Environment

Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002

Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide market loss assistance payments, at the applicable FY 2000 payment rate, to owners and producers on a farm that are eligible for a final FY 2002 production flexibility contract payment. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for: (1) soybeans and oilseeds; (2) quota or additional peanuts; (3) honey; (4) wool and mohair; (5) cottonseed; (6) commodity purchases, including school nutrition program commodities; (7) pulse crops (chickpeas, lentils, dry peas); and (8) tobacco. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to extend loan deficiency payment eligibility through crop year 2002 for contract commodity producers who are not eligible for marketing assistance loans. States that for the 2001 crop a producer who is eligible for loan deficiency payments but loses beneficial interest in the covered crop shall be eligible for such payments as of the date of loss. Directs the Secretary to make payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for crop year 2002 to producers who: (1) elect to use wheat, grain sorghum, barley, or oats acreage for livestock grazing; and (2) agree to forgo any other harvesting of such crops on such acreage. States that such acreage shall be ineligible for Federal crop insurance. Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to extend milk price supports. Directs the Secretary to provide livestock feed assistance to producers affected by 2001 or 2002 disasters. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the environmental quality incentives program; and (4) the farmland protection program. States that funds shall be obligated and expended only during FY 2002 to carry out this Act and its amendments.

Comprehensive Trade Negotiating Authority Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002

Comprehensive Trade Negotiating Authority Act of 2002 - Sets forth the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements (generally similar to the objectives of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA)), including to: (1) obtain clear and specific commitments from U.S. trading partners to fulfill existing international trade obligations according to existing schedules; (2) ensure that dispute settlement mechanisms in multilateral, regional, and bilateral agreements lead to prompt and full compliance; (3) pursue market access initiatives that benefit the world's least-developed countries; (4) promote enforcement of internationally recognized core labor standards by U.S. trading partners; and (5) promote compatibility of trade rules with national environmental, health, and safety standards and with multilateral environmental agreements. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal OTCA negotiating objectives) under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO), or in seeking a trade agreement establishing a Free Trade Area for the Americas (FTAA), or bilateral trade agreements, with regard to reciprocal trade in agriculture, trade in services, trade in manufactured and non-agricultural goods, trade in civil aircraft, rules of origin, dispute settlement, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, transparency, government procurement, trade and labor market standards, trade remedy laws, trade and the environment, trade and investment, electronic commerce, developing countries, corruption, and WTO agreements. Requires U.S. negotiators in pursuing such objectives to take into account legitimate U.S. domestic objectives, including, but not limited to, the protection of health and safety, essential security, environmental, consumer, and employment opportunity interests, and related laws and regulations. Requires the President to take into account the extent to which a foreign country has implemented its obligations under the Uruguay Round Agreements when entering into a trade agreement with such foreign country. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to set forth certain changes in the designation of congressional advisers on trade policy and negotiations. Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to the authority under OTCA) to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. States that a trade agreement may be entered into only if it makes progress in meeting the overall and principal trade negotiating objectives, it would benefit the United States, the President satisfies certain congressional notification and consultation requirements, including submission of the agreement for assessment by the International Trade Commission, and the U.S. Trade Representative consults with congressional trade advisers and relevant committees and assesses the environmental effects of the agreement. Declares that bills implementing trade agreements may qualify for fast track procedures (no amendments) if they contain: (1) a provision approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act, and approving any statement of administrative action; (2) provisions necessary to implement such trade agreements if changes in existing laws or new authority are required to implement it; and (3) provisions to provide trade adjustment assistance to workers, firms, and communities. Extends fast track procedures to bills implementing trade agreements only if the President requests such extension and neither House of Congress adopts an extension disapproval resolution. Exempts from congressional notification and consultation requirements any tariff or nontariff agreement which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act, and which: (1) is entered into under the auspices of the WTO regarding rules of origin or otherwise under the WTO; (2) is entered into with Chile or Singapore; or (3) establishes a FTAA. Requires the President to submit an implementation and enforcement plan at the time a final text of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement is submitted to Congress.

