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351 records in 2011
Austria · National Council · 15 November 2011
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Wolfgang Spadiut, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Gesundheit betreffend aktuelle Meldezahlen von Wildtieren gegliedert nach Bezirken im Bundesland Burgenland
Austria · National Council · 15 November 2011
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Wolfgang Spadiut, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Gesundheit betreffend aktuelle Meldezahlen von Wildtieren gegliedert nach Bezirken im Bundesland Steiermark
Austria · National Council · 15 November 2011
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Wolfgang Spadiut, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Gesundheit betreffend aktuelle Meldezahlen von Wildtieren gegliedert nach Bezirken im Bundesland Niederösterreich
Austria · National Council · 15 November 2011
Antrag der Abgeordneten Ing. Hermann Schultes, Hannes Weninger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend die Fortführung der österreichischen Anti-Atompolitik mit dem Ziel eines raschest möglichen Ausstiegs aus der Kernenergie
United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2011
United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2011
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
499 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he strongly advocated recently at a Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security debate on 19 January 2011 the need for climate change legislation which sets mandatory targets; if his view on the need for Ireland to introduce climate change legislation has changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34238/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
361 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the turnover of ESB Electric Ireland for each of the past ten years in tabular form. [34842/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
360 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the profit made by ESB Electric Ireland for each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34841/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
359 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details in relation to the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered outside the State in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; if he will provide details in respect of the number and value of State capital project contracts awarded to companies registered in the Republic of Ireland in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34805/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
358 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the take-up by subscribers to the national broadband scheme in view of the fact that the anticipated number countrywide was 126,000; the anticipated number of subscribers for County Kerry; the number that have joined to date in 2011; the percentage of the country that is now provided with adequate coverage; and due to numerous broadband blackspots in Kerry, his views on whether it is essential that this scheme be urgently rolled out to all parts of County Kerry. [34694/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
357 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of his constituency and parliamentary staff, appointed following the February 2011 elections, on salaries that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; the number of his existing and parliamentary staff employed prior to the February 2011 elections but awarded salary increases following the election that exceed their applicable pay scale grade; and if he will provide their annual salary details in a tabular format. [34566/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
356 Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an environmental impact assessment was carried out in Broadhaven Bay and Sruwaddacon Bay in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34549/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
355 Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of positions on State boards and agencies under his aegis which he has advertised in the past seven months; the number of applications received; the number of applicants subsequently appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34501/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
354 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to practices (details supplied) within the mobile telephone industry; if he is satisfied that the area is adequately regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34343/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
353 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to include water harvesting in the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
352 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of Croke Park agreement projects that each State agency under his aegis is progressing; if he will list each project by Department in tabular form; the amount to be saved by each project; the number that have been completed since the agreement came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34153/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
351 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list all rivers in County Donegal that are closed to anglers; the length of time of each closure; if he will describe any pertinent plans for re-opening; the reasons for closures of the rivers; the numbers of counters on each individual river; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34142/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
350 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the energy poverty strategy will be published. [33987/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2011
349 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the chief executive of Ordnance Survey Ireland has agreed to repay the several thousand euros overpaid to her in salary over a period of two years in full by 31 December this year; if the correct salary has now been applied, including the January 2010 public service pay reduction, to the chief executive; and his view of the board of Ordnance Survey Ireland’s handling of this matter in its interactions with the Department over the past 18 months. [34591/11]
European Union · European Parliament · 15 November 2011
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2011
