be carried out in a manner which will not pose future or present health and safety problems for humans or other living beings. Title III: Nuclear Waste Management Fund - Establishes within the Treasury a Nuclear Waste Management Fund to be administered by the Director without the requirement of annual authorizations by the Congress. Stipulates that the purposes of such Fund are to provide for capital expenditures necessary for research, design and construction of nuclear waste facilities; to serve as a repository for operating, maintenance, and contingency expenses required for the temporary storage of nuclear wastes; and to provide operation, maintenance and security funds during the first 30 years after the permanent disposal of any nuclear waste or the dismantling of any radioactive facility. Creates a Perpetual Nuclear Waste Trust Fund within the Fund for the perpetual management, security, and maintenance of nuclear waste facilities commencing 30 years after the permanent disposal of any nuclear waste or after the permanent disposal of any radioactive facility. Authorizes the Director to issue and sell securities and Fund bonds and to prescribe and impose fees and charges for services rendered by the Authority pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that the proceeds from the issuance of such bonds, the income and gains realized by the Fund from any investment of excess moneys from the Fund and the income from fees and charges established pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the Fund. Title IV: Powers of the Department of Energy under this Act - Stipulates that the Department of Energy shall be responsible for performing all necessary research and development in the design and methods for the operation, construction, and decommissioning of nuclear waste facilities; the transportation, processing, storage and disposal of nuclear wastes and the decontaminating or decommissioning of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Requires the Department to conduct research and testing as directed by the Director of the Authority. Stipulates that any development work regarding waste processing and disposal facilities shall be subject to review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Authorizes the Commission to require the Department to post bond for the decontamination of all sites and facilities after the completion of development work or to order the cessation of such work if the potential for accident is unreasonably high. Stipulates that the Assistant Secretary of Environment within the Department of Energy shall participate in the design of all development work under this title. Title V: Powers of the Environmental Protection Agency under this Act - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to determine and promulgate such standards as will be necessary to protect the health and safety of humans and other living beings from hazardous exposure to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances and materials. Directs the Agency to determine those conditions under which the migration of nuclear wastes and materials from radioactive facilities and nuclear waste facilities shall constitute a hazard or danger to the health and safety of future generations. Directs the Agency to submit such standards to the President, the Congress, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on or before January 1, 1979 and to report every five years concerning the necessity for revising such standards. Title VI: Powers of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under this Act - Stipulates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall have licensing and related regulatory authority with regard to the operation of existing or future nuclear waste facilities, the transportation, processing, storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes; and the decontamination and decommission of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Directs the Commission every ten years to review licenses granted under this Act to determine whether the original conditions and provisos are sufficient to assure the health and safety of present and future generations in light of the advancement of knowledge since the date of issuance. Title VII: Powers of the several States under this Act - Enjoins the Commission from acting upon an application for a construction license for any facility employed in the production or utilization of commercial nuclear power or the processing, treatment, or disposal of nuclear wastes unless such application is approved by the State where the facility is to be located. Stipulates that a State's failure to act within a specified period shall be deemed an approval. Authorizes the Commission to act upon applications for a construction license for a nuclear waste facility in the event that such application meets the specified criteria and has been submitted to ten or more States and rejected by such States. Sets forth restrictions on such preemptory actions by the Commission. Title VIII: International Planning and Agreements - Requires the Director of the Authority and the Director of the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to seek the cooperation of other nations in negotiating treaties to promote international research and regulation regarding nuclear waste facilities and nuclear materials security, handling, and disposal. Requires such Directors to undertake a worldwide inventory of recommended nuclear waste disposal sites. Requires such Directors to report annually to the President and the Congress on the status of international negotiations and nuclear waste management programs mandated by this title. Title IX: Transfers of Authority - Transfers the functions, powers, authorizations for appropriations and appropriations of the Department of Energy relating to nuclear wastes and waste facilities to the Authority. Transfers all regulatory and licensing powers and functions of the Environmental Protection Agency with regard to the disposal of nuclear wastes or radioactive materials in any body of water to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Title X: Authorizations of Appropriations and Reports of Budgets - Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for the establishment and operation of the Authority during the fiscal year of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Director of the Authority, the Secretary of the Department of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to make a report to the President at the end of each fiscal year for submission to the Congress concerning their activities under this Act. Requires that such report include a detailed statement of goals, expenditures, plans and income projected for the ensuing two years. Title XI: Separability and Consistency with Existing Laws - Stipulates that nothing in the Atomic Energy Act or contained in any other applicable law of the United States shall supervene or take precedence over the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that if any portion of this Act or its application shall be declared invalid the other provisions of this Act or their application shall not be affected.