Nationwide Health Tracking Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2002

Nationwide Health Tracking Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) develop Nationwide and State Health Tracking Networks to monitor, investigate, and prevent increases in the incidence of certain chronic diseases and relevant environmental risk factors; and (2) establish within the Epidemic Intelligence Service a National Environmental Health Rapid Response Service. Direct the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly establish the Commission on Nationwide Health Tracking. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to support State Health Tracking Networks through: (1) pilot programs; (2) awarding grants; and (3) providing technical assistance. Makes States, political subdivisions of States, territories, and Indian tribes eligible for participation, subject to an approved application. Requires such Networks to: (1) conduct surveillance activities; (2) collect and analyze data; (3) establish an early warning system and response capacity; (4) recruit and train public health employees; and (5) expand and integrate existing systems and activities to the extent practicable. Requires the Nationwide Health Tracking Network to coordinate State Networks and existing Federal public health and environmental surveillance systems and activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration centers concerning chronic conditions and relevant environmental factors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand the scope of biomonitoring data collection; (2) publish a Nationwide Network report; and (3) award John H. Chafee Public Health Scholarships for advanced training in chronic conditions and environmental epidemiology and health sciences.

Vorlage eines Bundesrahmengesetzes für die Fischerei

Austria · National Council · 20 March 2002

Antrag der Abgeordneten Dr. Günther Kräuter, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Vorlage eines Bundesrahmengesetzes für die Fischerei durch den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft

Tierseuchenbekämpfung (Rinderleukosegesetz 1982)

Austria · National Council · 20 March 2002

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Tierseuchenbekämpfung (Rinderleukosegesetz 1982)

Tierversuche in Österreich (Tierversuchsstatistik)

Austria · National Council · 20 March 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur betreffend Tierversuche in Österreich (Tierversuchsstatistik)

bundeseinheitliche Regelung: Zuschläge für Ökostrom, Kleinwasserkraft sowie Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung

Austria · National Council · 20 March 2002

Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Georg Oberhaidinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Einbringung eines Gesetzesvorschlages zur Schaffung bundesweiter einheitlicher Bedingungen für Öko- und Kleinwasserkraftwerke sowie Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsanlagen

Border Economic Recovery Act for Health and the Environment

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002

Border Economic Recovery Act for Health and the Environment - Amends the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission Act to authorize appropriations. Amends the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 with respect to funding for State-furnished emergency health services for undocumented aliens in the United States-Mexico border area ("border area"). Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, with respect to the special supplemental nutrition program, to require the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize partnerships for increased coordination of food and nutrition assistance for residents of colonias in the border area. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase funding for grants and loans for water and waste facilities in communities whose residents face significant health risks. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to make grants to selected colleges in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas to provide community resource centers to serve colonias. Amends the Public Health Service Act with respect to funding of: (1) tuberculosis prevention activities in the border area; and (2) interdisciplinary, community-based linkages and centers addressing unmet health care needs in such area and in the State of Florida. Authorizes funding for the Border Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (concerning youth substance abuse prevention in the border area). Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make awards of grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) conduct cancer screenings in the border area and report diagnosis information to the appropriate State cancer registry; (2) expand a diabetes study; and (3) support community-based sexually transmitted disease control programs. Provides funding for the Department of HUD's Healthy Homes Initiative, reserving specified amounts for border area activities. Provides funding for: (1) the Materials Corridor Partnership Initiative; (2) the Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy; (3) environmental infrastructure projects carried out by the International Boundary and Water Commission (and requires a long-range water supply strategic plan); (4) the U.S. contribution to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation; (5) innovative water conservation programs; (6) the International Consortium for the Environment established at Brooks Air Force Base; (7) the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission for environmental infrastructure projects; and (8) grants for high-priority projects carried out through the North American Development Bank's Border Environmental Infrastructure Fund.