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2012. Authorizes appropriations to DOD for: (1) procurement, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement; (2) research, development, test, and evaluation; (3) operation and maintenance; (4) active and reserve military personnel; (5) Working Capital Funds; (6) the National Defense Sealift Fund; (7) the Defense Health Program; (8) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (9) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (10) the Defense Inspector General; (11) the Armed Forces Retirement Home; (12) overseas contingency operations; (13) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (14) Guard and reserve forces facilities; (15) base closure and realignment activities; and (16) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Sets forth provisions or requirements concerning: (1) military personnel policy, including education and training, military justice, and sexual assault prevention and response; (2) military pay and allowances; (3) military health care; (4) acquisition policy and management, including major defense acquisition programs; (5) DOD organization and management, including space, intelligence, and cybersecurity matters; (6) financial matters, including counter-drug activities and detainee matters; (7) civilian personnel matters; (8) matters relating to foreign nations, including assistance and training; (9) cooperative threat reduction; and (10) matters relating to military construction and military family housing. Revises and adds new offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) relating to rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct. Provides procedures for the judicial review of decisions concerning the correction of military personnel records. Consolidates and revises DOD travel and transportation authorities. Establishes: (1) the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund, and (2) the Global Security Contingency Fund. Requires a DOD plan to acquire capabilities to detect previously unknown cyber attacks. Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 for military construction for the Armed Forces and defense agencies. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for DOE national security programs. Authorizes the obligation and expenditure of amounts specified in funding tables for a DOD project, program, or activity authorized under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2011
New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow an extension through 2016 of the tax credit for alternative fuel motor vehicles powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas and make Indian tribal governments eligible for such credit, (2) allow an offset against regular and alternative minimum tax (AMT) liabilities of tax credits for such vehicles and allow the transferability of such credits, (3) increase the tax credit for the purchase of such vehicles, (4) allow a new business-related tax credit for the production of such vehicles, and (5) extend through 2016 the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures for property servicing such vehicles and allow an increased tax credit rate for such property. Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to provide funding to improve the performance and efficiency and integration of natural gas-powered motor vehicles and heavy-duty on-road vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to manufacturers of light and heavy duty natural gas vehicles for the development of engines that reduce emissions, improve performance and efficiency, and lower cost. Expresses the sense of Congress the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should further streamline the process for certification of natural gas vehicle retrofit kits to promote energy security while still fulfilling the mission of the Clean Air Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to allocate funds for vehicles that are repowered or converted to operate on an alternative fuel. Allocates a federal share for the cost of acquiring vehicle-related equipment or facilities for complying with the Clean Air Act. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish and administer a program to encourage the development of natural gas fueling infrastructure to be used by transit agencies. Replaces excise tax rates for liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas with the sum of the Highway Trust Fund and the Natural Gas Transportation Incentives financing rates.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2011
Rigs to Reefs Habitat Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to assess each offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico that is no longer useful for operations, and has become critical for a marine fisheries habitat, to: (1) determine whether there are coral populations or other protected species in the platform's vicinity, and (2) identify any species in the vicinity that have recreational or commercial value. Prohibits the removal of any such platforms until the Secretary has completed each assessment. Requires suspension of the decommissioning of a platform if a substantial reef ecosystem is in the vicinity until the Secretary determines that decommissioning would not harm the ecosystem. Exempts from certain platform removal deadlines any lessees who: (1) commit to entering a particular platform in the artificial reef program under the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984, and (2) initiate discussions with applicable states regarding potential artificial reef sites. Allows a lessee to provide for reefing in place under the artificial reef program. Permits states with a state rig-to-reef program to enter agreements with any appropriate entities to assume liability in federal water for a structure covered by the state program. Establishes a Reef Maintenance Fund. Requires the owner of a rig enrolled in the artificial reef program to: (1) maintain a rig anode system, and (2) pay into the Fund 50% of the estimated platform removal costs for which the owner would have been responsible if it had not participated in the program.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2011