Bill· SS. 3418 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration to develop and maintain comprehensive programs to insure widespread public involvement in formulating regional electric power programs and policies. Establishes a Bonneville Consumers' Council and a Bonneville Utilities Council with whom the Administrator is directed to consult, together with the Governors or the States of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and the general public in preparing a regional power planning and conservation program. Exempts such councils from the purview of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and exempts their members' actions from constituting potential violations of Federal or State antitrust laws. Directs the Administrator to offer to sell electric power to specified customers at rates to be established and periodically modified, in accordance with specified criteria, and establishes amounts of power such customers are to receive. Directs the Administrator to implement feasible and cost-effective measures to conserve electric power, and to assist governmental authorities in promoting conservation of electric power. Authorizes the Administrator to acquire additional electric power resources where regional electric power obligations cannot be met by employing conservation measures, but specifically directs the Administrator to give priority to developing renewable energy resources where additional resources are needed. Authorizes acquisition or the construction and operation of other types of electric power resources where needed to assure transmission system reliability. Sets forth procedural instructions for such acquisitions. Amends the Federal Columbia River Transmission System Act to authorize such expenditures as are necessary to implement this Act. Amends such Act further to authorize the issuance of bonds and other debt obligations for the purpose of financing activities arising from the implementation of this Act. Stipulates that such obligations bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate applicable to such obligations if purchased by the Federal Financing Bank. Increases the aggregate principal amount of obligations incurred under such Act which are outstanding at any one time to include the principal amount of obligations incurred and outstanding which were issued to assist in financing the activities of this Act. Extends the definition of "Pacific Northwest" to include the entire State of Idaho. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into such agreements and contracts as are deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Exempts from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act any "person" or "company," as therein defined, connected with electric generating facilities, which sell 75 percent or more of their power to the Administrator.
Bill· HRH.R. 13905 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Nuclear Incident Liability Reform Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require that licensees for nuclear facilities obtain the maximum amount of liability insurance available from private sources. Requires that such licensees participate in an industry retrospective rating plan in addition to maintaining such insurance. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish rules specifying the rates for deferred premiums charged to licensees under such plan in the event of any nuclear incident resulting in public liability which exceeds or appears likely to exceed the level of a licensee's primary financial protection and the amount otherwise available from such licensee for the satisfaction of such liability. Authorizes the Commission to loan to a licensee, at prescribed interest rates, the amount by which an assessment of deferred premiums exceeds the amount which the licensee is able to pay within a reasonable time following any nuclear incident without impairing its ability to provide electric utility service. Repeals the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 relating to indemnification of licensees from liability which is in excess of the level of financial protection required of the licensee. Eliminates the $500,000,000 ceiling on indemnification of contractors of the Commission against claims for liability, arising out of contractual activities, which are above the amount of financial protection required of contractors. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) the $560,000,000 maximum aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident; (2) the collection of fees for indemnification agreements, and (3) compensation to private insurance organizations for services connected with handling indemnifications. Eliminates the exemption from the requirements of financial protection of nonprofit educational, institution licensees. Repeals the Commission's authority to indemnify persons engaged in activities relating to the Nuclear Ship Savannah from liability for nuclear incidents. Terminates the Commission's authority to enter agreements with other indemnitors with respect to emergency assistance payments. Makes technical and conforming amendments to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 697 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 13879 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 August 1978
Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to increase the maximum amount of acreage which may be conveyed to a single person, association, or corporation under a Federal geothermal lease in a single State from 20,480 acres to 51,200 acres.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 693 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 688 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Bill· SS. 3392 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop research, development, and demonstration programs concerning the use of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to 75 percent of the purchase and installation costs of selected systems used for research purposes. Requires the Secretary to formulate interim and definitive performance criteria concerning solar photovoltaic systems and to develop a system certification for conforming systems. Directs the Secretary to consult with appropriate Federal agencies concerning the use of solar photovoltaic systems in Federal facilities. Requires the Secretary to set up a development and demonstration program of prototype photovoltaic systems at the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado. Directs the Secretary to establish a solar energy data bank at the Golden facility. Requires relevant Federal officials to ensure that small business concerns are granted realistic and adequate opportunities to participate, to the maximum extent possible, in the programs under this Act. Establishes a Solar Photovoltaic Energy Advisory Committee to study the need and economic, technological, and environmental consequences of solar photovoltaic energy systems.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 685 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 686 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 684 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 August 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 13736 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1978
Directs the President to prescribe and make effective a regulation prohibiting the sale of a unleaded gasoline at a price in excess of three cents per gallon more than the weighed average price per gallon at which leaded gasoline of the same or nearest octane number is priced.
