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51 records in US in 2019
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Atmospheric Climate Intervention Research Act This bill expands the directive of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to include climate intervention research, including research regarding the effects of proposed interventions in the stratosphere and in cloud aerosol processes.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This bill prohibits the Fish and Wildlife Service from awarding specified wildlife conservation grants to entities that fund or support certain persons or entities that are credibly alleged to have committed gross human rights violations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Affordable Safe Drinking Water Act of 2019 This bill revises the clean water state revolving fund (SRF) program and the drinking water SRF program. Both programs provide financial assistance for water infrastructure. The bill removes the 30-year term limits for loans under the SRF programs. Thus, new loans under the programs may have terms up to the projected useful life of the projects. Loan terms for existing loans may, on agreement of the parties to the loan, be extended. In addition, the bill allows states to use a percentage of SRF funds to replace pipes, plumbing fittings, and fixtures that carry water contaminated with lead or perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly referred to as PFAS) at certain state, municipal, or tribal facilities (e.g., schools, parks, and senior centers) that provide the public or employees with drinking water. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research and commercial application of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid; produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2019 This bill revises coastwise laws, commonly known as the Jones Act, that govern domestic transportation of merchandise or passengers by vessels. The Jones Act requires that vessels transporting merchandise or passengers between Puerto Rico and other U.S. ports be built in the United States, be at least 75% owned by U.S. citizens, and be mostly crewed by U.S. citizens. The bill exempts foreign-flag vessels transporting merchandise on a route in noncontiguous trade from Jones Act requirements. The bill sets forth other requirements, including (1) labor standards, (2) minimum requirements for vessels engaging in the transportation of cargo or merchandise in domestic coastwise trade, (3) environmental standards, and (4) requirements for certain non-citizens that irregularly engage in domestic coastwise trade.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
American Wild Game and Livestock Protection Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to issue as a final rule the proposed rule titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife . This bill exempts the rule from judicial review.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Commerce to carry out a grant program for establishing consortia to enhance U.S. economic, environmental, and energy security by promoting domestic research and commercial application of clean technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. Clean technology means technologies, production processes, or methodologies that produce energy from renewable energy sources; transmit, distribute, or store energy more efficiently; enhance energy efficiency for buildings and industry; enable the development of a Smart Grid; produce an advanced or sustainable material with energy or energy efficiency applications; improve energy efficiency for transportation; or enhance water security through improved water management, conservation, distribution, or end use applications.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
Extinction Prevention Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of the Interior to provide financial assistance for the conservation of butterflies and moths in North America; plant species in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands; freshwater mussels in the United States; and bony fish found in desert ecosystems in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. Among other things, the bill establishes the North America Butterfly Conservation Fund, the Pacific Islands Plant Conservation Fund, the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund, and the Southwest Desert Fish Conservation Fund. In selecting projects for assistance, Interior must prioritize projects that conserve threatened and endangered species.
United States · United States Congress · 19 December 2019
This resolution designates January 2020 as National One Health Awareness Month and recognizes the importance of the One Health approach to protecting the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. One Health is a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Land Transfer Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to convey specified property in Anchorage, Alaska, to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium for use in connection with health programs. Such conveyance shall not require any consideration from, or impose any obligation, term, or condition on, the consortium or allow for any U.S. reversionary interest in the property. The consortium shall not be liable for any environmental contamination that occurred before such conveyance.
