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501 records in 1997
Austria · National Council · 17 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Leopold Schöggl und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Beteiligung gewerblicher Unternehmen an einem Gemeinschaftssystem für Umweltmanagement und Umweltprüfung
Austria · National Council · 17 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Leopold Schöggl und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Beteiligung gewerblicher Unternehmen an einem Gemeinschaftssystem für Umweltmanagement und Umweltprüfung
Austria · National Council · 17 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Leopold Schöggl und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Beteiligung gewerblicher Unternehmen an einem Gemeinschaftssystem für Umweltmanagement und Umweltprüfung
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 1997 - Revises provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) continue the Chesapeake Bay Program; and (2) maintain a Program Office to provide specified support to the Chesapeake Executive Council. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance and assistance grants to nonprofit private organizations and individuals, State and local governments, colleges and universities, and interstate agencies to carry out the Program. Provides the Federal and non-Federal share of various Program costs. Provides for Chesapeake Bay Agreement (an agreement among signatory members to restore and protect the Bay's ecosystem) implementation grants, with specified Federal and non-Federal shares. Requires any Federal agency that owns or operates a facility within the Bay watershed to participate in regional and subwatershed planning and restoration programs. Requires the Administrator to ensure that management plans are developed and that implementation is begun by signatories to the Agreement for the Bay tributaries to achieve specified water nutrient and quality goals and habitat restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to offer technical assistance and assistance grants for a small watershed grants program within the Bay. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on Program goals, effects, and needs. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Brownfields Reuse and Real Estate Development Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) establish certification criteria for State programs for voluntary cleanup of eligible facilities; and (2) certify qualified States to carry out cleanup programs at eligible facilities in lieu of administrative or judicial actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) or the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "eligible facility," with exceptions, as an abandoned, idled, or under-used commercial or industrial facility or property for which real or perceived environmental contamination complicates expansion, redevelopment, or reuse. Requires the Administrator to cooperate with States to ensure that State programs continue to meet the terms of certification by assisting States in remedying any deficiency. Sets procedures for withdrawal of certification where deficiencies are not resolved. Requires a State program, to be certified, to provide: (1) adequate opportunities for public participation; (2) technical assistance throughout each voluntary cleanup; (3) adequate resources for cleanup and administration of the program; (4) adequate oversight and enforcement authority; (5) State documentation, to be provided to the owner or prospective purchaser of an eligible facility, that the cleanup is complete; and (6) assurance that the cleanup will protect human health and the environment. (Sec. 7) Amends CERCLA, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made (under current law, "undertaken") appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that an environmental site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements (compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard or with standards issued by the Administrator) and the person fulfills certain responsibilities concerning information compilation. (Sec. 8) Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecovered costs for which the owner is not liable by reason of this Act and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed six months before the action was taken. (Sec. 9) Adds CERCLA provisions governing owner-operator status of persons owning or operating property contiguous to a release site.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Defense of the Environment Act of 1997 - Requires any report of a congressional committee or committee of conference accompanying a public bill or joint resolution that includes any provision that reduces environmental protection to contain: (1) an identification and description of the provision; (2) an assessment of the extent of such reduction; (3) a description of any actions to avoid such reduction; and (4) any statement received from the Comptroller General, upon request of the committee or a majority of either the minority or majority members of the committee, assessing the reduction. Deems a provision to reduce environmental protection if it may: (1) allow increased pollution; (2) adversely affect the environmental quality of public lands or diminish protection of species that may be endangered; (3) increase children's exposure to environmental contaminants and other environmental risks; or (4) have the effect of shielding environmental law violators or limiting judicial review of agency action under authority of any environmental law. Provides for consultation and assistance of the Comptroller General at the request of any committee. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that each Federal agency: (1) collects and catalogs available information that would assist in assessing whether any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report provision would reduce environmental protection; (2) facilitates the availability of such information for Congress' use; and (3) makes such information readily available to the Comptroller General for purposes of fulfilling the assessment and consultation duties described above. Requires such information to be made publicly available. Makes out of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate the consideration of any reported bill or joint resolution, or conference report, unless the committee has complied with the identification and assessment provisions of this Act. Makes any rule waiving these provisions out of order in the House. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives with respect to the consideration and striking of provisions reducing environmental protection within the meaning of this Act. Provides Senate procedures for the striking of such provisions.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup Title II: Prospective Purchasers Title III: Innocent Landowners Brownfields and Environmental Cleanup Act of 1997 - Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide grants to States or local governments to inventory brownfield sites and conduct site assessments of brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as a facility that has or is suspected of having environmental contamination that: (1) could prevent the timely use, development, reuse, or redevelopment of the facility; and (2) is relatively limited in scope or severity and can be comprehensively characterized and readily analyzed. (Sec. 103) Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide grants to State and local governments for capitalization of loan programs for brownfield site cleanup by either the State or locality or by an owner or prospective purchaser. (Sec. 104) Makes amounts in the Hazardous Substance Superfund (the Fund) available to carry out the grant programs of this Act. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund. (Sec. 105) Requires reports to the Congress regarding the site assessment and loan capitalization programs. (Sec. 106) Imposes funding limitations, including a restriction on use of funds to meet Federal cost-sharing requirements and a prohibition on the use of grants to pay fines or penalties. (Sec. 109) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the site assessment and loan capitalization programs. Title II: Prospective Purchasers - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to absolve from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecovered costs for which the owner is not liable by reason of this Act and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed 180 days before the action was taken. Title III: Innocent Landowners - Amends CERCLA, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made (under current law, "undertaken") appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that an environmental site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements (compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard or with standards issued by the President) and the person fulfills certain responsibilities concerning information compilation, exercise of appropriate care with respect to hazardous substances at the facility, and cooperation with those conducting response actions. Deems the appropriate inquiry requirements to be satisfied by a site inspection and title search that reveal no basis for further investigation in the case of property for residential or similar use purchased by a nongovernmental or noncommercial entity.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act of 1997 - Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to include in the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation the chairperson of the President's Council on Environmental Quality. Revises the purposes and authority of the Foundation to include establishment of the United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution to assist the Government in implementing environmental assessment provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Establishes in the Treasury a United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution Revolving Fund, for establishment and operation of the Institute, to be administered by the Foundation. Establishes procedures for use by a Federal agency of the Foundation and the Institute to provide assessment, mediation, or related services in connection with a dispute or conflict related to the environment, public lands, or natural resources. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to allow the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve the construction of a facility for the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) only if the construction is in the public interest and the facility's design, location, and operation will protect public health and the environment. Allows any person to file a petition with a court of appeals for review of such approval. Applies to approval of a PCB disposal facility Solid Waste Disposal Act requirements of public notice and participation for issuance of a permit regarding a hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility. Prohibits approval of construction of a PCB disposal facility unless the owner or operator provides the Administrator (and the Administrator makes publicly available) a complete violations record.
United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1997
Interstate Transportation of Municipal Solid Waste Act of 1997 - 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 any landfill or incinerator subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the local government. 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. Permits Governors, without the request of affected local governments, to limit the quantity of out-of-State municipal waste received for disposal at landfills covered by exceptions under this Act as follows: (1) for each landfill, to an annual quantity equal to that received for disposal at the landfill during 1993; and (2) for the State, 95 percent of the quantity received by the State during the previous calendar year for 1997 through 2003 and 65 percent of the quantity received during 1993 for 2004 and succeeding years. Sets annual quantity limitations on the export of municipal solid waste by a State to landfills or incinerators in another State that are not covered by host community agreements or permits authorizing receipt. Prohibits discrimination against any particular landfill and against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin. 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 for the landfill or incinerator in the State. Allows States not exercising such permit denial authority to require that a permit issued for a new landfill or incinerator or an expansion include an annual limitation of not less than 20 percent on the total quantity of out-of-State municipal solid waste relative to the total waste received by the facility. Allows a facility with specific authorization to receive a specific quantity of out-of-State waste pursuant to a host community agreement entered into prior to enactment of this Act to receive that quantity, notwithstanding the foregoing State requirement.