Nationwide Health Tracking Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002

Nationwide Health Tracking Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to: (1) develop Nationwide and State Health Tracking Networks to monitor, investigate, and prevent increases in the incidence of certain chronic diseases and relevant environmental risk factors; and (2) establish within the Epidemic Intelligence Service a National Environmental Health Rapid Response Service. Direct the Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly establish the Commission on Nationwide Health Tracking. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to support State Health Tracking Networks through: (1) pilot programs; (2) awarding grants; and (3) providing technical assistance. Makes States, political subdivisions of States, territories, and Indian tribes eligible for participation, subject to an approved application. Requires such Networks to: (1) conduct surveillance activities; (2) collect and analyze data; (3) establish an early warning system and response capacity; (4) recruit and train public health employees; and (5) expand and integrate existing systems and activities to the extent practicable. Requires the Nationwide Health Tracking Network to coordinate State Networks and existing Federal public health and environmental surveillance systems and activities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for research and demonstration centers concerning chronic conditions and relevant environmental factors. Directs the Secretary to: (1) expand the scope of biomonitoring data collection; (2) publish a Nationwide Network report; and (3) award John H. Chafee Public Health Scholarships for advanced training in chronic conditions and environmental epidemiology and health sciences.

Abandoned Hardrock Mines Reclamation Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002

Abandoned Hardrock Mines Reclamation Act of 2002 - Establishes in the Treasury an interest-bearing Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund. Requires any person producing hardrock minerals from a mine within an unpatented mining claim or a mine on land that was patented under the general mining laws to pay into such fund a percentage-based reclamation fee. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to use the Fund for the reclamation and restoration affecting eligible areas. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an abandoned or inactive mined land waste remediation permit to a remediating party (the United States, States, local governments, or Indian tribes) for discharges associated with remediation activity at abandoned or inactive mined land under certain conditions. Authorizes and sets forth guidelines for issuance of permits by the Administrator and application requirements. Authorizes enforcement actions against parties who fail to comply with permit conditions. Makes remediation plans under permits issued under this Act eligible for nonpoint source management grants.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reinstate the taxes funding the Hazardous Substance Superfund and the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and to extend the taxes funding the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2002

Amends the Internal Revenue Code by: (1) reinstating the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate until October 1, 2007; (2) reinstating the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate until October 1, 2007; (3) extending the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund financing rate until October 1, 2007; and (4) reinstating the Corporate Environmental Income Tax until January 1, 2007.

Municipal Solid Waste Interstate Transportation and Local Authority Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002

Municipal Solid Waste Interstate Transportation and Local Authority Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a facility that received municipal solid waste (MSW) before this Acts's enactment from receiving out-of-State MSW for disposal unless the waste is received pursuant to a new or existing host community agreement or certain other State authorization. Sets forth requirements regarding the effect of host community agreements and receipt of waste by other facilities. Bars the receipt of such waste at any time the State determines that a facility is not in compliance with specified laws and regulations. Authorizes States in which facilities received more than 650,000 tons of out-of-State MSW in 1993 to establish limits on the quantity of such waste authorized to be received by facilities receiving such waste in 1993 in declining percentages of the 1993 quantity. Requires notification of such limits by a State to each State from which MSW was received in 1993. Prohibits a State from exercising the authority for general MSW limits if it exercises the authority for limits provided under this paragraph. Allows States to impose cost recovery surcharges on the processing of out-of-State MSW in the State. Imposes requirements regarding temporary waste storage. States conditions for: (1) permit denial; (2) State-imposed annual limitations, including on construction and demolition waste; and (3) the exercise of State or local flow control authority (directing materials to particular facilities). Prohibits a State or political subdivision from requiring any person to transport such waste or materials to any active portion of an MSW landfill if its contamination is a basis for listing on the National Priorities List established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, unless the person has been indemnified by the government or the owner-operator against all liability with respect to such materials. Provides for the enforceability of certain legally binding interim contracts that obligate the delivery of a minimum quantity of MSW or recyclables to a designated facility and obligate the government to pay or be liable for such materials.