Bill· SS. 3369 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 August 1978
Petroleum Marketing Moratorium Act - Imposes a moratorium on the further acquisition or control of retail petroleum marketing outlets by major petroleum producers, refiners, and those engaged in the transportation of petroleum products. Sets forth criminal penalties for any person who knowingly violates this Act, and states that a violation by a corporation also constitutes a violation by the individual officers, directors, receivers, trustees, or agents of such corporations involved in authorizing, ordering or doing any acts constituting the violation by the corporation. Establishes civil penalties for each day during which such violation continues. Authorizes the Attorney General of the United States to bring actions to prevent or to remedy any violation of this Act. Permits any person injured as a result of violation of this Act to bring an action to enforce compliance with the Act, and for any damages suffered as a result of such violation.
Bill· HRH.R. 13644 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1978
Nuclear Waste Management Research, Development, and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make a preliminary determination concerning (1) the location of a site to serve as a permanent Federal demonstration repository for nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel assemblies; (2) the techniques and methods to be used for the design, construction, and operation of such facility; (3) the procedures for transporting such wastes to the facility; and (4) the appropriate actions necessary to assure protection of the public health and safety and of the environment. Requires that any site recommended by the Secretary comport with regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) concerning safety and environmental protection. Requires the Secretary to select a site for such Federal nuclear waste repository by September 30, 1980, and to arrange for the construction and operation of such facility on such site by September 30, 1985, consistent with applicable environmental requirements, and of such design so as to maintain structural integrity under adverse meteorological and geological conditions. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a detailed construction schedule for such facility, including the completion dates of required environmental impact statements, and issuance of work authorization permits. Directs the Secretary to file with the NRC a license application for the facility and requires the NRC to act on such application within five years of the application submittal, consistent with NRC licensing requirements. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual status reports on the progress of the facility until operation begins. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds by contract for any research, development, and construction activities necessary to carry out the duties under the Act. Stipulates that the Secretary need not comply with specified bid advertising requirements with respect to such contracts. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with other persons relating to the transfer of nuclear wastes or spent nuclear fuel assemblies from civilian nuclear power plants licensed under the Atomic Energy Act to the Federal facility. Provides that user fees be established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish and pay a fee for acquiring title to and custody of spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Requires that any materials transferred to the Federal facility be in a form suitable for storage as determined by regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual reports of all agreements entered into relating to the transfer of nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Provides that all such records, reports, or information obtained by the Secretary be made available to the public, except where either a showing is made that some portion is entitled to protection as trade secrets, or the Secretary determines that the confidentiality of information is required as a matter of national security. Permits disclosure of information which may constitute either trade secrets or matters of national security to officers, employees, or authorized representatives of the U.S. concerned with carrying out this Act or involved in proceedings under this Act. Prohibits withholding of any such information from any duly-authorized congressional committee. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Management Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on matters concerning (1) the scope, pace, costs, and benefits of research and development of nuclear waste disposal technology; (2) the existing and prospective Federal policies and programs affecting development of such technology; and (3) any other action taken by the Secretary in carrying out duties under the Act. Directs heads of Federal agencies to cooperate with the Committee and to furnish any information deemed necessary to carry out its duties under the Act. Directs the Secretary to seek advice from State and local governments, public and private organizations and industry with respect to such technologies. Requires the Secretary to advise the Governor of any State designated as containing a potential site for construction of the Federal facility, to review and consider any materials or recommendations submitted by the Governor of such State and to notify the Governor of the State finally selected for the construction of the Federal facility. Affords that State or its representative the opportunity to participate in any NRC licensing proceeding and allows the State legislature to submit materials to be included in the NRC's environmental impact statement. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, to promulgate regulations necessary in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 13629 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 July 1978
National Alcohol Fuels Commission Act - Establishes the National Alcohol Fuels Commission to study the use of alcohol as an alternative fuel source. Charges the Commission with the duty to study the short and long-term potential of alcohol fuels derived from plant, animal and industrial sources and wastes, and from coal. Directs the Commission to study alternative feedstocks and the desirability of converting present feedstocks into alcohol fuels. Requires the Commission to identify and study technical, economic, legal, environmental and social factors involved with the production, manufacture, distribution and use of alcohol fuels. Directs relevant Federal agencies to appoint a liaison officer and to cooperate closely with the Commission. Requires the Commission to file a final report with the President and the Congress no later than December 31, 1980.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 671 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1978
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal courts should expedite all remaining administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to the Seabrook Nuclear Station project (New Hampshire), and that all licensing and permitting procedures for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations should be reviewed and modified to improve the efficiency of such procedures.
