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Bill· HRH.R. 8453 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to revise a required provision for State implementation plans. Permits the construction or modification of a major stationary source in a nonattainment area, even if the emissions from such facility will cause or contribute to concentrations of any pollutant for which a national ambient air quality standard is exceeded in such area, if, at the time of application for a permit, such construction or modification shall result in the reduction of emissions of such pollutant from an existing stationary source.
Bill· HRH.R. 8411 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1980
Nuclear Powerplant Cost Assurance Act of 1980 - Title I: Standards and Estimates - Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to promulgate standards for: (1) the management and disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel from commercial nuclear powerplants; and (2) the decommissioning of such powerplants. Directs the NRC to estimate the full cost of compliance with such standard for each such powerplant in operation, under construction, or for which a construction license application is pending. Title II: Availability of Funds - Directs the NRC to publish and submit to State regulatory agencies each such cost estimate. Requires a licensee, permittee, or applicant for a nuclear powerplant construction permit or operating license to certify to the NRC that sufficient funds for paying estimated costs will be available at the end of the useful life of such powerplant. Prohibits charging consumers as a result of such assurance, when the powerplant is not in operation or under maintenance. Requires notification of consumers of any additional costs incurred through compliance with this Act. Title III: Reports - Directs the NRC to submit to Congress annaul progress reports on its compliance with this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 8412 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the payment of claims resulting from a certain discharge of pentachlorophenol into the Mississippi River Gulf outlet. Authorizes appropriations up to $10,000,000 for such purpose.
Bill· HRH.R. 8378 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 1980
Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Title I: Disposal of Transuranic Waste, High-Level Radioactive Wastes and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the United States Geological Survey, to issue guidelines for the recommendation of sites for repositories (any facility for the permanent disposal of transuranic waste, high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or any combination of such wastes or fuel, whether or not such facility is designated to permit the subsequent recovery of materials placed in the repository). Exempts such guidelines from requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires the Secretary, by January 1, 1982, to identify and recommend to the President at least two sites suitable for site characterization (activities to determine the potential of a site as a repository). Requires the Secretary, by February 1, 1985, to identify and recommend to the President at least two additional sites. Requires each recommendation to include a statement of the basis for the recommendation. Directs the Secretary to notify the State Review Board of the State in which the site is located, or any Indian Tribe on whose reservation the site is located, of the recommendation. Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings in the vicinity of any site to be recommended to the President. Requires the President to: (1) review each site recommended; (2) either approve or disapprove the recommendation within 60 days; and (3) transmit his or her decision to the Secretary and the appropriate State Review Board. Provides that Presidential failure to approve or disapprove a site within the 60 day period (or failure to invoke authority as granted to delay the determination) shall be considered as an approval. Directs the Secretary, before sinking shafts at any site, to submit to the Commission and to the appropriate State Review Board, or Indian tribe, for their review and comment: (1) an environmental assessment; (2) a site characterization plan; and (3) proposals describing the possible form or packaging for the waste material and spent fuel which would be emplaced in the repository. Directs the Secretary to conduct tests at sites at which site characterization activities are being conducted in order to provide the necessary data for an application for a construction authorization for a repository at the site and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits the use of any radioactive materials during site characterization tests, subject to stated exceptions. Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings if a selected site is determined to meet applicable requirements. Requires the Secretary to submit a recommendation and a report to the President if the Secretary affirms the determination. Requires the President to submit to Congress not later than March 30, 1987, a recommendation of a site qualified for application for a license as a repository. Requires the President, if the recommended site is disapproved by Congress, to recommend another site within a year. Requires the Secretary, if a site designation isnot disapproved by Congress, to submit to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) a license application for the construction ofa repository at the site. Requires the NRC to approve or disapprove the application by: (1) January 1, 1990; or (2) no later than four years after the submission of the application, whichever occurs later. Provides that a site designation shall be effective 30 days after the President recommends the site to Congress unless a State Review Board or an affected Indian tribe petitions Congress in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that unless Congress passes a resolution approving such petition the designation shall be effective. Defines "State Review Board" and authorizes such Board to: (1) review activities under this Act with respect to the effect any site within a State would have upon the State; (2) represent the State in any proceeding before the Commission respecting a site; and (3) submit petitions of disapproval to Congress respecting sites. Directs the Secretary to make grants to State Review Boards. Requires the Secretary to seek to enter into a written agreement with a State Review Board and with any affected Indian tribe as soon as possible after deciding to study an area as a possible repository site. Requires this agreement to specify procedures: (1) for the State or Indian tribe to study, determine, comment on, and make recommendations regarding the repository; (2) which permit the Secretary to consider and respond to comments and recommendations made by the State Review Board and the Indian tribe; (3) by which the Secretary and either the State Review Board or the Indian tribe may periodically review or modify the agreement; and (4) for public notification of the above three subparagraphs. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to any affected Indian tribe to assist the tribe in conducting activities pursuant to this Act. Makes provisions for the judicial review of agency actions relating to site characterization, repository site designation, and construction or operation of a facility. Requires any Federal officer or agency issuing or granting a certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization related to the characterization, construction, or initial operation of any recommended site to issue or grant any such authorization at the earliest practicable date. Requires any repository for the disposal of high-level waste and spent fuel to be designed and constructed so that the spent fuel may be retrieved. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress proposing fees to be collected to offset all construction, operation, administrative, and other costs incurred in providing for the management, interim storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes and spent fuel. Title II: Low-Level Radioactive Waste - Declares it to be the policy of the Federal Government that: (1) each State is responsible for the disposal of non-Federal low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders; and (2) non-Federal low-level radioactive waste can be most safely and efficiently managed on a regional basis. Permits the States to enter compacts as necessary to provide for the establishment and operation of facilities for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste can be most safely and effectively managed on a regional basis. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report on assisting States in carrying out this policy. Directs the Secretary to investigate whether it is appropriate to fund 90 percent of the cost of cleanup of the uranium mill tailing site at Edgemont, South Dakota (which is under the control of the Tennessee Valley Authority) under the provisions of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. Requires that a report on the appropriate legislative recommendations and the views and recommendations of the Tennessee Valley Authority be submitted to the Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 8355 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 1980
Nonattainment Area Postponement Act of 1980 - Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone by three years the dates required for: (1) adoption and submission of State implementation plans for areas which have failed to attain national air quality standards; and (2) attainment of such standards. Amends the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 to make conforming amendments.
Bill· SS. 3200 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.
Bill· HRH.R. 8256 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1980
State Legislative and Administrative Procedure Protection Act of 1980 - Requires any final rule promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency which would nullify any State law or administrative procedure to be transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce of the House of Representatives. Prohibits such a rule from becoming effective if either House passes a resolution disapproving it within 30 days of continuous session after it is transmitted to such committees.