Water Quality Research, Development, and Technology Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002

Water Quality Research, Development, and Technology Demonstration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical and information assistance for rural and small treatment works. Requires establishment of procedures for the competitive award of grants. Extends funding for State- and interstate-managed pollution control programs. Revises State water pollution control revolving fund provisions concerning: (1) agreements for treatment works capitalization grants; (2) technical and planning assistance for small treatment works; and (3) additional subsidization. Requires the Administrator to: (1) prepare and transmit to Congress a five-year program plan to guide water pollution control research, development, and technology demonstration activities under FWPCA; and (2) submit the plan for review and comment to the Water Quality Research Technical Advisory Committee established by this Act; (3) establish a nationwide demonstration program, carried out in selected municipalities, to promote technological innovations and alternative approaches to water quality management and reduce municipalities' FWPCA compliance costs.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2002

Supports the goals and ideals of National Better Hearing and Speech Month. Commends the 41 States that have implemented routine hearing screenings for every newborn before they leave the hospital. Supports the efforts of speech and hearing professionals in their efforts to improve the speech and hearing development of children. Encourages the U.S. people to have their hearing checked regularly and to avoid environmental noise that can lead to hearing loss.

Position Österreichs bei den zukünftigen Vertragsstaatenkonferenzen des Internationalen Übereinkommens zur Regelung des Walfanges

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2002

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 625/A(E) der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Ing. Gerhard Fallent, Mag. Ulrike Sima, Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Position Österreichs bei den zukünftigen Vertragsstaatenkonferenzen des Internationalen Übereinkommens zur Regelung des Walfanges sowie <br><br>über den Antrag 588/A(E) der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Position Österreichs bei den zukünftigen Vertragsstaatenkonferenzen des Internationalen Übereinkommens zur Regelung des Walfanges

Protokoll von Kyoto zum Rahmenübereinkommen der Vereinten Nationen über Klimaänderungen

Austria · National Council · 14 March 2002

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (987 d.B.): Protokoll von Kyoto zum Rahmenübereinkommen der Vereinten Nationen über Klimaänderungen samt Anlagen

Expressing the sense of Congress that Federal land management agencies should fully support the "Collaborative 10-year Strategy for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment" as prepared by the Western Governors' Association, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and other stakeholders, to reduce the overabundance of forest fuels that place national resources at high risk of catastrophic wildfire, and prepare a national assessment of prescribed burning practices to minimize risks of escape.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Forest Service and other Federal land management agencies should, among other specified actions, fully implement the Western Governors Association's Collaborative ten-year Strategy for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment to reduce the overabundance of forest fuels that place these resources at high risk of catastrophic wildfire; (2) the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior should immediately prepare for public review a national prescribed fire strategy for public lands; and (3) such strategy should be incorporated into any regulatory land use planning programs that propose the use of prescribed fire as a management practice.

Fleischuntersuchungsgesetz, Tierseuchengesetz, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 13 March 2002

Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Fleischuntersuchungsgesetz und das Tierseuchengesetz (TSG) geändert werden

Report from the Commission - Environmental technology for sustainable development

European Union · European Commission · 13 March 2002

Änderung (ElWOG) Unterbindung hoher Zuschläge für Strom aus Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsanlagen

Austria · National Council · 12 March 2002

Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über den Antrag 580/A(E) der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Dipl.-Ing. Maximilian Hofmann, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend eine Änderung des Elektrizitätswirtschafts- und -organisationsgesetzes (ElWOG) zur Unterbindung ungerechtfertigt hoher Zuschläge für Strom aus Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsanlagen

Preistransparenzgesetz

Austria · National Council · 12 March 2002

Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (948 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Bundesgesetz über die Transparenz von Preisen für Erdöl, Mineralölerzeugnisse, Gas, Strom, Arzneimittel sowie der Preisauszeichnungsvorschriften (Preistransparenzgesetz) geändert wird

Water Quality Financing Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002

Water Quality Financing Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical and information assistance for rural and small treatment works. Requires establishment of procedures for the competitive award of grants. Extends funding for State- and interstate-managed pollution control programs. Revises State water pollution control revolving fund provisions concerning: (1) agreements for treatment works capitalization grants; (2) project eligibility; (3) loan payments, subsidization, and administrative expenses; (4) technical and planning assistance for small treatment works; (5) funding allotments; (6) priorities and intended use plans; and (7) Federal oversight review procedures. Increases the limit on amounts authorized for grants for development of management plans and construction of publicly owned treatment works to serve Indians. Waives application of the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act to various water pollution-related reporting requirements, thereby leaving them in place. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the private activity bond volume cap bonds issued as part of an issue whose proceeds are to be used to provide water or sewage facilities. Revises arbitrage bond rules to exclude from consideration as proceeds of an issue any amounts derived from a Federal grant or related State contribution made in connection with a FWPCA or Safe Drinking Water Act State revolving loan fund.

