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Bill· HRH.R. 1338 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
United States-Mexico Border Water Pollution Control Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial and other assistance to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, Federal, State, or local governmental entities, and the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico for planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment works in the U.S.-Mexican border area. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1329 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Extends through December 31, 2003, the eligibility of veterans for: (1) inpatient care for exposure to toxic substances and ionizing radiation during military service; and (2) inpatient and outpatient care for exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard during the Persian Gulf War. Extends eligibility for such outpatient care for any disability to veterans who, during the period before December 31, 2003, either: (1) served on active duty in Vietnam and may have been exposed to dioxins or other toxic substances during such duty; or (2) were exposed during active duty to ionizing radiation during atomic testing or during the American occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Bill· HRH.R. 1337 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to any State along the U.S.-Mexican border or to any entity designated by the Administrator for construction of treatment works to serve U.S. colonias in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Bases the determination of whether a community is a colonia on objective criteria, including lack of potable water supply or adequate sewage systems. Limits Federal funding to 50 percent of construction costs. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1330 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters, including wetlands at a specific disposal site; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of the aquatic environment and meet other specified requirements; (2) classify as Type B wetlands wetlands that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands wetlands that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands functions or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Authorizes persons with ownership interests in property to request the Secretary to make determinations as to whether the property contains U.S. waters or is a wetland. Subjects such determinations to judicial review. Directs the Federal Government to compensate a property owner whose use of the property has been limited by an agency action under this Act that diminishes the fair market value of the property by at least 20 percent. Requires the compensation to equal the diminution in value resulting from such action. Directs the Federal Government, at the owner's option, to buy the portion of property for fair market value if the diminution in value is greater than 50 percent. Prohibits compensation with respect to agency actions: (1) the primary purpose of which is to prevent a public health or safety hazard or damage to specific property other than the property whose use is limited; or (2) pursuant to the Federal navigation servitude except as such servitude applies to wetlands. Sets forth procedures for owners seeking compensation and notice requirements for agencies taking actions to limit the use of private property. Applies compensation provisions only to surface interests or water rights, with specified exceptions for oil, gas, or mineral interests beneath or adjacent to Type A or B wetlands. Requires the Secretary to determine whether to issue a permit for an activity in Type A wetlands based on a sequential analysis that seeks to avoid or minimize adverse actions on wetlands and compensate for losses of functions that cannot be avoided or minimized. Authorizes mitigation requirements when appropriate to prevent loss or degradation of Type A wetlands. Permits the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands if the issuance of the permit is in the public interest, balancing the foreseeable benefits and detriments resulting from the permit. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations for the establishment and oversight of mitigation banks for wetlands. Requires the Secretary, at the option of the permit applicant, to issue permits authorizing activities in Type A and B wetlands in States with substantial conserved wetlands areas subject to the following requirements. Permits the Secretary to include conditions for minimization of adverse impacts when economically practicable. Prohibits any requirements for mitigation to compensate for adverse impacts in such permits. Directs the Secretary, upon application by owners of economic base lands in a State with substantial conserved wetlands, to issue individual and general permits for activities in waters or wetlands. Reduces requirements to allow such lands to be beneficially used to sustain economic activity and to reflect the social and economic needs of Alaska Natives to utilize such lands. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Requires wetlands located on agricultural lands and associated non-agricultural lands to be delineated by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the Food Security Act of 1985. Exempts from the requirements of this Act agricultural lands that are exempt from the requirements of the Food Security Act of 1985. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures pursuant to which: (1) landowners may appeal determinations of regulatory jurisdiction over a parcel of property, wetlands classifications with respect to property, or determinations that an activity does not qualify under a general permit; (2) any person may appeal a determination that a proposed activity is not exempt (non-exempt activities require permits); (3) permit applicants may appeal determinations to deny issuance of a permit or to impose a requirement under the permit; and (4) landowners or others required to restore or alter property may appeal an order to do so. Provides that persons who have filed appeals shall not be required to pay penalties or perform mitigation or restoration until the appeal has been decided. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval. Deems specified activities associated with cranberry production operations to be in compliance with provisions regarding effluent limitations, subject to certain conditions. Directs the Secretary, in implementing responsibilities under the regulatory program, to balance the objective of conserving functioning wetlands with the objectives of ensuring continued economic growth, providing essential infrastructure, maintaining strong State and local tax bases, and protecting against the diminishment and value of private property. Requires the Secretary and the heads of Federal agencies to seek to minimize the effects of the regulatory program on the use and value of private property. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for facilitating actions necessary to respond to emergency conditions under this Act which may involve loss of life or property damage. Provides that no U.S. waters or wetlands shall be subject to this Act based solely on the fact that migratory birds use or could use the waters or wetlands. Provides for reevaluation of determinations of regulatory jurisdiction or permit conditions imposed before this Act's enactment upon the request of a permit holder. Authorizes modification or suspension of permits, as appropriate. Bars compensation to persons as a result of such reevaluation and continues activities in Type A wetlands without permit modification.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 51 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1995
Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Kaliningrad-Konigsberg area should be made into a demilitarized zone and the Russian Federation should remove all its military forces from such area; (2) the administration of such area should be transferred from the Russian Federation to an international body; and (3) appropriate international and regional agencies should be requested to conduct and implement studies to restore the environmental integrity of the area.
Bill· SS. 629 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1995
Provides that neither the preparation of an environmental assessment nor any other action under the National Environmental Policy Act shall be required to be taken in connection with renewals of permits that have expired before, on, or after this Act's enactment for grazing on National Forest System lands for which a land and resource management plan under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 is in effect.
Bill· SS. 619 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act Title II: Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide information on the proper handling and disposal of used regulated batteries and rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries. Defines a "regulated battery" as a rechargeable battery that contains a cadmium or lead electrode or contains other electrode chemistries and is the subject of a specified determination by the Administrator. Establishes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements and establishes access authorities for the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations. Title I: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act - Prohibits any person from selling for use in the United States a regulated battery or a rechargeable consumer product ready for retail sale and manufactured on or after 12 months after this Act's enactment date unless: (1) the battery is easily removable from the product or is sold separately; and (2) the rechargeable consumer product and the battery are labeled in accordance with this Act. Sets forth labeling requirements, including that the label contain a statement that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly. Authorizes the Administrator, upon determining that other rechargeable batteries having electrode chemistries different from regulated batteries are toxic and may cause substantial harm if discarded for land disposal or incineration, to promulgate requirements for: (1) labeling such batteries and related products; and (2) easy removability of regulated batteries from rechargeable consumer products designed to contain such batteries. Provides for exemptions from this Act's requirements under certain conditions. Title II: Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Mercury-Containing Battery Management Act - Prohibits the sale or offering for sale or promotional purposes of: (1) alkaline-manganese batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, with a mercury content that was intentionally introduced (limits the content in alkaline-manganese button cells to 25 milligrams of mercury per button cell); (2) zinc carbon batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, that contain mercury that was intentionally introduced; (3) button cell mercuric-oxide batteries for use in the United States on or after January 1, 1996; and (4) any mercuric-oxide battery on or after January 1, 1996, unless the manufacturer identifies a collection site that has all required Federal, State, and local government approvals, to which persons may send such batteries for recycling or disposal and informs its purchasers of such site and of a telephone number to get information about sending such batteries for recycling or disposal. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the petition of a person that proposes a new use for a battery technology or the use of a battery described in this title in a new product, to exempt such new use or product from this title if there exist safeguards to ensure that the battery or product will not be disposed of in an incinerator, composting facility, or landfill (other than a facility regulated under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act).