Bill· HRH.R. 8172 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to make the same standard of performance of allowable emissions apply to any stationary source (currently fossil fuel fired stationary sources are also required to reduce emissions if such fuels are not treated prior to combustion). Removes the requirement that a system of continuous emission reduction be technological. Permits coal-fired stationary sources to substitute coal having low-pollution characteristics for coal having high-pollution characteristics as a means of limiting emissions. Includes the use of coal having low-pollution characteristics as the best available control technology for coal-fired stationary sources. Disapproves any State plan, if not amended, which: (1) prohibits the use of such coal to limit emissions; or (2) does not permit the reduction of any air pollutant which is attributable to the substitution of such fuel for fuel having high-pollution characteristics.
Bill· HRH.R. 8170 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1980
Integrated Environmental Assistance Act of 1980 - States that the programs covered by this Act are environmental programs for which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible and which permit or require environmental programs by States, local governments, or interstate agencies under the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Noise Control Act. Authorizes the Administrator to issue regulations permitting a recipient of assistance to develop, for two or more covered programs, an integrated program plan to: (1) increase program management efficiency and environmental effectiveness; (2) reduce program duplication and overlap; and (3) limit the transfer of such recipient's Federal and non-Federal funds to any covered program. Directs the Administrator to assure that such plans further the objectives of this Act and the covered programs. Authorizes appropriations for supplementary assistance for fiscal years 1982-1986. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for such assistance, and specifies the minimum considerations for such criteria. Prohibits additional EPA support for any activity funded by supplementary assistance. Directs the Administrator to assure that a State's integrated program plan provides Federal or State funding to any local government given responsibility by a State under such plan. Directs States to consult with local governments and the public in developing such plans. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to maintenance of effort and accountability for expenditures. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress with recommendations on the programs set up under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 8160 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1980
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency to permit small community-operated public water systems to give notice, in lieu of publication in a newspaper of general circulation, in another appropriate manner, if a system does not meet contaminant level requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 8147 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1980
Comprehensive Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Declares that there is in the Treasury of the United States a fund known as the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund established in title V of this Act. Provides that, in addition to the processing and settlement of claims, the fund is immediately available to pay specified removal costs arising out of or directly resulting from an oil pollution incident. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations designating the person or persons who may obligate available money in the fund for such purposes. Permits claims for damages for economic loss, incurred 180 days or more after the effective date of this Act, to be asserted for: (1) removal costs; (2) injury to, or destruction of, real or personal property; (3) injury to, or destruction of, natural resources; and (4) loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury or destruction of real or personal property or natural resources to the extent the such damages were sustained during the two-year period beginning on the date the claimant first suffered such loss. Specifies the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires owners or operators of vessels over 300 tons (including foreign vessels) and owners or operators of offshore facilities to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Permits any owner or operator of more than one vessel or offshore facility to establish financial responsibility only to meet the maximum liability of the largest of such vessels or facilities, as the case may be. Provides for the enforcement of such financial responsibility requirements. Provides that where an offshore facility is owned or operated by more than one person, evidence of financial responsibility may be established by any one of the owners or operators or in consolidated form. Requires owners or operators of each tank motor vehicle operated on highways and transporting oil in bulk, with a water capacity more than 3,500 gallons, to establish and maintain, in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary, evidence of financial responsibility in such amounts as the Secretary shall establish, up to $2,000,000. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary shall designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary to advertise claims to be presented initially to the owner or operator, or to such person's guarantor, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States court if liability is denied or the claim is not settled within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or government entity, including the fund, paying compensation, to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in action brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Grants U.S. district courts exclusive original jurisdiction over all controversies arising under this title, without regard to the citizenship of the parties or the amount in controversy. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution (but does not preclude State imposition of taxes or fees to finance the purchase and prepositioning of oil pollution cleanup and removal equipment). Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980 and thereafter to carry out the provisions of this title. Directs the Secretary to submit an annual report to Congress on the administration of this title, with recommendations for legislative changes to improve such administration. Title II: Effective Dates; Savings Provision; Conforming Amendments - Specifies the effective dates of specified provisions of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that the Secretary of the Army shall take any determination with respect to specified provisions apply to certain navigable waters. Repeals title III (Offshore Oil Spill Pollution Fund) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 and provides for the transfer of such Fund's assets and liabilities to the Comprehensive Fund established by title V of this Act. Prohibits the obligation or other expenditure of any monies in the Fund for any of the administrative expenses of the Environmental Protection Agency. Title III: Hazardous Substance Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Amends title III of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to redefine terms to conform with title I of this Act. Defines "supplier" with respect to provisions of such Act relating to the collection of fees from which the hazardous chemicals fund established under this title is constituted. Amends such Act to provide that claims of damages for economic losses, incurred on or after the effective date of this Act, and arising out of or directly resulting from the discharge of oil (other than petroleum, crude oil, or any fraction or residue therefrom), or hazardous substances may be asserted for: (1) removal costs; (2) injury to, or destruction of, real or personal property; (3) injury to, or destruction of, natural resources; and (4) loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury or destruction of real or personal property or natural resources (utilized by the claimant for activities from which 25 percent of income is derived), to the extent that such damages were sustained during the two-year period beginning on the date the claimant first suffered such loss. Permits a foreign claimant to assert such claims to the same extent as a U.S. claimant if: (1) the discharge occurs in the navigable waters, the territorial sea, or the adjacent shoreline of a foreign country of which the claimant is a resident; (2) the claimant is not otherwise compensated; (3) the substance was discharged from a vessel located adjacent to or within the navigable waters or discharged in connection with activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act or the Deepwater Port Act; and (4) the foreign country provides a comparable remedy for U.S. claimants, or recovery is authorized by a treaty or executive government between the United States and the foreign country involved. Makes jointly, severally, and strictly liabile for all damages for which such claims may be asserted the owner and operator of a vessel, other than a public vessel, or a facility which is the source of a discharge of oil (other than petroleum, crude oil, or any fraction or residue therefrom) or a hazardous substance, or poses a threat of such a discharge in circumstances that justify the incurrence of removal costs. Limits the amount of such liability to: (1) $150 per gross ton, for a vessel other than a ship or an inland oil barge; (2) the greater of $150,000 or $150 per gross ton, for an inland oil barge; (3) the greater of $250,000 or $300 per gross ton (up to a maximum of $30,000,000), for a ship; (4) $50,000,000 for a deepwater port subject to the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (including the liability of the owner or operator of such port for a discharge from a ship moored there); (5) the total of removal costs plus $50,000,000 (reduced to no less than $35,000,000 plus removal costs if the Secretary of Transportation determines that the higher limitation would have a significant adverse effect on small businesses or a significant anticompetitive impact), for an offshore facility operated under the authority of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act; or (6) $50,000,000 or a lesser limit established by the Secretary by regulation, taking into account the size, type, location, storage and landing capacity of a facility, for facilities other than deep water parts or offshore facilities subject to such Acts. Requires that such limits be comparable to those for ships, but that the limitation for any tank motor vehicle operated on highways transporting such substances, in bulk, with a water capacity of more than 3,500 gallons be not less than $5,000,000 in any case. Sets forth circumstances in which there is no such liability, or reduced liability. Provides that the Hazardous Substances Pollution Liability Trust Fund established under title V of this Act is liable without limitation for all damages for which a claim may be asserted under such title to the extent that the loss is not otherwise compensated. Sets forth circumstances in which such fund is not liable or is liable only for removal costs. Provides