United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2019
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Land Transfer Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to convey specified property in Sitka, Alaska, to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium for use in connection with health and social services programs. Such conveyance shall not require any consideration from, or impose any obligation, term, or condition on, the consortium or allow for any U.S. reversionary interest in the property. The consortium shall not be liable for any environmental contamination that occurred before such conveyance.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Land Ownership Collaboration Accelerates Life Act of 2019 or the LOCAL Act of 2019 This bill provides statutory authority for conservation agreements involving threatened or endangered species, including by providing for the legal treatment of species included in conservation agreements, setting forth the requirements of certain conservation agreements, and establishing safe harbor provisions for these agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Critical Infrastructure Act of 2019 This bill (1) requires specified power administrations to disclose all estimated costs and factors affecting total power costs, such as costs for complying with environmental laws impacting the conservation of fish and wildlife, (2) prohibits the Department of the Interior from designating critical habitat in certain water infrastructure areas, and (3) provides exemptions from environmental review requirements for certain electrical power projects or construction projects that may affect prairie dogs. Specifically, the bill requires the Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Southeastern Power Administration to include in monthly billing statements sent to each customer estimates of all costs and factors affecting total power costs. The estimates must include the customer's share of such administration's costs for compliance with any relevant federal environmental laws impacting the conservation of fish and wildlife. Each administration must report each year on (1) all estimated costs and factors affecting total power costs, including estimates of its total compliance costs; and (2) sources of replacement power. The bill prohibits Interior from designating critical habitat for endangered or threatened species in certain water storage, diversion, or delivery facilities. In addition, the bill exempts projects to install or maintain electrical transmission poles or power lines from environmental review requirements. The bill also exempts from such review construction projects that include buffer areas if the projects would otherwise only require an environmental assessment because of the presence of prairie dogs in such buffer areas.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
This bill requires the Department of Transportation to provide technical and financial assistance to metropolitan planning organizations and states for the completion of Tier II environmental impact statements in regards to the development of Interstate 11 in Arizona.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Fairness for Landowners Facing Eminent Domain Act This bill addresses the use of eminent domain by the holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity to acquire land or property with respect to the construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline facility. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of eminent domain unless the holder (1) obtains all federal and state permits required by law for the construction and operation of pipeline facilities, and (2) complies with all environmental conditions appended to the certificate order; suspends eminent domain authority if (1) the holder requests a material amendment to the certificate, or (2) a federal or state permit held by the holder is vacated or remanded; and prohibits the use of eminent domain if the pipeline, land, or other property necessary for the construction and operation of the natural gas pipeline is attached to any facility that imports or exports natural gas from or to a foreign country.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
This bill requires the Department of Transportation to provide technical and financial assistance to metropolitan planning organizations and states for the completion of Tier II environmental impact statements for the development of Interstate 11 in Arizona.
United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2019
Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act or the FRAC Act This bill revises requirements governing hydraulic fracturing operations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Hydraulic fracturing or fracking is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the geological formation. The bill repeals the exemption for such operations relating to oil and natural gas production activities under the act. The bill allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prescribe regulations that authorize a state to seek primary enforcement responsibility for hydraulic fracturing operations for oil and natural gas without seeking to assume primary enforcement responsibility for other types of underground injection control wells. The bill requires public disclosure of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The chemicals intended for use in underground injections must be disclosed before the operations commence. The chemicals actually used must be disclosed the end of the operations. In the event that the proprietary chemical formula of a chemical used in such hydraulic fracturing is necessary for medical diagnosis, treatment, or emergency response, hydraulic fracturing operations must disclose the formula or the specific chemical identity of a trade secret chemical to the state, the EPA, a first responder, or a health care practitioner upon request, regardless of the existence of a written statement of need or a confidentiality agreement.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2019
Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2019 or the RPM Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the modification of a vehicle's air emission controls for vehicles that are not legal for operation on a street or highway and are used solely for competition.