Bill· SS. 617 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Supplementals and Rescissions Title II: General Provisions Second Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions Act, 1995 - Title I: Supplementals and Rescissions - Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the Agricultural Research Service, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Commodity Credit Corporation, and the Food and Nutrition Service. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Agriculture for the Office of the Secretary, Agricultural Research Service, the Cooperative State Research Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Rural Development Administration and Farmers Home Administration, the Alcohol Fuels Credit Guarantee Program Account, the Rural Electrification Administration, the Food and Nutrition Service, and the Foreign Agricultural Service. Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the National Bankruptcy Review Commission and the United States Information Agency. Rescinds appropriations made to: (1) the Department of Justice for the Immigration and Naturalization Service and Office of Justice Programs; (2) the Department of Commerce for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Under Secretary for Technology-Office of Technology Policy, the National Technical Information Service, and the Economic Development Administration; (3) the Judiciary for the United States Court of International Trade and for defender services; (4) the Small Business Administration; (5) the Department of State; (6) the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; (7) the Board for International Broadcasting; and (8) the United States Information Agency. Rescinds appropriations made to: (1) the Corps of Engineers-Civil; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior; (3) the Department of Energy; (4) the Appalachian Regional Commission; and (5) the Tennessee Valley Authority. Rescinds funds appropriated to the President for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs. Rescinds appropriations made to: (1) the Department of the Interior for the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and territorial and international affairs; (2) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; (3) the Department of Energy for fossil energy research and development, naval petroleum and oil shale reserves, and energy conservation; (4) the Department of Education for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Rescinds appropriations made to the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rescinds appropriations made to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Health Care Financing Administration, the Social Security Administration, the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration on Aging, and the Office of the Secretary. Rescinds appropriations made to specified Department of Education programs, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Railroad Retirement Board. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to decrease the appropriated funds for FY 1995 for the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Rescinds funds made available to the Legislative Branch for: (1) the payments to widows and heirs of deceased Members of Congress; (2) Joint Economic Committee and the Joint Committee on Printing; (3) the Office of Technology Assessment for salaries and expenses; (4) the Congressional Budget Office for salaries and expenses; (5) the Architect of the Capitol for capitol buildings and grounds; (6) the Government Printing Office for congressional printing and binding and salaries and expenses; (7) the Botanic Garden for salaries and expenses; (8)the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses; and (9) the General Accounting Office for salaries and expenses. Rescinds funds made available to the Department of Defense for: (1) military construction; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and (3) Base Realignment and Closure Account, Parts II and III. Rescinds funds made available to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for: (1) the Office of the Secretary; (2) the Coast Guard; (3) the Federal Aviation Administration; (4) the Federal Highway Administration; (5) the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; (6) the Federal Railroad Administration; and (7) the Federal Transit Administration. Reduces certain obligation limitations for DOT. (Sec. 901) Rescinds funds from the DOT working capital fund. (Sec. 902) Cancels a specified amount for DOT civilian and military compensation and benefits permanently. Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the General Services Administration and the Office of Personnel Management. Rescinds funds made available to the Department of the Treasury for departmental offices, the Financial Management Service, the United States Mint, the Bureau of the Public Debt, and the Internal Revenue Service. Rescinds funds made available to the Executive Office of the President for the White House Office and Federal drug control programs. Rescinds funds made available to the General Services Administration for the Federal Buildings Fund and the Office of Personnel Management for salaries and expenses. Makes FY 1995 additional supplemental appropriations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster relief and the National Flood Insurance Fund. Rescinds funds made available to: (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care and major projects construction; and (2) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing programs. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) permit a public housing agency to use modernization assistance for any eligible activity, including demolition, replacement housing, and temporary relocation assistance, authorized by this or other applicable appropriations Acts; (2) permit replacement units to be built on the site of the original demolished public housing unit only if the number of replacement units is significantly less than the number of units demolished; (3) repeal provisions prohibiting public housing projects from transferring title unless there is Federal funding assistance providing for a unit for unit replacement for each transfer; and (4) permit the reuse of any budget authority that is recaptured on account of termination of a housing assistance payments contract only for one or more the following, tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance. Rescinds funds made available to the: (1) Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (2) Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; (3) Corporation for National and Community Service; (4) Environmental Protection Agency; (5) National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (6) National Science Foundation; and (7) Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Title II: General Provisions - Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) prepare, offer, and award contracts for salvage timber sales from Federal lands; and (2) perform the appropriate revegetation and tree planting operations in the salvage area. Subjects such sales to judicial review only in the United States district court for the district in which the affected Federal lands are located. Permits such an action only if made within 15 days after the initial advertisement of the challenged timber sale. (Sec. 2002) Amends the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, 1995 and other Federal law provisions concerning overtime for criminal investigators. (Sec. 2006) Prohibits the use of funds available in FY 1995 appropriations being used for specified purposes by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Bill· SS. 622 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995
Amends the Clean Air Act to revise provisions relating to rural transport areas. Treats rural or nonrural areas that do not contribute significantly to nonattainment as satisfying requirements for ozone nonattainment areas if the State makes implementation plan submissions required for Marginal nonattainment areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 1323 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1995
Pipeline Safety Act of 1995 - Amends Federal natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety transportation law to prohibit the Secretary of Transportation from promulgating any significant gas or hazardous liquid transportation safety standard or regulatory requirement unless he or she: (1) certifies that an analysis of risk reduction benefits and costs has been conducted based on objective and unbiased scientific and economic evaluations; (2) certifies that the incremental risk reduction or other benefits of any option chosen will be likely to justify, and be reasonably related to, the incremental costs incurred by Federal, State, local, and tribal governments and other public and private citizens; and (3) explains why other options identified were found either to be less cost-effective at achieving a substantially equivalent reduction in risk, or to provide less flexibility to State, local, or tribal governments or regulated entities in achieving the otherwise applicable objectives of such standard or requirement. (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary, with respect to any significant standard or regulatory requirement, to submit any risk assessment documents and cost-benefit analyses for review by the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee or the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee, or both, and make them available to the public. Requires the Secretary to review the Committees' reports and recommendations with respect to their review and take appropriate action. (Sec. 4) Excludes from the meaning of the term "transporting gas" the gathering of gas (other than gathering through regulated gathering lines) in rural locations which are outside the limits of any incorporated or unincorporated city, town, or village, or any other designated residential or commercial area. (Sec. 5) Requires Federal minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities to include a requirement that all individuals who operate pipeline facilities be qualified to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may indicate a dangerous situation or condition exceeding design limits. Requires the Secretary, when prescribing such minimum safety standards, to consider, among other things, the comments and recommendations of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committees. Revises the prescriptions for minimum safety standards in new or replacement gas pipeline transmission facilities or hazardous liquid pipeline facilities or related equipment with respect to the accommodation of instrumented internal inspection devices ( "smart pigs"). Directs the Secretary, to the extent practicable, to update incorporated industry standards that have been adopted as part of the Federal pipeline safety regulatory program. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to carry out a voluntary project under which owners and operators of pipeline facilities demonstrate applications of risk management. Authorizes the Secretary, during the demonstration period, to exempt owners and operators participating in the project from compliance with some or all of the safety standards that would otherwise apply under this Act. (Sec. 7) Eliminates the application of certain inspection and maintenance requirements to persons who transport gas or hazardous liquids. Repeals the requirement for pipeline facility inspections at least once every two years. Requires the Secretary to establish a mandatory, systematic, and, where appropriate, periodic inspection program of any pipeline facility crossing under, over, or through waters where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists. (Currently this requirement applies to all navigable waters reardless of such likelihood.) (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations that establish criteria by which operators of hazardous liquid pipeline facilities and gathering lines shall identify each hazardous liquid pipeline facility that crosses waters where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exits. (Currently this requirement applies to all navigable waters reardless of such likelihood.) Requires the Secretary, when identifying an area as unusually sensitive to environmental damage if there is a hazardous liquid pipeline accident, to consider including intake locations of community water systems. Repeals the requirement to consider earthquake, landslide, and other substantial ground movement zones as unusually sensitive to environmental damage if there is a hazardous liquid pipeline accident. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to adopt industry accepted performance and manufacturing standards when developing standards for the performance of excess flow valves used to protect lines in a natural gas distribution system. (Sec. 11) Repeals the requirement for criminal penalties in regulations establishing a one-call notification system with respect to the safety of pipeline facilities. (Sec. 12) Requires the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee to serve as peer review committees. Deems such service to be in compliance with the requirements of other applicable Federal statutes. Requires committee members to be experienced in risk management. Revises the composition of the committees. Requires at least one of the individuals selected for each committee from the natural gas or hazardous liquid industry and from the general public to have education, backgroud, or experience in risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Requires the Secretary, when giving each committee each standard proposed for transporting gas and hazardous liquid, and for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, to include a risk assessment document, cost-benefit, and other analyses supporting such standard. Requires each committee to meet with the Secretary at least four times (currently, twice) annually. (Sec. 13) Requires each owner or operator of a natural gas pipeline facility to provide a program for educating the public on, among other things, the use of damage prevention ("one-call") systems prior to excavation. Repeals the requirement for persons transporting gas to conduct public education programs. (Sec. 14) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions with any U.S. person, agency, or instrumentality, any State or local government, any educational institution, and any other entity to carry out pipeline safety programs, including the development, improvement, and promotion of "one-call" damage prevention programs, research, risk assessment, and mapping. (Sec. 15) Declares owners and operators of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipelines who have voluntarily participated in the risk management demonstration project to be in compliance with safety standards or regulatory requirements prescribed under such project. (Sec. 16) Subjects to civil and criminal penalties any person who knowingly and willfully excavates and subsequently damages a pipeline facility and does not report such damage promptly to the operator of the pipeline facility and other appropriate authorities. (Sec. 19) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 601 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1995
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments Act of 1995 - Modifies the boundaries of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Requires the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission to revise the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan to address the boundary change and include a natural resource inventory of areas or features that should be protected, restored, managed, or acquired because of their contribution to the understanding of national cultural landscape values. Prohibits changes other than minor revisions in the approved plan as amended without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Extends the date of termination of the Commission until ten years after this Act's enactment, subject to specified conditions. Directs the Secretary to approve an additional extension if the Secretary finds that: (1) the Governors of Massachusetts and Rhode Island provide adequate assurances of continued tangible contribution and effective policy support toward achieving the purposes of the Corridor; and (2) the Commission is effectively assisting Federal, State, and local authorities to retain, enhance, and interpret the distinctive character and nationally significant resources of the Corridor. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a limited program of financial assistance for the purpose of providing funds for the preservation and restoration of structures on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places within the Corridor which exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, or environmental education opportunities to the general public. Specifies that nothing in the Act establishing the Corridor shall be construed to affect or authorize the Commission to interfere with: (1) the rights of any person with respect to private property; or (2) any local zoning ordinance or land use plan of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or a political subdivision of such Commonwealth. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations under the Act.
Bill· SS. 607 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1995
Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Excludes from the definition of "recyclable material" any material that contains polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any Federal standard promulgated after this Act's enactment. Considers transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, rubber (other than whole tires), or metal or spent batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person arranging the transaction can demonstrate that: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; (4) in the case of transactions occurring no later than 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the consuming facility was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (5) in the case of transactions involving scrap metal that occurred after the effective date of a regulation or standard associated with scrap metal recycling promulgated under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the person was in compliance with such regulation or standard and did not melt the metal prior to the transaction; and (6) in the case of transactions involving batteries, the person did not recover the valuable components of the battery and the person was in compliance with Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding battery recycling. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that, in the case of transactions occurring no later than 90 days after this Act's enactment, the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) added hazardous substances to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material.
Bill· HRH.R. 1311 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 1995
Federal Risk Assessment in Women's Health Act of 1995 - Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to conduct a review of all Federal programs that assess or mitigate the risks to women's health from environmental exposures, including programs setting standards for exposure to various pollutants, toxic substances, pesticide use, and pesticide residues. Requires the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to enter into a contract with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study the status of the science base and needs of the Federal Government for research relating to the risks to women's health from environmental exposures, for the purpose of assessing and mitigating such risks. Requires results of such review and study to be reported to the Congress.
Bill· SS. 589 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State Governor, if requested by an affected local government, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal waste in: (1) any landfill or incinerator subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the local government; and (2) landfill cells that do not meet the State's design and location standards and leachate collection and groundwater monitoring requirements for new landfills. Permits such Governors, without the request of such entities, to limit the quantity of out-of-State municipal waste received for disposal, or the disposal of such waste, at landfills covered by exceptions under this Act. Authorizes States to ban imports from large exporting States if the volumes of municipal solid waste exported by such States did not meet reduction targets. Prohibits discrimination against any particular landfill and against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin. Exempts from a Governor's authority to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State waste: (1) landfills that received documented shipments of such waste in 1993 and are in compliance with State laws relating to design and location standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure and corrective action; (2) proposed landfills that, prior to January 1, 1993, received an authorization as part of a host community agreement from the affected local government to receive municipal waste generated out-of-State and a State notice of decision to grant a construction permit; or (3) incinerators that received documented shipments of such waste during 1993 and are in compliance with performance standards under the Clean Air Act and State laws relating to facility design and operations. Authorizes States to deny permits for the construction or operation of a new landfill or incinerator or a major modification of an existing landfill or incinerator if: (1) the State has approved a State or local comprehensive solid waste management plan developed under Federal or State law; and (2) the denial is based on the State's determination that there is not a local or regional need of the landfill or incinerator in the State.