European Union · Council of the European Union · 17 April 1997
Austria · National Council · 16 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend SMA <i>(Sommer Metall Austria GesmbH)</i> -Projekt Kematen und Genehmigungskriterien des volks- und regionalwirtschaftlichen Nutzens einer Betriebsanlage sowie der Unbedenklichkeit des/der Betreiber/in
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to state U.S. policy regarding the adequacy of protection of vulnerable subpopulations from exposure to environmental pollutants. Defines "vulnerable subpopulations" to mean children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with a history of serious illness, and other subpopulations identified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as likely to experience elevated health risks from environmental pollutants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) consistently and explicitly evaluate environmental health risks to vulnerable subpopulations in all risk assessments and characterizations, environmental or public health standards, or general regulatory decisions; (2) ensure that all EPA standards protect such subpopulations with an adequate margin of safety; (3) develop and use a separate assessment with respect to such subpopulations; and (4) issue revised standards, after reevaluation, that meet the criteria of this Act. Requires a report to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to: (1) identify pollutants commonly used or found in areas reasonably accessible to children (defined as homes, schools, day care centers, shopping malls, movie theaters, and parks); (2) create and review at least annually a list of such substances that are known, likely, or suspected to pose health risks to children and a list of safer-for-children substances and products for use in such areas; (3) establish guidelines to reduce and eliminate exposure to pollutants in such areas, including advice on integrated pest management; (4) create a family right-to-know information kit; (5) make all information described above publicly available; and (6) prohibit the use of any product not on the safer-for-children list in Federal properties and areas. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to: (1) coordinate and support the development and implementation of research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on vulnerable subpopulations; and (2) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
State and Local Government Interstate Waste Control Act of 1997 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator from receiving out-of-State municipal solid waste for disposal or incineration unless the waste is received pursuant to a new (entered into on or after enactment of this Act) or existing host community agreement or an exemption from this prohibition (which may be limited by the State, as provided in this Act). Requires owners or operators to make specified information regarding the landfill or incinerator (facility) available prior to seeking authorization from an affected local government to receive such waste pursuant to a new host community agreement. Sets forth other formal requirements for the authorization process, including those for notification of the State, contiguous local governments, and contiguous Indian tribes. Requires, for an exemption, that the owner or operator provide either information establishing that: (1) the owner or operator of the facility received before enactment of this Act a State permit specifically authorizing acceptance of the waste; or (2) the facility received shipments of such waste during 1993, and such information is in such documented form as would result in criminal penalties under State law in case of false or misleading information. Authorizes States to establish limits on the amount of out-of-State waste received annually for disposal at each facility pursuant to an exemption for documented shipments (under clause (2), above) and affected local governments to limit the amount received at a particular facility pursuant to such an exemption. Sets the limitation amount for any facility that began receiving documented out-of-State waste before enactment of this Act at the amount received during 1993 (zero if no such waste was received at the facility during that year). Authorizes States that imported more than 750,000 tons of such waste in 1993, in lieu of this freeze, to establish limits for calendar years after 1997 that are percentages of the waste received during 1993, beginning with 85 percent in 1998 and declining to 50 percent after 2000. Allows any comprehensive solid waste management plan approved under Federal or State law and any implementation of such plan through the State permitting process to take into account local regional needs for solid waste disposal capacity. Allows an affected local government to determine that there is no need for a new landfill or incinerator or major modification at an existing facility under its jurisdiction, but prohibits a plan from expressly prohibiting importation of solid waste from out of State. Allows States to require that a permit issued for a new landfill or incinerator or an expansion include an annual limitation of not less than 20 percent on the total quantity of out-of-State municipal solid waste relative to the total waste received by the facility. Requires any such limitation to be uniformly applied and prohibits discrimination (absent agreement otherwise) against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin. Declares that prohibitions, limitations, and the planning and permitting processes under, and laws and regulations implementing, this Act shall not be considered to impose an undue burden on or to otherwise impair, restrain, or discriminate against interstate commerce. Requires owners or operators of facilities to annually report to Governors of the States in which the facilities are located the amount of out-of-State waste received during the preceding year.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1997
Calls for the resignation of President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire. Urges the U.S. Government to: (1) unequivocally call on Mobutu to immediately leave Zaire and withdraw from all political activity; and (2) play a leading role in the international effort in supporting the creation of a broad-based transitional government of national unity composed of all democratic forces in Zaire. Calls for the United States to: (1) continue to distance itself and its foreign policy from Mobutu and his government; and (2) work with interested African and European nations to oppose the presence in Zaire of foreign government and mercenary forces, to halt the flow of arms into the country, and to encourage the warring parties to negotiate a cease-fire leading to a lasting peace. Supports the creation in Zaire of the enabling environment necessary to conduct democratic, multi-party elections at the earliest feasible time, as well as the necessary conditions to establish the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the effective provision of humanitarian assistance.
France · Senate · 15 April 1997
La conservation des habitats naturels ainsi que de la faune et de la flore sauvages
France · Senate · 15 April 1997
Le contrôle de la sûreté et de la sécurité des installations nucléaires (conclusions du rapporteur)
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
157 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if motor tax on cars and motorcycles from Dublin Corporation citizens will contribute to the equalisation fund; if this fund will be distributed to local authorities which have lost income due to the abolition of domestic water charges; if he will make a statement on this issue particularly in view of the fact that there are no domestic water charges in the Dublin Corporation area. [9658/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
135 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment the arrangements, if any, which have been made by him to compensate local authorities for the loss of revenue arising out of his announcement regarding water pending the enactment of legislation. [9951/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
10 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will review section 8 of the 1992 Planning Act in which public representatives are requested to pay a £30 fee to An Bord Pleanála every time they make submissions on matters before the Bord; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9671/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
9 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if he has considered the submissions from Dublin Corporation and various groups representing senior citizens to provide capital grants to have central heating installed in all local authority complexes; and if he will make a statement on his intentions on the matter. [9904/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
8 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has for a new urban renewal scheme. [9948/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
7 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department has carried out a current assessment of the volume of treated water lost through leaks from faulty pipes; and the plans, if any, he has to tackle this situation. [9908/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
157 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if motor tax on cars and motorcycles from Dublin Corporation citizens will contribute to the equalisation fund; if this fund will be distributed to local authorities which have lost income due to the abolition of domestic water charges; if he will make a statement on this issue particularly in view of the fact that there are no domestic water charges in the Dublin Corporation area. [9658/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
135 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment the arrangements, if any, which have been made by him to compensate local authorities for the loss of revenue arising out of his announcement regarding water pending the enactment of legislation. [9951/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
6 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make further payments to local authorities in view of the serious financial situation which has arisen following the abolition of water charges and his failure to bring forward the necessary legislation to implement his local Government package. [9947/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 April 1997
5 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the hazardous condition of chimneys in the Cranmore Estate in County Sligo; and the plans, if any, he has to resolve the issues involved in view of the protracted involvement of the local authority and the National Building Agency and the continuing dissatisfaction of the residents with the works carried out by these bodies to date. [9946/97]
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
ISTEA Reauthorization Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for: (1) the National Highway System; (2) the Interstate maintenance program; (3) the surface transportation program; (4) the bridge program; (5) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program; (6) the minimum allocation program; (7) apportionment adjustments; (8) the Interstate System reimbursement program; (9) certain projects under the Federal lands highways program; (10) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highway safety programs; and (11) FHWA highway safety research and development. (Sec. 4) Amends Federal-aid highway law to revise the formula for determining the State apportionment of funds for the National Highway System and the surface transportation program. Extends through FY 2003 the set aside of Federal highway funds for discretionary projects for the resurfacing, restoring, rehabilitating, and reconstructing of routes on the Interstate System (4 R projects). (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Transportation, not later than April 1, 2000, to report to specified congressional committees recommended adjustments to the formula used to apportion funds to States for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program, and to the amount apportioned for the program, to reflect changes since the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) in: (1) national ambient air quality standards under the Clean Air Act; and (2) the emission control requirements that result from such standards. Directs the Secretary to withhold ten percent of the apportionments if the recommendations are not enacted into law by October 1, 2000. Revises the formula for the apportionment of funds under the program. Adds transportation projects which will have air quality benefits, and consist of certain intercity rail passenger activities, to the eligible projects that a State may obligate congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program and surface transportation program funds. Limits a State's obligation for such projects to no more than 50 percent of the apportioned funds. (Sec. 6) Extends for an additional six-fiscal year period the obligation of a State to allocate surface transportation program funds for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction in urbanized areas with a population over 200,000. (Sec. 7) Increases the minimum amount of apportioned highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation program funds that a State shall receive in any fiscal year. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 for the discretionary bridge program. (Sec. 8) Revises for FY 1998 and each fiscal year thereafter the formula for determining the amount of highway funds that would be required to ensure a State's percentage of the total apportionments in each fiscal year and allocations for the prior fiscal year for specified transportation programs is not less than 90 percent of the percentage that the population of the State is of the population of the United States. (Sec. 10) Provides for the adjustment of funds apportioned to States for the surface transportation program. (Sec. 11) Extends through FY 2003: (1) the strategic highway research program; (2) the applied research and technology program; (3) intelligent transportation systems; (4) the scenic byways program; (5) construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities; and (6) the national recreational trails program. (Sec. 15) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a comprehensive initiative to carry out a comprehensive research program to investigate and understand the relationships between transportation, land use, and the environment; and (2) award transportation and land use planning and policy grants to State, regional, and local agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Authorizes appropriations out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for FY 1998 through 2003 for construction of the Appalachian development highway system.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
