Environment

24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of farmers who have availed of the REP scheme; the inspections carried out; the success of the REP scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 1999

24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of farmers who have availed of the REP scheme; the inspections carried out; the success of the REP scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/99]

22 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when details of the framework document will be announced affecting farmers with commonage in their REP scheme applications. [10887/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 1999

22 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when details of the framework document will be announced affecting farmers with commonage in their REP scheme applications. [10887/99]

24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of farmers who have availed of the REP scheme; the inspections carried out; the success of the REP scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 1999

24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the percentage of farmers who have availed of the REP scheme; the inspections carried out; the success of the REP scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/99]

22 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when details of the framework document will be announced affecting farmers with commonage in their REP scheme applications. [10887/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 1999

22 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when details of the framework document will be announced affecting farmers with commonage in their REP scheme applications. [10887/99]

Department of Energy Abolishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy Title II: Energy Laboratories Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories Title III: Power Marketing Administrations Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions Department of Energy Abolishment Act - Title I: Abolishment of Department of Energy - Redesignates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the Energy Programs Resolution Agency (the Agency), headed by an Administrator to perform the previous functions of the Department of Energy. Provides for the continuation of service of the Secretary of Energy as the interim Administrator. (Sec. 105) Authorizes the Administrator to establish, consolidate, alter, or discontinue in the Energy Programs Resolution Agency any organizational entities that were entities of DOE. Sunsets the Agency three years after enactment of this Act. (Sec. 107) Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to restore the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as an independent agency. (Sec. 108) Transfers to the Secretary of the Interior all functions of: (1) the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration; (2) certain DOE civilian energy research programs; and (3) specified DOE science and technology programs. (Sec. 109) Transfers all functions of the Administrator of the Energy Regulatory Administration to the Attorney General. (Sec. 110) Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the most efficient way to accomplish the complete abolishment of DOE and the functions. Title II: Energy Laboratories - Subtitle A: National Defense Laboratories - Transfers the functions of the Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories to the Under Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Programs (established by title V). Subtitle B: Nondefense Energy Laboratories - Transfers to the National Science Foundation all functions of the Secretary of Energy relating to nondefense energy laboratories. (Sec. 213) Establishes the Nondefense Energy Laboratory Commission as an independent body to recommend to Congress disposition options (reconfiguration, privatization, closure, or transfer) for nondefense energy laboratories, programs, or any of the basic science programs. Authorizes appropriations. Prescribes procedural guidelines for fast track congressional consideration of the Commission's report. (Sec. 216) Sets deadlines for closure of all nondefense energy laboratories and basic science programs unless Congress has approved other specified dispositions. (Sec. 218) Establishes the Energy Laboratory Facility Closure Account to fund implementation of disposition actions. Title III: Power Marketing Administrations - Transfers to the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers) all functions of the Administrators of: (1) the Bonneville Power Administration; (2) the Southeastern Power Administration; (3) the Southwestern Power Administration; and (4) the Western Area Power Administration. (Sec. 303) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) specified aspects of such power administrations; and (2) recommended final disposition alternatives. Expresses the intent of Congress that: (1) any purchaser of facilities shall be required to maintain any contracts with customers in force as of the effective date; and (2) any sales of such facilities be executed so as to minimize the impact on the ultimate ratepayers. Title IV: Transfer and Disposal of Reserves - Subtitle A: Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Transfers to the Secretary of Defense all functions performed by the Secretary of Energy regarding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, including the Industrial Petroleum Reserve, the Early Storage Reserve, and the Regional Petroleum Reserve. Instructs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the Congress a plan for the disposal of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve within a specified timeframe, including a plan for disposal of the reserves held at Weeks Island, Louisiana. Subtitle B: Naval Petroleum Reserves - Transfers to the Administrator of the Energy Programs Resolution Agency all functions performed with respect to the naval petroleum reserves, except Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (Elk Hills). Instructs the Administrator to develop a joint plan with the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Army for disposal of the naval petroleum reserves within a specified timeframe. Title V: National Security and Environmental Management Programs - Establishes the Defense Nuclear Programs Administration (Administration) in the Department of Defense (DOD), headed by an Under Secretary for Defense Nuclear Programs. (Sec. 502) Identifies the Under Secretary as the Staff Director of the Nuclear Weapons Council. (Sec. 503) Transfers to the Under Secretary all national security supervisory functions previously performed by: (1) DOE over defense, nonproliferation, and defense-related environmental management programs, and the Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories; (2) the Defense Nuclear Agency of DOD relating to nuclear weapons systems; and (3) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer other nuclear weapons-related functions to the Under Secretary. (Sec. 504) Places restrictions upon the transfer of funds by the Agency. Title VI: Environmental Restoration Activities at Defense Nuclear Facilities - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require the Under Secretary to review ongoing and planned remediation activities for consistency with such Act. (Sec. 601) Sets forth guidelines for site-specific risk assessment and an analysis of risk reduction benefits and costs, which shall be conducted before the selection of a remedial action at a defense nuclear facility. (Sec. 603) Instructs the Under Secretary to renegotiate the terms of any compliance agreement entered into with the Secretary of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the relevant State in order to have it reflect this Act. Title VII: Civilian Radioactive Waste Management - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (the Act) to terminate the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management and transfer its authority and assets to the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). Requires: (1) the Corps to assume all obligations of the Office affecting the Yucca Mountain site; and (2) reissuance of Nevada State permits for the Corps. Prescribes procedural guidelines for Corps preparation and implementation of a Yucca Mountain site characterization plan. (Sec. 702) Reaffirms that the obligation of the Secretary of Energy to accept high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel beginning by January 31, 2000, is absolute and is not dependent on commencement of operation of a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility. States that such obligation shall be neither voided nor delayed for any reason. Repeals the licensing conditions placed upon such facility. (Sec. 703) Modifies the Act's interim storage program to rescind its stated purpose to provide for the establishment of a federally owned and operated system for the interim storage of spend nuclear fuel to prevent disruption in the orderly operation of any civilian nuclear power reactor that cannot reasonably provide adequate storage capacity. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the licensing and expansion of an initial spent nuclear fuel storage facility. States that the licensing of such facility shall have no effect on site selection for a permanent repository for storage of spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) review all activities of the initial storage facility program; and (2) submit to Congress a revised program plan and schedule, including a five-year budget that addresses the construction and operation of the interim storage capability, the revised site characterization program at the Yucca Mountain site, and the results of the Secretary's review of the program's institutional activities. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth miscellaneous implementing provisions, conferring upon the Office of Management and Budget authority to make any determination regarding functions transferred under this Act and incidental transfers.

Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1999

Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a transition analysis report with respect to pesticide tolerances before releasing any product safety information to the public, or making final tolerance decisions. Includes within such report's requirements a description of the extent to which specified assumptions have been used to support findings or regulatory recommendations. (Sec. 5) Sets forth interim review or reassessment procedures. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to issue within one year of enactment of this Act final implementing rules for tolerances and exemptions for pesticide chemical residues. (Sec. 7) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Administrator to issue guidelines specifying required data in support of tolerances and exemptions. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for related notice and opportunity for hearing. (Sec. 8) Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for an expedited replacement product registration process. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize an expedited tolerance for an emergency exemption if no significant (food) consumer risk exists. (Sec. 9) Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture to report with respect to related pesticide, residue, and food use priorities and resources. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to develop a program to monitor the competitive international market strength of major U.S. agricultural commodity sectors. (Sec. 11) Establishes the Pesticide Advisory Committee.

32 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he plans to take following the recent publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's report on the quality of drinking water which states that only 92 per cent of public supplies and 64 per cent of group and private water schemes can be considered acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

32 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he plans to take following the recent publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's report on the quality of drinking water which states that only 92 per cent of public supplies and 64 per cent of group and private water schemes can be considered acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/99]

31 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the average waiting time for a driving test; the number of persons awaiting a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9938/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

31 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the average waiting time for a driving test; the number of persons awaiting a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9938/99]

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the high incidence of drinking water contamination revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency report on water quality for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10727/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the high incidence of drinking water contamination revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency report on water quality for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10727/99]

29 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will publish the new assessment of housing needs; the latest figures for the numbers of applicants on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available based on information provided to him by councils; the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce local authority waiting lists; the increase in new and second hand house prices since the beginning of 1999; the plans, if any, he has to introduce new measures to control house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

29 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will publish the new assessment of housing needs; the latest figures for the numbers of applicants on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available based on information provided to him by councils; the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce local authority waiting lists; the increase in new and second hand house prices since the beginning of 1999; the plans, if any, he has to introduce new measures to control house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/99]

28 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the investigation, if any, held into the level of compliance by local authorities in relation to their obligations under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; and the conclusions of any investigation carried out. [10726/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

28 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the investigation, if any, held into the level of compliance by local authorities in relation to their obligations under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; and the conclusions of any investigation carried out. [10726/99]

32 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he plans to take following the recent publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's report on the quality of drinking water which states that only 92 per cent of public supplies and 64 per cent of group and private water schemes can be considered acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

32 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he plans to take following the recent publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's report on the quality of drinking water which states that only 92 per cent of public supplies and 64 per cent of group and private water schemes can be considered acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10871/99]

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the high incidence of drinking water contamination revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency report on water quality for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10727/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the high incidence of drinking water contamination revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency report on water quality for 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10727/99]

31 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the average waiting time for a driving test; the number of persons awaiting a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9938/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

31 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the average waiting time for a driving test; the number of persons awaiting a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9938/99]

29 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will publish the new assessment of housing needs; the latest figures for the numbers of applicants on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available based on information provided to him by councils; the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce local authority waiting lists; the increase in new and second hand house prices since the beginning of 1999; the plans, if any, he has to introduce new measures to control house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

29 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will publish the new assessment of housing needs; the latest figures for the numbers of applicants on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available based on information provided to him by councils; the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce local authority waiting lists; the increase in new and second hand house prices since the beginning of 1999; the plans, if any, he has to introduce new measures to control house prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/99]

28 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the investigation, if any, held into the level of compliance by local authorities in relation to their obligations under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; and the conclusions of any investigation carried out. [10726/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 27 April 1999

28 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the investigation, if any, held into the level of compliance by local authorities in relation to their obligations under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; and the conclusions of any investigation carried out. [10726/99]

Chemical Safety Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

Fuels Regulatory Relief Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, for purposes of regulating and listing substances anticipated to cause death or serious health or environmental effects in the case of an accidental release, from regulating non-acute toxic flammable fuels when used or stored for fuel purposes or retail sale unless the fuels are hazardous waste.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to permit grants for the national estuary program to be used for the development and implementation of a comprehensive conservation and management plan, to reauthorize appropriations to carry out the program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

Amends the Clean Water Act to require grants made under the National Estuary Program to be used for assisting activities necessary for the development and implementation of conservation and management plans (currently, for research and other technical work necessary for the development of such plans). Reauthorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 2000 through 2004.