that no indemnification, hold harmless, or similar agreement shall be effective to transfer from the owner or operator of a facility to any other person the liability imposed under this title. Provides that no action, except those provided by this title, may be brought in any Federal, State, or local court for damages for an economic loss described in this title for which a claim may be asserted under this title. Provides that no person may be required to contribute to any fund, the purpose of which is to compensate for a loss which is compensable under title V of this Act or to establish or maintain evidence of financial responsibility relating to the satisfaction of a claim for such a loss. Declares that such restrictions shall not: (1) preclude a State from imposing a tax or fee upon any person or the specified oil or hazardous substances to finance purchase and prepositioning of such specified substances, pollution cleanup and removal equipment; nor (2) prohibit an action by such Fund to recover compensation paid under this title. Directs the Administrator, upon receiving information of a discharge in violation of this title, to designate, where possible, the source of the discharge and notify the owners, operators, and guarantors, who are then required to advertise the designation and the procedures by which claims may be presented to them. Directs the Administrator to so advertise, if such parties fail to do so, at their expense. Directs the Administrator to advertise or otherwise notify potential claimants of procedures by which claims may be presented to such Fund in cases where: (1) owner, operator, and guarantor all deny a designation within five days after notification; (2) the source of the pollution was a public vessel; or (3) the Administrator is unable to designate the source or sources. Permits claimants, if liability is denied or the claim is not settled within 60 days, to elect irrevocably to commence an action in court or to present the claim to such Fund. Allows specified claims for uncompensated damages to be presented to such Fund. Permits claimants when a claim is presented to such Fund and such Fund denies liability or does not settle the claim within 60 days, to elect irrevocably to submit the dispute to the Administrator or to commence a court action. Directs the Administrator to utilize the services of private insurance and claims adjusting organizations or State agencies, where adequate, in processing claims against the fund. Limits the period for presentation of claims to within three years from the date of discovery of the economic loss or within six years of the date of the discharge, whichever is earlier. Provides that any person or governmental entity, including such Fund, compensating any claimant for an economic loss shall be subrogated to all rights, claims, and cause of action such claimant commence an action on behalf of such Fund for compensation paid by such Fund to any claimant. Prohibits any part of monies in such fund to be obligated or otherwise expended for any of the administrative expenses of the EPA. Declares that nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to authorize any Federal officer, employee, department, agency, or instrumentality to prohibit, control, or otherwise regulate the use of any groundwaters. Title IV - Sets forth procedures for Congressional oversight of rules or regulations promulgated or repromulgated under authority of this Act. Title V: Environmental Revenue Act of 1980 - Environmental Revenue Act of 1980 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide for environmental excise taxes on petroleum and certain chemicals. Imposes an excise tax (the "petroleum tax"), for fiscal years 1981 through 1985, of 1.3 cents a barrel on: (1) crude oil received at a U.S. refinery, to be paid by the operator; (2) petroleum products entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing, to be paid by the person entering such product; and (3) any domestic crude oil used in or exported from the United States which has not been taxed under (1), to be paid by the person using or exporting such crude oil. Exempts from such tax domestic crude oil used, on the premises where it was produced, for extracting oil or natural gas. Defines "crude oil" to include crude oil condensates and natural gasoline. Defines "petroleum product" to include crude oil. Defines "United States" to include: (1) the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any possession of the United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; (2) the Outer Continental Shelf; and (3) foreign trade zones of the United States. Provides that only one such petroleum tax shall be imposed on any petroleum product. Imposes an excise tax on certain chemicals, for fiscal years 1981 through 1985, of $1.18 a ton on specified petrochemical feedstocks and 31 cents a ton on specified inorganic substances, when sold or used by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof. Provides for a refund or credit if a taxable chemical was used in the manufacture of production of any other taxable chemical. Provides that any substance listed as a "specified petrochemical feedstock" for which a principal use is used as a fuel shall be treated as a "specified petrochemical feedstock" only if it is used other than as a fuel (and, for purposes of the excise tax on certain chemicals, the person so using it shall be treated as the manufacturer thereof). Establishes the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Transfers to such fund amounts determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be equivalent to: (1) the amounts received in the Treasury under the petroleum excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended by this title; (2) the amounts recovered or collected on behalf of such fund under title I of this Act; and (3) any penalties imposed under title I of this Act or under oil and hazardous substances liability provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act which relate to petroleum oils. Makes amounts in such fund available only to pay claims for compensable damages recognizable under title I of this Act (including costs incurred by the United States by reason of such claims). Establishes the Hazardous Substance Pollution Liability Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Transfers to such fund amounts determined by the Secretary to be equivalent to: (1) the amounts received in the Treasury under the chemical excise tax of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended by this title; (2) the amounts recovered or collected on behalf of such fund under oil and hazardous substances liability provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (3) any penalties imposed under such provisions of such Act insofar as these relate to substances other than petroleum oils. Makes amounts in such fund available only to pay claims for compensable damages recognizable under such provisions of such Act (including costs incurred by the United States by reason of such claims). Defines "compensable damages" as damages asserted for: (1) removal costs; (2) injury to, or destruction of, real or personal property; (3) injury to, or destruction of, natural resources; and (4) loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury to, or destruction of, real or personal property or natural resources, but only (a) if gross income from activity which utilize such property or natural resource for the taxable year during which such loss first occurs is more than 25 percent of total gross income from all sources for specified periods and (b) to the extent that such damages were sustained during the two-year period beginning on the day when such loss of opportunity was first suffered. Restricts interest payable out of both such trust funds. Provides for certain interfund loans, under specified conditions, including the maintenance of a minimum balance of $30,000,000 in the lending fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to consult with the Secretary of Transportation, in the case of the Oil Pollution Trust Fund, and with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in the case of the Hazardous Substance Trust Fund, concerning such interfund loans. Limits payment of claims by such funds by requiring a minimum balance of $30,000,000 in each fund, with claims to be paid in the order in which they were finally determined. Limits U.S. liability for payment of claims under this Act to the amounts in the trust funds established under this title. Prohibits such trust funds from borrowing any money from the general fund of the Treasury, other than a first year authorization of appropriations to each trust fund, as repayable advances, of necessary sums up to $75,000,000 for each, until September 30, 1981. Sets forth administrative provisions for such trust funds, including method of transfer, management, and investment. Coordinates this title with other provisions in this Act. Provides that nothing in this Act other than this title shall authorize: (1) the establishment of any fund; (2) the payment out of any Trust Fund created by this title; (3) the levy or collection of any fee; or (4) the imposition of any requirement with respect to the procedure applicable to rules and regulations prescribed under this title. Provides that, to the extent not inconsistent with this title: (1) any reference in titles I and II of this Act to a fund shall be deemed to refer to the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund established by this title; and (2) any reference in title III of this Act to a fund shall be deemed to refer to the Hazardous Substance Pollution Liability Trust Fund established by this title. Provides that, if the balance in any fund is to be transferred to any Trust Fund established by this title, then any claim arising before October 1, 1980, which would have been payable out of the other fund shall be payable out of such Trust Fund. Provides that if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that there is: (1) a Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAP) Liability Fund surplus, then the amount of such surplus shall be treated as an advance payment of the petroleum excise tax on crude oil first transported through the TAP after the date of such determination; or (2) a TAP fund deficit, then the petroleum excise tax on such crude oil shall be increased by two cents per barrel until the total amount of such increased tax equals such deficit. Bases such TAP fund surplus or deficit on whether the amount transferred to the Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund from the TAP Liability Fund is greater or lesser than the total amount of claims which the Secretary of the Interior certifies as outstanding against the TAP Liability Fund at the time of such transfer. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to conduct a study: (1) on the feasibility of (a) taxes based on the frequency of hazardous substances pollution and on the resulting degree of harm to the environment and (b) adjustments in the amount of taxes on different modes of transportation to reflect different risks of pollution; (2) on an exemption from the chemical excise taxes for feedstocks when used as a fuel; and (3) on the impact of the petroleum and chemical excise taxes on the U.S. balance of trade. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit a report on the results of such study, with recommendations, to the Congress by January 1, 1985.