Bill· SS. 3343 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1978
Title I: Office of Nuclear Waste - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to designate the Department of Energy as the lead agency in nuclear waste management; to centralize nuclear waste management responsibility in a new Office of Nuclear Waste within the Department; to set specific procedures and deadlines for establishing and implementing a comprehensive nuclear waste policy; and to clarify and coordinate the policymaking roles of other concerned agencies by establishing a Nuclear Waste Review Panel. Establishes an Office of Nuclear Waste within the Department of Energy, to be responsible, among other things, for: (1) all research, development, and demonstration activities pertaining to nuclear waste; (2) design, construction, operation, and perpetual care of temporary and permanent high-level nuclear waste repositories; (3) administering the Nuclear Waste Management Fund; (4) establishing a system of user fees to cover costs incurred by the Fund; and (5) establishing a nuclear waste plan. Establishes a Nuclear Waste Review Panel to coordinate the nuclear waste policies and actions of its members, including designated Federal agencies and others, as the Chairman of the Panel may require. Directs this Panel to submit to the Congress an annual report of its activities. Title II: Nuclear Waste Planning - Requires the Office of Nuclear Waste to submit to the Congress a nuclear waste plan, to include: (1) programs for research, development, and demonstration of nuclear waste disposal methods; (2) siting, construction, and operation of pilot or experimental nuclear waste facilities; (3) construction and operation of a permanent nuclear waste repository; (4) provisions for implementation of the Nuclear Waste Management Fund; and (5) identification of all environmental impact statements to be issued in connection with the establishment of facilities proposed under this title. Directs the Office to submit to the Congress an annual nuclear waste report. Directs the Office to submit to the Congress a plan: (1) defining the need for additional low-level waste sites and for remedial action, if necessary, at existing low-level facilities; (2) estimating the costs and describing procedures for disposing of uranium mill tailings at sites no longer used or licensed for uranium milling activities; and (3) providing for additional research and development work. Directs the Chairman of the Panel and the Director of the Office to implement procedures for allowing public and State participation in nuclear waste planning activities. Requires the Director to notify the Governor of any State of the Office's proposal to select that State as a site for a study area or facility authorized by this Act. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards and criteria for assessing the public health and safety aspects of nuclear waste plans prepared pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall: (1) affect the licensing and regulatory authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974; (2) exempt the Office from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) affect the authority of States to inspect nuclear facilities pursuant to State law or the Atomic Energy Act. Title III: Nuclear Waste Management Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a Nuclear Waste Management Fund to furnish financial assistance for nuclear waste management. Authorizes the Director to prescribe and impose fees and charges for services rendered by the Office pursuant to this Act, based on reasonably expected costs for waste disposal, research, development, demonstration, and planning. Specifies that the Fund shall consist of deposits of such fees and charges, income and gain realized from investment of excess funds of the Fund, and advances or loans from the Treasury. Directs the Office to assume title to any existing waste facility not presently under United States ownership upon payment of just compensation to States which own such facilities. Authorizes appropriations necessary to implement the Fund and for such other purposes as the Director may determine, such sums to be repaid pursuant to the provisions of this title.