Bill· HRH.R. 1288 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State Governor, if requested by an affected local government, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal waste in: (1) any landfill or incinerator subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the local government; and (2) landfill cells that do not meet the State's design and location standards and leachate collection and groundwater monitoring requirements for new landfills. Permits such Governors, without the request of such entities, to limit the quantity of out-of-State municipal waste received for disposal, or the disposal of such waste, at landfills covered by exceptions under this Act. Authorizes States to ban imports from large exporting States if the volumes of municipal solid waste exported by such States did not meet reduction targets. Prohibits discrimination against any particular landfill and against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin. Exempts from a Governor's authority to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State waste: (1) landfills that received documented shipments of such waste in 1993 and are in compliance with State laws relating to design and location standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure and corrective action; (2) proposed landfills that, prior to January 1, 1993, received an authorization as part of a host community agreement from the affected local government to receive municipal waste generated out-of-State and a State notice of decision to grant a construction permit; or (3) incinerators that received documented shipments of such waste during 1993 and are in compliance with performance standards under the Clean Air Act and State laws relating to facility design and operations. Authorizes States to deny permits for the construction or operation of a new landfill or incinerator or a major modification of an existing landfill or incinerator if: (1) the State has approved a State or local comprehensive solid waste management plan developed under Federal or State law; and (2) the denial is based on the State's determination that there is not a local or regional need of the landfill or incinerator in the State.
Bill· HRH.R. 1297 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development Title II: Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development Title III: Community-Based Housing Development Title IV: Response to Urban Environmental Challenges Subtitle A: Environmental Cleanup Subtitle B: Environmental-Economic Recovery New Urban Agenda Act of 1995 - Title I: Federal Commitment to Urban Economic Development - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require executive agencies to expend not less than 15 percent in a fiscal year for the purchase of goods from businesses located in empowerment zones, enterprise communities, or enterprise zones. Requires agencies, to the maximum extent practicable, to purchase recycled products from businesses located in such zones. (Sec. 102) Requires not less than 15 percent of foreign assistance provided in a fiscal year to be in the form of credits for the purchase of U.S. goods produced, manufactured, or assembled in such zones. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary of Commerce, in designating and providing financial assistance to Manufacturing Technology Outreach Centers, to give preference to centers located in such zones. (Sec. 104) Establishes a preference for the construction, improvement, or relocation of Federal facilities in distressed urban areas. Title II: Tax Incentives to Stimulate Urban Economic Development - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the offset for rental real estate activities under passive activity rules to increase the rehabilitation credit under such rules. (Sec. 202) Allows the rehabilitation investment credit to offset a portion of tentative minimum tax. (Sec. 203) Allows the issuance of tax-exempt facility bonds for sports facilities, convention or trade show facilities, freestanding parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, or industrial parks. Makes termination dates on such tax-exempt bonds inapplicable to bonds issued to finance manufacturing facilities. (Sec. 204) Increases the permitted amount of qualified small issue bonds for facilities to be used by related persons. (Sec. 205) Provides an exception to arbitrage interest rebate provisions if 100 percent of available construction proceeds are spent for governmental purposes within three years of the issuance of the tax-exempt bonds. Title III: Community-Based Housing Development - Provides, subject to the approval of both the unit of general local government and the local public housing agency, for the reconstruction of public housing dwelling units on the same property on which such units were demolished or disposed, and for the relocation of displaced tenants to such new units. Title IV: Response to Urban Environmental Challenges - Subtitle A: Environmental Cleanup - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude local governments that are owners or operators of facilities in distressed urban areas from liability under such Act. Requires the President to establish standards for the degree of cleanup of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants released into the environment for facilities located in distressed urban areas. Subtitle B: Environmental-Economic Recovery - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make no more than three loans to units of local government for distressed urban areas for the establishment of facilities to dispose of, and obtain inexpensive electrical power and steam from, solid waste. Requires a report to the Congress on the results of financing such facilities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1301 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Title II: Designation of American Heritage Areas Title III: Studies Regarding Potential American Heritage Areas Title IV: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments Title V: Bramwell National Historic District Title VI: Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments Title VII: Buy American Policy American Heritage Areas Act of 1995 - Title I: American Heritage Areas Partnership Program - American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1995 - Establishes the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program within the Department of the Interior, consisting of such Areas designated by this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) evaluate nominated Areas; (2) advise State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate entities as to suitable methods of recognizing and preserving thematically and geographically linked natural, historic, and cultural resources and recreational opportunities; and (3) consider any designated Heritage Area for nomination to the World Heritage List if the Area meets the nomination qualifications. Specifies that no county, city, or town shall be included within the boundaries of the Area unless its government agrees and notifies the Secretary. Provides that an area may be designated as an American Heritage Area only by an Act of the Congress or by the means provided in title II. Conditions such designation on the Secretary of the Interior's approval of an Area feasibility study and compact. (Sec. 106) Sets forth provisions regarding compacts (relating to the objectives and management of Areas proposed for designation) and management plans (which shall present comprehensive recommendations for the conservation, funding, management, and development of such Areas). Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance for early actions that are important to the theme of an Area and that protect resources that would be in imminent danger of irreversible damage otherwise. Specifies that no provision of this title shall be construed to require any change in land use regulation as a condition of approval of a compact, management plan, or revision of a compact or management plan by the Secretary. (Sec. 107) Authorizes the management entities named in the compacts for American Heritage Areas to receive Federal funds in support of cooperative partnerships to prepare and implement the management plans and otherwise perform the functions contemplated in this title. Directs the management entity for an American Heritage Area to publish procedures to ensure that the rights of owners of private property are protected, including a process to provide information to such owners with respect to obtaining just compensation due as a result of taking of private property under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. (Sec. 108) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) withdrawal of the designation of an Area; (2) matching grants; (3) technical and other assistance; (4) spending Federal funds on non-federally owned property; (5) reporting requirements; (6) duties of Federal entities conducting Area activities; and (7) the lack of effect of this Act on other land use regulation. (Sec. 111) Authorizes appropriations. Specifies funding limitations. (Sec. 115) Specifies that: (1) the designation of an American Heritage Area shall not diminish the authority of the affected State to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting within such Area; and (2) limitations on fishing, hunting, or trapping may not be made a condition for the approval of a compact or management plan, the provision of assistance for early actions, the determination of eligibility for Federal funds, or the receipt, in connection with the American Heritage Area status of an area, of any other form of assistance from the Secretary of other Federal agencies. Title II: Designation of American Heritage Areas - Designates the following areas, subject to specified requirements, as part of the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program: (1) American Coal Heritage Area, West Virginia and Virginia; (2) Essex American Heritage Area, Massachusetts; (3) Hudson River Valley American Heritage Area, New York; (4) Ohio & Erie Canal American Heritage Area, Ohio; (5) Shenandoah Valley Battlefields American Heritage Area, Virginia; (6) Steel Industry American Heritage Area, Pennsylvania; and (7) Wheeling American Heritage Area, West Virginia. Title III: Studies Regarding Potential American Heritage Areas - Directs the Secretary to complete a study on the suitability and feasibility of designating the following as American Heritage Areas: (1) Ohio River corridor, from its headwaters in Pennsylvania to its confluence with the Mississippi River; (2) Fox and Lower Wisconsin River corridors, Wisconsin; and (3) Tryon County, in the Mohawk Valley of New York State, and the Country of the Six Nations (Iroquois Confederacy). Title IV: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Amendments - Amends the Act establishing the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to make changes with respect to boundaries, membership and termination of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, and plan revision and implementation. Directs the Commission to revise the Cultural Heritage and Land Management Plan and submit the revised plan to the Secretary and the Governors of Massachusetts and Rhode Island for approval. Specifies that the revision shall address any change in the boundaries of the Corridor that occurs after submission of the plan and shall include a natural resource inventory of areas or features that should be protected, restored, or managed because of the natural and cultural significance of the areas or features. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds for projects in the Corridor that exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, environmental, educational, or interpretive opportunities, without regard to whether the projects are in public or private ownership. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application procedures; and (2) funding and funding limitations. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Bramwell National Historic District - Designates the Bramwell National Historic District, West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of West Virginia, or any political subdivision thereof, to further the purposes of the Historic District. Sets forth provisions regarding the ratio of non-Federal funds and agreements regarding payments. Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments - Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area Amendments Act - Amends the Act establishing in the Department of the Interior the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission (the Act) to designate the Southwestern Pennsylvania American Heritage Area. Specifies that such Area shall not be considered an American Heritage Area for purposes of the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program Act of 1994 or the American Heritage Areas Partnership Program. (Sec. 604) Directs the Commission to revise: (1) the management plan developed before the date of enactment of this title to provide for limited Federal involvement; and (2) the scope and cost document developed before such date to reflect the total cost of each project proposed for approval and the Federal portion of such cost. Specifies that both the management plan and the scope and cost document shall be submitted to the Secretary for approval. Bars the Commission from making loans or grants involving Federal funds except as provided in this title. Limits specified funds available for the preservation or restoration of historic properties in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for each project so assisted. Specifies that Federal funds available under the Act with respect to projects may be made available only for projects that are consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Historic Properties promulgated by the Secretary. Sets forth additional funding limitations. (Sec. 606) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 607) Authorizes the Secretary to provide signs, interpretive materials, and other informational devices for a vehicular tour route known as the Path of Progress Heritage Route. Title VII: Buy American Policy - Expresses the sense of the Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this Act should be American made. Directs the Secretary to provide notice of such statement to any entity receiving financial assistance or entering a contract pursuant to this Act.
Bill· SS. 582 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Voluntary Environmental Audit Protection Act - Provides that an environmental audit report constituting part of an environmental audit shall not be subject to discovery and admitted into evidence in civil or criminal actions or administrative proceedings before a Federal court or agency or under Federal law. Makes such exclusion inapplicable to information: (1) required to be collected or reported to a regulatory agency pursuant to specified Federal environmental laws (covered laws); (2) obtained by observation, sampling, or monitoring by a regulatory agency; or (3) obtained from a source independent of the audit. Makes such exclusion inapplicable if: (1) the owner or operator of the facility that initiated the audit expressly waives the right of the person or government entity that prepared the report to exclude such material from the evidence or proceeding; (2) after an in camera hearing, the appropriate Federal court determines that the environmental audit report provides evidence of noncompliance with a covered environmental law and efforts to achieve compliance were not pursued with diligence; or (3) the person or government entity is asserting the exclusion for a fraudulent purpose. Places the burden of proof regarding the applicability of the exclusion on the person invoking its protection. States that a person or entity that performs an audit may not be required to give testimony in a Federal court or an administrative proceeding of a Federal agency without his or her consent. Sets forth conditions under which disclosures of information relating to a covered Federal law to an appropriate Federal or State agency are considered voluntary. Considers such disclosures involuntary if the person or government entity making the disclosure has committed repeated violations of Federal or State laws relating to environmental quality due to separate events giving rise to the violations during the three-year period prior to disclosure. Presumes disclosures to be voluntary if the person or entity provides information supporting a claim that the information is a voluntary disclosure and makes such persons or entities immune from administrative, civil, or criminal penalties for violations unless such presumption is rebutted. Places the burden of rebuttal on Federal agencies.
Bill· HRH.R. 1285 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Innocent Landowner Defense Amendment of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to create a rebuttable presumption that a defendant who has acquired real property has made all appropriate inquiry into previous ownership and uses of the property if he establishes that, immediately prior to or at the time of acquisition, he obtained a Phase I Environmental Audit (i.e., an investigation of the property, conducted by environmental professionals, to determine the obviousness of the presence or likely presence of a release or threatened release of hazardous substances, including a review of specified records of the previous ownership and use of such property). Specifies that no such presumption shall arise: (1) unless the defendant has maintained a compilation of the information reviewed in the course of the Audit; and (2) if the Audit discloses the presence or likely presence of a release or threatened release of hazardous substances on the property to be acquired, unless the defendant has taken reasonable steps to confirm the absence of such release or threatened release.
Bill· HRH.R. 1268 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1995
Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, excavation, or flooding of wetlands, construction of structures in and diversion of water from wetlands, or the conduct of any activity which adversely affects wetlands. Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands those that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem; (2) classify as Type B wetlands those that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands those that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, or are lands that do not serve significant wetlands functions. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States upon acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; (2) there are public interest concerns that require use of the lands for purposes other than conservation; or (3) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.
Bill· SS. 575 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1995
Establishes the Outer Continental Shelf Impact Assistance Fund to provide impact assistance to coastal States from allocable new revenues (payments received by the United States as royalties, net profit share payments, and related late-payment interest from natural gas and oil leases under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act). Sets forth a formula for use by the Secretary of the Interior to determine the portion of the allocable share of new revenues attributable to each coastal State and county eligible to receive impact assistance payments. Mandates that such funds be expended by the eligible coastal States and counties for certain environmental projects and activities. Requires: (1) an eligible county to submit for the Governor's approval a plan setting forth the projects and activities for which it proposes to expend impact assistance funds; and (2) the Governor of each recipient State to account to the Congress for all Fund monies received for the previous fiscal year.
Bill· HRH.R. 1262 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1995
Clean Water Enforcement and Compliance Improvement Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require any person subject to the requirements of such Act (currently, owners or operators of point sources) to maintain records, make reports, and allow access to information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with respect to carrying out such Act. Directs States to post signs containing information concerning water quality and environmental and health effects at each major point of public access to a body of navigable water that does not meet an applicable water quality standard or that is subject to a fishing ban or consumption restriction due to fish or shellfish contamination. Requires permits issued for discharges to navigable waters (except those issued to municipalities for discharges composed entirely of stormwater) to ensure compliance with public information requirements concerning the discharge and location of discharges of pollutants by the permittee. Provides for the issuance of compliance orders and the imposition of civil, criminal, or administrative penalties for violations of requirements of pretreatment programs. Repeals a provision that treats a single operational upset that leads to simultaneous violations of more than one pollution parameter as a single violation. Raises the ceiling on the amount of administrative penalties allowed to be assessed for violations. Removes provisions that permit State enforcement actions to serve as a bar to Federal enforcement actions. Directs the EPA Administrator to: (1) conduct inspections of facilities operated by significant noncompliers at which violations occurred; and (2) report annually to the Congress and to State Governors on persons classified as significant noncompliers. Requires State pollutant discharge permit programs to include specified inspection, monitoring, and reporting requirements. Prohibits the issuance of permits to significant noncompliers until conditions giving rise to violations have been corrected. Authorizes the Administrator to renew expired State discharge permits under certain conditions. Authorizes citizen suits for past violations of effluent standards or limitations. Establishes the Clean Water Trust Fund. Requires the Administrator to use Fund moneys to carry out inspections and enforcement activities. Makes specified provisions of this Act applicable to cases pending on this Act's enactment date.