Marine Research and Related Environmental Research and Development Programs Authorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

Marine Research and Related Environmental Research and Development Programs Authorization Act of 1999 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for marine research and related environmental research and development activities for: (1) the National Ocean Service; (2) the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research; and (3) program support (including for aircraft services). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to enter into appropriate arrangements with an independent external auditor to determine whether outsourcing of aircraft services is a more cost-effective alternative to in-house operation of aircraft in meeting the NOAA's aircraft requirements for conducting marine and atmospheric research and related environmental research and development activities, and for other data and mission needs. Sets forth procedures for such audit. Authorizes appropriations for the NOAA for FY 2000 and 2001 for marine research and related environmental research and development activities for: (1) facilities maintenance and repairs and environmental compliance; and (2) fleet maintenance and planning. Authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for FY 2000 and 2001 for meeting the NOAA's marine research and related environmental research and development data requirements in the NOAA Fisheries Data Acquisition Plan, and that could also help meet the nation's marine research and related environmental research and development needs. Directs the NSF to develop a strategy for meeting such requirements and other Federal marine research and related environmental research and development requirements, considering all options, including methods of acquiring vessel services, remote sensing, and any other possible means. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts, including multiyear contracts, subject to certain requirements, for the use of vessels to conduct marine research and related environmental research and development activities, monitoring, enforcement, and management (with exceptions), and to acquire other data necessary for carrying out the NOAA's missions. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into any contract for the construction, lease-purchase, upgrade, or service life extension of any vessel. Directs the Secretary to use excess capacity of University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System vessels where appropriate and permits the Secretary to enter into memoranda of agreement with the operators of these vessels for carrying out such requirement. Repeals the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act. Excludes from consideration for grant agreements for marine research and related environmental research and development activities made by the NOAA after FY 1999 any person who received funds appropriated for a fiscal year after FY 1999 under a grant agreement from any Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes such exclusion effective for a period of five years after the person receives such Federal funds except due to membership in a class specified by law for which assistance is awarded to members according to a formula.

National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

National Weather Service and Related Agencies Authorization Act of 1999 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 to the Secretary of Commerce to enable the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out: (1) Operations, Research, and Facilities activities of the National Weather Service (NWS); (2) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction activities of NWS; (3) Atmospheric Research Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development activities of the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OOAR); (4) Atmospheric Research Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction environmental research and development activities of OOAR; (5) Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development and related activities of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); (6) Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction environmental research and development and related activities of NESDIS; and (7) Operations, Research, and Facilities environmental research and development and related activities required to meet recurring facilities operations costs associated with the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, Colorado. Revises requirements for the Secretary of Commerce's duties with respect to the NWS to include responsibilities for: (1) serving as the sole official source of weather warnings; (2) issuing storm warnings; (3) collecting, exchanging, and distributing meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and (4) preparing hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information. Bars the NWS from providing or assisting other entities to provide a service (other than forecasts) if that service is currently provided or can be provided by commercial enterprise, unless: (1) the Secretary finds that the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service; or (2) the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public. Directs the Secretary to report to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate detailing all NWS activities which do not conform to requirements of this Act and outlining a timetable for their termination. Requires the NOAA Administrator to exclude from consideration for grant agreements made after FY 1999 under the programs for which funds are authorized under this Act, any person who received funds (other than due to membership in a class specified by law for which assistance is awarded to class members according to a formula) appropriated for a fiscal year after FY 1999 under a grant agreement from any Federal funding source for a project that was not subjected to a competitive, merit-based award process. Makes such an exclusion effective for a period of five years after receipt of such Federal funds.

To amend the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 to provide for the remediation of the Atlas mill tailings site near Moab, Utah.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1999

Amends the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 relating to processing site designations to: (1) direct the Secretary of Energy to designate the Atlas uranium milling site (Atlas Site) as a processing site; (2) delineate the statutory strictures applicable to such Site; (3) instruct the Attorney General to require the liable party to reimburse the United States for remedial action costs at the Site; and (4) set forth conditions under which the liable party is relieved of all further responsibility for remedial action costs. Authorizes the Secretary to sell lands and interests acquired in the Site, or to donate them to a Utah governmental entity for public purposes, after the removal of radioactive materials from both the Site and associated Colorado River flood plain.

Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the approval, on behalf of the Community, of the new Annex to the Convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic on the protection and conservation of the ecosystems and biological diversity of the maritime area, the corresponding Appendix 3 and the Agreement on the meaning of certain concepts in the new Annex

European Union · European Commission · 23 April 1999

Wasserrechtsgesetz, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 22 April 1999

Antrag der Abgeordneten Andreas Wabl und Genossen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Wasserrechtsgesetz 1959 geändert werden soll

Anti-Atom-Politik Österreichs in Bezug auf Temelin

Austria · National Council · 22 April 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Johann Schuster und Genossen an die Bundesministerin für Frauenangelegenheiten und Verbraucherschutz betreffend Anti-Atom-Politik Österreichs in Bezug auf Temelin

Forestry Initiative to Restore the Environment Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

Forestry Initiative to Restore the Environment Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to conduct a forestry insurance pilot program (in at least four States) with an emphasis on small, nonindustrial owners and operators of private forest land. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 with respect to the forestry incentives program to: (1) include seedling production as a program purpose; (2) provide grants for fire prevention burning on private land; and (3) authorize specified permanent appropriations.

Municipal Solid Waste Interstate Transportation and Local Authority Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

Municipal Solid Waste Interstate Transportation and Local Authority Act of 1999 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill, incinerator, or other enterprise that received municipal solid waste (MSW) before this Acts's enactment (facility) from receiving out-of-State MSW for disposal unless the waste is received pursuant to a new (entered into on or after enactment of this Act) or existing (entered into before January 1, 1999) host community agreement or certain other State authorization. Sets forth requirements for owners or operators seeking to receive such waste who are subject to existing host community agreements. Requires owners or operators to make specified information regarding a facility available before seeking authorization to receive such waste pursuant to a new host community agreement. Sets forth requirements for authorization for receipt of such waste for facilities: (1) not subject to such agreements that have received State permits issued before this Act's enactment that authorize the receipt of such waste; (2) that submit documentation of the receipt of such waste during 1993; or (3) located in the same bi-State level A metropolitan statistical area as the one in which the waste is generated. Bars the receipt of such waste at any time the State determines that a facility is not in compliance with specified Federal and State laws and regulations, including those relating to facility design and operation, and where noncompliance constitutes a threat to human health or the environment. Authorizes States to limit the quantity of out-of-State MSW received annually at each facility and affected local governments that have not executed a host community agreement with a particular facility to limit the amount received at such a facility. Prohibits limits from conflicting with permits or host community agreements that set higher (or no) limits. Sets the limitation amount for any facility that began receiving documented out-of-State MSW before enactment of this Act at the amount received during 1993. Prohibits discrimination against shipments of such waste on the basis of State of origin. 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 proposed 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 or disposal of out-of-State MSW in the State. Prescribes conditions for such surcharges and requires them to be used to fund solid waste management programs administered by the State or political subdivision that incurs costs for which the surcharge is collected. Requires owners or operators of facilities receiving out-of-State MSW and of transfer stations receiving such waste for temporary storage to annually report to the State the quantity and State of origin of such waste (and State of destination in the case of transfer stations) received during the preceding year. Directs States to publish annual reports on the quantity of such waste received for disposal and transfer in the State. (Sec. 3) Allows a State to deny a permit for the construction or operation of a facility (or a major modification thereto) if: (1) the State has approved a State or local comprehensive MSW management plan developed under Federal or State law; and (2) such denial is based on a determination that there is no local or regional need for the facility in the State. Allows States to provide by law that a permit for the construction, operation, or expansion of a facility include an annual limitation of not less than 20 percent on the total quantity of out-of-State MSW relative to the total waste received by the facility. Allows a facility with specific authorization to receive a specific quantity of out-of-State MSW pursuant to an existing host community agreement to receive that quantity, notwithstanding the foregoing State requirement. Requires percentage limitations to be uniform for all facilities and not discriminate against out-of-State MSW on the basis of place of origin. Permits States to exercise either the authority to deny permits or to impose percentage limits, but not both authorities in any calendar year. ( Sec. 4) Authorizes States to establish annual limits on the amount of out-of-State construction and demolition waste that may be received at landfills. Sets forth requirements for States seeking such authorization. Requires facilities receiving such waste to report to the State the quantity and State of origin of such waste. Authorizes States in which facilities receive such waste to decrease the quantity that may be received at each facility to an annual percentage of the base year quantity, beginning in 2001. Defines "base year quantity" as the annual quantity of such waste received in the year 2000 or 1999 (if the State has determined the quantity received in 1999 in which case limits may be imposed starting in the year 2000). (Sec. 5) Authorizes States or political subdivisions to exercise flow control authority to direct the movement of MSW and recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator (recyclables) to particular waste management or recyclables facilities designated as of the suspension date (defined below) if: (1) the waste and recyclables are generated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State or subdivision, determined as of the suspension date; (2) such authority is imposed through the adoption or execution of a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or official act that was in effect on the suspension date, or was in effect prior to the issuance of an injunction or other court order based on a ruling that the law or provision violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, or was in effect immediately prior to suspension of the law or official act by legislative or administrative action expressly because of such an injunction or court order; and (3) the State or subdivision has for one or more of such designated facilities, on or before the suspension date, presented eligible bonds for sale, made certain official preparations for such sale, or executed a legally binding contract or agreement for delivery of, and payment or liability for, a minimum quantity of waste or recyclables. (The "suspension date" is either: May 16, 1994; the date of an injunction or court order based on a ruling that a law or other official act violated the Commerce Clause of the Constitution; or the date of a suspension or partial suspension of a law or official act expressly because of the existence of an injunction or court order described above.) Limits the exercise of flow control authority to the classes or categories of materials to which such authority was applicable on the suspension date or, in the case of a facility that was not yet in operation on such date, to those clearly identified by the State or political subdivision to be flow controlled to the facility. Sets dates for expiration of such authority. Prohibits a State or political subdivision from requiring any person to transport, or deliver for transportation, such waste or materials to any active portion of a MSW landfill unit if contamination of such portion 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 under that Act with respect to such materials. Imposes limitations on the use of revenues derived by a State or political subdivision from the exercise of flow control authority. Provides for the enforceability under State law 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 State or political subdivision to pay or be liable for such materials. Allows a State to exercise flow control authority over MSW if, on or before January 1, 1984, the State: (1) adopted regulations under a State law that required or directed the transportation, management, or disposal of such waste from residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial sources to specifically identified waste management facilities and applied those regulations to every political subdivision; and (2) subjected the facilities to the jurisdiction of a State public utilities commission. Permits States or political subdivisions that meet such requirements to exercise flow control authority over all classes and categories of MSW that were subject to flow control on May 16, 1994, by directing MSW from any waste management facility that was designated as of such date to any other facility in the State without regard to whether the political subdivision in which the MSW is generated had designated the particular facility or had issued required bonds or entered into a required contract. Provides for expiration of such authority. Lists additional conditions under which: (1) solid waste districts or political subdivisions of a State may exercise flow control authority for 20 years after enactment of this Act; and (2) a facility will be treated as having been designated, as of May 16, 1994, for the exercise of flow control authority by all members of a consortium of political subdivisions. Prohibits recovery of damages or costs in a claim against a State or local government, or official or employee thereof, based on the exercise of flow control authority on or before May 16, 1994. (Sec. 6) Provides that no action by a State or affected local government under an amendment made by this Act shall be considered to impose an undue burden on interstate commerce or to impair, restrain, or discriminate against interstate commerce.