Bill· HRH.R. 8119 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1980
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct and submit to Congress a study on the effects of radioactive waste disposal in ocean waters from 1946 to 1970 on: (1) benthic and other marine life; and (2) human health as a result of radioactive contamination of marine life in the food chain. Directs the Secretary, in carrying out such study, to locate and survey specified radioactive waste disposal sites in ocean waters.
Law· HRH.R. 8117 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1980
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend the date by which public water systems which have been granted an exemption from contaminant level and treatment technique requirements must meet such requirements. Provides an alternative procedure by which a State with an underground injection control program relating to oil or natural gas production or recovery may receive approval for obtaining primary enforcement responsibility for protecting its underground water sources. Authorizes a State to demonstrate that its underground injection control program meets the minimum requirements of State program regulations and will prevent underground injection which endangers drinking water sources, rather than file an application which meets the regulations established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes a State which has made such a demonstration to make a similar demonstration with respect to any amended requirement of underground injection rather than file a notice that the State program meets the new requirement. Prohibits the application of requirements to determine whether a State retains primary enforcement responsibility if the State initially acquired the responsibility because of such a demonstration. Authorizes the Administrator to determine, after an opportunity for public hearing, that such a demonstration is no longer valid and to remove primary enforcement responsibility from the State. Permits a State which has primary enforcement responsibility to exempt a public water system from a contaminant level or treatment technique requirement if the system was not in operation at the time the requirement took effect and no reasonable alternative source of drinking water is available. Prohibits underground water source protection grants to any State which has not assumed primary enforcement responsibility within a specified time.
Bill· HRH.R. 8101 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1980
Hazardous Waste Containment Act of 1980 - States that nothing in this Act shall apply to oil, or other, pollution of navigable waters. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State to submit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a plan which includes: (1) an investigation of inactive hazardous waste sites (any site or facility at which hazardous waste is, or has been, stored, treated, or disposed of); (2) an evaluation of any threat to public health and safety from such sites; (3) cleanup and containment priorities for such sites; (4) remedial measures for the release of hazardous waste from such sites; (5) the roles of the Federal, State, and local governments and other entities in implementing such plan; and (6) a program for the recovery from the liable parties of costs incurred in the cleanup and containment of such sites. Directs the Administrator to approve such plan, including any subsequent modifications, unless it fails to comply with this Act or it would not be cost-effective. Makes a State with an approved plan eligible for grants to implement such plan unless the Administrator determines that such State is not implementing such plan in good faith or has misapplied prior grants under this Act. Directs the Administrator to allocate such grants among eligible States on the basis of population and industrial production. Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for making supplemental grants to eligible States. Requires that such grants be made only in emergency situations or to States which have a disproportionate number of inactive hazardous waste sites which pose substantial threats to public health or safety. Directs the Administrator to undertake a research program on hazardous waste management and provide training and technical assistance to States engaged in such management. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to State attorneys general to provide up to 50 percent of the costs of training and technical assistance for State employees engaged in recovering the costs of remedial actions taken by the State at inactive hazardous waste sites from the liable parties. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981-1985 to carry out this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 8104 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 September 1980
Toxic Chemical and Hazardous Waste Research and Development Act of 1980 - Amends the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct and promote the coordination of research relating to dumpsites which contain toxic chemical or hazardous wastes sufficient to present a clear danger to public health. Requires the Administrator's management program which coordinates research, development, and demonstration of new technologies to include toxic chemical and hazardous waste research, development, and demonstrations. Directs the Administrator to establish an Office of Remedial Research to undertake a comprehensive study of and report on dumpsites in the United States which contain significant volumes of toxic chemical and hazardous wastes. Requires the report to include: (1) a detailed enumeration of all dumpsites which contain toxic chemical or hazardous waste sufficient to present a clear danger to public health and which were closed before October 30, 1976; (2) an assessment of the technology applied to the disposal of such waste; (3) recommendations as to what technology should be used to clean up the enumerated dumpsites; (4) a description of problems at specific dumpsites requiring research and development for their resolution; (5) a plan for research, development, and demonstration respecting the findings of the study; and (6) legislative recommendations resulting from the study. Directs the Administrator to provide to the appropriate Congressional committees a complete statement of the enumerated dumpsites by April 1, 1982, and to complete the research studies and report by October 1, 1982. Creates an independent Toxic Chemical and Hazardous Waste Advisory Board to review the findings and recommendations in the report. Makes February 1, 1983, the deadline for submission to Congress of both the Administrator's report and the Advisory Board's review of such report. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the work of the Office of Remedial Research and the Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator to include information on toxic chemical hazardous waste management in the program for the rapid dissemination of information on improved solid waste management practices.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 773 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 27 August 1980
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 7020 (waste disposal).
Bill· SS. 3062 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 August 1980
Senior Citizens Environmental Monitoring Act - Amends the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Public Health Service Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide opportunities for senior citizens and persons eligible for participation under the Older Americans Act to participate to the maximum degree possible in the regulatory or technical assistance programs conducted or assisted under such Acts.
Bill· SS. 3046 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 August 1980
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to replace specified references to "exemptions" with references to "interim variances" and to replace a reference to "exempt public water systems" with a reference to "public water systems granted interim variances." Permits State-prescribed public water system schedules to require compliance with less stringent contaminant levels or treatment techniques during a period of interim variance. Mandates that such schedules require final compliance with each contaminant level and treatment technique requirement for which such interim variance was granted by a specified date. Sets such date at: (1) the later of January 1, 1988, or seven years after such requirement takes effect; or (2) in cases where the public water system has entered into an enforceable agreement to become part of a regional public water system, the later of January 1, 1992, or nine years after such requirement takes effect. Permits a State with primary enforcement responsibility to determine that the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means need not be constructed and in place before a variance may be granted.