Calls for the Republican majority to take up without delay a budget resolution that balances the budget by 2002, targets its tax relief on working and middle class families to the same degree as the President's budget proposal, and protects important domestic priorities such as Medicare, Medicaid, education, and the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Corporate Tax and Other Provisions Subtitle A: Tax Provisions Subtitle B: Agricultural-Related Provisions Subtitle C: Other Subsidies Title II: Mineral Exploration and Development Subtitle A: Mineral Exploration and Development Subtitle B: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development Subtitle C: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund Subtitle D: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions Title III: Revenues Dedicated to Deficit Reduction Corporate Responsibility Act of 1997 - Title I: Corporate Tax and Other Provisions - Subtitle A: Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the exclusion of certain income of foreign sales corporations; (2) repeal alcohol fuel incentives; and (3) revise rules concerning the source of income from the sale of inventory property. Subtitle B: Agricultural-Related Provisions - Amends the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 to require the payment of the full cost for the delivery of water used for the production of surplus crops. (Sec. 112) Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal: (1) title III (Export Enhancement Program); and (2) the market promotion program provisions. (Sec. 114) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to repeal tobacco price supports. Subtitle C: Other Subsidies - Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to eliminate the Advanced Technology Program. (Sec. 122) Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 to declare that no appropriations are authorized to carry out the Act after September 30, 1997. (Sec. 123) Amends the Act commonly known as the National Forest Roads and Trails Act to prohibit: (1) the provision of effective purchaser road credits; and (2) Federal funding for any forest road principally used for logging. (Sec. 124) Prohibits the provision of Federal funds to, or for the benefit of, the International Monetary Fund, pursuant to the New Arrangements to Borrow of the International Monetary Fund. Title II: Mineral Exploration and Development - Subtitle A: Mineral Exploration and Development - Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1997 - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims located or converted and maintained under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities. (Sec. 205) Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. Mandates a specified location fee for every unpatented mining claim located after the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 206) Subjects existing unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to the provisions of this Act ("converted mining claims"). (Sec. 207) Sets forth certain annual claim maintenance fees. Mandates that all monies received from such fees be deposited into the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (established under this Act). (Sec. 208) States that failure to comply with the requirements of this Act shall be deemed conclusively to constitute forfeiture of the mining claim. (Sec. 209) Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) contesting a mining claim on the basis of discovery; and (2) demonstrating the continued sufficiency of a mining claim. Subtitle B: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, and for National Forest System lands the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries), to require that mineral activities on Federal lands be conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to the environment. Prescribes surface management guidelines for the granting of both an exploration and an operations permit. Requires applications for such permits to contain both an operations plan and a reclamation plan, and evidence of financial assurances. Limits an operations permit to a ten-year term (subject to renewal). (Sec. 215) Declares persons in violation of this Act ineligible for permits. Sets as a prerequisite to the issuance of any permit evidence of financial assurance payable to the United States for all lands to be affected by the mineral activities described in the permit application. (Sec. 217) Mandates that lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting their prior uses, or to other beneficial uses which conform to applicable land use plans. Sets forth reclamation standards applicable to mineral exploration. (Sec. 218) Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, and water or air quality which either meet or exceed Federal standards shall not be construed as inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. (Sec. 219) Requires the Secretaries, in preparing land use plans, to determine those areas deemed unsuitable for certain mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of such areas from mineral exploration and development. Subtitle C: Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (the Fund), to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Director of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals activities on certain public lands. (Sec. 233) Restricts reclamation expenditures to Federal or Indian land and water resources that traverse or are contiguous to Federal or Indian lands where such resources have been affected by past mineral activities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 236) Subjects the production of locatable minerals (or mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals) from any mining claim under this Act to a royalty scheme of eight percent of the net smelter return. Subtitle D: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement minerals policy and actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision making for National Forest System lands. (Sec. 242) Authorizes the Secretaries to establish and collect user fees to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in administering this Act. (Sec. 243) Prescribes procedural guidelines for the publication of an application for an operations permit and the public participation requirements. (Sec. 244) Instructs the Secretaries to: (1) inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with surface management requirements; and (2) require all operators to maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to identify compliance with them. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance. (Sec. 246) Prescribes procedural guidelines for administrative and judicial review of agency actions. (Sec. 247) Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Provides transitional rules for: (1) new and preexisting claims; (2) claims that have not been converted; (3) contest proceedings; and (4) oil shale claims. (Sec. 251) Adjusts the dollar amounts established under this Act according to a certain inflation formula. (Sec. 255) Prohibits the issuance after January 4, 1995, of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. (Sec. 256) Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain other Federal law, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. (Sec. 257) Amends Federal law to subject all mineral materials deposits to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947 (eliminating the concept of uncommon varieties). Renames specified Federal law: (1) the Surface Resource Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. (Sec. 258) Declares this Act applicable to Federal lands that are used for beneficiation or processing activities for any mineral regardless of Federal title to the mineral. (Sec. 259) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the "Buy American Act." (Sec. 260) Expresses the sense of the Congress that such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. (Sec. 261) Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 263) Declares that court-awarded compensation for a Federal taking under the fifth amendment of the Constitution shall be paid from the Fund. (Sec. 264) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to the Congress on the percentage of each mining claim held by a foreign firm. Title III: Revenues Dedicated to Deficit Reduction - Prohibits any changes in revenues or direct spending resulting from the enactment of this Act from being counted for purposes of specified provisions of the Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Commerce Dismantling Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Commerce - Replaces the Department of Commerce (DOC) with the Commerce Programs Resolution Agency (CPRA), which is limited to three years to wind up and terminate the functions and obligations of the DOC before the CPRA itself is abolished. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the most efficient means of abolishing the DOC, and transferring or terminating its functions. Title II: Disposition of Particular Programs, Functions, and Agencies of Department of Commerce - Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and transfers all financial obligations, liabilities, and related rights owned by DOC under such Act to the Department of the Treasury. Requires an audit by the Comptroller General of all DOC grants made under such Act in FY 1995. (Sec. 202) Transfers all export control functions of the DOC under the Export Administration Act of 1979 to the Secretary of State, the President, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General. Authorizes transfer of a limited number of specified DOC special agents to the Customs Service. Abolishes the Office of Foreign Availability and the Office of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, and provides for the appointment of an Industries Board to advise the Secretary of State. (Sec. 203) Transfers specified national security functions: (1) granted by the Trade Expansion Act to the International Trade Commission (ITC); and (2) granted by the Defense Production Act to the Secretaries of Defense and of the Treasury. Directs the President to appoint committees of industry representatives to advise the National Security Council. (Sec. 204) Transfers to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the functions of the DOC's International Trade Administration, and powers granted by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. Amends the Foreign Trade Zones Act to make the Secretary of the Treasury chairman and executive officer of the Foreign Trade Zones Board. Renames the United States and Foreign Commercial Service the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service (Commercial Service), abolishes specified functions, and transfers it to the USTR. Conveys all export promotion functions of the DOC to the USTR, authorizing the USTR to require private entities to pay for promotion services. Transfers the authority to collect and evaluate information on international investment and trade services to the Secretary of the Treasury. Abolishes the international economic policy analysis functions of the DOC. Terminates the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), and divides CITA's tasks among the USTR, the ITC, the Commercial Service, and the Secretary of the Treasury. Transfers all DOC functions under the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 to the ITC. Requires the appointment of industry boards to advise the Secretary of the Treasury and the USTR regarding their new powers. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal authorities for trade adjustment assistance to firms injured by import competition. (Sec. 205) Transfers the Patent and Trademark Office to the Department of Justice, and requires that the activities of that Office be funded solely by fees. (Sec. 206) Terminates the Technology Administration and the Office of Technology Policy. Transfers the National Institute of Standards and Technology to the National Science Foundation, and transfers its laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. Eliminates funding for, and requires the sale of assets of, the National Technical Information Service. (Sec. 207) Transfers the Bureau of the Census to the Department of the Treasury. Expresses the sense of the Congress that such Bureau should: (1) implement the Census Address List Improvement Act of 1994 in a timely fashion; and (2) streamline census questionnaires to promote savings in the collection and tabulation of data. (Sec. 208) Transfers the Bureau of Economic Analysis to the Federal Reserve System, requiring the director of that Bureau to report to the Congress on: (1) the availability of private resources capable of handling a portion or all of the Bureau's assigned tasks; and (2) the feasibility of a fee system to defray costs. (Sec. 209) Terminates assistance to: (1) public telecommunications; (2) educational television programs; and (3) telecommunications demonstrations. Repeals establishment of the National Endowment for Children's Educational Television (thus abolishing it). (Sec. 210) Transfers specified functions under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. (Sec. 211) Terminates: (1) funding of specified fishery assistance programs; (2) the fisheries trade promotion program; (3) the authority to guarantee obligations for fishing vessels and facilities; (4) future compensation for damage, loss, or destruction of fishing vessels or fishing gear; and (5) funding of specified Federal fishery research projects. Eliminates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and conveys specified functions of both to the National Weather Service. Transfers the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information System Data Centers in part to the CPRA to be sold, and in part to the National Weather Service. Terminates certain functions of the National Weather Service, and transfers it to the Department of the Interior. Reallocates specified functions of the National Marine Fisheries Services to the Secretary of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Agriculture. Conveys specified functions of the National Ocean Service to the United States Geological Survey and the Secretary of the Interior. Transfers certain NOAA environmental research laboratories to the CPRA to be sold. (Sec. 212) Abolishes the following DOC agencies and programs: (1) Economic Development Administration; (2) Minority Business Development Administration; (3) United States Travel and Tourism Administration; (4) National Telecommunications and Information Administration; (5) Advanced Technology Program; and (6) Manufacturing Extension Programs. (Sec. 214) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the head of each agency performing a function vested by this Act should, wherever feasible, explore and implement user fees for services provided in the performance of such function, to offset operating costs. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Limits annual expenditures for any function not terminated by this Act to 75 percent of FY 1994 expenditures for the performance of such function.