National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

National Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1999 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amount at ten-year intervals. Requires: (1) distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers; and (2) retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements similar to those under this Act or that have demonstrated achievement of a recycling or reuse rate for beverage containers of at least 70 percent. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Federal Facilities Community Right-To-Know Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

Federal Facilities Community Right-To-Know Act of 1999 - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to include the United States in the definition of "person" under such Act (thus providing for coverage of Federal facilities).

National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act of 1999 - Amends the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 to revise requirements for the responsibilities of the U.S. Geological Survey with respect to the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, including to require the: (1) development of national priorities (currently, priorities) and standards; (2) development of a five-year strategic plan (currently, an implementation plan); (3) appointment of a new geologic mapping advisory committee; and (4) biennial submission of the report on the development and implementation of the program. Revises requirements for program components, including by: (1) including among the objectives of each component determining the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to environmental welfare; (2) deleting provisions governing a geologic mapping support component and including interdisciplinary studies that add value to geologic mapping under the Federal geologic mapping component's responsibilities; (3) basing mapping priorities for the State geologic mapping component on State requirements for geologic map information in areas of multiple-issue need or of compelling single-issue need and in areas where mapping is required to solve critical earth science problems; (4) prohibiting the Survey and recipients of grants under the State or education component from using more than a specified percentage of the Federal funds made available under such component for any fiscal year to pay indirect, servicing, or program management charges; and (5) limiting to 50 percent the Federal share of the cost of activities under such components for any fiscal year. (Sec. 5) Revises provisions regarding the geologic mapping advisory committee, including by requiring such committee to update the five-year strategic plan. (Sec. 6) Sets forth requirements for the five- year strategic plan (similar to those for the implementation plan). (Sec. 7) Revises the provisions establishing the National geologic-map database, including by requiring that such database serve as a national catalog and archive (currently, archive), distributed through links to Federal and State geologic map holdings; and (2) provide for such database to include all maps developed under the Federal and education components (currently all maps developed pursuant to the Act). (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations. Allocates 48 percent of any amounts appropriated in excess of the amount appropriated for FY 2000 for the State component and two percent for the education component.

Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Act of 1999 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to certify and, where appropriate, provide technical assistance to any State program for brownfields (abandoned industrial sites in need of hazardous waste remediation before they may be returned to productive use) if the program: (1) covers only sites that have been contaminated prior to enactment of this Act and are not listed on the National Priorities List; (2) provides for public participation prior to a landowner's release from liability upon completion of site remediation (carried out under a certified program) under State law and under abatement and response provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); (3) provides for a reopening of a cleanup proposal under specified conditions; (4) contains standards for the sites that protect public health and the environment; and (5) includes coordination among State agencies for environmental protection and economic development. Provides (in addition to the release of landowners from liability described above) for the release from liability under State law and under CERCLA, upon completion of remediation, of lenders and developers (except with respect to pollution directly caused by them), prospective purchasers, and local governments not involved in the management of a site. Allows the Administrator to waive Federal permit requirements if the State program includes a waiver of State permit requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for payments into a tax-exempt Hazardous Waste Remediation Reserve to be used exclusively to pay costs of the taxpayer to: (1) assess the extent of a site's environmental contamination and its expected remediation cost; and (2) remediate the contamination.

Forestry Initiative to Restore the Environment Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

Forestry Initiative to Restore the Environment Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to conduct a forestry insurance pilot program (in at least four States) with an emphasis on small, nonindustrial owners and operators of private forest land. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 with respect to the forestry incentives program to: (1) include seedling production as a program purpose; (2) provide grants for fire prevention burning on private land; (3) authorize specified permanent appropriations.

National Clean Water Trust Fund Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

National Clean Water Trust Fund Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a National Clean Water Trust Fund to be composed of monies obtained through enforcement actions. Makes the Fund available for projects to restore waters from damages resulting from violations of such Act and from the discharge of pollutants. Authorizes the use of civil penalties obtained under such Act for mitigation projects.

Academic Excellence in Environmental Sciences Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1999

Academic Excellence in Environmental Sciences Act of 1999 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include programs to encourage academic rigor in scientific education in elementary schools through the environmental sciences, including the use of hands-on recycling, among local innovative education programs which may receive title VI assistance.

Kommission für Siedlungswasserwirtschaft

Austria · National Council · 21 April 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Andreas Wabl und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend demokratiepolitisch unangemessene Rahmenbedingungen bei den Sitzungen der Kommission für Siedlungswasserwirtschaft (KSWW)

Rücknahme Verordnung Verlängerung der Anspruchsdauer für den Bezug von Familienbeihilfe für Studierendenvertreter

Austria · National Council · 21 April 1999

Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Dr. Martin Graf und Genossen betreffend Rücknahme der Verordnung des Bundesministers für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie über die Verlängerung der Anspruchsdauer für den Bezug von Familienbeihilfe für Studierendenvertreter

Environmental Justice Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Identification of Environmental High Impact Areas Title II: Enforcement Initiatives Title III: Community Participation Title IV: Identification and Prevention of Health Impacts Title V: Health Remedies Title VI: Pollution Reduction Title VII: Promotion of Green Space Title VIII: Funding Environmental Justice Act of 1999 - Title I: Identification of Environmental High Impact Areas - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a list of 20 Environmental High Impact Areas (EHIAs) that are either counties or other geographic units in which high levels of chemicals are present and in which the population is exposed to such chemicals. Provides for revision and republication of such list at least every five years. Title II: Enforcement Initiatives - Directs the Administrator and the Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to conduct compliance inspections or reviews of all toxic chemical facilities in EHIAs within one year after the publication of each EHIA list under title I. Title III: Community Participation - Requires the Administrator to make technical assistance grants for individuals in EHIAs for purposes of seeking guidance from experts to improve understanding of environmental and health concerns related to designation as an EHIA. Title IV: Identification and Prevention of Health Impacts - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue for public comment a report identifying the methodology used and nature and extent of acute and chronic impacts on human health in EHIAs as compared to non-EHIAs. (Sec. 402) Provides for a moratorium on the siting or permitting of any new toxic chemical facility in an EHIA shown to emit toxic chemicals in quantities causing significant adverse health impacts if the report finds significant adverse impacts of environmental pollution on human health in EHIAs. Permits such siting or permitting during a moratorium period only if the Secretary and Administrator agree that: (1) there will be no significant adverse health impacts; (2) the facility owner or operator demonstrates that the facility has a plan to maintain a comprehensive pollution prevention program; and (3) the facility demonstrates that it will minimize uncontrolled releases into the environment. Title V: Health Remedies - Requires the Secretary to establish a grant program to make available to public and nonprofit private entities awards for providing community-wide medical screening and diagnostic services for environmentally related illnesses in EHIAs shown to have adverse health outcomes related to environmental exposures. Title VI: Pollution Reduction - Directs the Administrator, in EHIAs where the Secretary has determined that adverse health outcomes are related to environmental exposures, to take efforts immediately to reduce pollution. Requires the Administrator to make available pollution reduction and prevention grants to States with EHIAs for developing pollution reduction strategies. Authorizes the Administrator to take regulatory steps to reduce pollution if significant steps have not been made to reduce pollution and risk to human health in such areas. Title VII: Promotion of Green Space - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to make available to local public or nonprofit private entities within EHIAs awards for the development of parks and recreational spaces and to provide guidance for promoting environmentally sound use of land. Title VIII: Funding - Authorizes appropriations.