Bill· HRH.R. 1257 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 March 1995
Landfill Technological Improvement Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide that nothing shall prohibit usage in hazardous waste landfills of sorbents manufactured from processed organic materials that would not be expected to degrade in an anaerobic environment until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency issues final regulations concerning anaerobic landfill conditions and the usage of organic sorbents.
Record· Regierungserklärung13/27open
Germany · German Bundestag · 16 March 1995
Vertragsstaatenkonferenz der Klimarahmenkonvention in Berlin, Unterzeichnung eines Zusatzprotokolls, Haltung der EU, Bedenken der Entwicklungsländer, Finanzierung der Globalen Umweltfazilität, Sitz des Sekretariats der Klimarahmenkonvention in Bonn, Ziele der Kohlendioxidminderung, Zusagen der Wirtschaft, Entwicklung in den neuen Bundesländern, Wirkung des FCKW-Verbots
Bill· SS. 563 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Environmental Infrastructure Financing Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow qualified recycling facilities to issue tax-exempt private activity bonds.
Bill· HRH.R. 1255 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Amends the Clean Air Act to extend from 18 to 30 months the deadline for States to correct deficiencies or failures to submit implementation plans, make other specified submissions, or implement plan provisions with respect to nonattainment areas before sanctions are imposed. Makes this Act effective with respect to findings, disapprovals, or determinations made after 18 months prior to this Act's enactment date.
Bill· HRH.R. 1252 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Stormwater Management Improvement Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to apply permit requirements to stormwater discharges associated with commercial activity and to certain discharges from storm sewer systems serving populations between 50,000 and 100,000 in urbanized areas in which other discharges requiring permits are located. Exempts, with exceptions, a discharge composed entirely of stormwater from a municipal storm sewer system serving a population of between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals that is located in an urbanized area from permit requirements prior to October 1, 2001. Exempts, with exceptions, sources of discharges composed entirely of stormwater from municipal storm sewer systems from permit requirements (currently, such exemption is only available prior to October 1, 1994). Provides that permits issued for discharges from municipal storm sewers composed entirely of stormwater shall not require compliance with numeric effluent limitations and water quality standards shall not be applied or enforced as effluent limitations. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a consolidated permit for discharges from a storm sewer system owned by a municipality and the stormwater discharges from industrial or commercial sources owned by the same municipality. Requires the Administrator to establish permit requirements for stormwater discharges from commercial and light industrial sources. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt certain commercial and light industrial stormwater discharges from permit requirements. Exempts stormwater discharges from small industrial or commercial businesses (businesses with a maximum of 25 employees and defined as small business concerns pursuant to the Small Business Act) from permit requirements unless the discharge contributes to a violation of a water quality standard or is a significant contributor of pollutants. Directs the Administrator to establish an initiative to fund State and local demonstration programs and research to test innovative approaches to address the impacts of hydrologic and hydraulic changes, source controls, and water quality management practices and controls for runoff from municipal storm sewers. Authorizes appropriations. Makes municipalities subject to stormwater discharge permit requirements eligible for grants to train citizens in watershed monitoring activities to support municipal stormwater management programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 1249 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1995
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to authorize State Governors to impose limitations or prohibitions on the receipt of out- of-State municipal solid waste by landfills or incinerators. Permits a political subdivision: (1) notwithstanding such limitation or prohibition, to permit incinerators or landfills located in the subdivision to receive such waste; and (2) in the absence of such a limitation or prohibition, to impose a limitation or prohibition on the receipt of such waste by incinerators or landfills in the subdivision. Exempts the following from this Act's authorities: (1) solid waste identified as a hazardous waste under the SWDA; (2) solid waste resulting from a response action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) or under a State law comparable to CERCLA or from a corrective action under the SWDA; (3) recyclable materials that have been separated from waste destined for disposal; (4) materials and products returned from a dispenser or distributor to the manufacturer for credit, evaluation, and possible reuse; (5) specified solid waste that is generated by an industrial facility and is transported to a facility affiliated with the generator for purposes of treatment, storage, or disposal; and (6) medical waste that is not mixed with other solid waste.
Bill· SS. 542 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1995
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize States to enact and enforce laws that regulate the treatment, incineration, and disposal of municipal solid waste generated in another State. Prohibits owners or operators of landfills, incinerators, or other waste disposal facilities from accepting municipal solid waste generated outside the State unless they have a written authorization from: (1) the affected local government; and (2) any affected local solid waste planning unit. Exempts from such prohibition owners or operators that: (1) otherwise comply with all State laws relating to the treatment, incineration, or disposal of municipal solid waste; and (2) prior to this Act's enactment, accepted municipal solid waste generated outside the State for such purposes. Continues the validity of authorizations to conduct such activities that were issued prior to this Act's enactment. Requires owners or operators who expand landfills, incinerators, or other waste disposal facilities to obtain such authorizations prior to accepting waste generated outside the State. Provides for disclosure to interested persons of information regarding the site, environmental controls, required permits, personnel requirements, violations of regulations, and capital and insurance requirements prior to issuance of an authorization by the affected local government and local solid waste planning unit. Requires each State Governor to designate the type of political subdivision that shall serve as the affected local government with respect to authorizing facilities to accept out-of-State municipal solid waste under this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1220 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1995
Prohibits (until enactment of a law that is a successor to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990) the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Army, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from delineating wetlands to carry out subtitle C (Wetland Conservation) of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 and provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to permits for dredged or fill material.
