Environment

A bill to extend the period during which vessels that are shorter than 79 feet in length and fishing vessels are not required to have a permit for discharges incidental to the normal operation of the vessel.

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

This bill extends through January 19, 2018, the exemption for fishing vessels and other vessels that are shorter than 79 feet in length from National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting requirements for any discharge: (1) of effluent from properly functioning marine engines; (2) of laundry, shower, and galley sink wastes; or (3) that is incidental to the normal operation of the vessel.

Clean Air Contingency Measures Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

Clean Air Contingency Measures Act of 2018 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to specify that an area nonattainment plan may contain contingency measures, which are measures undertaken if an area fails to make reasonable progress towards or to attain a national primary ambient air quality standard, that may be implemented prior to the area failing.

Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2017

Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2017 This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for a four-year period, a Counterterrorism Advisory Board, which shall: (1) be composed of senior representatives of DHS operational components and headquarters elements, and (2) coordinate DHS intelligence activities and policy and information related to DHS's counterterrorism mission and functions. The board's charter shall: (1) direct it to focus on the current threat environment and the importance of aligning DHS counterterrorism activities under the Secretary's guidance, and (2) be reviewed and updated every four years. The DHS Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall serve as the chair of the board and shall report to the congressional homeland security committees on the board's status and activities.

To amend the Wyoming Wilderness Act of 1984 to clarify authorized recreational uses in the Palisades, High Lakes, and Shoal Creek Wilderness Study Areas.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2017

This bill amends the Wyoming Wilderness Act of 1984 to direct the Department of Agriculture, with respect to helicopter skiing in the Palisades Wilderness Study Area in the Bridger-Teton and Targhee National Forests in Wyoming, to authorize the number of permitted days of helicopter skiing to be at least the number of days specified in the High Mountain Heli-Skiing Final Environmental Impact Statement for certain national forest districts in Wyoming and Idaho, issued by the Forest Service on June 30, 2005. Subject to such requirement, all recreational uses occurring before the enactment of this bill within the Palisades, High Lakes, and Shoal Creek Wilderness Study Areas, including horseback riding, snowmobiling, dirt bike riding, mountain biking, and helicopter skiing shall continue to be permitted in those areas. The bill bars the construction of any recreational access points in such wilderness study areas, except by an express authorization of Congress.

Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2017

Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act of 2017 This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to publish best practices for operating recovery housing, to distribute such publication to the states, and to provide technical assistance to states seeking to adopt such practices. "Recovery housing" means a shared living environment free from alcohol and illegal drug use and centered on peer support and connection to services to promote recovery from substance use disorders.

Recovering America's Wildlife Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017

Recovering America's Wildlife Act This bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to direct the Department of the Treasury to transfer, beginning in FY2018, revenues from energy and mineral development on federal lands totaling $1.3 billion to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount of the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund, to be available without further appropriation. The bill revises the requirements governing how the funds from the subaccount may be used, including by requiring funds to be used to develop, revise, and implement state wildlife conservation strategies. The bill expands the allowable uses of the subaccount, including by allowing funds to be used for managing invasive and nuisance species and for law enforcement activities that are directly related to the conservation of species of the greatest conservation need. Funds apportioned from the subaccount may not be conditioned upon the provision of public access to private lands, waters, or holdings. The bill specifies what types of funds and donations states may use to meet matching fund requirements. The bill revises the formula used to determine how funds are distributed to states.

Fishing and Small Vessel Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017

Fishing and Small Vessel Relief Act This bill extends until December 18, 2020, an exemption from permit requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The exemption allows certain incidental discharges from vessels that are either less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel.

Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2017

Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct and update at least once every seven years an ocean acidification coastal community vulnerability assessment with a corresponding public report. The assessment must identify: (1) U.S. coastal communities that are most dependent on coastal and ocean resources that may be impacted by ocean acidification; (2) the nature of those communities' social and economic vulnerabilities; (3) impacts from changes in ocean and coastal marine resources that are not managed by the federal government; and (4) key knowledge gaps where research could be devoted to better understand the possible ocean acidification impacts, risks, threats, and possible adaptation strategies for the communities. In carrying out the ocean acidification coastal community vulnerability assessment, NOAA must collaborate with state, local, and tribal government entities that are conducting or have completed vulnerability assessments, strategic research planning, or other similar activities related to ocean acidification and its impacts on coastal communities. NOAA's ocean acidification program is expanded to include an ongoing mechanism that allows affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, non-federal resource managers, regional environmental monitoring programs, indigenous knowledge groups, and outside scientific experts not employed by the federal government to provide input on research, data, and monitoring necessary to support on-the-ground management, decision making, and adaptation related to ocean acidification and its impacts. The strategic plan for ocean acidification research and monitoring developed by the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and Technology Council must make recommendations for research to address the key knowledge gaps identified in the community vulnerability assessment report.

Recognizing the 2d anniversary of the adoption of the international Paris Agreement on climate change.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Recognizes the second anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement, an international agreement to keep global temperature from rising 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, and recommends that the United States remain a signatory to the global warming agreement.

Industrial Mineral Parity Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Industrial Mineral Parity Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow for modified permits for industrial minerals remining operations. The term "industrial minerals" means limestone, clay, sand, gravel, diatomite, kaolin, bentonite, silica, barite, gypsum, or talc. To qualify for a modified permit, an industrial minerals remining operation must occur at a site on which coal mining was conducted before the effective date of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

Reaffirming the commitment of the United States to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Cambodia.

United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2017

Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Cambodia. Condemns political violence in Cambodia and urges the cessation of human rights violations. Supports the decision announced by the Department of State on December 6, 2017, to restrict entry to the United States for individuals involved in undermining democracy in Cambodia. Urges: (1) the Department of the Treasury to consider placing all senior Cambodian government officials implicated in specified abuses on the List of Specially Designated Nationals maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control, and (2) Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian People's Party to end all harassment and intimidation of Cambodia's opposition and foster a political environment where democracy can thrive. Urges the Cambodian government to: (1) free Kem Sokha; (2) recognize the legitimacy of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and its members, including by reinstating the 55 CNRP officials elected to the National Assembly; and (3) respect freedom of the press and the rights of its citizens to freely assemble, protest, and speak out against the government. Supports efforts in Cambodia to ensure free and fair elections in 2018.

Homegrown Organic Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2017

Homegrown Organic Act of 2017 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify several Department of Agriculture conservation programs to authorize additional assistance for farmers who are transitioning to organic farming. The bill modifies the Conservation Reserve Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Geoengineering Research Evaluation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2017

Geoengineering Research Evaluation Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Energy to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study and develop: (1) a Phase I report recommending a research agenda for advancing understanding of albedo modification strategies that involve atmospheric interventions, such as cloud modification; and (2) a Phase II report that provides specific guidance on governance mechanisms for the proposed research agenda developed in Phase I. Generally, albedo modifications are geoengineering strategies that are designed to manipulate the climate and reduce the amount of radiation that is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere by reflecting light. After the completion of the Phase II report, the Office of Science and Technology Policy must report to Congress on an implementation plan for geoengineering research and research governance.

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2017

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act This bill amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to allow the Department of the Interior to award noncompetitive leases on up to 640 acres of certain federal land for geothermal development. Interior must lease the land at fair market value, publish a notice of any lease requests, and provide review of the final determination of fair market value. Lessees must make annual rental payments equal to those required for lands that are leased competitively. The bill exempts geothermal exploration test projects from complying with environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Interior must designate portions of certain federal land as geothermal leasing priority areas. The bill sets forth requirements for environmental review under NEPA with respect to the priority areas.

Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2017

Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act of 201 7 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reinstate the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate beginning 60 days after enactment of this bill; (2) increase such rate from 9.7 cents to 15.8 cents per barrel of crude oil (adjusted for inflation after 2018); (3) reinstate and increase the rates of tax on taxable chemicals (adjusted for inflation after 2018); and (4) modify the definition of "crude oil" to include any bitumen or bituminous mixture, any oil derived from such mixture (including oil derived from tar sands), and any oil derived form kerogen-bearing sources (including oil derived from oil shale). The bill amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to allow the use of the Superfund for environmental remediation without further appropriation.