Lead Evaluation, Abatement, and Detection Center Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1999

Lead Evaluation, Abatement, and Detection Center Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to public and nonprofit private entities for startup costs of programs to prevent residentially based lead poisoning in children. Authorizes appropriations.

Year 2000 Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1999

Year 2000 Act - Requires the head of each Federal agency to: (1) take actions necessary to ensure that all systems and hardware administered by the agency are Year 2000 compliant to the extent necessary to ensure that no significant disruption of the agency's operations or data exchange partners occurs; and (2) convene, at least quarterly, and report to the Congress on, meetings with representatives of the agency's data exchange partners to assess implementation progress. Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, to develop a Year 2000 compliance outreach program to assist the Nation's small and medium-sized businesses to ensure that such businesses are prepared to meet the Year 2000 computer problem (Y2K problem) challenge. Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology: (1) in conjunction with other relevant Federal agencies, to transmit to the Congress a report assessing the international implications of the Year 2000 computer problem; and (2) to develop a Year 2000 consumer awareness program to assist the public in becoming aware of the implications of such problem. Directs the Food and Drug Administration, in consultation and cooperation with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, to develop a Year 2000 compliance outreach program to assist the Nation's health care providers in preparing to meet the Y2K problem challenge. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a Year 2000 compliance outreach program to assist the Nation's drinking water suppliers and wastewater treatment processors in preparing to meet the Y2K problem challenge.

Maßnahmen zur beschleunigten Markteinführung von Ökostrom

Austria · National Council · 20 April 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Maßnahmen zur beschleunigten Markteinführung von Ökostrom

National Monument NEPA Compliance Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999

National Monument NEPA Compliance Act - Amends the Antiquities Act of 1906 to treat all national monument declarations as major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Requires that: (1) environmental impact statements be prepared for such monuments; (2) time be allotted for public review and comment on the statements; and (3) if the President directs, for a maximum 24-month period, emergency withdrawal of lands to protect resources on them during deliberations on a proposal to declare them a national monument.