United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2019
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act This bill provides statutory authority for the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA), which replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement. Specifically, the bill implements provisions that include labor and environment monitoring and enforcement, de minimis levels for U.S. exports, and cooperation among treaty members to prevent duty evasion.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2019
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act This bill provides statutory authority for the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA), which replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement. Specifically, the bill implements provisions that include labor and environment monitoring and enforcement, de minimis levels for U.S. exports, and cooperation among treaty members to prevent duty evasion.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Western Tribal Water Infrastructure Act of 2019 This bill permanently reauthorizes, and expands, the Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program. Specifically, the bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to connect, expand, or repair existing public water systems that are on Indian reservations or off-reservation sites that serve tribes in the Columbia River Basin or its adjacent coastal river basins. Currently, only projects that are on Indian reservations in the Upper Missouri River Basin or the Upper Rio Grande Basin are eligible for the program.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
National Climate Bank Act This bill establishes the nonprofit National Climate Bank to finance renewable energy projects, industrial decarbonization, climate resilient infrastructure, zero-emission fleets, and similar projects.
United States · United States Congress · 12 December 2019
Eviction Crisis Act of 2019 This bill creates several grant programs to prevent at-risk tenants from being evicted and establishes consumer protections related to evictions. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Justice to establish a grant program for states and local jurisdictions to support landlord-tenant focused community courts that make social-service representatives available to assist tenants in becoming current on any debts owed to the landlord or in transitioning to a new, stable home environment; requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants for states and local and tribal governments to establish crisis-assistance programs to prevent extremely low-income households from experiencing housing instability during periods of crisis; and requires HUD to establish a grant program for local governments and nonprofit organizations to collect data from landlords on illegal evictions. The Government Accountability Office must study evictions and report to Congress on the grants awarded under the bill, including best estimates of any amounts saved and any additional revenues generated. Additionally, HUD must establish and maintain a database of data regarding various forms of eviction. A tenant who is denied rental housing on the basis of information in a consumer report must be notified of such adverse action. Further, a copy of any consumer report generated in connection with an application for tenancy in rental housing must be given to the consumer. Eviction judgments and related suits where a judgment is rendered in favor of the tenant may not be included in any consumer reports.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019
Regional Ocean Partnership Act This bill provides a mechanism for coastal states to participate in a Regional Ocean Partnership with one or more other coastal states that share a common ocean or coastal area. Specifically, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may designate a partnership as a Regional Ocean Partnership if it (1) is established to coordinate the interstate management of coastal resources; (2) focuses on the environmental issues affecting the ocean and coastal areas of the coastal states participating in the partnership; (3) complements existing state coastal and ocean management efforts on an interstate scale, focusing on shared regional priorities; (4) does not have a regulatory function; and (5) is not duplicative of an existing Regional Ocean Partnership. A Regional Ocean Partnership may use provided federal funds to award grants and enter into contracts for certain purposes, including to monitor the water quality and living resources of multistate ocean and coastal ecosystems.
United States · United States Congress · 11 December 2019
Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act of 2019 or the WHERA Act This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement programs and authorize policy to reduce emissions from wood heaters. Specifically, the bill requires the EPA to establish a grant program to provide funding for programs designed to (1) incentivize homeowners to replace old wood heaters with more efficient, cleaner-burning heaters; (2) achieve significant reductions in emissions from wood heaters; (3) help homeowners transition to safer and more efficient heating sources; and (4) support retailers, installers, and manufacturers that sell and make more efficient certified clean heaters. The EPA must also establish a program to (1) inform stakeholders of the benefits of replacing wood heaters that do not meet specified emission reductions standards, (2) develop nonfinancial incentives to promote the proper installation and use of certified clean heaters, and (3) consult with Indian tribes to implement programs and actions to reduce wood heater emissions. Finally, the bill authorizes the EPA to accept wood heater emissions reductions Supplemental Environmental Projects.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2019
Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 2019 This bill addresses contaminants of emerging concern (emerging contaminants), which are not regulated under a national primary drinking water regulation and may have an adverse effect on human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must review federal efforts to (1) identify, monitor, and assist in the development of treatment methods for emerging contaminants; and (2) assist states in responding to the human health risks posed by those contaminants. In addition, the EPA must establish a strategic plan for improving those efforts. The EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services must jointly establish an interagency working group to coordinate federal activities that identify and analyze the public health effects of emerging contaminants. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must establish a National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative to (1) improve the identification, analysis, monitoring, and treatment methods of emerging contaminants; and (2) support the implementation of its cross-agency plan for addressing research gaps related to detecting, assessing exposure to, and identifying the adverse health effects of such contaminants. Specified federal agencies must make grants for research proposals that are likely to result in significant progress toward achieving the plan's objectives. The EPA must (1) report on actions it may take to increase technical assistance and support for states with respect to emerging contaminants in drinking water samples, and (2) develop a program to provide technical assistance and support to states for the testing and analysis of emerging contaminants.