Fishing and Small Vessel Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 December 2017

Fishing and Small Vessel Relief Act This bill extends until December 18, 2020, an exemption from permit requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The exemption allows certain incidental discharges from vessels that are either less than 79 feet in length or a fishing vessel.

Clean Air Contingency Measures Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2017

Clean Air Contingency Measures Act of 2017 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to specify that an area nonattainment plan may contain contingency measures, which are measures undertaken if an area fails to make reasonable progress towards or to attain a national primary ambient air quality standard, that may be implemented prior to the area failing.

Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2017

Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to: (1) exclude the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from specified activities that it currently carries out in conjunction with the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and (2) increase and extend funding through FY2024. The Corps shall approve specified water infrastructure projects and issue guidance on information required to be included in applications for projects requiring its approval. The EPA (currently, the Corps and the EPA): may enter into agreements to make secured loans, and shall establish a uniform system to service the federal credit instruments made available; may collect and spend fees, subject to specified limitations, and may appoint a financial entity to assist in servicing the federal credit instruments; shall set aside for each fiscal year at least 15% of the amounts made available for that fiscal year for small community water infrastructure projects; and shall publish pilot program implementation reports on a public Internet site. The bill modifies the date of the Government Accountability Office report to Congress on  projects receiving assistance under the Act.

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2017

Safeguarding America's Future and Environment Act or the SAFE Act This bill requires the President to establish a National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Joint Implementation Working Group to address the effects of extreme weather and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants, including by adopting a national strategy and completing strategy implementation plans. Federal agencies must integrate the elements of the national strategy that relate to conservation, management, and protection of fish, wildlife, and plants into their plans, environmental reviews, and programs. The Department of the Interior must establish: (1) a National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center to assess and develop scientific information, tools, strategies, and techniques to support interested parties in addressing the effects of extreme weather and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants; and (2) an Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Sciences to advise the working group. In order to be eligible to receive funds under this bill, a state must submit to Interior and the Department of Commerce a fish, wildlife, and plant adaptation plan detailing efforts to address the effects of climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants and coastal areas within the state's jurisdiction.

SAFE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2017

Safeguarding America's Future and Environment Act or the SAFE Act This bill requires the President to establish a National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Joint Implementation Working Group to address the effects of extreme weather and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants, including by adopting a national strategy and completing strategy implementation plans. Federal agencies must integrate the elements of the national strategy that relate to conservation, management, and protection of fish, wildlife, and plants into their plans, environmental reviews, and programs. The Department of the Interior must establish: (1) a National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center to assess and develop scientific information, tools, strategies, and techniques to support interested parties in addressing the effects of extreme weather and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants; and (2) an Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Sciences to advise the working group. In order to be eligible to receive funds under this bill, a state must submit to Interior and the Department of Commerce a fish, wildlife, and plant adaptation plan detailing efforts to address the effects of climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants and coastal areas within the state's jurisdiction.

INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2018

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 November 2017

Disaster Recovery Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017

Disaster Recovery Reform Act This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to modify the Predisaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to: permit the use of technical and financial assistance to establish and carry out enforcement activities to implement codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs; direct the President to establish a National Public Infrastructure Predisaster Mitigation Fund; authorize the President's contribution to the cost of hazard mitigation measures to be used to increase resilience in any area affected by a major disaster; and direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue a final rulemaking that defines the terms "resilient" and "resiliency." The bill authorizes the President to: (1) provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area affected by a wildfire for which assistance was provided; (2) provide incentives to invest in measures that increase readiness for, and resilience from, a future major disaster; and (3) waive Stafford Act provisions regarding duplication of benefits. The bill amends the Stafford Act to: (1) authorize states to use federal disaster assistance to directly administer temporary and permanent housing for disaster victims, (2) increase assistance to individuals with disabilities, and (3) establish fixed rates for reimbursing states and localities for costs incurred to implement disaster recovery projects. FEMA shall: (1) provide annual guidance and training for the prioritization of assistance to hospitals and nursing homes during a disaster; (2) issue guidance for the identification of evacuation routes; and (3) review the Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation review process, improve closeout practices, and publish on its website specified information for grant awards and contracts in excess of $1 million. FEMA may establish one or more national veterinary emergency teams at accredited veterinary schools.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3017) to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to reauthorize and improve the brownfields program, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3905) to require congressional approval of any mineral withdrawal or monument designation involving the National Forest System lands in the State of Minnesota, to provide for the renewal of certain mineral leases in such lands, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3017) to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to reauthorize and improve the brownfields program, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3905) to require congressional approval of any mineral withdrawal or monument designation involving the National Forest System lands in the State of Minnesota, to provide for the renewal of certain mineral leases in such lands.

Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 November 2017

Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act of 2017 This bill provides for additional disaster-recovery assistance and other assistance to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with respect to infrastructure, health care, agriculture, education, economic development, and environmental remediation, among other sectors. Specifically, regarding both territories, the bill: provides for the use of certain emergency assistance to rebuild electric grids; establishes several grant programs to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy; subject to specified oversight requirements, increases funding for transportation infrastructure, telecommunications systems, housing, and community development; increases funding for the Medicaid and Medicare programs; temporarily increases social-services block-grant allotments; increases funding for, and otherwise revises, rural and agricultural programs; increases funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs; provides for aid to the Head Start program, elementary and secondary education programs, and higher education programs; increases funding for training and employment services; modifies provisions concerning the earned-income tax credit, the child tax credit, and unemployment assistance; increases funding for economic and community development programs; increases funding for environmental remediation; and otherwise modifies provisions related to emergency funding and disaster-recovery assistance. In addition, the bill: extends Medicaid waiver authority to all territories, provides for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments to the territories, and otherwise revises the Medicaid and Medicare programs with respect to the territories; extends participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to all territories; modifies provisions concerning the application of certain workers' protections in Puerto Rico; and requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit to Congress a long-term disaster-relief plan with respect to Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands.

Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act This bill accelerates the Department of Interior's review, including environmental review, of feasibility studies for water projects for the reclamation of arid lands under the Reclamation Act of 1902 (project studies). Each future project study must have a maximum federal cost of $3 million. The bill exempts certain surface water projects, water recycling projects, and water supply projects from specified provisions of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. The bill authorizes the Equus Beds Division of the Wichita Project, the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System, the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation, and Phase III of the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project. The bill establishes a process for Interior to deauthorize certain reclamation programs or projects for which no funds were obligated during the current fiscal year or the last five preceding fiscal years.

North Texas Water Supply Security Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

North Texas Water Supply Security Act of 2017 This bill bars claims arising under federal law seeking judicial review of any environmental impact statement, environmental review, or authorization issued by an agency for the Lower Bois d'Arc Creek Reservoir Project in Fannin County, Texas, unless such claims meet certain procedural requirements.

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act This bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to allow institutions with less than $10 billion in assets to waive ability-to-repay requirements for certain residential-mortgage loans. Other mortgage-lending provisions related to appraisals, mortgage data, employment of loan originators, manufactured homes, and transaction waiting periods are also modified. The bill amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to exempt banks with assets valued at less than $10 billion from the "Volcker Rule," which prohibits banking agencies from engaging in proprietary trading or entering into certain relationships with hedge funds and private-equity funds. Certain banks are also exempted by the bill from specified capital and leverage ratios, with federal banking agencies directed to promulgate new requirements. The bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to reduce inspection requirements and environmental-review requirements for certain smaller, rural public-housing agencies. Provisions relating to enhanced prudential regulation for financial institutions are modified, including those related to stress testing, leverage requirements, and the use of municipal bonds for purposes of meeting liquidity requirements. The bill requires credit reporting agencies to provide credit-freeze alerts and includes consumer-credit provisions related to senior citizens, minors, and veterans.

Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2017 This bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to reauthorize for FY2019-FY2023 the national harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program and the action strategy of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia. (Hypoxia is a deficiency of oxygen.) The task force must include a representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each required scientific assessment of harmful algal blooms in coastal waters must examine freshwater harmful algal blooms that originate in freshwater lakes or rivers and migrate to coastal waters. In administering the program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must provide: (1) grants for accelerating the utilization of effective methods of intervention and mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity, and impacts of harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events; and (2) technical assistance to regional state, tribal, and local governments with respect to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events. NOAA must use cost effective methods in carrying out the Act and develop contingency plans for the long-term monitoring of hypoxia. Federal officials may determine whether a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event is an event of national significance and give funding to the affected state or local government for assessing and mitigating the detrimental environmental, economic, subsistence use, and public health effects of an event of national significance.

To provide for an exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

This bill directs the Department of the Interior, if the J.R. Simplot Company offers to convey three identified parcels of land, to convey to the Simplot Company two identified parcels of federal land within the Pocatello Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho. The bill states that the exchange of such federal and nonfederal lands shall not constitute a major federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Food and Farm Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

Food and Farm Act This bill reauthorizes and modifies several Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that address: commodity support, crop insurance, conservation, food assistance, nutrition, farm credit, beginning farmers and ranchers, food waste, research and educational programs, animal welfare, and regional food systems. The bill modifies agriculture and nutrition policies to: repeal the Agriculture Risk Coverage Program and the Price Loss Coverage Program, impose additional limits on farm subsidies, extend crop insurance premium subsidies to farmers who plant crops to reduce erosion, require recipients of farm subsidies to comply with additional conservation requirements, authorize increased funding for conservation programs, authorize additional assistance under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for organic farmers, establish a loan program for conservation-based structural improvements, increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) benefits, authorize additional assistance for beginning farmers and ranchers, establish the Office of Food Waste within USDA, authorize additional funding for research and education programs, require USDA to comply with certain animal welfare standards at federal agricultural research centers, require USDA to reinstate online posting of Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act enforcement records, and expand grant and loan programs for local and regional food systems.

SECURE Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act or the SECURE Act This bill permits a qualifying alien who is not inadmissible or deportable under certain criminal or security grounds or who did not participate in persecution to apply for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status if such alien: (1) is in temporary protected status (TPS), (2) held TPS status, (3) qualified for TSP status at the time of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) last TPS designation, or (4) is a national of a foreign country that was at any time a TPS-designated country. TPS designation permits eligible nationals of designated counties affected by armed conflict or natural disasters to temporarily reside and work in the United States. An alien who has applied for status adjustment may work while the application is pending. The spouse, domestic partner, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an alien who has adjusted to lawful permanent resident status may also adjust to such status subject to certain conditions. An unmarried son or daughter must additionally establish physical presence in the United States for at least one year. An alien subject to a final order of removal may not be removed if the alien has a pending status adjustment application or is prima facie eligible to file an application and indicates an intention to do so. An alien who raises the defense of status adjustment eligibility may not be removed unless DHS has already denied the alien's application.

A bill to provide for an exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land in the State of Idaho, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2017

This bill directs the Department of the Interior, if the J.R. Simplot Company offers to convey three identified parcels of land, to convey to the Simplot Company two identified parcels of federal land within the Pocatello Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho. The bill states that the exchange of such federal and nonfederal lands shall not constitute a major federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

PLACES Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2017

Providing Land Grants and Acequias Conservation and Environmental Services Act or the PLACES Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into an alternative funding arrangement under any USDA conservation program with an entity that: (1) is comprised of members who are producers that are eligible for payments under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and (2) is a local governmental entity that does not have the authority to impose taxes or levies. (An alternative funding arrangement would allow certain community irrigation associations and community land grants to receive assistance directly from the conservation programs.) USDA may also provide technical and administrative assistance under the alternative funding arrangement. USDA may enter into an arrangement if: (1) the goals and objectives of the applicable conservation program will be met by the arrangement, and (2) statutory limitations regarding contracts with individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of the entity.

Improving Oversight of Women Veterans' Care Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2017

Improving Oversight of Women Veterans' Care Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress annually on the access of women veterans to gender-specific medical care (mammograms, maternity care, and gynecological care) provided by contracting non-VA medical providers. Each VA medical facility must report quarterly to the VA on the facility's compliance with the environment of care standards for women veterans, which are standards intended to protect the privacy, safety, and dignity of women veterans when they receive medical care. The VA must report to Congress with a plan to strengthen such standards.