Bill· SS. 3028 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 August 1980
Amends the venue provisions of Federal law with respect to environmental litigation. Defines an "action of a local environmental nature" as one which: (1) arises under Federal law pertaining to wildlife, public lands, water rights, or environmental quality; and (2) primarily affects local or regional interests in a judicial district or contiguous districts other than the district in which the action was originally filed. Requires the plaintiff, in any action which may be of a local environmental nature and is brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to forward a copy of the complaint to up to five State attorneys general. Requires a court, upon its own motion or the motion of a party or intervenor, to transfer an action of a local environmental nature to a judicial district where such action might have been brought, unless a party shows: (1) substantial hardship or injustice would result; or (2) the impact of the action is substantially national rather than local in effect or scope. Stipulates that such a transfer is not required if an action of a local environmental nature has a significant impact in the district in which it was originally filed.
Bill· HRH.R. 7852 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Noise Abatement Act of 1980 - Repeals specified provisions of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 concerning exemptions for aircraft from certain aviation noise standards. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine and establish for specified aircraft the lowest noise level which could be achieved by retrofitting such aircraft. Prohibits, on and after January 1, 1983, domestic operation of aircraft that do not comply with such noise standards. Directs that, on and after January 1, 1982, specified aircraft that are operated in air transportation by an air carrier or a foreign air carrier shall be in compliance with such noise standards. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to aircraft owners for retrofitting such aircraft. Authorizes appropriations from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal year 1981 and beyond.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 393 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 28 July 1980
Recognizes the year 1980 as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Extends congressional tributes to that agency.
Bill· SS. 2980 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
National Nuclear Waste Regulation and Control Act of 1980 - Amends the Energy Act of 1974 to extend the licensing and related regulatory authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over specified facilities of the Energy Research and Development Administration to include: (1) facilities used primarily for the receipt and storage or disposal of transuranic waste or low-level radioactive waste (currently only high-level wastes) resulting from activities licensed under such Act; and (2) retrievable surface facilities and other facilities authorized for the purpose of long-term storage or disposal of transuranic wastes or nondefense low-level radioactive wastes (currently only high-level wastes) generated by the Administration, which are not used for, or part of, research and development activities. Requires that the Commission, prior to the issuance of any such construction authorization, license, or license amendment, determine that: (1) such issuance would (a) present no unreasonable risk to public health and safety and not be inimical to the common defense and security and (b) be consistent with all applicable environmental standards promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursuant to authority under existing law; and (2) such facility incorporates multiple barrier design. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Commission to establish a pilot program for auditing selected nuclear waste storage facilities of the Department of Energy, that are not subject to the Commission's licensing and related regulatory authority under such Act, to determine whether there is a need to grant the Commission authority over such facilities. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Commission to: (1) submit to the Congress a memorandum of understanding delineating their respective responsibilities for conducting such program; (2) select the facilities to be included in such program; and (3) submit reports and written assessments to Congress. Authorizes the President to order the immediate suspension of any activity of the Department or the Commission under such program upon determination that such activity will jeopardize the common defense and security. Directs the President to transmit such order, with reasons and recommendations, to Congress within 15 days. Provides that such order remain in effect in the absence of timely adoption of a joint resolution of disapproval by the Congress. Directs the Commission to require submission of: (1) a site characterization plan, including alternative media and sites, in advance of approving the characterization of any individual site for a geologic storage or disposal facility under specified provisions of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974; and (2) at least four site characterization reports for sites at different locations and in at least three different geologic media by the Secretary, in consultation with the U.S. Geological Survey, prior to consideration of an application for authorization to construct such a facility, in order for the Commission to discharge its responsibility under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the EPA Administrator to promulgate standards for offsite releases of radioactivity from facilities for the long-term geologic storage or geologic disposal of high-level radioactive waste and transuranic waste. Directs the Commission to promulgate technical criteria for review of applications for geologic disposal facility: (1) construction authorizations; (2) licenses to emplace radioactive waste; and (3) license amendments for decommissioning. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Commission at least four site characterizations (by 1985) and an application (by 1989) for authorization to construct a geologic disposal facility. Directs the Commission to act on such application by 1993. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Commission, by 1998, an application for a license to emplace radioactive wastes in any such facility for which the Commission has authorized construction. Directs the Commission to act on such application by the year 2000. Directs the President to submit annual reports to the Congress on the status of the National Nuclear Waste Management Program and on the measures being taken to meet the national schedule outlined above. Directs any responsible agency or official or the Secretary to immediately notify the President upon determination that specified requirements will not be met by the date specified. Directs the President to promptly submit to the Congress a report: (1) on why such requirements will not be met; (2) on whether Congress should prohibit additional nuclear powerplant construction permits and operating licenses in light of such failure to meet requirements; and (3) on the impact of such failure on meeting subsequent requirements. Directs specified committees of Congress to submit reports and recommendations within 60 days of receiving the President's report and recommendations. Prohibits the Commission from issuing a construction permit or an operating license for any nuclear powerplant until after it issues a license for emplacement of radioactive wastes in a geologic disposal facility if, by the year 2000, it has not issued such an emplacement license. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify the States in which potentially acceptable sites for a facility for the geologic storage or disposal, including test disposal, of high-level or transuranic wastes; and (2) notify the Governor, the State legislature, and the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe in such States. Grants each such State and affected Indian tribe the right to concur or not concur, based on legitimate public health and safety or environmental concerns, in all stages of facility planning, siting, development, construction, and operation. Directs the Secretary to enter into negotiations with each such State and affected Indian tribe to establish formal arrangements under which such right may be exercised. Provides for public participation in such negotiations. Directs the Secretary to submit such arrangements for Presidential and Congressional review and approval. Prohibits the Secretary from proceeding beyond site exploration before a formal agreement with the State and any affected Indian tribe has been entered into. Provides for reports on the status of negotiations and of approved arrangements. Requires that any program establishing a federally owned and operated system for the interim storage of spent fuel at away-from-reactor facilities be consistent with the policy of: (1) minimizing the need for such facilities by encouraging and assisting the storage of spent fuel at nuclear powerplant sites; (2) accepting Federal custody of spent fuel only if there is reasonable expectation of timely and adequate storage capacity at the powerplant site; and (3) assuring full cost recovery by the Federal Government for construction and operation of Federal away-from-reactor storage facilities. Prohibits the Secretary from contracting for such a Federal away-from-reactor storage facility without express provision for the powerplant owner and operator: (1) retaining title to the spent fuel; and (2) bearing full financial responsibility for such person's share of the cost of Federal storage. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any obligation to construct or acquire such a storage facility until the President has submitted a proposal to construct or acquire the facility to the Congress and a period of 60 days of continuous session has elapsed without the passage of a concurrent resolution disapproving the President's proposal. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any obligation to acquire an existing facility to provide away-from-reactor spent fuel storage, if such acquisition is not limited to actual spent fuel storage facilities needed for an away-from-reactor facility, unless the Secretary specifically determines that the acquisition of such storage facilities only is not practicable. Prohibits the use of such an acquired facility for any purpose other than away-from-reactor storage of spent fuel unless such use is expressly authorized by law. Requires that a detailed statement, with specified inclusions, accompany any proposal by the President to construct or acquire an away-from-reactor spent fuel storage facility. Prohibits the Secretary from contracting with a person owning or operating a nuclear powerplant to provide interim storage of spent fuel unless such powerplant has been identified by the Secretary, with the concurrence of the Commission, in the President's statement or through an expedited review procedure, as being one for which there is no reasonable expectation of timely and adequate capacity for onsite storage of spent fuel. Waives such requirement of concurrence if the Commission fails to act within 45 days of receipt of such determination by the Secretary. Conditions the issuance of a license for any nuclear powerplant for which an application for a construction permit has not been filed by June 1, 1980, upon the provision by such powerplant of adequate onsite storage capacity for the spent fuel to be generated over such powerplant's useful life or until such time as the Commission determines that a specified repository for the long-term geologic storage or geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste and transuranic waste will be in operation. Allows persons filing an application for a license to construct and operate an independent spent fuel storage installation at the site of a nuclear powerplant to petition the Commission for authorization to begin construction prior to, or before the completion of, any required hearing. Requires that such petitions be accompanied by affidavits setting forth facts establishing that: (1) there is a reasonable expectation that denial will prevent the provision of timely and adequate onsite spent fuel storage; and (2) the capacity of existing onsite spent fuel storage facilities has been expanded to the maximum extent practicable. Directs the Commission to grant such petitions if the petitioner has established such facts and if there is a reasonable expectation that: (1) the requirements (other than that of a prior hearing) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Commission rules and regulations, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 will be met; and (2) the design, construction, and operation of such independent fuel storage installation, as described and analyzed in the license application, will present no significant risk to the public health and safety and the environment. Prohibits the Commissioner from granting such petitions after January 1, 1991. Sets forth congressional review procedures for specified orders and arrangements under this Act.