Water Resources Development Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Water Resources Projects Title II: General Provisions Title III: Project-Related Provisions Title IV: Studies Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Water Resources Development Act of 1999 - Title I: Water Resources Projects - Authorizes projects for navigation, flood control, environmental restoration, recreation, hurricane and storm damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, and navigation mitigation in Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia, Minnesota, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Texas. Authorizes projects for water resources development and conservation and related purposes, subject to a final report from the Army Corps of Engineers, in Alaska, California, Delaware and New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington, Texas, and Washington. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct studies and carry out small flood control projects in California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Missouri. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and carry out small bank stabilization projects in Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and carry out small navigation projects in Arkansas, California, Guam, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, and New York. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and carry out small environmental restoration projects in California, Illinois, and Virginia. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and carry out aquatic ecosystem restoration projects in California, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Title II: General Provisions - Amends the Flood Control Act of: (1) 1948 to allow the construction of both small structural and nonstructural projects and to increase from $5 million to $7 million the maximum amount to be expended for any single project; (2) 1960 to provide that certain fee collection limitations shall not apply to funds voluntarily contributed by State and local governments and non-Federal public agencies for expanding the scope of services requested by such entities; and (3) 1936 to authorize the Secretary to use funds contributed by States and other political subdivisions for environmental restoration (currently, only flood control) work. (Sec. 204) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to require that technologies selected for demonstration at a sediments decontamination project in the New York-New Jersey Harbor be intended to result in practical end-use products. Requires the Secretary to assist such project to ensure the availability of sufficient quantities of contaminated material. Increases the authorization of appropriations for such project to reflect costs for technology testing and commercialization and the development of full-scale processing facilities within the Harbor. (Sec. 205) Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1958 to: 1) include arundo within a comprehensive program for the control of aquatic growth; and (2) increase the annual authorization of appropriations for such program. Encourages the Secretary, under such program, to utilize contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants with colleges and universities and other non-Federal entities. (Sec. 206) Requires the Secretary to enter into continuing contracts with respect to a water resources project if initiation of construction has occurred but sufficient funds are not available to complete the project. (Sec. 207) States that competitive bid requirements applicable to certain defense contracts shall not apply with respect to a contract, agreement, or grant entered into between the Secretary and Marshall University or Juniata College in support of the Army civil works program. (Sec. 208) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1996 to permit studies undertaken by the Secretary concerning the Pacific region to include flood damage reduction and environmental restoration; (2) 1996 to extend through FY 2003 the Everglades and South Florida Ecosystem Restoration program; (3) 1992 to allow nonprofit entities to serve as the non-Federal interest for projects for beneficial uses of dredged material; (4) 1986 to require non-Federal interests to pay 25 percent of construction costs of a harbor project which has a depth in excess of 20 feet but not in excess of 53 (currently, 45) feet; (5) 1996 to allow nonprofit entities to serve as the non-Federal interest for aquatic ecosystem restoration projects and for watershed management, restoration, and development projects; and (6) 1996 to include for such watershed projects certain additional areas in California, Illinois, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Florida. (Sec. 214) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct projects to reduce flood hazards and restore the natural functions and values of rivers throughout the United States. Requires appropriate studies. Requires non-Federal interests to pay 35 percent of the cost of any environmental restoration or nonstructural flood control project carried out. Outlines project selection criteria, policies, and procedures. Requires a report to specified congressional committees. Provides a cost limitation of $30 million on any single project. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 215) Authorizes the Secretary to review and report to specified congressional committees on Corps implementation of the shoreline management program. (Sec. 216) Authorizes the Secretary to provide to State and local governments assistance for remediation, restoration, or reuse when such action will contribute to the conservation of water and related resources of drainage basins and watersheds. Encourages the beneficial use of dredged material in connection with such assistance. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 217) Amends the River and Harbor Act of 1968 to authorize additional shore damage mitigation activities for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, as well as Palm Beach County, Florida, and Galveston County, Texas. (Sec. 218) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to provide the non-Federal share of construction costs for projects for periodic shore nourishment. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prohibit a fee charge to a State or local government for the use of Outer Continental Shelf sand, gravel, and shell resources. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on the state of U.S. shorelines; and (2) establish a national coastal databank for data on the geophysical and climatological characteristics of such shorelines. (Sec. 219) Amends the: (1) Flood Control Act of 1960 to direct the Secretary to coordinate with the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other appropriate agencies to ensure that flood control projects and plans are complementary and integrated; and (2) Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to extend through December 31, 2003, the authority to sell annual passes for the use of recreation facilities. (Sec. 221) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal public bodies and nonprofit entities for facilitating collaborative efforts for environmental protection and restoration, natural resources conservation, and recreation in connection with the development, operation, and management of Army water resources projects. Requires a report. (Sec. 222) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 to provide for the calculation of benefits for a proposed project for nonstructural flood damage reduction. Allows current flood control projects to be reevaluated to consider nonstructural alternatives. (Sec. 223) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to include certain lakes and ponds in California and New Hampshire as authorized projects under the lakes program. (Sec. 224) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1996 to allow non-Federal interests to carry out construction under flood control projects only if the Secretary approves such construction after reviewing construction studies and design documents; and (2) 1986 to limit the non-Federal share of first costs which may be satisfied through in-kind contributions in connection with fish and wildlife mitigation projects. (Sec. 226) Expresses the sense of Congress that all equipment and products purchased with funds made available under this Act should be American made. (Sec. 227) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1996 to authorize a shoreline protection project at Captiva Island, Florida; and (2) 1990 to reduce from 50 to 35 percent of project costs the required non-Federal share for removing contaminated sediments from U.S. navigable waters. Title III: Project-Related Provisions - Modifies projects for flood control, navigation, habitat restoration, water supply, shoreline protection, shore protection and harbor mitigation, beach erosion control, storm damage reduction and shoreline erosion protection, recreation, pedestrian access features, hurricane protection, levees, environmental infrastructure, mitigation of fish and wildlife losses, watersheds, canal system restoration, environmental restoration, and rediversion (together with certain study or report requirements and adjustments or extensions of authorization of appropriations, in some cases) in the Missouri River, Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, California, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and West Virginia and Pennsylvania. (Sec. 363) Reauthorizes projects for flood control, shore protection, storm damage reduction, and navigation in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan, North Dakota, and Tennessee. (Sec. 364) Deauthorizes navigation projects in Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts. (Sec. 365) Modifies: (1) a project for flood damage reduction on the American and Sacramento Rivers, California; and (2) a flood control project in Martin, Kentucky. Title IV: Studies - Directs the Secretary to conduct studies with respect to specified projects in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois and Wisconsin, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, the Great Lakes, and the Chesapeake Bay. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to complete remaining portions of Natural Resources Conservation Service flood control projects at Llagas Creek, California, and Thornton Reservoir, Illinois. (Sec. 502) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for construction assistance for specified projects in Georgia, New Jersey, and Virginia. (Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to review sediment dredging technologies and to select the technology that will increase the effectiveness of removing contaminated sediments and significantly reduce contamination of the water column. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 504) Authorizes the Secretary to provide safety assistance at specified dams in California, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 505) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 to authorize nonprofit public or private entities to contribute all or a portion of the costs of Great Lakes remedial action plans. (Sec. 506) Authorizes the Secretary to undertake a program for the control of sea lampreys in and around waters of the Great Lakes. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 507) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of: (1) 1996 to add specified areas in Florida, Louisiana, and Washington under a program for the maintenance of navigation channels; (2) 1986 to increase the amount authorized to conduct measurements of Lake Michigan diversions; and (3) 1986 relating to the Upper Mississippi River environmental management program to include an applied research program, require program evaluation every six years, increase and extend through FY 2009 its authorization of appropriations, and require information on habitat needs assessments to be included in required reports. (Sec. 510) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for a monitoring program for the Atlantic coast of New York. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary, in evaluating water control management, to consider a regionalized water control management plan, but prohibits the implementation of such plan until a report is submitted to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 512) Adds specified projects in California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to those eligible for the beneficial use of dredged material under the Water Resources Development Act of 1992. (Sec. 514) Authorizes the Secretary, at full Federal expense, to complete a comprehensive report for environmental restoration and protection along the Lower Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the Secretary to develop and implement projects for fish screens, fish passage devices, and other similar measures to mitigate adverse impacts associated with irrigation system water diversions by local governmental entities in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho. (Sec. 516) Directs the Secretary to use, and encourage the use of, innovative treatment technologies for watershed and environmental restoration and protection projects involving water quality. (Sec. 517) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to add specified projects in the regional Atlanta, Georgia, watershed and Paterson and Passaic Valley, New Jersey, to authorized environmental restoration projects. (Sec. 518) Directs the Secretary to expedite completion of required reports in connection with projects in California and Florida. (Sec. 519) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot project to restore natural water depths in specified portions of the Dog River, Alabama; (2) repair and rehabilitate a levee in Elba, Alabama, and Geneva, Alabama; and (3) perform operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation on 37 miles of levees in and around Augusta and Devalls Bluff, Arkansas. (Sec. 522) Directs the Secretary to survey, and provide technical, planning, and design assistance for, watershed management, restoration, and development on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. (Sec. 524) Directs the Secretary to: (1) reallocate approximately 31,000 additional acre-feet of Beaver Lake, Arkansas, to water supply storage; (2) construct the Beaver Lake trout hatchery by September 30, 2002; (3) provide technical assistance in the study, design, and implementation of measures for flood damage reduction and environmental restoration and protection in the Santa Ana River watershed, California; (4) carry out a project for flood control at Rush Creek, California; and (5) provide technical assistance in the study, design, and implementation of environmental restoration and protection of the Salton Sea, California. (Sec. 528) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) prepare special area management plans in Orange and San Diego Counties, California, for providing information regarding aquatic resources; and (2) modify a cooperative agreement with the Santa Cruz Port District, California, to reflect unanticipated additional dredging efforts and to extend such agreement for ten years. (Sec. 531) Provides a maximum Federal expenditure with respect to a hurricane and storm damage reduction project at Point Beach, Milford, Connecticut. (Sec. 532) Authorizes the Secretary to apply a specified computer model to assist non-Federal interests in developing strategies for improving water quality in the Lower St. Johns River basin, Florida. (Sec. 533) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out certain environmental restoration and resource protection activities to restore Lake Allatoona and the Etowah River in Georgia; and (2) provide technical assistance for reconstruction of the Mayo's Bar Lock and Dam, Coosa River, Rome, Georgia. (Sec. 535) Directs the Secretary to study and report on development of a comprehensive flood impact response modeling system for the Coralville Reservoir and the Iowa River watershed, Iowa. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 536) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out additional construction assistance projects in Georgetown and Olney, Illinois. (Sec. 537) Directs the Secretary to offer Kansas the right to purchase water storage in Kanapolis Lake, Kansas, at a predetermined price. (Sec. 538) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to increase the authorization of appropriations for: (1) environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in southern and eastern Kentucky; and (2) flood control and improvements to rainfall drainage systems in Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany Parishes, Louisiana. (Sec. 540) Authorizes the Secretary to study and provide technical assistance for flood damage reduction activities in Snug Harbor, Maryland. (Sec. 541) Authorizes the Secretary to determine if the spillage or dredged materials that were removed as part of the navigation project for the Inland Waterway from Delaware River to the Chesapeake Bay is a significant impediment to navigation and, if so, to conduct additional dredging to permit navigation on the Elk River near Welch Point, Maryland. Requires a related water supply damage study. (Sec. 542) Directs the Secretary to investigate contamination of the well system in West View Shores, Cecil County, Maryland, and, if necessary, provide alternative water supplies. (Sec. 543) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to revise technical assistance, consultation, and funding requirements with respect to water quality restoration projects in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. (Sec. 544) Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to $300,000 for alternative transportation arising as a result of the operation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge. (Sec. 545) Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project to improve water quality in the vicinity of St. Louis, Missouri. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 546) Authorizes the Secretary to compile and disseminate information on floods and flood damages, and provide technical assistance regarding floodplain management, for Beaver Branch of the Big Timber Creek, New Jersey. (Sec. 547) Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance to the International Joint Commission and the St. Lawrence River Board of Control for studies on the effects of fluctuating water levels along the shorelines of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in New York. (Sec. 548) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative agreements to investigate, develop, and support measures for sediment management and reduction of contaminant sources which affect navigation in the Port of New York-New Jersey and the environmental conditions of the New York-New Jersey Harbor estuary; and (2) construct a project for shoreline protection at Sea Gate Reach, Coney Island, New York. (Sec. 550) Directs the Secretary to provide planning, design, and technical assistance to non-Federal interests for identifying and mitigating sources of contamination at Woodlawn Beach, New York. (Sec. 551) Directs the Secretary to assist in a project for developing maps identifying 100- and 500-year old flood inundation areas in the State of New York. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 552) Directs the Secretary to determine if water quality deterioration and sedimentation of the White Oak River, North Carolina, are the results of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway navigation project and, if so, to undertake mitigation efforts. (Sec. 553) Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the removal of military ordnance from the Toussaint River in Ottawa County, Ohio. (Sec. 554) Directs the Secretary to accept from the State of Oklahoma an amount representing its obligation for water supply storage at Sardis Reservoir in Oklahoma. (Sec. 555) Waives a required repayment by the Waurika Project Master Conservancy District for the construction of water conveyance facilities. (Sec. 556) Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study for carrying out a riverbank stabilization project on the south bank of the Willamette River in Skinner Butte Park in Eugene, Oregon. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 557) Directs the Secretary, the FEMA Director, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies to assist the State of Oregon in developing and implementing a comprehensive basin-wide strategy in the Willamette River basin in order to improve water quality, reduce flood hazards, ensure economic activity, and restore fish and wildlife habitat. (Sec. 558) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) assist in water-related environmental infrastructure projects in Bradford and Sullivan Counties, Pennsylvania; (2) reimburse the non-Federal interest a limited amount for architect and engineering costs in connection with the Erie Harbor basin navigation project, Pennsylvania; and (3) conduct a breakwater-dock combination at the entrance to Seven Points' Harbor, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 560) Directs the Secretary to mitigate shoreline damages in connection with the project for navigation, Point Marion Lock and Dam, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 562) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to authorize environmental restoration assistance to non-Federal interests in southeastern Pennsylvania. (Sec. 563) Authorizes the Secretary to prepare a watershed plan for the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna watershed. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 564) Directs the Secretary to study whether erosion and additional storm damage near Aguadilla Harbor, Puerto Rico, are the results of a Federal navigation project and, if so, to take mitigation measures. (Sec. 565) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 to require a report from the Secretary to Congress in connection with recurring flooding and related problems near Pierre and Ft. Pierre, South Dakota. (Sec. 566) Directs the Secretary to provide technical, planning, and design assistance to non-Federal interests in developing integrated water management plans and projects that will serve Texas cities, counties, water agencies, and planning regions. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 567) Authorizes the Secretary to design and construct a shore protection project: (1) in Jefferson, Chambers, and Galveston Counties, Texas, including the beneficial use of dredged material from Federal navigation projects; and (2) along Galveston Beach, Texas. (Sec. 569) Directs the Secretary to construct a navigation and storm protection project at Packery Channel, Mustang Island, Texas. (Sec. 570) Authorizes specified water resources development projects in West Virginia. (Sec. 571) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a research program to manage peak flood flows in urbanized watersheds in New Jersey. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 572) Amends the Flood Control Act of 1928 to increase the annual salary of members of the Mississippi River Commission. (Sec. 573) Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with specified Federal officials in the development of a management strategy to address problems associated with toxic microorganisms and the resulting degradation of ecosystems in tidal and nontidal wetlands and waters of the United States along the Atlantic Ocean. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 574) Authorizes the Secretary, during FY 2000 through 2003, to withhold 100 percent of the fees collected at selected recreation sites, and to use such funds for backlogged repair and maintenance projects and for interpretation, signage, habitat or facility enhancement, resource preservation, annual operation and maintenance, and law enforcement related to public use at such sites. (Sec. 575) Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical, planning, and design assistance to Federal and non-Federal interests for carrying out projects to address water quality problems caused by drainage and related activities from abandoned and inactive non-coal mines. Authorizes the maintenance of a technology database for the reclamation of abandoned mines. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 576) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct pilot projects for the beneficial use of waste tire rubber. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 577) Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1976 to extend until January 1, 2005, the authority of the EPA Administrator to designate sites for the dumping of nontoxic or nonhazardous wastes. (Sec. 578) Directs the Secretary, subject to certain conditions and requirements, to convey real property in: (1) Pike County, Missouri, to Holnam, Inc.; (2) Osage County, Oklahoma, to qualified buyers (with a right of notice to previous owners); (3) Lake Hugo, Oklahoma, to Choctaw County Industrial Authority in Oklahoma; (4) Marshall County, Oklahoma, to the State of Oklahoma for public park and recreation purposes; (5) Leflore County, Oklahoma, to the Summerfield Cemetery Association in Oklahoma; (6) Dexter, Oregon, to the Dexter Sanitary District; (7) the Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake, South Carolina, to the State of South Carolina for fish and wildlife purposes; (8) Charleston, South Carolina, to a qualified buyer; (9) Clarkston, Washington, to the Port of Clarkston; and (10) Matewan, West Virginia, to the town of Matewan. (Sec. 579) Designates the: (1) eight-mile creek in Paragould, Arkansas, as the Francis Bland Floodway Ditch; and (2) bridge over lock and dam number 4 on the Arkansas River in Arkansas as the Lawrence Blackwell Memorial Bridge. (Sec. 580) Directs the Secretary to study increasing surcharge flood control storage at the Folsom Dam and Reservoir by replacing spillway gates and raising the dam and embankment. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study opportunities to increase the available water supply storage there due to such actions. Requires the Secretary of the Army to plan, design, and construct alternative transportation to replace Folsom Dam Road. (Sec. 581) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) amend a specified contract entered into with the Placer County Water Agency to provide for the diversion and delivery of water from the Sacramento River; (2) design and construct facilities, including fish screens, for the diversion of Central Valley Project water to Placer County; (3) design, construct, or expand facilities for a pumping station to be used by the Agency to divert and pump water from the American River; and (4) design and construct gates and other facilities at Hell Hole Dam and Reservoir to enable the Agency to provide flood protection for lands and inhabitants adjacent to the American River downstream of Folsom Dam. Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into a municipal and industrial water supply contract with the El Dorado Irrigation District to provide a specified annual amount of water, by way of diversion from Folsom Lake or water upstream on the American River or its tributaries; and (2) design and construct facilities needed to retrofit such District's current diversion infrastructure in order to provide the diversion capacity needed. Directs the Secretary to: (1) design and construct necessary facilities to provide for the diversion, transportation, treatment, and storage of a specified amount of water annually from the American River for the Georgetown Divide Public Utility District; (2) provide specified funds to the San Juan Water District for a study of water diversion facility conjunctive use opportunities within Placer and Sacramento Counties, California, and to implement a specified pilot project; (3) design and construct improvements to diversion, pumping, and transport facilities at Folsom Dam in order to pump additional water to Roseville, the San Juan Water District, Folsom, and the Placer County Water Agency; (4) contract with San Joaquin County, California, for diversion of water at the American River Nimbus diversion facility for the development of recharge projects within the East San Joaquin County Recharge Project (with an authorized $100 million loan to such County for such purpose); and (5) make available annually a specified amount of water for South Sacramento County agriculture and water users. Directs the Secretary to provide water resource grants to implement projects to provide water supply benefits to areas cited under this section. Authorizes appropriations for such grants. Outlines implementation requirements, including environmental compliance. Directs the Secretary to contract with the State of California to undertake studies to determine opportunities to increase the available water supply and water storage capacity within specified California areas. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to administer Central Valley Project water contracts on the American River. (Sec. 582) Provides for the allocation of funds authorized to be appropriated under sections 580 and 581, above, during various fiscal years. (Sec. 583) Directs the Secretary of the Army to take emergency action to protect Wallops Island, Virginia, from damaging coastal storms. Authorizes appropriations.