Fuel Price Stability Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002

Fuel Price Stability Act of 2002 - Amends Clean Air Act reformulated gasoline provisions to allow the Governor of Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin to allow the sale or dispensing in a covered area (one of certain ozone nonattainment areas) in such State of conventional gasoline or reformulated gasoline that is not certified for such area if: (1) the gasoline is certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for sale in any other region of the country; and (2) the Governor finds that reduced availability of reformulated gasoline certified for the area has resulted, or is likely to result, in a significant price increase for such gasoline in that area.

Judgment of the Court of 12 March 2002.#The Queen v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, ex parte Omega Air Ltd (C-27/00) and Omega Air Ltd , Aero Engines Ireland Ltd and Omega Aviation Services Ltd v Irish Aviation Authority (C-122/00).#References for a preliminary ruling: High Court of Justice (England & Wales), Queen's Bench Division (Crown Office) - United Kingdom and High Court - Ireland.#Regulation (EC) No 925/1999 - Noise emissions of aeroplanes - Prohibition of re-engined aeroplanes with engines with a by-pass ratio of less than 3 - Validity.#Joined cases C-27/00 and C-122/00.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 12 March 2002

Commission Regulation (EC) No 426/2002 of 7 March 2002 fixing the conversion rates applicable to certain direct aids and structural or environmental measures

European Union · EUR-Lex · 7 March 2002

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Geelhoed delivered on 7 March 2002. # Commission of the European Communities v Kingdom of Spain. # Failure by a Member State to fulfil its obligations - Directive 85/337/EEC - Assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment - Incomplete transposition. # Case C-474/99.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 7 March 2002

Tierärztegesetz, ATP-Durchführungsgesetz u.a., Änderung

Austria · National Council · 6 March 2002

Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Tierärztegesetz, das ATP-Durchführungsgesetz, das Rindfleisch-Etikettierungsgesetz, das Bundesgesetz über das Verbot des In-Verkehr-Bringens von kosmetischen Mitteln, die im Tierversuch überprüft worden sind, und die Vollzugsanweisung betreffend die Verwertung von Gegenständen animalischer Herkunft in Tierkörperverwertungsanstalten (Tierkörperverwertung) geändert werden

National Defense Rail Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

National Defense Rail Act - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak security assistance. Requires studies or assessments of: (1) foreign rail transport security programs; (2) the feasibility of passenger, baggage, and cargo screening; (3) existing rail safety regulations; (4) security priorities; and (5) rail crossing delay security issues. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a national high-speed ground transportation policy; and (2) provide 100 percent financial assistance to develop and implement high-speed rail corridors according to designated priorities, including the elimination of hazards of railway-highway crossings. Requires such projects to comply with specified labor standards, including the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act. Defines the national rail passenger transportation system. Authorizes Amtrak to operate an intercity rail service or route not included in such system, as specified. Authorizes additional appropriations for Amtrak for principal and interest, and environmental and Americans With Disabilities Act compliance. Repeals the requirement that Amtrak be self-sufficient. Authorizes appropriations for the Northeast Corridor, long and short distance trains, and State-supported routes. Directs the Secretary to re-establish the Northeast Corridor Safety Committee. Revises requirements concerning the Amtrak board of directors. Requires an independent audit of Amtrak operations. Revises requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 concerning loans and loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary to establish a rail passenger cooperative research program, including an advisory board.