Klamath Infrastructure Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2017

Klamath Infrastructure Improvement Act This bill amends the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000 to authorize the Department of the Interior to carry out activities, including entering into contracts or making financial assistance available, to: (1) plan, implement, and administer programs to align water supplies and demand for irrigation water users associated with the Klamath Project (Bureau of Reclamation project in California and Oregon), with a primary emphasis on programs developed or endorsed by local entities comprised of representatives of those water users; (2) plan and implement activities and projects that avoid or mitigate environmental effects of irrigation activities or that restore habitats in the Klamath Basin watershed; and (3) limit the net delivered cost of power for covered power uses. "Covered power use" means a use of power to develop or manage water from any source for irrigation, wildlife purposes, or drainage on land that is: (1) associated with the Klamath Project; or (2) irrigated by the class of users covered by the agreement dated April 30, 1956, between the California Oregon Power Company and Klamath Basin Water Users Protective Association and within the Off Project Area. Interior must submit a report to Congress that identifies the power cost benchmark (the average net delivered cost of power for irrigation and drainage at reclamation projects in the area surrounding the Klamath Project that are similarly situated to the project). The replacement of the C Canal flume within the Klamath Project shall be considered to be, and shall receive the treatment authorized for, qualified emergency extraordinary operation and maintenance work in accordance with federal reclamation law.

RFG Modernization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2017

RFG Modernization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to allow states to request a waiver of the reformulated gasoline requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if the price of gasoline is excessively high. (Sale of reformulated gasoline is required in areas with high smog levels.) In making its determination, the EPA must consider the difference in price between conventional and reformulated gasoline. Waivers are not to exceed 42 days and may be renewed.

CRP Grazing Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2017

CRP Grazing Flexibility Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to allow grazing to be used as a mid-contract management practice under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) without any reduction in the rental rate if the grazing is consistent with the conservation of soil, water, and wildlife habitat. The Department of Agriculture may not make cost sharing payments for grazing undertaken pursuant to this bill. (CRP provides payments to farmers who agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Farmers with certain CRP contracts are required to apply authorized mid-contract management practices to CRP land to implement the conservation plan.)

To establish a commission for the purpose of making recommendations regarding the modernization or realignment of facilities of the Veterans Health Administration, to improve construction and management leases of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to amend and appropriate funds for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2017

VA Asset and Infrastructure Review Act of 2017 This bill establishes the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission, which shall make recommendations to the President regarding the closure, modernization, and/or realignment of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities based upon its own and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recommendations. The President shall transmit to the commission and to Congress a report containing the President's approval or disapproval of such recommendations by February 15, 2023. Within three years after transmittal of such report, the commission shall begin to implement the recommendations approved by the President and not disapproved by Congress. The commission shall: (1) carry out appropriate environmental restoration and historic preservation in connection with facility closures or realignments, and (2) consult with state and local governments with respect to the treatment of roads or the disposal of surplus real property or infrastructure. The VA may transfer the title of a VHA facility to the facility's redevelopment authority for lease to the VA or another federal agency. The bill establishes in the Treasury the Department of Veterans Affairs Asset and Infrastructure Review Account. The bill revises the definitions of: (1) "major medical facility project," and (2) "major medical facility lease." The VA may enter into agreements with other federal agencies for the planning, designing, constructing, or leasing of shared medical facilities. The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to exclude recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives from the limitation on awards and bonuses. The bill provides funds for: (1) the Veterans Choice Program, and (2) medical facility minor construction and nonrecurring maintenance.

Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2017

Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2017 This bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) identify and assess the importation, sale, and uses of, and exposures to, asbestos; and (2) impose requirements that permanently eliminate the possibility of human or environmental exposure to asbestos. The bill allows the President to exempt any use of asbestos from the requirements if: (1) the use is necessary to protect national security interests, (2) no reasonable alternative to the asbestos use exists for the intended purpose, and (3) the use of asbestos will not result in an unreasonable risk to health or the environment.

Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2017

Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2017 This bill prohibits any further consultation from being required by the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) or the Interior after the approval of land and resource management plans for National Forest System (NFS) lands or land use plans for public lands, respectively, with respect to: (1) the listing of a species as threatened or endangered or a designation of a critical habitat, if such a plan has already been adopted; or (2) any provision of such plan. Interior shall develop one or more categorical exclusions, from requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to conduct environmental assessment and environmental impact statements, for specified vegetative management activities that are carried out to establish or improve habitat for the greater sage-grouse or mule deer. The Forest Service shall prepare an environmental assessment for each ecosystem restoration project, stewardship contracting project, and project under a good neighbor agreement on certain NFS land. Under the assessment, it shall study and describe in each project both the proposed action and a no-action alternative. The Forest Service shall establish an arbitration pilot program as an alternative dispute resolution process in lieu of judicial review for such projects. The Forest Service shall prioritize and carry out ecosystem restoration projects to accomplish one or more of specified objectives. A categorical exclusion is made available for certain forest management activities in order to: (1) expedite specified critical response actions, (2) meet forest plan goals for early seral and early successional forests, (3) improve wildlife habitats, and (4) thin forests. The bill makes permanent USDA's authority to designate treatment areas that are experiencing an insect or disease epidemic.

PREPARE Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2017

Preparedness and Risk Management for Extreme Weather Patterns Assuring Resilience and Effectiveness Act of 2017 or the PREPARE Act of 2017 This bill directs the President to establish the Interagency Council on Extreme Weather Resilience, Preparedness, and Risk Identification and Management (council), which shall: (1) establish government-wide goals for extreme weather resilience, preparedness, and risk identification and management (EWR); (2) develop, recommend, coordinate, and track implementation of priority interagency federal government actions related to EWR; (3) provide recommendations to the Council on Environmental Quality, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Department of Homeland Security on how agencies should develop or update agency extreme weather plans, remove barriers to state and local EWR in agency regulations, guidance, and policy, and avoid duplication among federal activities; (4) issue guidance to agencies on developing agency extreme weather plans and agency regulations, guidance, and policies to remove barriers to state and local EWR; and (5) publish biannually an inventory of all regional agency offices, centers, and programs that assist with EWR at the state or local level. OMB shall ensure that each agency provides adequate resources to the council. Each agency shall submit biannually to OMB and to the council a comprehensive plan that integrates consideration of extreme weather into its operations and overall mission objectives. OMB shall consolidate and submit such plans to Congress. Annual agency performance plans shall include the most recent agency extreme weather plan.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2936) to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 2017

Sets forth the rule for consideration of H.R. 2936 (the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017).

Fair Employment Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2017

Fair Employment Protection Act of 2017 This bill sets forth employer liability standards to be applied in employee harassment claims under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Revised Statutes, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, employment discrimination laws relating to certain executive branch employees, and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. The bill declares that employers under such Acts are liable for the acts of any individual whose harassment of an employee created or continued an unlawful hostile work environment if, at the time of the harassment: (1) such individual was authorized by that employer to undertake or recommend tangible employment actions affecting the employee or to direct the employee's daily work activities, or (2) the negligence of the employer led to the creation or continuation of that hostile work environment (thus modifies the liability standards provided by the Supreme Court in Vance v. Ball State University , which limited the category of supervisors for whom an employer may be held vicariously liable to those individuals who have authority to take tangible employment actions).

Fair Employment Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2017

Fair Employment Protection Act of 2017 This bill sets forth employer liability standards to be applied in employee harassment claims under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Revised Statutes, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991, employment discrimination laws relating to certain executive branch employees, and the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. The bill declares that employers under such Acts are liable for the acts of any individual whose harassment of an employee created or continued an unlawful hostile work environment if, at the time of the harassment: (1) such individual was authorized by that employer to undertake or recommend tangible employment actions affecting the employee or to direct the employee's daily work activities, or (2) the negligence of the employer led to the creation or continuation of that hostile work environment (thus modifies the liability standards provided by the Supreme Court in Vance v. Ball State University , which limited the category of supervisors for whom an employer may be held vicariously liable to those individuals who have authority to take tangible employment actions).