Law· HRH.R. 13597 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1978
Directs the Architect of the Capitol to install solar energy devices in the Rayburn House Office Building and the House Annex Numbered 2. Authorizes appropriations of up to $3,000,000 to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 13553 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, other provisions of such Act notwithstanding, to acquire Federal coal leases or rights to Federal coal leases by purchase, exchange, or condemnation upon finding that development of the lease would (1) result in unacceptable damage to other resource values or (2) conflict with a previously unconsidered specific proposal for use of the land for public purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to grant access to tunnels or surface rights-of-way through coal deposits through negotiated sales, notwithstanding competitive bidding requirements. States that nothing in the section which authorizes the Secretary to approve the inclusion of additional coal lands under a lease shall require the Secretary to apply minimum royalty provisions to any lands covered by the modified lease prior to modification. Authorizes the Secretary to give priority to the exchange of those private lands or Federal leases which (1) possess scenic, historic, cultural, wildlife or recreational values of importance to the public, or (2) would result in unacceptable damage to other resource values or conflict with a previously unconsidered specific proposal for use of the land for public purposes. Authorizes the appropriations necessary to evaluate the lands and interests considered for such exchanges and to administer such exchanges.
Bill· HRH.R. 13559 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 July 1978
Energy Impact Assistance Act - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act to establish an Office of Energy Impact Assistance within the Department of Commerce to provide financial and technical assistance to States, local governments, and Indian tribes suffering economic impact as a result of energy development activities. Authorizes State Governors' or governing bodies of Indian tribes to designate energy impact areas in accordance with specified conditions. Requires such parties to establish energy impact assessment teams: (1) to assess the effects of energy development on designated areas relating to the needs of such areas for additional public facilities or services; and (2) to report on such assessment in a mitigation plan for responding to such needs. Requires the President to issue an Executive Order providing for coordination by the Secretary of Commerce of all Federal programs which may provide assistance or meet the needs identified in an area's mitigation plan. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants or provide other financial and technical assistance to assessment teams to assist them in carrying out their duties and to States and Indian tribes for the purpose of carrying out mitigation plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, loans, loan guarantees and payments of interest cost to State or local governments or Indian tribes to meet emergency needs for public facilities or services in a designated energy impact area. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee loans made to assist such parties in carrying out mitigation plans. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 13532 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 July 1978
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals an income tax credit for a portion of the expenses incurred for the residential installations of insulation, solar and other renewable energy equipment, heating improvements and energy-conserving components between April 20, 1977, and January 1, 1986.
Bill· HRH.R. 13518 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1978
Federal Oil Shale Commercialization Test Act - Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish a Federal program to test the commercial, social, and environmental viability of oil shale technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to (1) establish a program to determine the commercial viability of as many as three oil shale retorting technologies; (2) invite proposals from interested persons for the design, construction, and operation of oil shale commercial demonstration projects; and (3) select as many as three such proposals and enter into contracts or cooperative agreements for the implementation of such projects. Sets forth considerations for the Secretary in selecting projects. Requires that all projects authorized by this Act be located at a single site if possible, on specified lands to be selected by the Secretary, giving priority to lands located at the Naval Oil Shale Reserves. Stipulates that the selection of a site other than at the Naval Oil Shale Reserves shall not be made unless such site would (1) provide information on commercial viability not attainable on lands of the Naval Oil Shade Reserves, or (2) reduce the necessary Federal expenditure. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of the Interior prior to the selection of public lands to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires the Secretary to consult with appropriate State and local officials, before selecting a demonstration project, to assess the environmental impact of the project on the area affected. Establishes criteria for the evaluation of the economic, social, and environmental impact of oil shale technologies. Requires the publication of such evaluation by the Secretary within one year of the completion of the demonstration projects. Requires the Secretary to hold at least one public hearing, prior to the completion of his evaluation, in the area which would be most directly affected by the commercial development of oil shale. Subjects inventions made or conceived by a participant in a program authorized by this Act to the title, waiver, and licensing provisions of Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974. Protects the ownership of background patents which project participants possess at the outset of the program. Establishes a panel to advise the Secretary on the social, environmental, and safety impact of the demonstration projects authorized by this Act. Stipulates that the contracts and cooperative agreements authorized by this Act shall provide for the disposition of shale oil or other products produced during the program in in a manner determined by the Secretary to serve the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make financial commitments for the purpose of financing essential community development and planning necessitated by the funding of demonstration facilities under this Act. Limits the amount of such commitments to $20,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980. Authorizes the Secretary to make direct loans and grants to eligible State and local governments should authorized funds prove insufficient. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1979 for such purposes. Creates within the Treasury the Oil Shale Commercialization Test Special Fund to carry out such community development and planning assistance program. Prescribes rules to govern the operation of the fund and related financial matters. Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for the acquisition of information and evaluation of the environmental, social, economic and technological impact of the program. Sets forth the required content of such report. Requires an annual report from the Secretary on action he has or has not taken under this Act. Requires that the interest paid on any bond obligation guaranteed under this Act shall be included in the gross income of the purchaser of such obligation. Provides for the public disclosure of information collected by the Secretary under this Act, except to the extent such information is exempted from disclosure by Federal law. Requires the holders of Federal contracts under this Act to keep such records as the Secretary may require, subject to inspection and audit by the Secretary and the Comptroller General. Authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3306 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1978
Enhanced Crude Oil Recovery Incentives Act - Amends the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973 to exempt the first sale price of enhanced recovery crude oil from price controls. Requires that eligible enhanced recovery projects be certified by the appropriate State authority.