Bill· SS. 2970 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (formerly authorized) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at a disposal site or sites specified by the applicant (formerly specified by the Secretary), unless the Secretary determines that such site cannot be specified through the application of certain guidelines or other considerations. Limits the definition of "navigable waters" for purposes of such permits to mean all waters which are presently used, or are susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce shoreward to their ordinary high water mark, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to their mean high water mark. Declares that the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters (as limited by such definition) is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to regulation under any Act of Congress. Repeals provisions relating to State programs of permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into other types of navigable waters. Eliminates the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" in the requirement that specified agreements between Federal agencies assure that decisions on permit applications be made within 90 days of published notice.
Bill· HRH.R. 7833 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1980
Used Oil Recycling Act of 1980 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require lubricating oil to be labeled with a statement concerning the recycling of used oil. Requires re-refined oil used as lubricating oil to bear a label stating that such oil is a recycled product. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States with solid waste plans to encourage the use of recycled oil, prohibit hazardous uses of used oil, and establish a program for the collection and disposal of oil in a safe manner. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to States in removing impediments to the recycling of used oil. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations protecting the public health and environment from the hazards of burning used oil. Requires the Administrator to determine and report to Congress on whether used oil ought to be treated as a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to study the collection and demand in the used oil industry, and energy savings associated with re-refining used oil.
Bill· SS. 2933 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to any municipality or intermunicipal or interstate agency for the construction of publicly owned treatment works. Requires 90 percent of the amount appropriated for such grants each fiscal year to be awarded to those eligible municipalities and intermunicipal or interstate agencies which have demonstrated an ability to utilize grants made under such Act in an effective and timely manner and to award ten percent of such funds to those eligible municipalities and intermunicipal or interstate agencies which are under court orders to complete construction of treatment works.
Bill· SS. 2934 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 July 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to any municipality or intermunicipal or interstate agency, either directly or through the appropriate State if so requested by the State, for the construction of publicly owned treatment works which: (1) are required to be constructed under the provisions of a court order; (2) serve an area which constitutes, or is part of, a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area; and (3) are estimated to cost in excess of $250,000,000 in order to meet court-ordered requirements. Requires such grants to be equal to 75 percent of the costs of construction. Prohibits such grant from being made unless each such State upon whose priority list such project appears has expended or obligated at least 25 percent of its allotment for such fiscal year for such project. Requires the Administrator to establish a timetable for making such grants so as to best provide for compliance with the court-ordered timetable for construction of the required treatment works.
Bill· HRH.R. 7717 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 July 1980
National Ground water Environmental Research Act of 1980 - Title I: Ground Water Research and Planning - Directs the President to establish a Commission on Ground Water Research to develop guidelines and coordinate research by the States on identification of major freshwater aquifers in the United States and the extent of ground water pollution. Directs the Commission to make grants to States to conduct the freshwater aquifer research program. Requires the Commission to develop a comprehensive research plan for the prevention of ground water pollution. Authorizes the Commission to provide Federal, State, and local governments with technical advice on the protection of ground water from pollution. Directs the Commission to submit to Congress an annual report with recommendations for legislation on the protection of ground water from pollution. Title II: Institute for Research on Drinking Water Technology - Establishes an Institute for Research on Drinking Water Technology to conduct research and development on purification of drinking water. Stipulates that the Institute shall not conduct research on the health effects of drinking water. Sets forth the authorities of the Institute. Establishes an initial board of directors composed of Federal, State, and local officials and private water supply utilities officials appointed by the President. Authorizes the Institute to: (1) make research and development grants to institutions of higher education; (2) work with other agencies, institutions, and States in carrying out its functions under this title; and (3) assess and collect voluntary contributions from participating water supply agencies. Prohibits the Institute from engaging in lobbying activities. Sets forth the criteria for the operation of the Institute, including: (1) a location at or near a related laboratory or university; (2) establishment of a program for visiting researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and other scholars; and (3) the requirement that the bulk of the Institute's programs be conducted directly by the Institute and not be contract. Directs the Institute to: (1) develop new drinking water treatment and monitoring technologies; (2) improve existing drinking water treatment and monitoring technologies; (3) cooperate with research programs conducted under Title I of this Act and by participating water supply agencies; (4) publish archival and review articles; and (5) publish an annual progress report. Directs the Institute to establish a technology transfer program with water supply agencies. Requires the Institute to publish the results of a formal evaluation of such program.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 105 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 June 1980
Recognizes the year 1980 as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Extends congressional tributes to that agency.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 188 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to eliminate provisions relating to certain interim reporting dates for the National Commission on Air Quality. Extends the final reporting date for all Commission studies, investigations, and recommendations until March 1, 1981. Terminates the Commission: (1) on March 1, 1981, if the report is not submitted on March 1, 1981; or (2) on such date (but not later than May 1, 1981) as the Commission determines by order, if the report is submitted on March 1, 1981. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Declares that nothing in any other authority of law shall be construed to authorize or permit the extension of the National Commission on Air Quality pursuant to any Executive order or other Executive or agency action.
Bill· SJRESS.J.Res. 187 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 1980
Designates the week beginning July 20 through July 26, 1980, as "National Environmental Health Week."
Bill· SS. 2872 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise the conditions under which there may be reimbursement of the Federal share of water treatment works construction costs expended by State and local governments without the aid of previously allotted Federal funds.