Environmental Justice Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2017

Environmental Justice Act of 2017 This bill requires agencies to address the disproportionate impact of environmental and human health hazards on communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income communities resulting from agencies' programs and policies. This bill provides statutory authority for: the interagency Federal Working Group on Environmental Justice, certain environmental justice requirements established under Executive Order 12898, a guidance titled "Environmental Justice Guidance Under the National Environmental Policy Act," a guidance titled "EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes: Guidance for Discussing Tribal Treaty Rights," the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Community Action for a Renewed Environment grant programs. The bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address potential cumulative impacts of pollutant discharges when issuing or renewing permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to require the EPA to address potential cumulative impacts of a major stationary source of air pollutants when issuing or renewing permits for those sources. The bill states that the authorization to bring citizen suits under certain environmental laws does not preclude the right of an individual to bring a civil action for deprivation of implied rights under those laws or common law. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow a person aggrieved by the failure of a covered entity to comply with the Act to bring an action against the entity in a federal or state court for discriminatory practices.

National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2017

National Opportunity for Lead Exposure Accountability and Deterrence Act of 2017 This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise the national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper. The rule must direct: public water systems to meet certain reporting requirements; the EPA to develop a sampling protocol and develop instructions for compliance with the protocol; the EPA, or the state exercising primary enforcement responsibility, to require on-site investigations for determining the source of lead when the concentration of lead or copper contamination exceeds specified levels; public water systems to meet certain notification and reporting requirements when lead or copper concentration limits are exceeded; the systems to develop and publish an inventory of the material composition of the service lines at residential and nonresidential facilities; the systems to collect and publish information about the ownership of those service lines; and the systems, when replacing lead service lines, to entirely replace the lines instead of partially replacing them. The EPA must also revise the rule to lower the allowable level of lead in drinking water.

Environmental Justice Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2017

Environmental Justice Act of 2017 This bill requires agencies to address the disproportionate impact of environmental and human health hazards on communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income communities resulting from agencies' programs and policies. This bill provides statutory authority for: the interagency Federal Working Group on Environmental Justice, certain environmental justice requirements established under Executive Order 12898, a guidance titled "Environmental Justice Guidance Under the National Environmental Policy Act," a guidance titled "EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes: Guidance for Discussing Tribal Treaty Rights," the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Community Action for a Renewed Environment grant programs. The bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address potential cumulative impacts of pollutant discharges when issuing or renewing permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to require the EPA to address potential cumulative impacts of a major stationary source of air pollutants when issuing or renewing permits for those sources. The bill states that the authorization to bring citizen suits under certain environmental laws does not preclude the right of an individual to bring a civil action for deprivation of implied rights under those laws or common law. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to allow a person aggrieved by the failure of a covered entity to comply with the Act to bring an action against the entity in a federal or state court for discriminatory practices.

Carbon Capture Prize Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2017

Carbon Capture Prize Act The bill directs the Department of Energy to carry out a competition to award prizes for technology that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, including through emissions reductions or capturing or sequestering carbon dioxide. Any competition must comply with the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.

Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2017

Protecting Airport Communities from Particle Emissions Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to report on ultrafine particles and their health impacts for communities around the 20 largest U.S. airports. The FAA must coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, and others.

SPEED Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2017

Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2017 or the SPEED Act This bill exempts certain broadband infrastructure project actions, including granting a covered easement, placement and installation of a small wireless facility, and placement and installation of a wireless service facility located in an existing public right-of-way, from environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report about challenges to and administrative delays in efficiently siting communications facility installations on federal land, and to provide recommendations for how Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can address such challenges and reduce delays identified in the report. The FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee's Streamlining Federal Siting Working Group must submit a report analyzing the challenges to and administrative delays in efficiently siting communications facility installations on federal land, including whether it is necessary to develop: (1) standard procedures for communications facility installation siting, (2) methods that federal agencies may use to identify and report on coverage gaps and deficiencies in communications facility installation siting, and (3) procedures for creating and maintaining a publicly accessible inventory of space that can be used to attach or install communications facility installations.