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2019
This resolution expresses sorrow at the death of William Ruckelshaus (the founding administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Nixon) and honors him for his principled service to our nation, his commitment to the rule of law, and his work to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2019
Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act This bill revises requirements concerning (1) citizen suits under the Clean Water Act, (2) permits for wetlands, and (3) wetland mitigation. Litigation costs (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) must be awarded to the prevailing party, thus the bill removes a court's discretion to award the fees. A prevailing party is defined as the party that prevails on more than half of the claims at issue. In addition, the bill repeals the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny or restrict the use of any area as a disposal site for dredged or fill material when the discharge of those materials would have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas. Finally, the bill revises mitigation requirements. Current law requires compensatory mitigation to replace the loss of aquatic resource functions in a watershed when a permit to discharge dredged or fill materials into navigable waters has unavoidable impacts on aquatic resources. This bill prohibits government entities from carrying out compensatory mitigation in excess of existing regulatory requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2019
Hazel M. Johnson Memorial Stamp Act This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Hazel M. Johnson, who was known as the mother of the environmental justice movement.
United States · United States Congress · 6 December 2019
Hazel M. Johnson Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded posthumously to Hazel M. Johnson in recognition of her achievements and contributions to the environmental justice movement.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
California Central Coast Conservation Act This bill prohibits the Bureau of Land Management from administering an oil and gas leasing and development program on the Central Coast of California (e.g., Fresno, Monterey, and San Benito Counties) until it completes and publishes a supplemental environmental impact statement assessing the environmental effects of such leasing and development, including the effects on air quality, seismicity, and greenhouse gas emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency must review and publish comments regarding the environmental impact statement, including (1) identification of any significant environmental impacts of oil and gas leasing and development on the Central Coast of California that should be avoided to adequately protect the region's natural resources, or (2) a determination that such statement does not contain sufficient information to assess the impacts.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2019 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review certain point sources that discharge perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. Based on this review, the EPA must establish effluent limitations and pretreatment standards, as well as publish water quality criteria, for certain PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2019
Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2019 This bill directs the Bureau of Reclamation to provide financial assistance to states with Reclamation projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into and out of reservoirs operated and maintained by Reclamation, including assistance to purchase, establish, operate, or maintain a watercraft inspection and decontamination station that has the highest likelihood of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. In providing financial assistance, Reclamation must prioritize projects that (1) prevent the spread of an aquatic invasive species to waters under its jurisdiction, including irrigation, reclamation, or other water projects; and (2) align with the priorities of the state and with the document titled Quagga-Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters , published in February 2010. The bill provides authority for each federal agency on the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to (1) conduct mandatory inspections and decontamination of watercraft; and (2) if necessary, impound, quarantine, or otherwise prevent entry of a watercraft. The membership of the task force is expanded to include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Reclamation.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2019
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Environmental Protection Agency should take all necessary steps to ensure that cleanup actions for all abandoned uranium mines and related environmental pollution on the Navajo Nation and other tribal lands are implemented expeditiously.