Bill· HRH.R. 7634 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the formula for determining the amount of any noncompliance penalty. Eliminates a specified minimum amount for such penalties.
Bill· HRH.R. 7537 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1980
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide assistance to municipalities to be used for the closing of open dumps (in accordance with specified requirements relating to the upgrading of open dumps and to plan provisions for such upgrading) and for the construction of sanitary landfills which meet specified criteria. Requires applicants for such financial assistance to comply with specified provisions of such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 7508 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1980
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exempt municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less, or counties with a population of 10,000 or less, or less than 20 persons per square mile and not within a metropolitan area, from specified prohibitions against open dumping of solid waste.
Bill· HRH.R. 7465 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1980
Title I: New Emission Control Technology - Amends the Clean Air Act to allow persons proposing to own or operate coal-fired powerplants to request from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency one or more waivers of specified air pollution control requirements for such plant or any portion thereof to encourage the use of an innovative technological system or systems of continuous emission reduction. Authorizes the Administrator with the consent of the Governor of the State in which the plant is to be located, to grant such waivers, if the Administrator determines, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, that: (1) the proposed systems have not been adequately demonstrated, will operate effectively, and are reasonably likely to achieve, in comparison with what is required to be achieved by presently available technology under otherwise applicable standards of performance and best available control technology, either significantly greater continuous emission reduction or significantly lower cost with the same or greater continuous emission reduction; (2) the owner or operator of the proposed plant has demonstrated that plant emissions will not prevent attainment and maintenance of any national ambient air quality standards or violate specified requirements, increments, or ceilings; and (3) the number of waivers necessary to ascertain whether a proposed technological system will achieve specified conditions will not be exceeded by the granting of the waiver in question. Sets forth considerations to be taken account of by the Administrator making such determinations. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct tests or to require tests and reports to be made by the owner or operator. Requires the owner or operator to make prompt reports of the emission of any unregulated pollutant from a system if such pollutant was not emitted, or was emitted in significantly lesser amounts without the use of such system. Sets forth terms and conditions on which, and time periods for which, such waivers shall be granted. Provides for waivers (with a minimum level of continuous emission reduction) to be continued and charges to be assessed in cases where a system has failed to achieve the required level of continuous emission reduction and correction is impracticable. Sets forth formulas to determine such charges. Prohibits any charge being imposed which requires the owner or operator to pay, together with costs of operation and construction, higher costs because of use of innovative rather than existing technology. Title II: Emissions Charges and Rebate Plan - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement, in selected air quality control regions, plans which will assess the effectiveness of using economic incentives to achieve national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards in regions where such standards are not being achieved. Requires that each plan: (1) be developed under regulations promulgated by the Administrator after notice and opportunity for public hearing within the region covered by the plan; (2) be implemented only if each State involved approves; and (3) supercede inconsistent provisions of State implementation plans. Prohibits the Administrator from approving a plan which is not designed to bring about compliance with the ambient air quality standards in the region for the pollutants which are the subject of the plan and which does not specify an overall emission reduction schedule respecting such pollutants. Prohibits approval of any plan before January 1, 1981. Requires that each plan: (1) apply to a particular industry or industries or sources responsible for a particular pollutant; (2) specify an initial fee to be paid by the owner or operator of each source covered by the plan to be assessed per unit of emissions; (3) establish a year-to-year overall emission reduction schedule for all plan participants; (4) provide for automatic annual percentage increases (to be adjusted, if necessary by the Administrator) in fees if actual emissions exceed scheduled emissions; and (5) be annually reviewed by the Administrator to ascertain whether the emission reduction schedule is sufficient to achieve national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards not later than the date provided under such Act. Requires that regulations for plan development provide for fee imposition and rebate payment annually according to a schedule prescribed by the Administrator to encourage plan compliance as rapidly as practicable. Requires that the aggregate amount of rebates paid from the revolving fund for any calendar year to plan participants equal the aggregate amount of fees paid into the fund during the calendar year by all plan participants. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of the amount of rebate paid to each participant; and (2) requirements for monitoring and reporting of emissions; and (3) nonpayment penalties of 20 percent of the aggregate amount of fee owed, plus interest. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury to which fees shall be paid and from which rebates shall be made. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Authorizes the Administrator to commence civil actions to recover fees, interest, or nonpayment penalties for which any person is liable under this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 679 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 May 1980
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 6154 (ocean thermal energy facilities).
Bill· HRH.R. 7418 (96th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1980 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for the disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the Secretary to identify four regional repository sites in the continental United States, at least one of which shall be located in each of the eastern, central, and western regions of the United States. Directs that emphasis be given to federally owned sites. Directs the Secretary to design, construct, and operate four technology-demonstration repository facilities at the sites selected. Requires that all four repositories be in operation by the end of fiscal year 1990, with the first having been placed in operation by the end of fiscal year 1986. Sets forth certain design requirements for such sites and for disposal methods. Requires the Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress on advanced techniques for disposal of low-level radioactive wastes.
Bill· HRH.R. 7415 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980
Victims of Toxic and Hazardous Substances Emergency Relief Act of 1980 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to determine promptly, but in no event later than 15 days, whether toxic or hazardous wastes pose a serious and immediate threat to the public health or safety, whenever the Administrator receives evidence that such wastes may pose a threat to the public; and (2) to submit to the President a recommendation that a state of hazardous substances emergency be declared, if the Administrator determines that such wastes pose such threat. Authorizes the President, in the President's discretion and upon recommendation of the Administrator, to declare a state of hazardous substances emergency with such amendments and deletions to the Administrator's recommendations as the President sees fit. Directs the Administrator: (1) after such state of emergency has been declared, to forward recommendations for immediate actions to protect the public health and safety to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (2) thereafter, to act promptly to (a) determine the extent of the contamination of air, land, and water (including ground water), and (b) screen and test the population likely to have been exposed to such wastes in a manner or degree capable of causing physical injury (including any poisoning, burn, infection, chromosomal damage, or genetic defect); (c) study crops and livestock in the affected area and identify those unfit for human consumption; and (d) evaluate alternatives to prevent further damage to human life or health. Directs the Administrator to submit initial and supplemental reports and recommendations at specified times to the Director. Requires the Director, on the basis of such reports and recommendations and other relevant information, to undertake promptly, during the first 12 months following the declaration of a state of emergency, actions necessary to protect public health and safety, including: (1) immediate relocation of the physically injured or those in serious danger; (2) permanent closing of contaminated structures and property; (3) purchase, at prior fair market value, of homes closed; (4) medical treatment to reverse, treat, or prevent physical injury or reimbursement for such treatment; (5) compensatory payments for residents whose income is interrupted due to the toxic or hazardous wastes; and (6) commencement of a screening program for early detection of future physical injury resulting from exposure to such wastes. Subrogates the United States to the rights of any individual compensated under this Act, to the extent that such individual has a cause of action against a person who has disposed of a toxic or hazardous substance and such disposal has resulted in a state of hazardous substances emergency. Requires that the emergency state be terminated 12 months after it is declared or upon the President's declaration of termination. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.