Bill· HRH.R. 13463 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 July 1978
Nuclear Incident Liability Reform Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require that licensees for nuclear facilities obtain the maximum amount of liability insurance available from private sources. Requires that such licensees participate in an industry retrospective rating plan in addition to maintaining such insurance. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish rules specifying the rates for deferred premiums charged to licensees under such plan in the event of any nuclear incident resulting in public liability which exceeds or appears likely to exceed the level of a licensee's primary financial protection and the amount otherwise available from such licensee for the satisfaction of such liability. Authorizes the Commission to loan to a licensee, at prescribed interest rates, the amount by which an assessment of deferred premiums exceeds the amount which the licensee is able to pay within a reasonable time following any nuclear incident without impairing its ability to provide electric utility service. Repeals the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 relating to indemnification of licensees from liability which is in excess of the level of financial protection required of the licensee. Eliminates the $500,000,000 ceiling on indemnification of contractors of the Commission against claims for liability, arising out of contractual activities, which are above the amount of financial protection required of contractors. Repeals provisions of such Act relating to: (1) the $560,000,000 maximum aggregate liability for a single nuclear incident; (2) the collection of fees for indemnification agreements, and (3) compensation to private insurance organizations for services connected with handling indemnifications. Eliminates the exemption from the requirements of financial protection of nonprofit educational, institution licensees. Repeals the Commission's authority to indemnify persons engaged in activities relating to the Nuclear Ship Savannah from liability for nuclear incidents. Terminates the Commission's authority to enter agreements with other indemnitors with respect to emergency assistance payments. Makes technical and conforming amendments to carry out the purposes of this Act.
Bill· SS. 3283 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1978
State Energy Management and Planning Act - Substitutes a new Part C (State Basic Energy Program and Consolidated Applications) in Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, authorizing the Secretary of Energy to provide financial aid and technical assistance to States for the development and implementation of energy plans and mandatory activities required by this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop guidelines for annual assistance applications from States and to invite Governors to submit initial applications. Specifies the requirements of such applications, including assurances that one-half of Federal assistance will be utilized for conservation programs and that the State will coordinate its energy-related planning with local governments and Indian tribes. Requires States seeking assistance to have an energy plan approved by the Secretary. Enumerates the contents of such plans, including descriptions and projections of energy supply and demand in the State, and management and emergency plans. Sets forth mandatory progarms and measures required of States receiving financial assistance, including: (1) energy conservation standards for new buildings; and (2) an energy extension service to disseminate information, provide energy evaluations, and utilize State outreach delivery programs. Describes restrictions on the use of funds provided under this Act. Provides for the allocation of funds by the Secretary among States. Details the processes for administration of applications and recordkeeping and reporting. Directs the Secretary to include in the annual report required by the Department of Energy Organization Act, a report on actions taken under this Act. Abolishes the Energy Extension Service established in the Energy Research and Development Administration under the National Energy Extension Service Act and vests extension service duties in State energy extension service programs. Makes conforming amendments to provisions of the Energy Conservation and Production Act and the National Energy Act. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary to provide financial assistance to States, local governments, and Indian tribes for development of innovative and creative special energy projects. Authorizes $5,000,000 to be appropriated for these purposes for fiscal years 1979 to 1983, to remain available until expended.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 1264 (95th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1978
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 11392 (Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission appropriations authorization).