Austria · National Council · 10 April 1997
Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Doris Kammerlander und Genossen betreffend Verlängerung der Österreichischen Nationalinitiative Wald - Dritte Welt <i>aus Anlaß des fünfjährigen Jubiläums der UN-Konferenz für</i> <i>Umwelt und Entwicklung</i>
Austria · National Council · 10 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Peter Keppelmüller und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Maßnahmen zur Reduktion der Ozonbelastung
Austria · National Council · 10 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Klara Motter und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft und Verkehr betreffend Vollziehung des Tiertransportgesetzes-Straße
Austria · National Council · 10 April 1997
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rudolf Anschober und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Altlasten in Oberösterreich
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Amendments Act of 1997 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to distribute to States at least 85 percent of the funds appropriated to EPA from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund each fiscal year for the reasonable costs under cooperative agreements of: (1) State actions under the EPA program for petroleum release responses; (2) necessary administrative expenses directly related to corrective action and compensation programs under State financial responsibility requirements; (3) other costs of such programs in any instance, as determined by the State, in which an owner's or operator's financial resources (excluding resources provided by such programs) are inadequate to pay the costs of a corrective action without significantly impairing the ability to continue in business; (4) enforcement of an approved State or local underground storage tank (UST) program or similar provisions; and (5) State or local corrective actions pursuant to regulations regarding corrective action in response to UST releases. Prohibits use of such funds to provide financial assistance to an owner or operator in meeting regulatory requirements for upgrading of existing UST systems. Sets forth requirements for allocation of funds to States. Requires States to limit the proportion of such funds used to pay administrative expenses to a percentage that may be established by State law. Makes inapplicable to Trust Fund amounts provided to owners or operators under programs described in (2), above, provisions for recovery of petroleum release corrective or enforcement action costs.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Northern Forest Stewardship Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, at the request of the Governor of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, or Vermont, to: (1) provide technical assistance for sustainable forest management; (2) assist in coordinating ecological and economic research and implementation of interstate and Northern Forest Lands Council policies; and (3) provide technical and financial assistance for State conservation land planning and acquisition (authorizes appropriations), and rural community assistance. Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding: (1) the need to address certain tax policies that work against Northern Forest conservation; (2) liability exemption for private landowners who permit public use of their land; and (3) nongame conservation funding. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the request of the Governor of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, or Vermont, to provide technical and financial assistance for Northern Forest water quality assessment. Authorizes specified appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude from the definition of "volatile organic compound" beverage alcohol compounds (ethanol) emitted from aging warehouses.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Surface Transportation Title II: Highway Safety Title III: Federal Mass Transportation Amendments of 1997 Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety Title V: Infrastructure Credit Enhancement Title VI: Research Part A: Programs and Activities Part B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1997 Title VII: Revenue Title VIII: Rail Passenger Programs National Economic Crossroads Transportation Efficiency Act of 1997 - Title I: Surface Transportation - Surface Transportation Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the Interstate Maintenance Program (IM); (3) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); (4) the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ); (5) the Bridge Program; (6) the Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP); (7) infrastructure safety; (8) the Integrated Safety Fund; (9) the Recreational Trails Program; and (10) university transportation centers. (Sec. 1003) Includes among eligible NHS projects: (1) specified capital improvements to National Railroad Passenger Corporation or publicly owned intercity passenger rail lines; (2) natural habitat mitigation; and (3) infrastructure-based Intelligent Transportation Systems capital improvements. (Sec. 1004) Revises: (1) the formulas for the NHS, CMAQ, and STP apportionments; (2) the CMAQ formulas to provide apportionment of additional funding to States with carbon monoxide or particulate matter pollution; and (3) the minimum allocation provision. Authorizes: (1) funding for rehabilitation of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and for costs related to construction of a new bridge; and (2) the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to reimburse the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for conducting annual HTF audits. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1005) Establishes levels for annual apportionments such that each State is guaranteed to receive at least a certain percentage of total apportionments for each year for specified purposes or programs. (Sec. 1006) Amends provisions regarding Federal and State responsibilities for projects to: (1) repeal a 15 percent cost limitation on estimates for construction engineering; (2) combine the current two-step process for project approval and execution of a project agreement; (3) direct the Secretary to require a financial plan for any project with an estimated total cost of $1 billion or more; and (4) permit States to use phase construction to meet safety considerations. Extends Davis-Bacon Act wage protections applicable to highway construction projects to the same workers employed on any project eligible for funding under title 23 of the U.S. Code, with exceptions. (Sec. 1007) Amends provisions regarding: (1) real property acquisition and corridor preservation; (2) credit for donated lands; and (3) income from airspace rights-of-way. (Sec. 1009) Repeals: (1) requirements for the Secretary to issue Interstate maintenance guidelines and for States to annually certify that they have a maintenance program in place that meets such guidelines; and (2) the separate Interstate System (IS) preventive maintenance eligibility standard. Expands IM eligibility to include certain Interstate highway reconstruction and infrastructure-based capital improvements. (Sec. 1011) Reauthorizes the current Interstate 4R discretionary program. (Sec. 1012) Modifies provisions regarding emergency relief to: (1) reduce the Federal share payable on emergency relief projects; and (2) shorten the time period in which States receive a 100 percent Federal share. (Sec. 1013) Removes prohibitions against Federal participation in the initial construction of a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel on the IS or in the reconstruction of a toll-free highway and its conversion to a toll facility. Eliminates a tolling pilot project. (Sec. 1014) Expands STP eligibility. Eliminates the safety set-aside from the STP program. Replaces the current quarterly, project-by-project State certification and notification requirements with an annual, program-wide approval. Extends the allocation of obligation authority to urbanized areas through the life of the reauthorization. Requires that each State and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) ensure the fair and equitable treatment of central cities of over 200,000 population. (Sec. 1015) Amends metropolitan planning provisions to direct that: (1) MPO transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas provide for integrated management of transportation systems and facilities; and (2) in designating MPOs, local governments represent 51 percent of the affected population. Permits redesignation under procedures established by State law. Directs that policy boards of MPOs include local officials, officials of certain public agencies, and appropriate State officials. Amends provisions regarding: (1) metropolitan planning area boundaries; and (2) the metropolitan transportation improvement program (TIP). Requires the creation of a congestion management system within transportation management areas (TMAs). Prohibits Federal funding for any highway project that will result in a significant increase in single-occupant vehicles (SOVs) for a TMA classified as nonattainment for ozone, carbon monoxide, or particulate matter, with exceptions. (Sec. 1016) Amends statewide planning provisions. Requires the State to: (1) develop a transportation plan, with a minimum 20-year forecast period, that provides for the development and implementation of the State's intermodal transportation System, in cooperation or consultation with MPOs and local elected transportation officials; and (2) identify transportation strategies. (Sec. 1017) Encourages States to: (1) reserve training slots on their Federal-aid contracts for welfare recipients; and (2) implement preferences for employment of welfare recipients and persons residing in Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities. Declares that the Virgin Islands should implement a preference for employment of local workers. Authorizes the Secretary to develop, conduct, and administer technology training and to develop and fund Summer Transportation Institutes. Directs the Secretary to establish an assistance program to increase participation by certain minority institutions of higher education in grants and cooperative agreements awarded for research and planning. (Sec. 1018) Requires that: (1) at least ten percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated for specified programs under this Act be expended with small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; (2) each State annually survey and compile a list of such concerns; and (3) the Secretary establish minimum uniform criteria for State government use in certifying whether a concern qualifies. (Sec. 1019) Modifies the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. Expands eligibility to include scour countermeasures. Reauthorizes the bridge discretionary program. (Sec. 1020) Expands CMAQ eligibility to include projects in nonattainment areas for particulate matter. Limits CMAQ eligibility to nonattainment and maintenance areas that were classified as such under the Clean Air Act. Excludes projects funded with CMAQ apportionments from the list of safety projects eligible for 100 percent Federal participation. (Sec. 1021) Reauthorizes provisions regarding IS reimbursement. Makes permanent the State Infrastructure Bank Pilot Program authorized for FY 1996 and 1997 in the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995. (Sec. 1023) Directs the Secretary to carry out a National Scenic Byways Program. (Sec. 1024) Sets forth: (1) eligible railway-highway crossing uses of apportioned funds; and (2) a new apportionment formula for railway-highway crossing funds. Requires States to report to DOT on completed railway-highway crossing projects. Expands the protective devices set-aside to include enforcement and education efforts. (Sec. 1025) Repeals: (1) a restriction which applies the Federal-non-Federal matching rate to each payment that a State receives; (2) a provision concerning the use of motor vehicle taxes to fund highway construction projects; and (3) a law relating to bridge commissions and Federal approval of their membership. Permits reimbursement of eligible indirect costs to State and local governments. (Sec. 1026) Amends planning and agency coordination provisions to direct the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of the appropriate Federal land managing agency, to develop transportation planning procedures which are consistent with the metropolitan and Statewide planning processes. Establishes a national bridge program for replacing or rehabilitating deficient Indian reservation road bridges. (Sec. 1027) Includes the construction of pedestrian walkways as an eligible use of States' NHS apportionments under the same criteria by which bicycle transportation facilities are eligible. Removes a restriction against safely accommodating bicycles on highway bridges located on fully access-controlled highways. Amends planning provisions to require that: (1) consideration be given to bicyclists and pedestrians in the comprehensive statewide and metropolitan planning processes; and (2) the inclusion of bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways be considered in conjunction with all new construction and reconstruction of transportation facilities, with exceptions. (Sec. 1028) Incorporates the Recreational Trails Program (enacted into law as the National Recreational Trails Fund Act, Title I of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA)), into the Federal-aid highway program, but repeals provisions regarding the National Recreational Trails Advisory Committee. Requires States to establish State trail advisory committees. Requires that: (1) at least 50 percent of the funds received annually by a State be used to facilitate the use of trails for diverse recreational purposes; and (2) States give priority to project proposals that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, nonroutine maintenance, or relocation of existing trails to benefit, or mitigate the impact on, the environment. Limits the Federal share payable for