Power Marketing Administration Reform Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1999

Power Marketing Administration Reform Act of 1999- Requires the Secretary of Energy to develop and implement procedures to ensure that the Federal Power Marketing Administrations (FPMAs) utilize the same accounting principles and requirements as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) applies to the electric operations of public utilities. (Sec. 4) Requires each FPMA and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to submit periodically for FERC review rates for the sale or disposition of Federal energy that will ensure recovery of all their costs in generating and marketing such energy. Prescribes rate mechanism and pricing guidelines. Establishes a fund within the Department of the Interior to: (1) mitigate damage to environmental resources attributable to power generation and sales facilities; and (2) restore the health of such resources, including fish and wildlife. Mandates project-specific mitigation plans for each power generation project. Establishes a fund within the Department of Energy for renewable resources. Prescribes expenditure guidelines. Mandates that public bodies and cooperatives be given a preference for future power allocations or reallocations of Federal power through a right of first refusal at market prices. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to require each FPMA to: (1) assign personnel and incur expenses solely for authorized power marketing, reclamation, and flood control activities, and not for diversification into ancillary activities; and (2) make annual public disclosures of its activities, including the full costs of power projects and marketing. Precludes an FPMA from entering into or renewing any power marketing contract for a term exceeding five years. (Sec. 5) Requires provision of FPMA transmission services on an open access basis, and at FERC-approved rates in the same manner as provided by any public utility under FERC jurisdiction. (Sec. 6) Grants FERC rate-making approval authority until a full transition is made to market-based rates, for: (1) rate schedules recommended by the Secretary of Energy; and (2) rate schedules for FPMA power sales. (Sec. 7) Amends: (1) the Department of Energy Organization Act to reflect the changes made by this Act; and (2) specified Federal law to repeal the prohibition against the use of appropriated funds for purposes relating to the possibility of changing from an "at cost" to a "market rate" or any other noncost-based method for pricing Federal hydroelectric power.

Foght against serious crimes against the environment

European Union · European Parliament · 16 April 1999

Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 1999 - 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.

Corporate Responsibility Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

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 1999 - 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, 1999. (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 on 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.

State and Local Government Economic Empowerment Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

State and Local Government Economic Empowerment Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to have money available for purposes of this Act (i.e., the creation of non-interest-bearing Government credit funds in measured or limited increments for the purpose of funding capital and environmental projects in the public interest) in an amount equal to the product of: (1) the U.S. population, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce on the basis of the 1990 census; and (2) $1,400. Requires that the money be created by having the Secretary and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System enter into a loan agreement whereby: (1) the Board shall lend the U.S. Treasury a sum up to $360 billion at the rate of not more than $72 billion per annum (on a cumulative basis) in each of the five years commencing 60 days after this Act's enactment date; and (2) the Secretary shall pay an annual fee to the Board to cover administrative costs that the Board incurs in acting as the agent of the Administrator appointed by the Secretary. Treats any amount made available pursuant to this Act as money created in the sovereign and exclusive capacity of the United States to create money. Specifies that: (1) money created under this section shall not be treated as revenue when it is created or made available to the Administrator, nor when the loans are repaid; (2) the money created and the interest-free loan program established under this Act shall not be treated as budget authority, shall not be subject to apportionment or sequestration other than in accordance with this Act, and shall not be taken into account in the determination of the baseline for any fiscal year; and (3) the disbursement of money created under this Act shall not be treated as an outlay or a budget outlay. (Sec. 5) Entitles each State, county, township, incorporated municipality, school district, and Indian tribe to obtain a loan from the Administrator, unless such governmental unit is delinquent in repaying a prior loan, subject to specified limitations. (Sec. 6) Directs the Administrator to issue an interest-free loan from the money created to any such government unit if the Administrator obtains assurances that the proceeds will be used solely for the purpose of: (1) funding capital projects of such unit, including the construction of or improvements to school facilities, streets, water and sewer systems, and public and environmental facilities; or (2) the cleanup of toxic waste sites or other environmental improvements.

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding Federal decisions, actions, and regulations affecting water.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1999