To provide a temporary waiver from certain transportation conformity requirements and metropolitan transportation planning requirements under the Clean Air Act and under other laws for certain areas in New York where the planning offices and resources have been destroyed by acts of terrorism, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Waives, until September 30, 2005, application of: (1) Clean Air Act (CAA) provisions, and regulations thereunder, that prohibit Federal or metropolitan planning organization support for activities not conforming with approved State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards to transportation projects, programs, and plans, for the Counties of New York, Queens, Kings, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam or the towns of Blooming Grove, Chester, Highlands, Monroe, Tuxedo, Warwick, and Woodbury in Orange County, New York; and (2) certain Federal-aid highway and general metropolitan transportation planning requirements to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council or the Metropolitan Planning Organization designated under Federal-aid highway provisions. Requires the Governor of New York to report to Congress, including a regional emissions analysis, on the status of the State's progress toward achieving compliance with such CAA provisions and regulations.

Seafood Safety and Mercury Screening Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Seafood Safety and Mercury Screening Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) provide that seafood containing an unsafe quantity of methyl mercury shall be deemed to be adulterated; (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a tolerance for methyl mercury in seafood based on a scientific analysis of the health risks attributable to such substance; and (3) deem unsafe any seafood containing methyl mercury over the tolerance limits. Requires the Secretary to ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to pregnant women, infants, and children from aggregate exposure to methyl mercury. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a sampling system to determine the extent of tolerance compliance; (2) design and implement a related public education program; (3) develop national and regional methyl mercury advisories; and (4) consider certain findings of the National Academy of Sciences regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended level for methyl mercury.

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to engage in studies relating to enlarging Pueblo Dam and Reservoir and Sugar Loaf Dam and Turquoise Lake, Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study storage space issues relating to enlarging Pueblo Dam and Reservoir and Sugar Loaf Dam and Turquoise Lake, Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado, including feasibility, potential costs, benefits, environmental and recreational impacts, and use and operation. Requires the Southeastern Colorado Water Activity Enterprise to participate in and fund such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with public or private entities supplying water within Project boundaries, for the use of excess water storage and conveyance capacity for nonproject water in certain east slope facilities, subject to existing needs, purposes, and capacities.. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into temporary contracts with any public or private entities operating a water bank established pursuant to Colorado law for use of Project facilities for the impounding, storage, and carriage of nonproject water for irrigation, domestic municipal, industrial, and other beneficial purposes. Allocates contract revenues to annual operations and maintenance costs, then to repayment of the project, and once project costs have been repaid, to the Reclamation Fund for use exclusively for financing extraordinary operations and maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacements of project facilities. Exempts nonproject water under contract from acreage limitations and prohibits the use of excess water storage capacity to increase diversion of nonproject water, as specified. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter or renew contracts with the City of Aurora for specified terms for use of extra storage or carrying capacity for the impounding, storage, and carriage of nonproject water for domestic, municipal, industrial, and other beneficial purposes; and (2) enter into contracts with the Pueblo West Metropolitan District for the use of extra water storage and conveyance capacity for nonproject water in certain east slope facilities, use of extra storage or carrying capacity, and the impounding, storage, and carriage of nonproject water for domestic, municipal, industrial, and other beneficial purposes.

To provide for the conveyance of the National Forest System lands underlying the George Kirkpatrick Dam on the Ocklawaha River near Palatka, Florida, and related lands to the State of Florida.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the State of Florida: (1) National Forest System lands underlying the George Kirkpatrick Dam on the Ocklawaha River near Palatka, Florida; (2) National Forest System lands laying below the 21-feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum underlying the Rodman Reservoir formed by such dam; and (3) National Forest tract #C-615. Conditions such conveyance on the State agreeing to assume responsibility for environmental remediation activities.

Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 2002 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study, and report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of regulating air, noise, water, and solid waste pollution from all sources in and around airports using airport bubbles; and (2) the feasibility and desirability of strengthening EPA air pollutant emissions standards for airplane engines. Defines an "airport bubble" as an area: (1) in and around an airport (or other facility using aircraft) within which sources of pollution and levels of pollution from those sources are to be identified and reduced; and (2) containing a variety of types of air, noise, water, and solid waste sources of pollution in which the aggregate of each type of pollutant from the respective source is regulated as if the various sources were a single source. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring each airport that regularly serves commercial or military jet aircraft to report, under toxic chemical release reporting provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 and source reduction and recycling data collection provisions of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, releases and other waste management activities associated with the manufacturing, processing, or other use of toxic chemicals listed under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the Secretary of Transportation should issue regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species within the Great Lakes; (2) the Great Lakes States should develop and implement a mechanism that provides a common conservation standard for making decisions concerning the withdrawal and use of water from the Great Lakes Basin; and (3) the Secretary of State should work with the Canadian Government to encourage and support the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec in the development and implementation of a consistent mechanism and standard. Encourages: (1) Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to continue to prohibit off-shore drilling in the Great Lakes for oil and gas; (2) Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio and Ontario to enact a prohibition of such drilling; and (3) Ontario to require the cessation of any such drilling and any production resulting from such drilling. Calls for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) make grants to States, Indian tribes, regional agencies, and local governments to carry out projects in areas of concern to monitor or evaluate contaminated sediment, to remediate such sediment, and to prevent further or renewed contamination; and (2) conduct research on innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques to remediate sediment. Calls for a specified increase in appropriations for sewer overflow control grants for FY 2004.

Corps of Engineers Modernization and Improvement Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2002

Corps of Engineers Modernization and Improvement Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to report to specified congressional committees on deferred and inactive water resources construction projects, including regarding project purposes, costs, a cost-benefit analysis, and status. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to provide for the deauthorization of such projects. Provides for the decommissioning of underused waterways in the Inland Waterways System, using economic and national interest criteria. Requires the Water Resources Council to prioritize water resource projects within their particular type (flood damage, navigation, environmental restoration) using national benefits and cost-benefit ratio (1.5 or greater) criteria. Deauthorizes certain projects, including certain unfunded environmental infrastructure projects and those concerning municipal, industrial, or agricultural water supply, and school construction. Requires a cost-benefit ratio of 1.5 or higher for water resources projects subject to a cost-benefit analysis. Provides for the deauthorization of certain projects not meeting such criterion. Directs the Secretary to revise the principles and guidelines of the Corps of Engineers concerning cost-benefit analysis, regional impacts, environmental restoration costs, and the incorporation of new analytical techniques, including those for risk. Establishes criteria for the review of a water resource project's reports and statements by an independent expert panel, including criteria regarding cost and the likelihood of significant adverse environmental impact. Revises inland waterway project cost-sharing requirements, including those for construction, operation and maintenance, flood damage reduction, beach replacement, and the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. Requires public access to water resources project information.

National Beach Recreation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2002

National Beach Recreation Act - Amends specified Federal law to direct the Secretary of the Army, in making recommendations to Congress for shore protection projects, to develop and implement procedures which treat recreational, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration benefits equally. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to repeal provisions for deferred payment of a non-Federal share exceeding 30 percent of the cost of a flood control project.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with regard to negotiations between the United States Government and the governments of Mexico and Canada with regard to the North American Development Bank and the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2002

Specifies goals for the U.S. Government to achieve in negotiations with the Governments of Mexico and Canada with regard to the North American Development Bank (NADB) and the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC), including: (1) maintaining NADB and BECC as separate entities; (2) devoting $150 to $200 million of NADB's paid-in capital to the low-interest financing facility to provide lower interest rates for border environmental infrastructure projects; (3) increasing the U.S. contribution to the Border Environmental Infrastructure Grant Fund; and (4) requiring a third party to conduct a comprehensive review of NADB and BECC to study where structural inefficiencies should be improved.

Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2002

Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the renewable electricity production tax credit to include credits for electricity produced from biomass, swine and bovine waste nutrients, geothermal energy, and solar energy. Provides alternative vehicle and fuel incentives, including credits for installation of alternative fueling stations and the retail sale of alternative fuels as motor vehicle fuel, modification of the credit for qualified electric vehicles, extending the deduction for certain refueling property, and allowing the alcohol fuels credit to be transferred and to be used against motor fuels taxes. Sets forth certain conservation and energy efficiency provisions such as credits for the construction of new energy efficient homes, the installation of energy efficient appliances, combined heat and power system properties, and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Establishes a three-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices. Establishes clean coal incentives, including credits for emission reductions, efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generation facilities, and investment in qualifying advanced clean coal technology. Revises oil and gas provisions, including establishing a credit for the production of oil and gas from marginal wells, permitting the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with EPA sulfur regulations, establishing an environmental tax credit, extending the marginal production income limit, and treating natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property. Sets forth electric utility restructuring provisions.

Decision No 466/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 1 March 2002 laying down a Community action programme promoting non-governmental organisations primarily active in the field of environmental protection

European Union · EUR-Lex · 1 March 2002

Umweltzerstörung in der Türkei mittels öffentlicher Exportfinanzierung

Austria · National Council · 28 February 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Lunacek, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Umweltzerstörung in der Türkei mittels öffentlicher Exportfinanzierung

Umweltzerstörung in Indonesien mittels öffentlicher Exportfinanzierung

Austria · National Council · 28 February 2002

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Lunacek, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Umweltzerstörung in Indonesien mittels öffentlicher Exportfinanzierung

Position Österreichs bei den zukünftigen Vertragsstaatenkonferenzen des Internationalen Übereinkommens zur Regelung des Walfanges

Austria · National Council · 28 February 2002

Antrag der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Ing. Gerhard Fallent, Mag. Ulrike Sima, Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Position Österreichs bei den zukünftigen Vertragsstaatenkonferenzen des Internationalen Übereinkommens zur Regelung des Walfanges

155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which his Department has been aware of illegal dumping over the past four years; the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7413/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which his Department has been aware of illegal dumping over the past four years; the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7413/02]

37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether delays within the planning system at local level and within An Bord Pleanála are inhibiting job creation; his further views on whether this is due to inadequate resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether delays within the planning system at local level and within An Bord Pleanála are inhibiting job creation; his further views on whether this is due to inadequate resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/02]

37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether delays within the planning system at local level and within An Bord Pleanála are inhibiting job creation; his further views on whether this is due to inadequate resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether delays within the planning system at local level and within An Bord Pleanála are inhibiting job creation; his further views on whether this is due to inadequate resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3314/02]

13 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to increase the resources of An Bord Pleanála to ensure that hearings involving major retail outlets (details supplied) are dealt with in an expeditious manner. [4131/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

13 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to increase the resources of An Bord Pleanála to ensure that hearings involving major retail outlets (details supplied) are dealt with in an expeditious manner. [4131/02]

155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which his Department has been aware of illegal dumping over the past four years; the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7413/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the extent to which his Department has been aware of illegal dumping over the past four years; the action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7413/02]

12 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of cases of illegal dumping notified to his Department during 2001; the number of cases which involved hazardous or hospital waste; the progress which has been made with regard to tracing and prosecuting those responsible for the illegal dumping of hazardous and hospital waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

12 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of cases of illegal dumping notified to his Department during 2001; the number of cases which involved hazardous or hospital waste; the progress which has been made with regard to tracing and prosecuting those responsible for the illegal dumping of hazardous and hospital waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/02]

11 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his estimate of the number of applicants on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the amount by which he estimates the number of applicants has increased since the last assessment of housing needs, conducted in spring 1999; the number of local authority houses completed during 2000 and 2001; the number of voluntary sector houses completed in 2000 and 2001; when the next assessment of housing needs will be undertaken; when the results will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6977/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

11 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his estimate of the number of applicants on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the amount by which he estimates the number of applicants has increased since the last assessment of housing needs, conducted in spring 1999; the number of local authority houses completed during 2000 and 2001; the number of voluntary sector houses completed in 2000 and 2001; when the next assessment of housing needs will be undertaken; when the results will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6977/02]

10 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the call made on 21 February 2002 by the National Safety Council for a new approach to reducing the death toll on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6963/02]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 2002

10 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the call made on 21 February 2002 by the National Safety Council for a new approach to reducing the death toll on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6963/02]