Bill· SS. 534 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Interstate Waste Title II: Flow Control Interstate Transportation of Municipal Solid Waste Act of 1995 - Title I: Interstate Waste - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize State Governors, if requested by an affected local government, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal solid waste in landfills or incinerators subject to their jurisdiction. Permits Governors to limit the quantity of out-of-State waste received at landfills and incinerators excepted from such prohibition to an annual amount equal to or greater than the quantity received during 1993. Authorizes Governors to prohibit or limit the disposal of such waste at landfills or incinerators covered by such exception that is generated by any State determined to have exported more than the following amounts of waste to landfills or incinerators not covered by host community agreements: (1) 3.5 million tons in 1996; (2) 3 million tons in 1997 and 1998; (3) 2.5 million tons in 1999 and 2000; (4) 1.5 million tons in 2001 and 2002; and (5) 1 million tons in 2003 and thereafter. Prohibits Governors from exercising authorities under this Act: (1) if such action would result in the violation of a host community agreement or a permit issued from the State to receive out-of-State municipal solid waste; or (2) except as otherwise provided, in a manner that would require landfills or incinerators covered by the exception to reduce the amount of out-of-State municipal solid waste received from any State to an annual quantity less than that received during 1993. Makes the authority to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal solid waste inapplicable to landfills and incinerators that: (1) received documented shipments of such waste during 1993; (2) in the case of landfills, are in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations relating to operation, design and location, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and corrective action; or (3) in the case of incinerators, are in compliance with applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act and State laws and regulations relating to facility design and operations. Permits disposal of such waste at facilities that are not in compliance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations unless disposal of waste that is generated within the State is also prohibited. Lists conditions under which host community agreements are prohibited. Authorizes States that imposed a special fee on the processing or disposal of out-of-State municipal waste on or before April 3, 1994, to continue to impose cost recovery surcharges for such activities subject to certain conditions. Title II: Flow Control - Municipal Solid Waste Flow Control Act of 1995 - Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and for recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator that are generated in their jurisdictions by directing such waste and materials to waste management facilities or recyclables facilities if such authority: (1) is imposed pursuant to a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision in effect on May 15, 1994; and (2) has been implemented by designating before such date the particular waste facilities in operation as of such date to which the waste or recyclable materials must be delivered. Limits such authority to categories of waste to which flow control authority requiring a movement to a facility was actually applied on or before May 15, 1994, or to the specific categories for which a State or political subdivision, prior to such date, had committed to the designation of a facility. Authorizes a political subdivision to exercise such authority notwithstanding the requirement that facilities are designated before such date if the subdivision has taken specified actions, prior to such date, to commit to the designation of a facility to be constructed. Permits States or political subdivisions, on the request of a municipal solid waste generator, to authorize the diversion of waste generated by such generator to an alternative solid waste facility where such diversion would provide a higher level of health and environmental protection or reduce potential liability of the generator under Federal or State law. Permits the exercise of flow control authority only if the State or political subdivision certifies that revenues derived from such authority will be used solely for solid waste management services. Considers laws, regulations, or acts of States or political subdivisions that implement flow control authority to be a reasonable regulation of commerce.
Bill· SS. 541 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace provisions regarding the Great Lakes Research Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with those establishing an interagency Great Lakes Research Council. Directs the Council to: (1) promote the coordination of Federal Great Lakes research activities to avoid duplication and ensure effectiveness in achieving protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; (2) prepare a document that assesses research activities and Federal expertise in such activities needed to fulfill Agreement goals; (3) identify topics for and participate in workshops and conferences on Great Lakes research issues; (4) make recommendations for the uniform collection of data for enhancing research and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes ecosystem; (5) advise in improving the integration of multimedia data concerning the ecosystem and in efforts to establish a multimedia data base for the ecosystem; and (6) ensure that findings and information regarding such research are disseminated in a timely manner.
Bill· SS. 540 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Sediments Reauthorization Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting through the Great Lakes National Program Office, to conduct at least three demonstration projects involving promising technologies and practices to remedy contaminated sediments at sites in the Great Lakes system. Gives priority for demonstration projects to: (1) the Ashtabula River in Ohio; (2) the Buffalo River in New York; (3) Duluth and Superior Harbor in Minnesota; (4) the Fox River in Wisconsin; (5) the Grand Calumet River in Indiana; and (6) Saginaw Bay in Michigan. Permits the Administrator to conduct additional projects at other sites in the Great Lakes System. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator to provide technical information and assistance involving the remediation of contaminated sediments upon request. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Great Lakes water quality program through 2001.
Bill· HRH.R. 1209 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace provisions regarding the Great Lakes Research Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with those establishing an interagency Great Lakes Research Council. Directs the Council to: (1) promote the coordination of Federal Great Lakes research activities to avoid duplication and ensure effectiveness in achieving protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; (2) prepare a document that assesses research activities and Federal expertise in such activities needed to fulfill Agreement goals; (3) identify topics for and participate in workshops and conferences on Great Lakes research issues; (4) make recommendations for the uniform collection of data for enhancing research and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes ecosystem; (5) advise in improving the integration of multimedia data concerning the ecosystem and in efforts to establish a multimedia data base for the ecosystem; and (6) ensure that findings and information regarding such research are disseminated in a timely manner.
Bill· HRH.R. 1206 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1995
Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Sediments Reauthorization Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting through the Great Lakes National Program Office, to conduct at least three demonstration projects involving promising technologies and practices to remedy contaminated sediments at sites in the Great Lakes system. Gives priority for demonstration projects to: (1) the Ashtabula River in Ohio; (2) the Buffalo River in New York; (3) Duluth and Superior Harbor in Minnesota; (4) the Fox River in Wisconsin; (5) the Grand Calumet River in Indiana; and (6) Saginaw Bay in Michigan. Permits the Administrator to conduct additional projects at other sites in the Great Lakes System. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator to provide technical information and assistance involving the remediation of contaminated sediments upon request. Authorizes appropriations. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Great Lakes water quality program through 2001.
Question· Fragestunde13/762open
Germany · German Bundestag · 10 March 1995
Bill· HRH.R. 1187 (104th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1995
Pipeline Safety Act of 1995 - Amends Federal natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline safety transportation law to exclude from the meaning of the term "transporting gas" the gathering of gas in rural locations which are outside the limits of any incorporated or unincorporated city, town, or village. (Sec. 4) Requires Federal minimum safety standards for pipeline transportation and pipeline facilities to: (1) include a requirement that all individuals who operate pipeline facilities be qualified to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions that may indicate a dangerous situation or a condition exceeding design limits; and (2) be applied as mandatory requirements to owners and operators of regulated pipeline facilities only after certification by the Secretary of Transportation that their compliance is justified based on specified considerations. Repeals the current application of such minimum safety standards to transporters of gas and hazardous liquid. Requires the Secretary to establish by regulation a procedure for petitioning for reconsideration of any significant standard or group of closely related standards, including certain risk assessment and cost-benefit requirements. Requires the Secretary when prescribing pipeline safety standards to prepare a risk assessment document and conduct a cost-benefit analysis: (1) distinguishing scientific findings from other consideration; (2) discussing certain positive and negative data; and (3) listing alternative assumptions, inferences, or models. Requires the Secretary when prescribing pipeline safety standards to consider, among other things, the: (1) costs of compliance with the standard; and (2) recommendations of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee. Directs the Secretary to prescribe minimum safety standards requiring replacement of an existing gas pipeline transmission facility, hazardous liquid pipeline facility, or equipment to be carried out in a way accommodating passage through the replacement facility or equipment of an instrumented internal inspection device ("smart pig"). Directs the Secretary, to the extent practicable, to keep current industry standards that have been adopted as part of the federal pipeline safety regulatory program. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to establish a voluntary demonstration project under which owners and operators of pipeline facilities may submit for approval Risk Management Plans in lieu of complying with regulations that would otherwise apply under this Act. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to adopt current standards or guidelines published by the National Fire Protection Association when prescribing minimum safety standards for new liquefied natural gas pipeline facilities. (Sec. 7) Eliminates the application of certain inspection and maintenance requirements for persons who transport gas or hazardous liquids. Eliminates the requirement that the Secretary inspect a pipeline facility at least once every two years. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary, when identifying an area as unusually sensitive to environmental damage if there is a hazardous liquid pipeline accident, to limit consideration to areas of critical biological or ecological resources and community water systems. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to adopt industry accepted performance and manufacturing standards when developing standards for the performance of excess flow valves used to protect lines in a natural gas distribution system. (Sec. 10) Revises the requirement that the Secretary, when deciding whether a pipeline facility is hazardous to life and property, consider the proximity of the area in which the hazardous liquid pipeline facility is located to environmentally sensitive areas. Changes the standard from "environmentally sensitive" to "unusually sensitive to environmental damage." (Sec. 11) Revises the requirement that the Secretary prescribe regulations requiring an operator of a natural gas distribution pipeline that does not maintain customer-owned natural gas service lines up to building walls to advise its customers of certain maintenance information. Limits such requirement to operators that do no maintain underground lines up to building walls. (Sec. 13) Requires the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee of the Department of Transportation to serve as "peer review" committees. Declares that such service shall be deemed in compliance with the requirements of other applicable Federal statutes. Requires committee members to be experienced in risk management. Revises the composition of the committees. Requires at least one of the individuals selected for each committee from the natural gas or hazardous liquid industry and from the general public to have education, background, or experience in risk assessment and cost- benefit analysis. Requires the Secretary, when giving to each committee each standard proposed for transporting gas and hazardous liquid, and for gas and hazardous liquid pipeline facilities, to include a risk assessment document, cost-benefit, and other analyses supporting such standard. Requires each committee to meet with the Secretary at least four times (currently, twice) annually. Requires certain committee members to serve for a term of no more than 36 months. (Sec. 14) Requires each person who transports gas to provide a program for educating the public on, among other things, the use of damage prevention ("one-call") systems prior to excavation. (Sec. 15) Requires the Secretary to allow owners and operators of natural gas or hazardous liquid pipelines who have voluntarily developed risk management plans meeting certain requirements to opt to follow those plans. (Sec. 16) Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 1180 (104th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1995
State and Local Government Interstate Waste Control Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator, effective January 1, 1996, from receiving out-of-State municipal solid waste for disposal or incineration unless the owner or operator of the landfill or incinerator obtains authorization (as part of a host community agreement) from the affected local government. Requires owners or operators to make specified information regarding the facility available prior to seeking such authorization. Authorizes State Governors, unless inconsistent with a host community agreement or permit authorizing the receipt of out-of-State waste, to limit the quantity of out-of-State waste received at landfills and incinerators that received documented shipments of such waste in 1993 (or were authorized to receive pursuant to an agreement or permit entered into prior to this Act's enactment) to an annual amount equal to the quantity received in 1993. Permits State Governors, unless inconsistent with a host community agreement or permit, to prohibit the disposal of such waste at landfills and incinerators that received such waste in 1993 (or were authorized to pursuant to a prior agreement or permit) if the waste is generated in a State determined to have exported more than the following amounts of waste to landfills or incinerators not covered by host community agreements: (1) 3.5 million tons in 1996; (2) 3 million tons in 1997 and 1998; (3) 2.5 million tons in 1999 and 2000; (4) 1.5 million tons in 2001 and 2002; and (5) 1 million tons in 2003 and thereafter. Establishes limitations on waste exports to landfills or incinerators not covered by host community agreements or permits. Exempts from the prohibition on receipt of out-of-State waste, except as otherwise provided, landfills and incinerators that: (1) received documented shipments of such waste during 1993; or (2) prior to this Act's enactment, entered into host community agreements or received permits authorizing the acceptance of such waste. Prohibits landfills or incinerators from receiving out-of-State waste in the absence of a host community agreement if the operating permit or license for the facility was denied or revoked. Permits the receipt of such waste without an authorization from the affected local government if the waste is generated within, and the landfill or incinerator is located within, the same bi-State level A metropolitan statistical area that contains two contiguous major cities located in different States. Prohibits agricultural land or surface mine sites from receiving any out-of-State sewage sludge or residuals for disposal from any sewage treatment plant unless the owner of the land or site obtains authorization from the affected local government to receive the sludge or residuals. Authorizes States and political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste, and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator, generated in their jurisdictions directing such waste and materials to waste management facilities or recyclables facilities if such authority: (1) is exercised pursuant to a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision in effect on May 15, 1994; and (2) has been implemented by designating before such date the particular waste facilities in operation as of such date to which the waste or recyclable materials must be delivered. Limits such authority to categories, volumes, or sources of waste to which flow control authority requiring a movement to a facility was actually applied on May 15, 1994, or to the specific categories for which a State or political subdivision, prior to such date, had committed to the designation of a facility. Authorizes a political subdivision to exercise such authority notwithstanding the requirement that facilities are designated before such date if the subdivision presented revenue bonds for sale to specifically provide revenue for construction of the facility prior to such date. Permits States or political subdivisions, upon the request of a municipal solid waste generator, to authorize the diversion of waste generated by such generator to a solid waste facility other than the designated facility where such diversion would provide a higher level of health and environmental protection or indemnify or reduce potential liability of the generator under Federal or State law. Considers laws, regulations, or acts of States or political subdivisions that implement flow control authority to be a reasonable regulation of commerce. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the extent to which the Supreme Court decision in C&A Carbone v. Clarkstown, New York has affected the ability of public and private entities to secure or retain financing for solid waste management facilities or services and is likely to interfere with the implementation of State solid waste management plans, recycling, or composting.
Question· oralPQ 50asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
50 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment when he will carry out the next assessment of homelessness.
[4251/95]
Question· oralPQ 48asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
48 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding his review of the Road Traffic Acts.
[4250/95]
Question· oralPQ 44asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
44 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on current Government policy in relation to local service charges and give an assurance that this will not change.
[5006/95]
Question· oralPQ 27asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
27 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment when he will carry out the next assessment of homelessness.
[5083/95]
Question· oralPQ 26asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
26 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment in view of the fact that bus exhaust emissions are a serious contribution to air pollution in our cities, the regulations, if any, that are in place in line with our European obligations under Directive 93/59/EEC, to introduce measures against air pollution by motor vehicle emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5066/95]
Question· oralPQ 25asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
25 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding his review of the Road Traffic Acts.
[5084/95]
Question· oralPQ 24asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
24 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on current Government policy in relation to local service charges and give an assurance that this will not change.
[5082/95]
Question· oralPQ 22asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
50 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment when he will carry out the next assessment of homelessness.
[4251/95]
Question· oralPQ 21asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
27 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment when he will carry out the next assessment of homelessness.
[5083/95]
Question· oralPQ 20asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
26 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment in view of the fact that bus exhaust emissions are a serious contribution to air pollution in our cities, the regulations, if any, that are in place in line with our European obligations under Directive 93/59/EEC, to introduce measures against air pollution by motor vehicle emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5066/95]
Question· oralPQ 19asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
48 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding his review of the Road Traffic Acts.
[4250/95]
Question· oralPQ 18asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 March 1995
25 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the present position regarding his review of the Road Traffic Acts.
[5084/95]
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