Law· SS. 2726 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1981 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities for fiscal year 1981. Specifies amounts authorized for programs concerning air quality, water quality, water supply, pesticides, solid waste, toxic substances, radiation, energy, program management and support, and interdisciplinary activities. Authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to utilize such funds for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications, when such use is in the public interest. Prohibits the transfer of funds, above a specified amount, without prior written approval by the appropriate congressional committees or the lapse of 30 legislative days after the transmittal to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate of a written report containing a full and complete statement concerning the nature of, and reason for, the transfer. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified officials and groups, to issue regulations providing for access to oil shale mining, processing, retorting, and refining operations on federally owned land by representatives of Federal, State, and local government and other appropriate persons for reasonable and legitimate research on the environmental effects of oil shale operations. Requires that compliance with such regulations be made a condition of any lease entered into by the United States with any oil shale operation. Declares that such existing lease shall be deemed amended to incorporate such condition. Requires that such regulations provide for: (1) certification by the Administrator of each person or class of persons granted access; (2) necessary restrictions on such access; and (3) conditions and restrictions for the use of information gained through such access. Subjects persons granted such access to specified criminal penalties for disclosure of confidential information.
Law· SS. 2725 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980
Amends the Clean Water Act (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to extend through fiscal year 1982 authorizations of appropriations for: (1) research, investigations, and training; (2) grants for pollution control programs; (3) areawide waste treatment management planning process grants; (4) rural nonpoint source pollution control; (5) clean lakes grants to States; and (6) carrying out all but specified provisions of such Act. Extends by 12 months the period during which sums allotted to States under such Act shall remain available for obligation (making such period the fiscal year for which authorized and the next succeeding 24 months). Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into contracts and other agreements with the State of New York to carry out a project to demonstrate methods for selective removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminating bottom sediments of the Hudson River, treating such sediments as required, burying such sediments in secure landfills, and installing monitoring systems for such landfills. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for 75 percent of the cost of such Hudson River PCB reclamation project. Requires non-Federal sources to provide the remainder of such costs. Repeals specified limitations and conditions on grants under such Act for the construction of treatment works which provided that: (1) the applicant make provision for receiving payment from industrial users of the treatment works for that portion of the Federal share of the construction cost of such works allocable to industrial wastes treatment; (2) the grantee retain a specified portion of such revenues; and (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency be authorized to exempt certain industrial users from such payments. Repeals provisions for such payments for treatment works by industrial users to the United States in the case of privately owned treatment works. Makes other technical and conforming amendments to such Act. Repeals provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 which provided for a moratorium on such payments for treatment works by industrial users. Provides that a grantee shall retain all revenues: (1) derived from the payment of costs by industrial users of waste treatment service to the extent costs are attributable to the Federal share of eligible project costs provided pursuant to title II of the Clean Water Act; and (2) collected prior to December 27, 1977. Requires that such retained revenues be used for such project. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, grants made under the Clean Water Act after September 30, 1980, for a publicly owned treatment works, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, from being used to treat, store, or convey the flow of any industrial user into such treatment works in excess of a flow per day equivalent to 50,000 gallons of sanitary waste.
Bill· SS. 2687 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1980
Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to change the title of such Act to the "National Ocean Pollution Planning Act." Changes the date on which the biennial five-year plan report is due to April 30 of each odd-numbered year. Authorizes appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to exceed $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1983.
Bill· SS. 2688 (96th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1980
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for activities related to ocean dumping for fiscal year 1981. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to include in the comprehensive and continuing program of research with respect to possible long-range effects of pollution, as required by such Act, the scientific assessment of damages to the natural resources from spills of petroleum or petroleum products.
Bill· HRH.R. 7286 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980
Amends the Clean Air Act and the Clear Air Act Amendments of 1977 to extend specified deadlines applicable to stationary sources (relating to State implementation plans, Federal enforcement, and noncompliance penalties).
Bill· SS. 2663 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements with the State of New York for a demonstration project for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls from the Hudson River and the storage of such toxic substances in secure landfills. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State for 75 percent of the costs of such project.
Bill· HRH.R. 7245 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (formerly authorized) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at a disposal site or sites specified by the applicant (formerly specified by the Secretary), unless the Secretary determines that such site cannot be specified through the application of certain guidelines or other considerations. Limits the definition of "navigable waters" for purposes of such permits to mean all waters which are presently used, or are susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce shoreward to their ordinary high water mark, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to their mean high water mark. Declares that the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters (as limited by such definition) is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to regulation under any Act of Congress. Repeals provisions relating to State programs of permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into other types of navigable waters. Eliminates the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" in the requirement that specified agreements between Federal agencies assure that decisions on permit applications be made within 90 days of published notice.
Bill· SS. 2628 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, beginning in fiscal year 1981, to issue guarantees with respect to the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Suffolk County Sewer Authority, in Suffolk County, New York. Limits the issuance of guarantees to amounts provided in advance by appropriation Acts.
Bill· HRH.R. 7189 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980
Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to replace specified references to "exemptions" with references to "interim variances." Permits State-prescribed public water system schedules to require compliance with less stringent contaminant levels or treatment techniques during a period of interim variance. Mandates that such schedules require final compliance with each contaminant level and treatment technique requirement for which such interim variance was granted by a specified date. Sets such date at: (1) the later of January 1, 1988, or seven years after such requirement takes effect; or (2) in cases where the public water system has entered into an enforceable agreement to become part of a regional public water system, the later of January 1, 1992, or nine years after such requirement takes effect. Permits a State with primary enforcement responsibility to determine that the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means need not be constructed and in place before a variance may be granted.
Bill· HRH.R. 7188 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to entitle any competitively bid construction contract for a publicly owned sewage collection system on which construction was initiated after October 18, 1972, but before January, 1976, and which met the requirements for Federal financial assistance under such Act but did not receive such application, to the maximum amount of assistance the system would have received under such Act notwithstanding such State policy.
Bill· SS. 2609 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide for criminal penalties against any person who: (1) knowingly generates, stores, treats, transports, disposes of, or otherwise handles any hazardous waste (whether such activity took place before or takes place after the date of the enactment of this Act) and who disposes, alters, or conceals any record maintained with respect to the generation, storing, treatment, transportation, disposal, or other handling of hazardous waste; or (2) transports, treats, stores, or disposes of any hazardous waste identified or listed under specified provisions of such Act in reckless disregard of the fact of thereby causing or creating a substantial danger or risk to human life or health. Increases the maximum penalty for first convictions of specified violations of such Act to $50,000 per day of each violation and/or two years imprisonment. Defines "reckless" for purposes of specified violations of such Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 7126 (96th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980
Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study, by contract with the National Academy of Sciences, to determine the adequacy of compensation and other assistance available to persons to mitigate health problems or economic losses caused by hazardous chemical substances, and to issue and submit to appropriate congressional committees a detailed report on the results of such study. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for such study. Directs the Administrator to provide for the monitoring of emissions at facilities used to incinerate polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") and to hold briefings for the general public to report the results of such monitoring.