Protecting Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy, and Resource Security Act or PIONEERS Act - Deems the final regulations regarding oil shale management published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on November 18, 2008, to satisfy all legal and procedural requirements under any law, including the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement those regulations, including the oil shale leasing program they authorize, without any other administrative action necessary. Deems the November 17, 2008, U.S. Bureau of Land Management Approved Resource Management Plan Amendments/Record of Decision for Oil Shale and Tar Sands Resources to Address Land Use Allocations in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming and Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement also to satisfy all legal and procedural requirements under any law. Directs the Secretary to implement the oil shale leasing program in those areas covered by the resource management plans amended by such amendments, and covered by such record of decision, without any other administrative action necessary. Directs the Secretary to hold a lease sale, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, that offers an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources under the terms offered in the solicitation of bids for such leases published on January 15, 2009. Requires the Secretary, by January 1, 2016, to hold at least 5 separate commercial lease sales, in multiple lease blocs, in areas of at least 25,000 acres, which: (1) have been nominated through public comment, and (2) are considered to have the most potential for oil shale development. Authorizes the Secretary to reduce temporarily any royalties, fees, rentals, bonus, or other payments for leases of federal lands for oil shale resources development and production as necessary to incentivize and encourage development of such resources, if the Secretary determines that such payments, otherwise authorized by law, are hindering production of such resources.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2011
Coal Miner Employment and Domestic Energy Infrastructure Protection Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior, before December 31, 2013, from issuing or approving any proposed or final regulation under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 that would: (1) adversely impact employment in coal mines in the United States; (2) cause a reduction in revenue received by the federal government or any state, tribal, or local government, by reducing through regulation the amount of coal in the United States that is available for mining; (3) reduce the amount of coal available for domestic consumption or for export; (4) designate any area as unsuitable for surface coal mining and reclamation operations; or (5) expose the United States to liability for taking the value of privately owned coal through regulation.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2011
Establishes in the Department of the Interior: (1) an Under Secretary for Energy, Lands, and Minerals; (2) an Assistant Secretary of Ocean Energy and Safety; (3) an Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management; (4) a Bureau of Ocean Energy (Bureau), with a comprehensive program of offshore mineral and renewable energy resources management; (5) an Ocean Energy Safety Service, administering safety and environmental enforcement activities related to offshore mineral and renewable energy resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS); and (6) an Office of Natural Resources Revenue (Office), with all functions, powers, and duties previously assigned to the Minerals Management Service regarding offshore royalty and revenue management. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish and maintain a National Offshore Energy Health and Safety Academy as an agency of the Ocean Energy Safety Service, and (2) develop and maintain adequate programs to provide for the continuing education of certain Department of the Interior personnel. Requires the Secretary to: (1) certify annually that all Department personnel having regular, direct official contact with government contractors, or conducting investigations, issuing permits, or overseeing energy programs, comply fully with federal employee ethics laws and regulations; and (3) conduct a random drug testing program of such personnel. Abolishes the Minerals Management Service. Directs the Secretary to establish an Outer Continental Shelf Energy Safety Advisory Board.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2011
Energy Security and Transportation Jobs Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to make available for leasing and to conduct lease sales including: (1) at least 50% of the available unleased acreage within each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area considered to have the largest undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources (on a total btu basis) based upon the most recent national geologic assessment of the OCS, with an emphasis on offering the most geologically prospective parts of the planning area; and (2) any state subdivision of an OCS planning area that the Governor of such state requests be made available for leasing. Directs the Secretary, in the 2012-2017 5-year oil and gas leasing program, to make available for leasing OCS planning areas that: (1) are estimated to contain more than 2.5 billion barrels of oil; or (2) are estimated to contain more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Directs the Secretary, in developing a 5-year oil and gas leasing program, to determine a domestic strategic production goal for the development of oil and natural gas. Makes the production goal for the 2012-2017 5-year oil and gas leasing program an increase by 2027 in daily production of at least: (1) 3 million barrels of oil, and (2) 10 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Directs the Secretary to conduct proposed offshore oil and gas Lease Sales 216 and 222 (in the central Gulf of Mexico) and Lease Sale 220 (on the OCS offshore Virginia). Authorizes the Secretary to hold additional lease sales for areas with the greatest potential for new oil and gas development as a result of local support, new seismic findings, or nomination by interested persons. Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium upon oil and gas leasing, or preleasing, or any related activity in: (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) any area in the Eastern Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the Florida coastline; or (3) specified areas within the Central Planning Area and within 100 miles of the Florida coastline. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to include within the OCS any submerged lands lying within the United States exclusive economic zone and the Continental Shelf adjacent to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or other territories of the United States. Prescribes requirements for the disposition of new leasing revenues among coastal states.