Recreational Trails Program projects to 50 percent, with exceptions. (Sec. 1029) Amends provisions regarding the international highway transportation outreach program to authorize: (1) the Secretary to engage in activities to promote U.S. highway transportation goods and services internationally and to gather and disseminate information on foreign transportation markets and industries; and (2) the use of certain funds to reimburse the Federal Highway Administration for employee salaries and benefits. (Sec. 1030) Directs the Secretary, subject to specified limitations, to: (1) make incentive grants to States and MPOs that share a common border with Canada or Mexico; and (2) make grants to States for the purpose of performing planning for the efficient movement of goods along and within international and interstate trade corridors. Authorizes multistate agreements for trade corridor planning. Establishes a border gateway pilot program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 1031) Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to: (1) authorize appropriations and to limit eligibility for such funds to the development highway system authorized as of September 30, 1996; (2) provide for reallocation of funds not expended by a State within four years; (3) raise the Federal share payable regarding any pre-financed development highway project; and (4) authorize the deduction of up to 3.75 percent of funds authorized for Appalachian Regional Commission expenses in administering such funds. (Sec. 1032) Amends ISTEA to: (1) increase the number of value (formerly, congestion) pricing pilot programs eligible for funding and the Federal share payable on any project funded under the program; (2) require the Secretary to fund pre-implementation costs; (3) make the three-year funding limitation inapplicable to the pre-implementation stage; (4) authorize the use of toll revenues generated by pilot projects for any surface transportation purpose; (5) remove the three-program cap on the number of value pricing programs on which the Secretary shall allow the use of tolls on the IS; (6) require any value pricing pilot program to fully consider the potential effects of such projects on drivers of all income levels and develop mitigation measures to deal with potential adverse effects on low income drivers; and (7) eliminate requirements for the Secretary to annually report to the Congress on motor fuel tax enforcement activities and the expenditure of funds regarding highway use tax evasion projects and on increased enforcement activities to be financed with funds allocated by the Secretary to the Internal Revenue Service. Title II: Highway Safety - Highway Safety Act of 1997 - Amends highway safety program provisions to: (1) raise the minimum annual apportionment to the Secretary of the Interior; (2) allow program grants to be made to Indian tribes in Indian country; and (3) authorize the Secretary to periodically conduct a rulemaking process to identify highway safety programs that are highly effective and direct the States to consider such programs when developing their programs. Modifies safety incentive grant provisions. Establishes a drunk and impaired driving incentive program (which replaces a similar program when its terms expire at the end of FY 1997). Sets forth provisions regarding basic and supplemental grants. Establishes incentive programs to: (1) increase safety belt and child safety seat use; and (2) improve data systems and identify priorities for State and local highway and traffic safety programs and State drugged driving laws and related programs. (Sec. 2003) Adds provisions to the National Driver Register (NDR) statute to: (1) authorize the Secretary to decide whether to enter into an agreement with an organization representing State interests to manage, administer, and operate NDR's computer timeshare and user assistance functions; (2) extend participation to specified other Federal departments or agencies, such as the State Department; and (3) allow Federal agencies authorized to receive NDR information to make their requests and receive the information directly from NDR. (Sec. 2004) Authorizes appropriations out of the HTF for: (1) consolidated State highway safety programs; (2) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operations and research; and (3) NDR. Title III: Federal Mass Transportation Amendments of 1997 - Federal Mass Transportation Amendments of 1997 - Amends Federal mass transportation law to redefine the term "capital project" to include as eligible project costs for Federal mass transportation project grant assistance: (1) pre-revenue startup costs and environmental mitigation associated with the acquisition or construction of mass transportation facilities; (2) Intelligent Transportation Systems; (3) preventive maintenance; (4) leasing of equipment and facilities; (5) joint mass transportation development projects; (6) mass transportation projects that meet the special needs of the elderly and disabled individuals; (7) new and extended fixed guideway systems, as well as the development of corridors to support them; (8) vehicles and facilities that are used to provide intercity passenger service by bus or rail; (9) access for bicycles to mass transportation facilities; (10) the repayment of the principal and interest of bonds used for capital projects; (11) crime prevention and security; and (12) acquiring non-fixed route paratransit transportation service to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (Sec. 3004) Requires metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop, in a fair and equitable manner, transportation plans and programs for State urbanized areas that provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the metropolitan area, the State, and the United States. Reduces the threshold for designating an MPO for an urbanized area with a population of over 50,000, by requiring that representatives of local governments with only 51 percent (currently, 75 percent) of the affected area must support such designation. (Sec. 3006) Requires the transfer of certain highway and mass transportation funds to the Secretary of Transportation. (Sec. 3007) Makes changes to certain State transportation planning requirements to conform to this Act. Excludes the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Virgin Islands from such requirements. (Sec. 3008) Authorizes the Secretary to make urbanized area formula grants (formerly block grants) for: (1) capital projects; (2) planning; (3) financing operating costs of equipment and facilities used in mass transportation in urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000; (4) the transportation cooperative research program; (5) university transportation centers; (6) training; (7) research; and (8) technology transfer. (Sec. 3009) Repeals the mass transit account block grant program. (Sec. 3010) Authorizes the Secretary to make major capital investment grants (formerly discretionary grants and loans) to assist State and local governmental authorities in financing capital projects for new fixed guideway systems and extensions to existing systems. Terminates: (1) other discretionary capital transportation projects, including the bus program; and (2) the Secretary's authority to make loans for such projects. (Sec. 3011) Converts the grant and loan program for the special needs of elderly individuals and disabled individuals into a program of formula grants for such purposes to a State's chief executive officer for allocation to private nonprofit entities and governmental authorities. Terminates the Secretary's current authority to make loans for such projects. (Sec. 3012) Declares that four percent of rural formula program funds shall be available for the Rural Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) (thereby moving RTAP from the Transit Planning and Research Program to the formula program for other than urbanized areas). Authorizes States to use certain earmarked rural formula funds for the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) and for training. Includes intercity rail as an eligible activity for rural formula program funds. Terminates the intercity bus services set-aside program. (Sec. 3013) Terminates the Industry Technical Panel. (Sec. 3014) Revises the composition of the governing board of the TCRP to include one member from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). (Sec. 3015) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with consortia (public or private organizations which provide mass transportation service to the public) to promote the early deployment of innovation in mass transportation technology, services, management, or operational practices. Authorizes the Secretary to engage in activities to: (1) inform the U.S. mass transportation community about technological innovations available in the international marketplace; and (2) afford domestic businesses the opportunity to become globally competitive in the export of mass transportation products and services. (Sec. 3016) Changes the name of the National Mass Transportation Institute to the National Transit Institute (an institute established by Rutgers University). Revises the course instruction provided by the Institute to Federal, State, and local transportation employees. (Sec. 3021) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States, local governmental authorities, and private non-profit organizations to finance transportation services to transport economically disadvantaged persons to jobs and employment-related activities. (Sec. 3024) Makes surplus U.S. real property available for a transit purpose or as a source of materials for the construction of transit facilities. (Sec. 3025) Requires financial assistance under this Act to be obtained on a competitive basis. (Sec. 3027) Increases the amount of capital project funds that can be used for project oversight activities. (Sec. 3032) Authorizes the Secretary, among other things, to: (1) charge amounts to cover the costs of training or conferences sponsored by the FTA to promote mass transportation; and (2) perform by contract engineering or other services in connection with capital projects for States, local governmental authorities, recipients of Federal funding, or cooperating foreign countries. (Sec. 3034) Apportions a specified amount of formula grant funds for the access to jobs and training program. Earmarks specified percentages of funds for: (1) urbanized area formula grants; (2) formula grants for special needs of elderly and disabled individuals; (3) the formula program for other than urbanized areas; and (4) fixed guideway systems modernization. (Sec. 3036) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the formula grant program; (2) major capital investments; (3) metropolitan planning; (4) Statewide planning; (5) national transit research; (6) university transportation centers; and (7) administrative expenses. (Sec. 3037) Amends the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969, as added by the National Capital Transportation Amendments of 1990, to decrease the authorization of appropriations for grants to complete the Adopted Regional System. Authorizes appropriations from the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund for FY 1998 and 1999 for such project (effectively repealing the FY 1998 and 1999 general fund authorization of appropriations). Title IV: Motor Carrier Safety - Amends Federal commercial motor vehicle safety law to revise the current program. Declares as the primary objective of this title is to help States improve commercial motor vehicle (including hazardous materials transportation safety) and driver safety through enforcement activities and the use of performance-based grants. (Sec. 4001) Revises requirements for the Commercial Vehicle Information System. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program which focuses on improving commercial motor vehicle safety. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Infrastructure Credit Enhancement - Transportation Infrastructure Credit Enhancement Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to one or more Project Sponsors to capitalize Revenue Stabilization Funds for nationally significant surface transportation facility projects which cannot obtain financing from other sources. (Sec. 5007) Authorizes appropriations. Title VI: Research - Part A: Programs and Activities - Authorizes the Secretary to establish: (1) a national strategic planning process which encompasses Federal, State, and local planning activities for intermodal, multimodal, and modal transportation research and technology; and (2) the Intermodal Transportation Research and Development Program. (Sec. 6001) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish one university transportation center (thereby combining the existing university research institute and transportation centers programs) in each of the ten U.S. Government regions that compose the Standard Federal Regional Boundary System to conduct transportation research and education and training to qualified graduate and undergraduate students, with special attention to women and minorities. (Sec. 6002) Revises the duties of the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics with respect to long term data collection program to require, among other things, that it be coordinated with efforts to measure outputs and outcomes of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the nation's transportation systems under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into cooperative contracts with, public and nonprofit entities to conduct research and development in support of the Bureau's activities, including the Transportation Statistics Annual Report, data collection, the National Transportation Library, and the National Transportation Atlas Data Base. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6003) Revises Federal highway law to direct the Secretary to develop programs to facilitate application of the products of research and technical innovations that will improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of the highway system. (Sec. 6004) Directs the Secretary to develop a National Technology Deployment Initiatives program, and access domestic and international technology to achieve certain deployment goals which will expand the adoption of innovative technologies by the surface transportation community. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6005) Directs the Secretary to carry out a transportation assistance program that will provide access to modern highway technology to: (1) highway and transportation agencies and tribal governments in urbanized as well as rural areas; and (2) contractors doing work for such agencies. Authorizes appropriations. Increases the set-aside of Federal highway funds for the surface transportation program for the State transportation agencies' payment of the cost of their employees' education and training expenses. Requires that the education and training of Federal, State, and local transportation employees be provided: (1) by the Secretary at no cost if it is in the best interests of the United States (currently, for those subject areas which are a Federal program responsibility); or (2) in any case in which it is to be paid by the State through grants and contracts with public and private agencies, institutions, individuals, and the National Highway Institute, except that international or foreign entities shall pay full cost of such education and training unless a lower cost is determined to be in the best interest of the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program; and (2) the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). (Sec. 6006) Requires the Secretary to continue to completion the Long Term Pavement Performance Program (LTPP) initiated under the SHRP and advanced by ISTEA through the mid-point of its 20-year schedule. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish, through grants and contracts, an advanced research program that addresses longer-term, higher-risk research that shows benefits for improving the durability, efficiency, environmental impact, and safety of highway and intermodal transportation systems. Authorizes appropriations. Part B: Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1997 - Intelligent Transportation Systems Act of 1997 (ITS Act) - Directs the Secretary to conduct an ongoing program to research, develop, and operationally test intelligent transportation systems and advance the deployment of such systems as a component of the Nation's surface transportation systems (in effect, extending the expiring ITS Act of 1991). (Sec. 6053) Defines "intelligent transportation systems" as the application of electronics, communications, or information processing to improve the efficiency and safety of surface transportation systems. (Sec. 6055) Directs the Secretary to update the National ITS Program Plan as necessary. (Sec. 6056) Authorizes the Secretary to provide: (1) planning and technical assistance, training, and information to State and local governments seeking to implement ITS technologies and services; and (2) funding to Federal agencies and make grants to non-Federal entities (including State and local governments, universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and other persons) for ITS research. (Sec. 6057) Directs the Secretary to conduct an intelligent transportation infrastructure deployment incentives program (ITI) to promote deployment of integrated, multimodal transportation systems throughout the Nation (thereby replacing the IVHS Corridors Program). (Sec. 6058) Authorizes appropriations. Title VII: Revenue - Surface Transportation Revenue Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend HTF fuel taxes at current rates, as well as existing refunds and exemptions. Terminates the National Recreational Trails Trust Fund. Extends and makes permanent the authority for the transfer of HTF motorboat fuel taxes to the Boat Safety Account to carry out the State Recreational Boating Safety grant program. (Sec. 7003) Revises eligibility requirements for the exclusion of qualified transportation fringe benefits (employer payment of employee parking and commercial vanpool services) from an employee's gross income. (Sec. 7004) Extends the Mass Transit Account. (Sec. 7005) Authorizes expenditures from the HTF for certain motor vehicle safety and cost savings programs. (Sec. 7006) Directs the Secretary to transfer amounts from the HTF to the general fund of the Treasury for specified transportation-related programs. Title VIII: Rail Passenger Programs - Amends Federal transportation law to authorize appropriations from the HTF to make grants to AMTRAK for: (1) operating expenses; (2) capital programs; and (3) certain supplemental capital investments.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to declare that it is national policy to: (1) achieve, through regulatory and nonregulatory opportunities involving all levels of government and supported by private initiatives, the conservation and restoration of wetlands to increase the quantity and quality of, and no overall net loss of, the wetlands resource base of the United States; and (2) foster wetlands mitigation banking as a means to mitigate wetlands loss by providing a stable, practical, and workable regulatory framework for the use of mitigation banking, making appropriate use of existing, successful State programs for mitigation banking, taking into account regional variations in wetlands conditions. Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue a mitigation bank charter to a person whose application satisfies specified criteria. Requires an applicant to submit an application signed by a responsible official which contains specified information, including: (1) the proposed restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation projects proposed to be included in the scope of the charter; (2) the proposed service area for each proposed project; (3) reliable assurances of an adequate source of water; (4) adequate legal control over the real property in the proposed project; (5) adequate financial assurances; (6) an adequate operations and maintenance plan to assure continued viability of the proposed project after completion of project construction; and (7) adequate legal protection to assure permanent protection of the wetlands in the mitigation bank that are used as the basis for selling credits. Sets forth provisions regarding annual reports, decision deadlines, and other procedural matters, including State approval of mitigation bank projects. Authorizes a mitigation bank, upon receipt of its charter, to offer mitigation credits for sale, subject to specified requirements. Directs the Secretary to propose regulations which set forth objective criteria by which: (1) the number of credits to be yielded by a mitigation banking project may be determined; and (2) mitigation bank service areas are to be determined. Requires such regulations to establish a preference for in-kind compensation of wetland impacts. Directs the Secretary to develop a State-by-State implementation strategy. Sets forth reporting requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997 - Revises the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to instruct the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to: (1) develop and operate a repository for the permanent geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by no later than January 31, 2000; (3) provide for the transportation of such wastes; and (4) pursue expeditiously the development of each component of the integrated management system. Requires intermodal transfer (rail-to-heavy-haul-truck) of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste pending direct rail access to the interim storage facility site. Sets a deadline for the Secretary to develop the capability to commence rail to truck intermodal transfer at Caliente, Nevada. Provides for heavy-haul transportation route and truck transportation. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Caliente and Lincoln County, Nevada, to provide advice to the Commission regarding intermodal transfer and to facilitate on-site representation. Subjects the Secretary's movement of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by heavy-haul transport route to the exclusive regulatory purview of the Secretary of Transportation and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Prescribes transportation planning, package certification, technical assistance, interim storage facility, permanent disposal, land withdrawal, and private storage facility requirements to ensure that the Secretary is able to accept spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste by January 31, 2000, and transport it to mainline transportation facilities. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) offer Nye County, Nevada an opportunity to designate an on-site oversight representative; and (2) offer to enter into separate benefits agreements with Lincoln and Nye Counties concerning the integrated management system. Requires the Secretary to make certain initial land conveyances to Nye County. Authorizes the Secretary to contract with any person holding title to or generating or holding title to spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste of domestic origin for the acceptance of title, and possession, transportation, interim storage, and disposal. Requires the Secretary to determine the level of an annual fee for electricity generated and sold by each civilian nuclear power reactor. Permits the Secretary to make expenditures from the Nuclear Waste Fund in the event of a shortfall. Delineates budget priorities in the event of such shortfall. Requires the NRC to suspend the license of any licensee who fails or refuses to pay the currently required one-time fee on spent nuclear fuel, or high-level radioactive waste derived from it, and used to generate electricity in a civilian nuclear power reactor before April 7, 1983. Provides that payment of the one-time fee relieves the responsible party from further financial obligation to the Federal Government for its long-term storage or permanent disposal. Authorizes the NRC to require prior agreement with the Secretary for spent fuel and waste disposal as a precondition to the issuance or renewal of a license. Continues the Nuclear Waste Fund and the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue a final rule establishing the appropriate portion of the costs of managing spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste allocable to the interim storage or permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel, high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities, and spent nuclear fuel from foreign research reactors; and (2) advise the Congress annually of the amount of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities requiring management in the integrated spent nuclear fuel management system. Grants the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and this Act preeminence in the event of a conflict or duplication of laws. Precludes this Act from being construed as: (1) constituting either an express or implied Federal reservation of water rights for any purpose arising under it; (2) authorizing the Federal use of eminent domain to acquire water rights; or (3) limiting the exercise of water rights as provided under Nevada State laws. Grants the U.S. courts of appeals original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions under this Act. Prescribes guidelines for NRC licensing hearings. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting site-specific activities for a second repository unless the Congress has specifically authorized and appropriated funds for them. Requires the NRC to promulgate regulatory guidelines for: (1) financial assurances for low-level radioactive waste site closures; and (2) training and qualification of civilian nuclear powerplant personnel. Delineates an acceptance schedule for contract holders' spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Prohibits: (1) subseabed or ocean water disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste; and (2) any obligation of funds for any such related activity. Continues the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to take necessary action to improve the management of the civilian radioactive waste management program to ensure that it is operated to the maximum extent like a private business. Directs the Secretary to employ, on an on-going basis, integrated performance modeling regarding site characterization.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1997 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1998 and 1999 for specified science and technology activities. Prohibits authorization of funds under this Act for: (1) the Environmental Technology Initiative; (2) the Climate Change Action Plan; or (3) Indoor Air Research. Prohibits authorization of funds under this Act, other than amounts awarded through a competitive process, for the following activities: (1) the North Dakota Center for Air Toxic Metals Research; (2) the American Water Works Association Research Foundation; (3) the Association of California Water Agencies; (4) the Water Environmental Research Foundation; (5) the Experimental Program to Stimulate Cooperative Research; (6) Oil Spill Restoration at the Louisiana Environmental Research Center; (7) the Mine Waste Technology Program; (8) Livestock and Agriculture Pollution Abatement; (9) Resource and Agriculture Policy Development; (10) the San Joaquin Valley PM-10 Study; (11) the Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center; (12) the Gulf Coast Hazardous Substances Research Center; (13) the Salinity of the Salton Sea Study at the University of Redlands; (14) the Clean Air Status and Trends Network monitoring station in New England; (15) the National Decentralized Water Resources Capacity Project; (16) the Lung Disease Study by the National Jewish Center; (17) the Lower Mississippi River Cancer Study; or (18) the Northern Iowa Small Business Pollution Prevention Center. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator to assign to the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development the duties of: (1) developing and integrating a strategic plan for scientific and technical research activities; and (2) reviewing all EPA research to ensure that it is of high quality and not duplicative of other EPA research. Requires a report to the Congress regarding research that is of insufficiently high quality or is duplicative. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator to ensure that any fellowship award funded under this Act is used only to support research that would further missions of the Office of Research and Development in fields in which there is, or is projected to be, a shortage of scientists. (Sec. 6) Provides procedures for Science Advisory Board reports to the Congress regarding research programs proposed in the President's budget for EPA, periodic evaluation of selected areas of current and planned research, development, and demonstration activities, and annual review of research activities. Requires Board reports required to be submitted to the Administrator to be submitted also to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations for activities of the Board. (Sec. 7) Imposes restrictions on lobbying activities, funding of activities other than those for which funds are specifically authorized under this Act, and grants after FY 1997 for a project not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. (Sec. 8) Sets forth congressional committee notice requirements applicable to funds reprogramming actions and any major reorganization of an EPA program, project, or activity. (Sec. 9) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to EPA planning for the year 2000 computer problem.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1997