United States · United States Congress · 22 November 2019
Fostering and Realizing Electrification by Encouraging Zero Emission Refrigeration Trucks Act of 2019 or the FREEZER Trucks Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to award grants for projects that (1) replace an existing diesel-powered transport refrigeration unit in a heavy-duty vehicle with an electric unit; (2) purchase and install shore power infrastructure (infrastructure that provides power to the vehicle when it is stationary) or other equipment that enables transport refrigeration units to connect to electric power at places where heavy-duty vehicles congregate; or (3) operate and maintain vehicles, infrastructure, or equipment relating to electric transport refrigeration units and associated shore power.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Proven Forest Management Act of 2019 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), when conducting a forest management activity on National Forest System land, to coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land. USDA shall conduct such an activity on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity. However, a forest management activity shall not be conducted if the costs associated with attaining such benefits are excessive. Additionally, the USDA shall (1) establish any post-program ground condition criteria for a ground disturbance caused by a forest management activity required by the applicable forest plan, and (2) provide for monitoring to ascertain the attainment of relevant post-program conditions. The bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities for reducing forest fuels from certain environmental impact requirements. For a specified period, USDA or the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with a qualified entity to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, Stream Environment Zone restoration, and similar management activities on federal lands and nonfederal lands within such programs.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Homes for All Act of 2019 This bill provides funding for the construction of new public housing units, authorizes additional assistance for the construction of new affordable housing units, and otherwise addresses housing affordability. Specifically, the bill provides permanent, mandatory funding for the capital and operating funds available to public housing agencies (PHAs) and allows PHAs to use such funds to construct new public housing units. Under current law, a PHA generally may not use such funds to construct public housing units if doing so would result in a net increase of the number of public housing units owned, assisted, or operated by the PHA. The bill also (1) provides annual funding through FY2031 for the construction of new public housing units; and (2) authorizes additional assistance through FY2030 from the Housing Trust Fund for the construction of new, private-market, affordable housing units. A PHA may not discriminate, with respect to the rental of a unit developed with assistance under the bill, based on an individual's criminal record or immigration status. Additionally, a PHA receiving such assistance must meet specified requirements with respect to the new units regarding other forms of discrimination, supportive services, environmental standards, and accessibility. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a Community Control and Anti-Displacement Fund to award grants to local governments for the purpose of combatting gentrification and neighborhood destabilization.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 This bill establishes requirements to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Specifically, the bill sets a national goal of achieving a 100% clean economy (i.e., economy-wide, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions) by no later than 2050. Each federal agency must develop and implement a plan to rapidly achieve the national goal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress of the United States in achieving the national goal. In addition, the EPA must establish the Clean Economy Federal Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the EPA on one or more interim greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals for the United States to achieve before achieving the national goal. After obtaining the committee's recommendations, the EPA must recommend to Congress one or more interim goals.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Reauthorization Act of 2019 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2022 the election to expense (i.e., deduct in the current taxable year) environmental remediation costs (i.e., costs for the abatement or control of hazardous substances at a qualified contaminated site). The bill applies to expenditures paid or incurred after December 31, 2018.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution recognizes and celebrates small businesses by (1) acknowledging the importance of promoting a business-friendly environment for small business owners, (2) encouraging young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and create more startup businesses, and (3) conveying appreciation for the ways small businesses support their communities and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education Act of 2019 or the RECYCLE Act This bill provides support for recycling programs. Specifically, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to award grants to improve the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach. In addition, the EPA must develop a model recycling program toolkit for states, Native American tribes, and local governments. Finally, the bill specifies that the EPA's review of its federal procurement guidelines for purchasing certain recycled materials and items made with such materials must occur at least once every five years.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Banning In Government Oil Industry Lobbyists from the Cabinet Act or the BIG OIL Cabinet Act This bill prohibits the appointment of an individual to specified high-level federal positions if that individual has served as an executive officer of a fossil fuel entity, a fossil fuel lobbyist, or an employee of a fossil fuel trade association in the previous 10 years. The applicable federal positions include the Chief of Staff to the President, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of State, and all political appointments in specified agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act of 2019 This bill addresses transfers between Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana of water that contains invasive species. The bill exempts certain water transfers between public water supplies in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from prohibitions on illegal trade of plants and wildlife. Specifically, the prohibitions do not apply to covered water transfers containing prohibited species if the species are present in both public water supplies before the transfer, the water is subject to effective mitigation measures, and the water is transferred directly between the supplies; or the water is transferred in a closed conveyance system, such as a pipe system, and sent directly to treatment facilities where the species will be destroyed. The costs of the mitigation measures must be borne by the entity that sells the water for financial gain. Finally, the bill establishes notification requirements for water transfers.