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2011
Alaskan Energy for American Jobs Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to implement a competitive leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources on the Coastal Plain of Alaska. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems any oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with the purposes of ANWR, so that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination. Authorizes the Secretary to designate up to 45,000 acres of the Coastal Plain as a Special Area, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. States that the Secretary's sole authority to close lands within the Coastal Plain to oil and gas leasing, exploration, development, and production is that set forth in this Act. Sets forth a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales and lease sale bids, as well as lease terms and conditions, including: (1) site-specific assessment and mitigation, (2) regulations to protect Coastal Plain fish and wildlife resources, subsistence users, and the environment, (3) compliance with environmental laws, (4) design safety and construction standards for pipelines and access and service roads, (5) reclamation and rehabilitation requirements, (6) restrictions affecting transportation modes, sand and gravel extraction, use of explosives, and hazardous and toxic waste disposal. Instructs the Secretary to develop a plan facility consolidation plan for the Coastal Plain. Prescribes guidelines for expedited judicial review of complaints. Requires deposit in the Treasury of 50% of all bonus, rental, and royalty revenues from federal oil and gas leasing and operations authorized under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for the transportation of oil and gas produced under leases under this Act, (2) convey to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation the surface estate of specified lands, and (3) convey to the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a certain subsurface estate to which it is entitled pursuant to a specified agreement.
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 November 2011
Motie Dijksma over Energy Port Noord-Nederland
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 November 2011
Jaarverslag 2010, Delfstoffen en aardwarmte in Nederland en Jaarverslag 2010, Energie Beheer Nederland B.V.
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 11 November 2011
Toezending onderhandelingsdocumenten Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) (min ELI), inclusief VERTROUWELIJKE BIJLAGEN
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 11 November 2011
Fiche: Verordening Europese Energie-infrastructuur
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011
125 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy in respect of micro-generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33927/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011
124 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy regarding reversible tariffs or smart meters for households and other micro generators of wind power; if he intends instructing the Commission for Energy Regulation to ensure such a facility is available to micro-producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33870/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011
123 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there exists a national cyber strategy; and if so, will a copy be made available to the public under freedom of information. [33782/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011
122 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding gas fields; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33736/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 2011
121 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts he has made in conjunction with other Departments to ensure the provision of appropriate broadband services for small and medium tourist businesses, particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33412/11]
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011
Solar Jobs Creation Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow for periods ending before January 1, 2017, a 30% energy tax credit for equipment used to fabricate solar energy property; and (2) allow the energy tax credit for property that uses solar energy to heat swimming pools not located at single-family residences.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011
Klamath Basin Economic Restoration Act of 2011 - Approves the "Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement for the Sustainability of Public and Trust Resources and Affected Communities," except to the extent such Agreement conflicts with this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to: (1) sign and implement such Agreement; (2) implement amendments to such Agreement approved by the signatories after this Act's enactment, unless one of the Secretaries determines that the amendment is inconsistent with this Act or other law; and (3) carry out each Secretary's responsibilities under such Agreement. Provides that the signature by the Secretaries of such Agreement does not constitute a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the On-Project Plan and Power for Water Management Fund, (2) the Water Use Retirement and Off-Project Reliance Fund, and (3) the Klamath Drought Fund. Lists the purposes of the Klamath Reclamation Project to be irrigation, reclamation, flood control, municipal, industrial, power, national wildlife refuge, and fish and wildlife, but provides that the purposes of such project as in existence prior to this Act's enactment shall continue for purposes of the determination of water rights in Oregon Klamath Basin Adjudication, until Appendix E-1 to the Restoration Agreement has been filed in the Oregon Klamath Basin Adjudication. Provides for the disposition of net revenues from the leasing of refuge land within the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Sets forth provisions concerning