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide for testing under the screening program authorized by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of any substance that may be found in discharges of pollutants into navigable waters if the Administrator determines that a substantial population may be exposed to such substance.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Level and Distribution of Funds Title II: Program Streamlining Title III: Reduction of Regulation Title IV: Effective Date; Transition Rules Surface Transportation Authorization and Regulatory Streamlining Act - Title I: Level and Distribution of Funds - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 out of the Highway Trust Fund other than the Mass Transit Account (Highway Fund) for: (1) the National Highway System (NHS); (2) the Surface Transportation Program (STP); (3) the Federal Lands Highways Program (including Indian reservation roads, public lands highways, and parkways and park roads); (4) the Cooperative Federal Lands Transportation Program; and (5) U.S. territories. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary), beginning in FY 1999, to publish in the Federal Register specified information concerning the use of, and methods of apportionment for, the additional highway account revenues authorized under this Act. Requires 60 percent of such amounts to be apportioned for the NHS, and 40 percent for the STP. (Sec. 103) Provides further apportionment of authorized funds within programs under the NHS and STP. Requires population determinations for apportionment purposes to be based on the most recent estimates prepared by the Secretary of Commerce. (Sec. 104) Provides an apportionment adjustment program under which: (1) Puerto Rico is provided specified additional highway funds; and (2) additional apportionments are made, according to specified apportionment percentages, to low-population-density States (20 individuals or less per square mile) and small States (population of 1.5 million or fewer in a land area of 10,000 square miles or less). Provides five calculation levels for the determination of appropriated amounts to such States. Authorizes appropriations for such additional apportionments out of the Highway Fund for FY 1998 and thereafter. Repeals certain prior apportionment adjustment programs. (Sec. 105) Decreases from three and three-fourths to two the percentage of apportionment funds to be spent on administrative expenses and appropriate highway and transportation research. Requires such expense deduction to be made only after the completion of all other aspects of calculating the apportionment. Requires one percent of NHS and STP funds annually to be set aside for metropolitan planning activities. Directs the Secretary to undertake an enhanced level of research to determine methods of reducing the long- and short-term costs of constructing and maintaining asphalt pavement in areas with severe or frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Requires the Secretary, in selecting research topics, allocating funds, and promoting and developing transportation systems, to give careful consideration to the national interest in transportation issues, infrastructure, and modern transportation technology related to rural areas. (Sec. 106) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2003 from the Highway Fund to carry out the recreational trails program under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Provides a State apportionment formula and a deduction of up to three percent for administrative expenses. Limits the Federal share to 80 percent of the cost of a recreational trails project. Provides for matching funds from Federal grant programs. (Sec. 107) States that nothing in this Act establishes a limitation on the total of all obligations for any fiscal year for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs. Provides specific rules for any such limitations, including: (1) a distribution formula for FY 1998 and thereafter; (2) the redistribution of unused obligation authority; (3) the authority to obligate up to an additional five percent of all funds apportioned to a State for such programs; and (4) the maintenance of overall program balance. Title II: Program Streamlining - Requires each State, beginning with FY 1998, to certify to the Secretary that: (1) it has reserved an amount for bridge expenditures that is not less than the amount apportioned to such State for such purpose for FY 1997; or (2) the amount the State will reserve to carry out bridge projects between FY 1998 and 2003 will be no less than six times the amount appropriated to the State for such purpose for FY 1997. Directs the Secretary, beginning with FY 1998, to set aside specified amounts for discretionary bridge projects. Repeals provisions: (1) requiring an inventory of highway bridges on public roads and park and Indian reservation bridges; (2) concerning the replacement or rehabilitation of bridges and apportionment of funds for such purpose; (3) concerning bridge inventory reports; and (4) providing for an off-system bridge program as well as a historic bridge program. (Sec. 201) Provides a specified set-aside from the STP for highway safety programs and related activities for FY 1998 through 2003. Allows such funds to be used for the installation of protective devices at railway-highway crossings. Provides further set-asides for such fiscal years for: (1) transportation enhancement activities; and (2) congestion mitigation and air quality improvement activities. (Sec. 202) Repeals NHS provisions which require the Secretary to remove from designation as a part of the Interstate System (IS) each segment for which that State has not notified the Secretary that it intends to construct such segment and which the Secretary finds is not essential to the completion of a unified and connected IS. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions concerning: (1) the transfer to the apportionments of a State of amounts not used for IS segment construction costs, resurfacing, restoring, or rehabilitating; and (2) the placing of funding limitations on IS highway or bridge expansion which does not involve high-occupancy-vehicle lanes or auxiliary lanes. (Sec. 204) Makes eligible under the STP an area of a State that is a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide, for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to ten micrometers resulting from transportation activities, or for any combination thereof, for congestion mitigation and air quality improvement projects without regard to any Department of Transportation (DOT) limitation relating to the type of ambient air quality standard addressed by such project. Makes eligible under the STP the placement of funds in a State infrastructure bank approved by the Secretary. Removes a limitation concerning STP projects undertaken on roads classified as local or rural minor collectors. Revises provisions regarding: (1) the determination by a State of its allocation formula used for the apportionment of STP funds for division between urbanized areas of over 200,000 population for FY 1998 and thereafter; and (2) State certification procedures. Extends through FY 2003 the STP obligation authority with respect to such urbanized areas. (Sec. 205) Increases from $300,000 to $500,000 the funds required to be expended by the Secretary to carry out a public information program aimed at preventing and reducing motor vehicle accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and improving driver performance, at railway-highway crossings. Repeals current set-asides for IS and NHS discretionary programs. (Sec. 206) Establishes the Cooperative Federal Lands Transportation Program to provide funds for projects on State-owned or maintained highways that cross, are adjacent to, or lead to federally owned land or Indian reservations. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) project funds distribution; and (2) the transfer of project funds to a State to carry out projects on Federal lands highways within such State. Title III: Reduction of Regulation - Directs the Secretary to carry out a periodic review of all significant DOT rules to determine which should be amended, rescinded, or continued without change. Requires publication of a plan for such review. (Sec. 302) States that any decision by the Secretary concerning a State transportation plan or program shall not be considered a Federal action subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (Sec. 303) Removes the requirement that, after September 30, 2000, a State must use or plan to use metric system designations as part of a Federal-aid highway project. Title IV: Effective Date; Transition Rules - Makes this Act effective on the date of enactment and applicable only to funds authorized to be appropriated or made available after September 30, 1997, except as otherwise specified. Provides for State transfers of unobligated funds apportioned to the State before October 1, 1997.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities Title II: Department of State Authorities and Activities Title III: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; the Foreign Service Title IV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs Title V: International Organizations; United Nations and Related Agencies Title VI: Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Title VII: Foreign Policy Provisions Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1998 and 1999 - Title I: Authorization of Appropriations for Department of State and Certain International Affairs Functions and Activities - Authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for FY 1998 and 1999 for: (1) the administration of foreign affairs; (2) contributions to international organizations and international peacekeeping activities; (3) international conferences and contingencies; (4) offset of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (5) international commissions; (6) migration and refugee assistance; (7) the Asia Foundation; (8) international information activities and educational and cultural exchange programs; and (9) purposes of carrying out the Arms Control and Disarmament Act. Earmarks funds for specified organizations and activities. Withholds certain amounts of funds from the United Nations Development Program unless the President certifies to appropriate congressional committees that the Program's activities in Burma: (1) are focused on eliminating human suffering and addressing the needs of the poor; (2) are undertaken only through international or private voluntary organizations that are independent of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC); (3) provide no financial, political, or military support to SLORC; and (4) are supported by the leadership of the National League for Democracy and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma. Title II: Department of State Authorities and Activities - Chapter 1: Authorities and Activities - Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of aiders or abettors of acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property or in certain narcotics-related offenses. Makes the resources of the rewards program available, at the Secretary's discretion, for the publication of rewards offered by foreign governments about acts of terrorism not involving the United States. Declares the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should pursue additional means of funding the rewards program, including the authority to seize and dispose of assets used in the commission of specified offenses, or to participate in asset sharing programs with the Department of Justice. Directs the President, in carrying out the rewards program, to take possession and exercise full control of up to two percent of earnings accruing on all assets of foreign governments blocked under the International Emergency Powers Act. (Sec. 202) Directs the Secretary of State to develop a worldwide plan for the consolidation, on a regional or area wide basis, of U.S. missions and consular posts abroad. (Sec. 203) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to make one of the purposes of the Capital Investment Fund the enhancement of information technology and other related capital investments for the Department of State. (Sec. 204) Requires U.S. agencies performing functions at diplomatic and consular posts abroad to avoid duplicative acquisition actions to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes amendment without competition of contracts awarded by such agencies through competition, or under the commercial item simplified procedures threshold of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, in order to permit other such agencies to obtain goods or services under such contract, provided prices or the scope of work are not increased as a result of such amendment. (Sec. 205) Amends the Foreign Service Buildings Act, 1926 to authorize the deposit of proceeds from the sale of foreign properties into interest bearing accounts. Authorizes the Secretary to retain, and expend without further appropriation, the interest earned on such deposits. (Sec. 208) Amends the International Claims Settlement Act to grant jurisdiction to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States to adjudicate claims included in a category of claims against a foreign government which is referred to it by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to provide fair notice to all persons whose claims are to be preadjudicated by the Commission. (Sec. 210) Establishes a special fee account for use in paying certain expenses of the Department of State and the Foreign Service. Earmarks funds for the provision, without charge, of passport information services to U.S. citizens. (Sec. 211) Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 to require deposit in a special fund of the Treasury of a certain amount of fees collected from processing machine readable visas. Makes funds available for certain costs of the Department's border security program. Repeals the prohibition against the charging of fees to citizens of countries that are signatories to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (Sec. 212) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to change from $700,000 to all the amount of registration fees collected by the Office of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of State which shall be credited for each fiscal year to a Department of State account, without limitation. Adds to the permissible expenses payable from such account the enhancement of defense trade export compliance and enforcement activities to include compliance audits of U.S. and foreign parties, the conduct of administrative proceedings, end-use monitoring of direct commercial arms sales and transfers, and cooperation in criminal proceedings related to defense trade export controls. (Sec. 213) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary to provide training through the Foreign Service Institute to U.S. company employees engaged in business abroad, and their families. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such training on a reimbursable basis to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the judiciary, and their employees. Authorizes the Secretary to charge a fee for use of the National Foreign Affairs Training Center Facility of the Department. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary, under the Department's health care program, to collect from a third-party payer the reasonable costs incurred by the Department on behalf of covered beneficiaries for health care services to the same extent that such a beneficiary would be eligible to receive indemnification from the third-party payer for such costs. (Sec. 215) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to charge a fee for use of the Department's diplomatic reception rooms. (Sec. 217) Bars the use of funds to further normalize diplomatic relations with Vietnam until the President certifies to appropriate congressional committees that Vietnam: (1) accounts for American prisoners-of-war and missing in action from the Vietnam war; (2) has made substantial progress toward the release of all political and religious prisoners; and (3) is cooperating with U.S. requests to obtain access to persons of humanitarian interest there and in providing exit visas to such persons. Requires certification also that the U.S. Government is making vigorous efforts to interview and resettle former re-education camp victims, their immediate families, former U.S. Government employees, and certain other persons. (Sec. 218) Amends the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1990 to extend through FY 1999 the authorization of admission into the United States of a specified number of refugees from the independent states of the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania based on religious persecution owing to participation in the Ukrainian Catholic or Orthodox churches. Makes September 30, 1999, the latest allowable entry date for specified aliens from the former Soviet Union, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for purposes of qualifying for adjustment of status. Chapter 2: Consular Authorities of the Department of State - Makes 30 percent of the fees collected in FY 1998 and 1999 for expedited passport processing available only for enhancing passport services, investigating passport fraud, and deterring entry into the United States by terrorists and other criminals. (Sec. 245) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the compliance of the signatories to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction with such convention. Chapter 3: Refugees and Migration - Directs the Secretary to include in the monthly report to the Congress entitled "Update on Monitoring of Cuban Migrant Returnees" information on: (1) the methods employed by the Cuban Government to enforce the United States- Cuba Immigration Agreement of September 1994 to restrict the emigration of Cuban people to the United States; and (2) their treatment of persons who have returned to Cuba pursuant to the United States-Cuba Agreement of May 1995. (Sec. 262) Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to authorize the Secretary to waive certain congressional notification requirements with respect to the reprogramming of Department funds if failure to do so would pose a substantial risk to human health or welfare. Requires such notification to specified congressional committees,with an explanation of the emergency circumstances, not later than three days after taking the action to which notification is required. Title III: Organization of the Department of State; Department of State Personnel; the Foreign Service - Chapter 1: Organization of the Department of State - Establishes a Coordinator for Counterterrorism within the office of the Secretary. (Sec. 302) Repeals the statutory establishment of: (1) an Assistant Secretary for South Asian Affairs; (2) a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Burdensharing; and (3) a Bureau and Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. (Sec. 303) Establishes an Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and an Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security within the Department of State. (Sec. 305) Establishes within the Department of State a U.S. Special Envoy for Tibet. (Sec. 306) Declares that the Bureau of Migration and Refugee Assistance: (1) shall be the State Department bureau charged with principal responsibility for carrying out the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962; and (2) shall not be charged with responsibility for assisting the Secretary in matters relating to family planning or population policy. Chapter 2: Personnel of the Department of State; the Foreign Service - Establishes limits on the number of Foreign Service personnel in the Department of State, the United States Information Agency (USIA), and the Agency for International Development (AID) during FY 1998 and 1999. Allows a waiver of such limitations as necessary to carry out foreign affairs functions. (Sec. 323) Amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to authorize the Secretary to separate from the Foreign Service without a hearing a member of the Service convicted of a crime for which a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year may be imposed. (Currently, a Foreign Service member can be separated without a hearing only if convicted of a crime related to the cause of separation.) Title IV: United States Public Diplomacy: Authorities and Activities for United States Informational, Educational, and Cultural Programs - Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to decrease the fiscal year authorization of appropriations for the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between North and South. (Sec. 405) Revises the law and business training program for graduate students from the Soviet Union (sic), Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to require selection of participants on the basis of academic and leadership potential in the additional fields of journalism and communications, education administration, public policy, and library and information science. (Sec. 406) Establishes within USIA, in order to improve the coordination and effectiveness of U.S. Government sponsored international exchanges and training, a senior-level interagency Working Group on United States Government Sponsored International Exchanges and Training. (Sec. 407) Requires the USIA Director to establish programs of educational and cultural exchange between the United States and the people of Tibet, including scholarships to Tibetan and Burmese students and professionals who are outside their countries. (Sec. 408) Declares that all law, educational, cultural, and other exchange programs (including the ATLAS and Mandela Fellows program) funded by the United States in South Africa shall be administer by the USIA. Title V: International Organizations; United Nations and Related Agencies - Chapter 1: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing employment benefits due to Federal employees who are reemployed after having served in an international organization. Chapter 2: United Nations and Related Agencies - Authorizes the President to withhold 20 percent of the funds appropriated for the U.S. assessed contribution to the United Nations if the United Nations has failed to implement consensus-based decision making procedures on budgetary matters which assure that sufficient attention is paid to the views of the United States and other member states who are major financial contributors. Title VI: Arms Control and Disarmament Agency - Amends the Arms Control and Disarmament Act to repeal the mandate for the Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency to report to the Congress a comprehensive compilation of studies relating to arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament issues concluded during the previous calendar year. Title VII: Foreign Policy Provisions - Bars the use of funds for the involuntary return of a person to a country in which the person has a well founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. (Sec. 701) Bars the use of migration and refugee assistance funds for the involuntary return of a person to any country. (Sec. 702) Prohibits the United States from expelling, extraditing, or otherwise effecting the involuntary return of a person to a country in which there are reasonable grounds for believing the person would be in danger of subjection to torture. (Sec. 703) Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on specific actions taken by the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Commerce in resolving certain commercial disputes between U.S. firms and the Saudi Arabia Government. (Sec. 705) Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), unless the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that: (1) UNFPA has terminated all activities in China; or (2) during the 12 months preceding such certification, there have been no forced abortions associated with family planning policies in China. (Sec. 706) Directs the Secretary of State to report annually to the Congress on: (1) the number of persons and aliens residing in the United States who are entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution, including each case involving such an alien whom appropriate law enforcement authorities reasonably believe to have committed a serious crime within the United States; and (2) the number of U.S. citizens residing in a receiving state who are entitled to diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution there, including each case in which the United States has been requested by the government of the state to waive immunity. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should explore, in appropriate fora, whether states should enter into agreements and adopt legislation to provide: (1) jurisdiction in the sending state to prosecute crimes committed in the receiving state by persons entitled to diplomatic immunity; and (2) that where there is probable cause to believe that an individual with such immunity committed a serious crime, the sending state will waive immunity or will prosecute the individual. (Sec. 707) Declares the sense of the Congress that the Secretary should submit to the Congress a plan to consolidate some or all of the functions currently performed by the Department of State, the Agency for International Development, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, in order to increase efficiency and accountability in the conduct of the foreign policy of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1997
Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for salaries and expenses of the National Weather Service, including the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, for FY 1997.
Germany · German Bundestag · 27 March 1997
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 March 1997
75 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that the carcases of dead farm animals are disposed of safely in order not to pose any threat to the environment or to human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8397/97]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 March 1997
75 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that the carcases of dead farm animals are disposed of safely in order not to pose any threat to the environment or to human health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8397/97]
European Union · European Commission · 26 March 1997