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2019
This resolution recognizes and celebrates small businesses by (1) acknowledging the importance of promoting a business-friendly environment for small business owners, (2) encouraging young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and create more startup businesses, and (3) conveying appreciation for the ways small businesses support their communities and workers.
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2019
Buy America for Drinking Water Extension Act of 2019 This bill makes permanent a requirement that projects financed through a drinking water state revolving fund program only use iron and steel products that are produced in the United States, unless the Environmental Protection Agency grants a waiver from the requirement.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Pricing Greenhouse Gases Report Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to report to Congress on the Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. Specifically, Treasury must report on the utility of the data from the program for determining the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by taxpayers for the purpose of imposing a fee on taxpayers for such emissions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Climate Resiliency Service Corps Act of 2019 This bill establishes the Climate Resiliency Service Corps as a national service program to assist communities in mitigating the effects of natural disasters and other consequences of climate change.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Creating Opportunities in Research for Environmental Justice Act of 2019 or the CORE Justice Act of 2019 This bill allows certain educational institutions a tax credit for up to 30% of amounts paid that are necessary for a qualified environmental justice program. The bill defines "qualified environmental justice program" as a program conducted by educational institutions that is designed to address, or improve data about, qualified environmental stressors (i.e., contaminations of air, water, soil, or food) for the primary purpose of improving, or facilitating the improvement of, health and economic outcomes of individuals residing in low-income areas or areas populated disproportionately by racial or ethnic minorities. The bill requires (1) the allocation of credit amounts to educational institutions over a five-year period, and (2) public disclosure of the identity of educational institutions receiving allocations and the amount of each allocation.
United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2019
Preparing Superfund for Climate Change Act of 2019 This bill requires the consideration of factors related to climate change when selecting remedial actions for the cleanup of Superfund sites (sites contaminated with hazardous substances). Specifically, the potential threat to human health and the environment associated with local natural disasters and extreme weather hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change, must be taken into account when selecting remedial actions. Under current law, some remedial actions result in hazardous substances remaining at the site, so there must be a review every five years to assure that human health and the environment are being protected. The bill requires such review to include an assessment of whether the selected remedial action remains protective after taking into account local natural disasters and extreme weather hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change.
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2019
Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act This bill provides for the conveyance, sale, or management of specified federal lands in Nevada. The bill conveys 67 acres of Forest Service land in the Lake Tahoe area for the conservation of wildlife or natural resources or for a public park. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall implement a cooperative management agreement for the Tahoe Rim Trail North Parcel to (1) improve the quality of recreational access for such land, and (2) conserve the land's natural resource values. The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior shall convey 7,777 acres of specified federal land to Douglas County, Nevada, for flood control or any other public purpose. The Forest Service and Interior shall select jointly with the county federal land to be sold to qualified bidders or for the county to obtain for public purposes. USDA shall convey 1,084 acres of specified federal land to the county for recreation and any other public purpose. U.S. interest in 2,669 acres of certain federal land shall be held in trust for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The bill designates 12,392 acres of Bureau of Land Management land as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System to be known as the Burbank Canyons Wilderness. USDA may transfer to Nevada or the county certain Forest Service land or interest in such land that is unsuitable for Forest Service administration or is necessary for a public purpose. The recipient of the land must protect its environmental quality and use the land for recreation or other public purposes.