the release of specified water rights claims against the United States by the Klamath Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, and the Yurok Tribe. Approves the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, except to the extent such Settlement conflicts with this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to implement such Settlement and any amendments to it, unless one of the Secretaries determines that the amendment is inconsistent with this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to determine whether to proceed with the removal of the following hydropower developments licensed to PacifiCorp under the Federal Power Act: Iron Gate Development, Copco 1 Development, Copco 2 Development, and J.C. Boyle Development. Authorizes the Secretary to proceed with such removal if it: (1) will advance restoration of the salmonid fisheries of the Klamath Basin, and (2) is in the public interest. Sets forth provisions concerning the designation of the Dam Removal Entity and facilities removal. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to accept the transfer of title in the Keno Development to the United States in accordance with such Settlement. Requires such development, on its transfer, to: (1) become part of the Klamath Reclamation Project, and (2) be operated and maintained in accordance with reclamation law. Terminates FERC jurisdiction over such development on such transfer. Sets forth provisions concerning liability protection for PacifiCorp from harm or damage resulting from facility removal or operation. Requires FERC to issue annual licenses authorizing PacifiCorp to continue to operate such hydropower developments. Sets forth provisions concerning certain pending license applications.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011
United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the United Nations (U.N.) on a variety of issues, including to shift the funding mechanism for the regular budget of the U.N. from an assessed to a voluntary basis. Withholds up to 50% of nonvoluntary U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the U.N. unless the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that 80% of the total regular budget of the U.N. is apportioned on a voluntary basis. Requires the annual congressional budget justification to include a detailed itemized request in support of the U.S. contribution of the regular budget of the U.N. Sets forth requirements for the Comptroller General (GAO) with respect to audits and investigations of U.S. contributions to the U.N. and such contributions' use by U.N. entities. Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of a U.S. contribution to any U.N. entity unless the entity has provided the Comptroller General with a transparency certification and is in compliance with such certification. Prohibits making funds available: (1) to international organizations for any purpose other than an assessed U.S. contribution to a U.N. entity or other international organization; (2) to international organizations and programs for any purpose other than a voluntary U.S. contribution to a U.N. entity or other international organization; and (3) for international peacekeeping activities for any purpose other than a U.S. contribution to U.N. peacekeeping activities, to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), or to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Directs the Secretary to withhold from the regular budget of the U.N. an amount equal to the amount of U.S. overpayments to the U.N. States that is U.S. policy to oppose any proposals on expansion of the Security Council that would: (1) diminish U.S. influence on the Security Council, or (2) include veto rights for new Security Council members. Withholds from U.S. contributions to the regular budget of the United Nations amounts that are proportional to the percentage of such budget that are expended for a U.N. human rights treaty monitoring body or committee that was established by a convention or an international covenant to which the United States is not party. Directs the Secretary to withhold U.S. contributions from any U.N. entity that recognizes a Palestinian state or upgrades the status of the Palestinian observer mission at the U.N., the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the Palestinian Authority (PA), or any other Palestinian administrative organization or governing entity prior to the achievement of a final peace agreement with Israel. Provides that until the Secretary makes a specified certification to Congress: (1) the Secretary shall withhold from a U.S. contribution to a regular budget of the U.N. an amount equal to the amount that would be allocated for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), (2) the Secretary shall not make a voluntary contribution to UNHRC, and (3) the United States shall not run for a UNHRC seat. Directs the Secretary to withhold from a U.S. contribution to a regular budget of the U.N. an amount equal to the amount that would be allocated for: (1) the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; and (2) any other U.N. Special Procedures used to display bias against the United States or Israel or to provide support for any member state which is subject to Security Council sanctions, under a Security Council-mandated human rights investigation, has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism, or is a country of particular concern for religious freedom. States that it is U.S. policy to oppose any legitimization of the Goldstone Report and to lead a diplomatic campaign supporting its revocation. Prohibits funds from being used for U.S. participation in the Durban III meeting or any part of the Durban process. Withholds U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or to any successor or related entity unless the Secretary makes specified certifications to Congress. Prohibits any U.S. contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from being used to support Technical Cooperation program assistance to any country, including North Korea, that: (1) has repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism; or (2) is in breach of, or under investigation for breach of, obligations regarding its safeguards agreement with the IAEA, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or any relevant Security Council resolution. Directs the Secretary to withhold from the U.S. voluntary contribution to the IAEA an amount proportional to that spent by the IAEA in 2007-2008 on Technical Cooperation program assistance to such countries. Sets forth U.S. policy regarding reform of U.N. peacekeeping operations. Directs the President to use U.S. influence at the U.N. to oppose the creation of new, or expansion of existing, U.N. peacekeeping operations until the Secretary certifies to Congress that specified peacekeeping reforms have been adopted by the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations or the General Assembly.