Expresses the sense of Congress that Federal departments and agencies should: (1) coordinate Federal decisions and actions that affect water and ensure that each such decision or action promotes the use of water in a sustainable manner; (2) promote processes for developing comprehensive watershed plans that include all appropriate local and regional governments within watersheds and that consider the implications of land use on water; (3) consider the impact on entire watersheds when making a Federal decision or taking a Federal action that affects water; (4) promote the involvement of citizen and environmental groups and the business community in watershed planning processes and provide for such involvement when making such a decision or taking such an action that affects water; and (5) establish clear standards for compliance with Federal regulations affecting bodies of water or water supplies and provide flexibility for such compliance, using market forces whenever possible.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Procurement Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations Subtitle B: Multi-Year Contract Authorizations Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title III: Operation and Maintenance Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations Subtitle A: Active Forces Subtitle B: Reserve Forces Subtitle C: End and Grade Strength Management Title V: Military Personnel Policy Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components Subtitle C: Military Education and Training Subtitle D: Uniform Code of Military Justice Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays Subtitle C: Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pays Subtitle D: Military Retired Pay Subtitle E: Other Matters Title VII: Health Care Provisions Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management Subtitle A: Organization Subtitle B: Service Academy Management Subtitle C: Personnel Management Title X: General Provisions Subtitle A: Financial Matters Subtitle B: Foreign Nations Subtitle C: Department of Defense Schools Subtitle D: Other Matters Division B: Military Construction Authorizations Title XXI: Army Title XXII: Navy Title XXIII: Air Force Title XXIV: Defense Agencies Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations Title XXVIII: General Provisions Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 - Title I: Procurement - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. (Sec. 104) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for: (1) defense-wide procurement; (2) the Defense Inspector General; (3) the Defense Health Program; and (4) the chemical demilitarization program. Subtitle B: Multi-Year Contract Authorizations - Authorizes the use of multiyear procurement contracts for specified Army and Navy aircraft, vehicles, ammunition, and equipment. Title II: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for the armed forces for research, development, test, and evaluation. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Subtitle A: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for operation and maintenance (O&M) for the armed forces and specified activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (DOD). (Sec. 302) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 and 2001 for: (1) working capital and revolving funds; and (2) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the transfer of up to $150 million from the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund to specified military O&M accounts for FY 2000. (Sec. 305) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to pay inspection and monitoring expenses of international inspectors from the Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Title IV: Military Personnel Authorizations - Subtitle A: Active Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths for active-duty forces as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001. Subtitle B: Reserve Forces - Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001 for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel on active duty in support of the reserves. (Sec. 413) Sets forth the authorized end strengths as of the end of FY 2000 and 2001 for military technicians (dual status) and military technicians (non-dual status). (Sec. 415) Increases the number of certain officers and enlisted personnel authorized to serve on active duty in support of the reserves. Subtitle C: End and Grade Strength Management - Prohibits DOD funds from being used to implement a reduction of active-duty end strengths for any of the armed forces for any fiscal year below the number currently required to support two major regional contingencies simultaneously unless the Secretary notifies Congress of such proposal and a justification. (Sec. 417) Authorizes the Secretary to increase the end strengths for Selected Reserve personnel by up to two percent. (Sec. 418) Makes permanent (currently terminates at the end of FY 2000): (1) the authority to exempt certain senior joint officer positions from officer end strength limitations; and (2) the requirement for each military department Secretary to submit to the Secretary the name of an officer to serve in a vacant senior joint officer position. (Sec. 419) Exempts from Air Force officer end strength limitations an officer appointed to the position of Commander in Chief of the United States Transportation Command or United States Space Command. Title V: Military Personnel Policy - Subtitle A: Officer Personnel Policy - Removes the requirement that active-duty or retired officers serving on boards of inquiry be serving on active duty in a grade above lieutenant colonel or commander, but requires one board member to be above such grade. Requires remaining board members to be in grades above major or lieutenant commander. (Sec. 502) Limits to no less than three or more than five the number of officers to be recommended by the Secretary of each military department for vacant positions for Judge Advocate General and Assistant (or Deputy) Judge Advocate General of each military department. (Sec. 503) Requires the following positions (currently designated simply as critical acquisition positions) to be assigned for no fewer than three years: program or deputy program managers for a significant nonmajor defense acquisition program; program executive officers; general or flag officer or the civilian equivalent; and senior contracting official. (Sec. 504) Authorizes a promotion selection board to recommend for promotion an officer from below the promotion zone for that position when the number of officers recommended is less than one. Subtitle B: Matters Relating to Reserve Components - Authorizes the Secretary of the military department concerned to delay the separation or retirement of a reserve officer until the completion of court-martial disciplinary proceedings. (Sec. 511) Authorizes the Secretary concerned, with the consent of the member, to order a reserve member to active duty to complete a required DOD health care study. (Sec. 512) Makes ineligible for promotion a reserve officer serving in an educational delay status in order to attend an approved educational institution to receive advanced training, when such training is subsidized by the military department concerned. Makes this section retroactive in the case of officers not promoted due to such status between October 1, 1996, and the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 513) Requires a major or lieutenant commander who has twice failed to be selected for promotion to be removed from the reserve active status list on the later of the first day of the month after such member completes 20 years of service (current law) or seven months after the President approves the report of the board which considered such officer for the second time. (Sec. 514) Excludes from the computation of creditable years of service for a reserve officer service as a reserve commissioned officer while in a program of advanced education to receive the first professional degree required for appointment, designation, or assignment within various military medical specialties, or as a chaplain or judge advocate, provided such service occurs before the officer commences initial active or reserve service in the specialty that results from such degree. (Sec. 515) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to retain reserve component chaplains until age 67 (currently 60). (Sec. 516) Authorizes reserve personnel to travel in a space required status on military aircraft between home and place of inactive duty training, or place of duty in lieu of unit training assembly, when there is no road or rail transportation between such locations. (Sec. 517) Prohibits civil employment for regular and reserve officers serving on active duty under a call or order for a period in excess of 270 (currently 180) days. Subtitle C: Military Education and Training - Makes permanent (currently terminates September 30, 1999) the authority of the Secretary concerned to allow graduate students to receive financial assistance under the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. (Sec. 521) Revises generally provisions concerning the award of reserve service credit for participation in the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance program. (Sec. 522) Allows tuition reimbursement and training allowances provided to acquisition personnel to be for the full amount of expenses and training incurred. (Sec. 523) Provides the authorized grade for an individual serving as a dean of the United States Military Academy or United States Air Force Academy. (Sec. 524) Authorizes the Commandant of the United States Army War College to confer the degree of master of strategic studies. (Sec. 525) Authorizes the Commander of the Air University to confer the degrees of master of strategic studies and master of military operational art and science. (Sec. 526) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to provide up to $5,200 yearly in financial assistance to certain members of the Marine Corps Reserve for completion of: (1) baccalaureate degree requirements in an educational program that takes less than five years to complete; or (2) doctor of jurisprudence or bachelor of laws degree requirements in programs that take no more than three years to complete. Outlines eligibility requirements, including selection as an officer candidate in the Marine Corps Platoon Leader's Class Program and completion of at least six weeks of military training. Requires graduates to serve at least five years of active duty upon graduation. Prohibits more than 1,200 individuals from participating in such program at any one time. Provides for the computation of creditable service for officers serving in such positions. Subtitle D: Uniform Code of Military Justice - Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to authorize special courts-martial to adjudge and execute punishments which include confinement for up to one year (currently six months). (Sec. 531) Reduces from 0.10 to 0.08 the blood-alcohol content for determining the UCMJ offense of drunken operation of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel. Title VI: Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits - Subtitle A: Pay and Allowances - Waives any FY 2000 military pay increases tied to increases in the General Schedule of Compensation for Government employees. Increases by 4.4 percent, effective on January 1, 2000, the rates of basic pay for military personnel. Subtitle B: Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays - Authorizes enlistment bonuses to be paid in a lump-sum (currently, only installments). Increases from $12,000 to $20,000 the authorized one-time bonus for enlisting for at least a four-year period. (Sec. 613) Reduces from 21 to 17 the months of continuous active duty service required for a member to be eligible (among other requirements) for a reenlistment bonus. Increases the amount of such bonus to the lesser of 15 (currently, ten) times the amount that the member was entitled to at the time of original separation or discharge multiplied by the number of agreed-upon years of additional service, or $60,000 (currently, $45,000). (Sec. 614) Authorizes payment of a prior service enlistment bonus to members of the Selected Reserve attaining or occupying positions designated as critically short. (Sec. 615) Requires air battle managers entitled to the payment of aviation career incentive pay to receive the higher of such pay or the amount they were receiving prior to such entitlement. (Sec. 617) Authorizes the payment of career enlisted flyer incentive pay to enlisted personnel who: (1) are entitled to basic pay or inactive training duty pay; (2) hold or are in training for a career enlisted occupational or flyer specialty; (3) are qualified for aviation service; and (4) engage or remain in such service on a career basis. Outlines operational flying duty requirements. Provides the monthly amounts of such pay, which increases with the years of creditable aviation service performed. Provides for a proportionate share of such pay for reserve members performing inactive duty training involving aviation. Prohibits such pay for members already receiving either hazardous duty incentive pay or diving duty special pay. (Sec. 618) Increases the diving duty special pay and the foreign language proficiency special pay. (Sec. 620) Authorizes the payment of surface warfare officer continuation pay to such officers who agree to remain on active duty to complete tours of duty to which such officers may be ordered as a department head afloat. Limits such amount to $50,000, requiring pro rata repayment for tours not completed. (Sec. 622) Authorizes special pay for certain special warfare officers who agree to remain on active duty in such service for at least one additional year. Limits such pay to $10,000 for each additional year. Terminates on September 30, 2001, the authority to enter into such agreements. Requires a pro rata repayment for additional periods not completed. (Sec. 623) Increases certain bonuses and special pay provided to nuclear-qualified officers. Subtitle C: Extension of Certain Bonuses and Special Pays - Extends through FY 2001 specified authorities currently scheduled to expire at the end of 1999 with respect to certain special pay and bonus programs within the regular and reserve armed forces. Subtitle D: Military Retired Pay - Repeals a reduction in retired pay currently required for individuals who first became members of the armed forces after July 31, 1986, and retired with less than 30 years of retirement-creditable service. Revises the annual cost-of-living adjustment applicable to such retired pay. Subtitle E: Other Matters - Authorizes the lump-sum payment of accrued unused annual leave upon a member's reenlistment into the armed forces. (Sec. 641) Authorizes the use of any airport in the United States at which travel can be arranged at the lowest cost in connection with emergency leave travel for military personnel. (Currently, only travel from the closest airport is authorized.) (Sec. 642) Authorizes the use of appropriated funds to provide contract quarters as lodging in kind for reservists performing active duty for training or inactive-duty training. (Sec. 643) Provides limited authority for the Secretary concerned to delegate the authority to waive operational flying duty requirements. (Sec. 644) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide tuition assistance for members deployed in a contingency operation or similar operational mission. (Sec. 645) Authorizes the payment of temporary lodging expenses of members making their first permanent change of duty station. (Sec. 646) Requires the continuation of authorized pay and allowances for a member listed under a "whereabouts unknown" duty status. (Sec. 647) Changes from annually to biennially a required report concerning operation of the educational assistance program for reserve personnel. Title VII: Health Care Provisions - Amends the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) to direct the Secretary, in the administration of health care contracts and programs, to implement program benefit and administrative changes at the start of each fiscal year rather than throughout the year, except when the Secretary determines that such changes would significantly improve health services to eligible beneficiaries. Authorizes the Secretary, under certain circumstances, to defer for up to one year the schedule implementation for a new health care program or benefit (requires congressional certification). (Sec. 702) Authorizes the Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, to continue payment under CHAMPUS for domiciliary or custodial care services to covered beneficiaries who, prior to the effective date of final regulations implementing the individual case management program, were provided such care. (Sec. 703) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 to revise a due date for an evaluation and report concerning the effectiveness of TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program). (Sec. 704) Authorizes the Armed Forces Medical Examiner to conduct forensic pathology examinations, including autopsies. Outlines circumstances warranting such examinations, including when a person dies while imprisoned in a military installation or from an injury or illness incurred during active duty or military training. Subjects such authority to the primary jurisdiction of any State or local governmental authority involved. Requires that, when a person is found dead at a place garrisoned by the Navy or Marine Corps under circumstances requiring investigation, such commanding officer shall direct a summary court-martial to investigate the circumstances. (Sec. 705) Authorizes the Secretary to make payments for emergency medical or dental care for military, civilian, and DOD contractor employees permanently or temporarily on duty in the countries of the former Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. (Sec. 706) Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the administration of the collection from third party insurers of the costs of care provided in military health care facilities to covered beneficiaries of such insurers. Title VIII: Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters - Authorizes the Secretary to withhold from public disclosure any DOD geodetic product (maps, charts, and related data) that, if disclosed, would interfere or unfairly compete with an emerging or existing commercial industry or market operation. (Sec. 802) Authorizes the Secretary to waive the application of certain survivability test requirements with respect to the MH-47E and MH-60K helicopter modification programs before their release for operational use. Requires a congressional report upon the exercise of such waiver. (Sec. 803) Authorizes the Secretary to waive certain defense contracting procedures for the acquisition of coal or coke (currently, only petroleum and natural gas). (Sec. 804) Removes a prior funding certification requirement with respect to the use of multiyear contracts for defense acquisition programs. (Sec. 805) Repeals the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into shipbuilding capability preservation agreements. (Sec. 806) Excludes certain subcontract notification requirements with respect to a contractor that maintains a purchasing system that has been approved by the appropriate contracting officer. (Sec. 807) Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year: (1) 1996 to repeal certain reports, plans, processes, and reviews required for nuclear attack submarines; and (2) 1997 to repeal a required annual report on design responsibility under the New Attack Submarine program. (Sec. 809) Authorizes the waiver of cost-sharing requirements under the defense manufacturing technology program when a project: (1) is not likely to have an immediate and direct commercial application; and (2) is initiated by a military service acquisition organization or by the Defense Logistics Agency. Requires documentation of the rationale for not requiring cost-sharing. Adds the extent to which project costs are being shared to information to be included in a five-year plan for such program. Title IX: Department of Defense Organization and Management - Subtitle A: Organization - Abolishes the position of Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs. (Sec. 903) Establishes within the Office of the Secretary a Director of Defense Logistics, to advise the Secretary and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology on DOD logistics. Subtitle B: Management of Service Academies - Makes eligible for presidential appointment to a service academy children of members who: (1) are on active duty and have at least eight total years of active duty (currently, eight continuous years is required); (2) are members of the reserves who have earned at least 2,880 retirement points; or (3) are eligible, or who died while they were eligible, for retired pay but had not yet reached age 60. (Sec. 906) Authorizes the waiver of reimbursement of up to 50 (currently 35) percent of the costs of instruction of foreign persons at U.S. service academies for students entering on or after May 1, 1999. (Sec. 907) Authorizes up to 24 (currently, ten) cadets from each service academy to participate in a service academy foreign exchange program. Increases from $50,000 to $120,000 the authorized fiscal year expenditures for each academy under such program. Subtitle C: Personnel Management - Excludes from a limitation on the number of retired officers authorized to serve on active duty an officer assigned to the Army, Navy, or Air Force Retiree Council. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Allows captured vessels or vessels stricken from the Naval Register to be transferred by the Secretary of the Navy after congressional notification and a 60 calendar day waiting period (currently, 60 days of continuous congressional session). (Sec. 916) Extends through FY 2002 the authority to acquire real property leases for special operations activities. (Sec. 917) Repeals the Naval Academy Museum Fund and transfers such funds into the United States Naval Academy Gift and Museum Fund, established herein. Repeals the Naval Center Historical Fund and transfers such funds into the Department of the Navy General Gift Fund. (Sec. 918) Authorizes the use of common defense burdensharing funds for a military construction project in a country which contributed such funds, upon a declaration of war or national emergency, when necessary to support the use of armed forces. Requires congressional notification of such decision and its estimated cost. (Sec. 919) Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to exempt operational files of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) from Federal public disclosure laws (including the Freedom of Information Act). Provides exceptions, including the use of such files for immigration and nationality purposes or Federal investigative proceedings. Provides judicial review, with limitations, when a person alleges that such records have been improperly withheld. Requires the NIMA Director and the Director of Central Intelligence, at least once every ten years, to review any exemptions in force to determine whether they should be removed from the exempt category. Title X: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Financial Matters - Repeals the requirement for: (1) a separate budget request for the procurement of reserve equipment; and (2) a two-year DOD budget cycle pursuant to the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986. (Sec. 1003) Revises the due date for, and requires inclusion of specified additional information in, a joint report by the Directors of the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Budget Office on the scoring of defense budget outlays. Subtitle B: Foreign Nations - Removes a provision limiting the Secretary's authority to enter into cooperative military airlift agreements with allied countries solely to that provided under current Federal law. Subtitle C: Department of Defense Schools - Allows a military dependent who has been a junior at a secondary school under the DOD domestic dependent elementary and secondary schools program to be enrolled as a senior in the next school year, notwithstanding a change in status that would otherwise terminate such eligibility. (Sec. 1016) Allows the Secretary to establish a single school board for program schools located in a U.S. territory, commonwealth, or possession. (Sec. 1017) Allows the Secretary to continue the enrollment of a military dependent or the dependent of a Federal employee under the program for as long as determined appropriate (currently, only until the end of that school year), notwithstanding a change in status that would otherwise terminate such eligibility. Subtitle D: Other Matters - Removes a provision that limits to $50 million in a fiscal year the Federal expenditure for the National Guard civilian youth opportunities program. Division B (sic): Military Construction Authorizations - Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 - Title XXI(sic): Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units, carry out architectural planning and design activities, and improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years after: (1) 1999 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Army; and (2) 2000 for completion of the military construction and family housing projects, above, and for those authorized for FY 2001. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. (Sec. 2105) Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 to increase the amount authorized for the Pueblo Chemical Activity, Colorado. Title XXII: Navy - Provides, with respect to the Navy, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under the previous title. (Sec. 2205) Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy, or such other department Secretary as designated, to acquire real property and carry out a military construction project for a forward deployment site for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities. Title XXIII: Air Force - Provides, with respect to the Air Force, authorizations paralleling those provided for the Army under Title XXI. (Sec. 2305) Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force, or such other department Secretary as designated, to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for forward deployment sites for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities in Ecuador and Curacao. Title XXIV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts. (Sec. 2403) Earmarks funds authorized under this title for deposit into the Department of Defense Family Housing Fund. (Sec. 2404) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out certain energy conservation projects. (Sec. 2405) Authorizes appropriations to DOD for fiscal years after: (1) 1999 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of DOD; and (2) 2000 for completion of the military construction and family housing projects, above, and for those authorized for FY 2001. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title XXV: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program - Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1999 for such contributions. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such purpose. Title XXVI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 1999 for the Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2000 for such purpose, and for construction projects authorized for FY 2001. Title XXVII: Expiration and Extension of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVI of this Act on October 1, 2002, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 2003, whichever is later, with exceptions. Extends certain prior-year military construction projects. Title XXVIII: General Provisions - Subtitle A: Military Construction Program and Military Family Housing - Authorizes the use of O&M funds for minor construction projects intended solely to correct a life-threatening, health-threatening, or safety-threatening deficiency. (Sec. 2802) Includes design costs within authorized uses for military construction project funds. Subtitle B: Real Property and Facilities Administration - Authorizes the Secretary concerned, in connection with the conveyance of a utility system, to enter into a contract for utility services for a period not to exceed 50 years. (Sec. 2804) Authorizes the Secretary concerned to construct or acquire family housing not otherwise authorized if: (1) Congress has previously appropriated funds for such purpose; and (2) funds for such units have been transferred from the Family Housing Improvement Fund into a Family Housing account. Requires congressional notification and a 21-day waiting period following such notification. Subtitle C: Defense Base Closure and Realignment - Establishes the Environmental Restoration Account, Base Realignment and Closure, to fund environmental restoration and mitigation activities required as the result of the closure or realignment of a military installation pursuant to a base closure law. Authorizes the Secretary to transfer funds to such Account from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990. Makes environmental restoration activities funds used during such closures and realignments available for administrative expenses and technical assistance related to such activities.