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011
Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2011 or the STORAGE 2011 Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow, through 2020, a 20% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property that is directly connected to the electrical grid (i.e., a system of generators, transmission lines, and distribution facilities) and that is designed to receive. store, and convert energy to electricity, deliver it for sale, or use such energy to provide improved reliability or economic benefits to the grid; (2) make such property eligible for new clean renewable energy bond financing; (3) allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in energy storage property used at the site of energy storage; and (4) allow a 30% nonbusiness energy property tax credit for the installation of energy storage equipment in a principal residence.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011
Jobs Through Growth Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal the alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual taxpayers after 2010, (2) allow an individual taxpayer to elect an alternative income tax system in lieu of existing rates, (3) allow an inflation adjustment to the cost of certain capital assets for purposes of determining gain or loss from the sale or exchange of such assets, (4) reduce the top income tax rate on corporations to 25%, (5) extend through 2012 the election allowed to a U.S. corporation to deduct dividends received from a controlled foreign corporation and reduce the amount of such deduction for corporations that fail to maintain specified employment levels for full-time U.S. employees, and (6) repeal the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes and make permanent the maximum 35% gift tax rate and a $5 million lifetime gift tax exemption. Requires the House Committee on Ways and Means to report legislation to broaden the tax base for the corporate income tax and to transition to a territorial tax system (taxation of domestic income but not income earned overseas). Prohibits a federal agency from taking any significant regulatory action (generally, an action having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or otherwise adversely affecting the economy) until the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a monthly unemployment rate equal to or less than 7.7%. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if the President notifies Congress that a waiver is necessary on the basis of national security or a national emergency. Allows judicial review of a significant regulatory action by a person adversely affected or aggrieved by such action. Exempts businesses with 200 or fewer employees from federal regulation. Revises provisions for congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules. Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) to revise the regulatory process (rulemaking) with respect to small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). Defines "economic impact" with respect to a proposed or final rule to mean: (1) any direct economic effect of a rule on small entities, and (2) any indirect economic effect on such entities, including potential job creation or job loss. Expands judicial review of agency rulemaking to permit small entities to seek judicial review of initial regulatory flexibility analyses and to obtain an injunction of a proposed rule that is noncompliant with RFA requirements. Requires each federal agency to establish a plan for the periodic review (every eight years) of: (1) its rules that have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities, and (2) any small entity compliance guide required to be published by an agency. Sets forth criteria for review of a rule, including the continued need for the rule, the complexity of the rule, and the impact of the rule on small entities. Terminates any rule if the issuing agency has failed to complete a required periodic review. Expands to all federal agencies the procedures for gathering comments on rules that will have a significant economic impact on small entities. Extends RFA requirements to informal agency guidance documents. Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require each federal agency to review on a periodic basis its policies or programs for imposing regulatory penalties on small entities. Allows a small business concern to elect to be exempt from any rule or regulation issued on or after January 1, 2008. Sets forth a deadline for action on certain permit applications under existing Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to offer for leasing areas made available as a result of such repeal. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) offer specified areas for oil and gas leasing pursuant to certain Lease Sale Schedules, (2) conduct OCS lease sales in specified Planning Areas, (3) share OCS receipts derived from all leases with states and local governments, (4) implement a leasing program for certain land within the Arctic Coastal Plain, and (5) issue rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate certain Coastal Plain lands, including the Sadlerochit Spring area, as Special Areas requiring special management and regulatory protection. Revokes a specified Secretarial Order relating to protecting wilderness characteristics on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 to repeal the prohibition on the use of funds for either a commercial oil shale leasing program or for oil shale lease sales. Directs the Secretary to offer leases for oil shale resources. Confers exclusive jurisdiction upon the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for covered energy projects under this Act. Establishes the Office of the Federal Oil and Gas Permit Coordinator. Instructs the Secretary to establish and maintain, in coordination with the Mayor of the North Slope Borough of Alaska, a separate Alaska Offshore Continental Shelf Coordination Office to coordinate the leasing program. Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "air pollutant" to exclude carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride (greenhouse gases). Declares that nothing in specified statutes addressing pollution control shall be treated as authorizing or requiring the regulation of climate change or global warming. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the prohibition against federal procurement of alternative or synthetic fuel. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), upon request of the governor of a state or the governing body of an Indian tribe, to enter into a streamlined refinery permitting agreement. Sets forth deadlines for: (1) approval or disapproval of consolidated permits for construction of new or expansion of existing refineries, and (2) submission of existing refinery permit applications. Requires the EPA Administrator to conduct a research and demonstration program to evaluate the air quality benefits of ultra-clean Fischer-Tropsch transportation fuel, including diesel and jet fuel. Directs the Secretary to extend by one year the term of any lease that was: (1) not producing as of April 30, 2010; or (2) suspended from operations, permit processing, or consideration in accordance with the moratorium set forth in a May 30, 2010, Minerals Management Service Notice, or the Secretary's decision memorandum dated July 12, 2010. Directs the President, acting through the Secretary of Energy (DOE), to coordinate with specified federal agencies to ensure an expedited schedule for construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States must decrease its dependence on oil from countries hostile to its interests; and (2) Canada has long been a strong trading partner, and increased access to its energy resources will create jobs in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 10 November 2011
Klamath Basin Economic Restoration Act of 2011 - Approves the "Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement for the Sustainability of Public and Trust Resources and Affected Communities," except to the extent such Agreement conflicts with this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to: (1) sign and implement such Agreement; (2) implement amendments to such Agreement approved by the signatories after this Act's enactment, unless one of the Secretaries determines that the amendment is inconsistent with this Act or other law; and (3) carry out each Secretary's responsibilities under such Agreement. Provides that the signature by the Secretaries of such Agreement does not constitute a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Establishes in the Treasury: (1) the On-Project Plan and Power for Water Management Fund, (2) the Water Use Retirement and Off-Project Reliance Fund, and (3) the Klamath Drought Fund. Lists the purposes of the Klamath Reclamation Project to be irrigation, reclamation, flood control, municipal, industrial, power, national wildlife refuge, and fish and wildlife, but provides that the purposes of such project as in existence prior to this Act's enactment shall continue for purposes of the determination of water rights in Oregon Klamath Basin Adjudication, until Appendix E-1 to the Restoration Agreement has been filed in the Oregon Klamath Basin Adjudication. Provides for the disposition of net revenues from the leasing of refuge land within the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. Sets forth provisions concerning the release of specified water rights claims against the United States by the Klamath Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, and the Yurok Tribe. Approves the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, except to the extent such Settlement conflicts with this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to implement such Settlement and any amendments to it, unless one of the Secretaries determines that the amendment is inconsistent with this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to determine whether to proceed with the removal of the following hydropower developments licensed to PacifiCorp under the Federal Power Act: Iron Gate Development, Copco 1 Development, Copco 2 Development, and J.C. Boyle Development. Authorizes the Secretary to proceed with such removal if it: (1) will advance restoration of the salmonid fisheries of the Klamath Basin, and (2) is in the public interest. Sets forth provisions concerning the designation of the Dam Removal Entity and facilities removal. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to accept the transfer of title in the Keno Development to the United States in accordance with such Settlement. Requires such development, on its transfer, to: (1) become part of the Klamath Reclamation Project, and (2) be operated and maintained in accordance with reclamation law. Terminates FERC jurisdiction over such development on such transfer. Sets forth provisions concerning liability protection for PacifiCorp from harm or damage resulting from facility removal or operation. Requires FERC to issue annual licenses authorizing PacifiCorp to continue to operate such hydropower developments. Sets forth provisions concerning certain pending license applications.
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2011
Fair Compliance Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide an extension of at least two years of the deadline to comply with any emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants from electric utility steam generating units that the Administrator may promulgate based on the proposed rule entitled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units and Standards of Performance for Fossil-Fuel-Fired Electric Utility, Industrial-Commercial-Institutional, and Small Industrial-Commercial-Institutional Steam Generating Units." Requires the Administrator to: (1) provide adequate time for each state to adopt and submit state implementation plan revisions for the implementation of the emissions reductions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from electric utility steam generating units required by the final rule entitled "Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals"; and (2) extend the date by which each state shall implement such reductions until no earlier than January 1, 2015, for first phase of the emissions reductions and January 1, 2017, for the second phase. Requires each owner or operator of such unit that is subject to any emissions standard for hazardous air pollutants to submit: (1) a draft implementation plan for the expeditious implementation of the applicable emissions reduction requirements to the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) by July 1, 2012 for review, (2) a revised plan to the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy (DOE) by December 1, 2012, and (3) a report describing the progress made in implementing the plan to the Administrator and the Secretary by December 1, 2014, and annually thereafter. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Administrator: (1) a final implementation plan no later than 60 days after submission of a draft plan to ERO, and (2) a report on progress on implementing emissions control measures in a manner that ensures the reliability of the local and regional electricity systems by March 31, 2015, and annually thereafter through 2018.
Germany · German Bundestag · 9 November 2011
Maßnahmen der Bundesnetzagentur zur Sicherstellung der Stromversorgung, Entschärfung von Stresssituationen, Einbeziehung der Verbraucher, Umsetzung des Energiekonzepts zur Ausschöpfung privater und öffentlicher Einsparpotenziale, Ausbau des Instruments der negativen Regelleistung, weitere Maßnahmen und Forschungsschwerpunkte<br /> (insgesamt 11 Einzelfragen)
Germany · German Bundestag · 9 November 2011
Einberufung einer Regierungskonferenz zur Überarbeitung des Vertrags: Abschaffung der Sonderstellung der Kernenergie, insbes. Streichung von Fördermaßnahmen und Verwendung der Mittel zur Unterstützung erneuerbarer Energien, Umsetzung höchstmöglicher Sicherheitsstandards für Kernkraftwerke und weitere Maßnahmen, Vorbereitung des europaweiten Atomausstiegs, Beteiligung des EP, Vorbereitung der Schaffung einer Europäischen Gemeinschaft für Erneuerbare Energien; bei Nichtdurchsetzbarkeit Vertragskündigung von deutscher Seite
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011
352 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there are any programmes provided by him or other State agencies to assist council tenants improve the energy efficiency of their homes, particularly with reference to providing insulation upgrades or switching to more energy fuels. [33377/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011
342 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht will play a central role to ensure that the final law is robust and ensures Ireland will be well placed to position itself as a hub for green energy. [33206/11]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2011
318 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of any former Government officeholder appointed by him to any position; the details of such appointment to include position taken, name of organisation, salary or income derived or expenses claimed per annum, any other additional benefits including car provided, travel costs per annum, terms of office and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33957/11]