Justice for Displaced Residents Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999

Justice for Displaced Residents Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to make a person liable, without regard to defenses to liability under such Act, for three times the amount of response costs or damages for which the person would otherwise be liable if: (1) at the time of disposal of a designated hazardous substance, the person owned or operated any vessel or facility at which such substance was disposed; (2) the vessel or facility is or has been subject to a removal action by the President or an equivalent State action; and (3) prior to the removal action, the person sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of the facility or vessel under circumstances in which the future residential use of the vessel or facility was reasonably foreseeable. Provides that amounts recovered under this Act are in addition to amounts recovered under existing CERCLA liability provisions. Absolves a person of liability under this Act if the person: (1) acquired the vessel or facility primarily for use as a personal residence, did not contribute to the designated hazardous substance release, and took care with respect to such substance; or (2) acquired the vessel or facility primarily for development for personal residential use, did not contribute to the release, took care with respect to the designated substance, and is an unaffiliated entity with fewer than 25 employees and less than $2 million in gross annual revenues. Makes response costs or damages under this Act recoverable by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or any person who resides or previously resided in the vessel or facility following its sale or disposal. Defines "designated hazardous substance" as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, tetrachloroethylenes, and any other hazardous substance that the Administrator may designate.

To authorize appropriations for the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1999

Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations through FY 2007 for the program of financial assistance for the preservation and restoration of structures on or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places within the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (in Massachusetts and Rhode Island) which exhibit national significance or provide a wide spectrum of historic, recreational, or environmental education opportunities to the general public.