Environment

Inclusive Home Design Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003

Inclusive Home Design Act of 2003 - Requires, with exceptions, newly constructed, federally assisted single family houses and town houses to include at least one level that complies with the following accessibility features for persons with disabilities: (1) accessible entrance; (2) accessible interior doors; (3) accessible environmental controls; and (4) accessible habitable space and an accessible bathroom. Requires: (1) each applicant for Federal financial assistance to submit compliance assurances to the relevant Federal agency, and (2) each person who arranges for design or construction of a covered dwelling to submit architectural and construction plans for State or local approval. Prohibits Federal financial assistance to a State or local government unit unless the recipient is taking certain enforcement actions with regard to covered dwellings. Permits: (1) private civil actions in a United States District Court or State court for violations under this Act; and (2) the Attorney General to commence civil actions or intervene in civil actions under this Act.

National Monument Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003

National Monument Fairness Act - Revises Federal law with respect to a presidential proclamation that, during one calendar year, either creates a national monument that is more than 50,000 acres or that adds more than 50,000 acres to an existing national monument. Prohibits the issuance of such a proclamation until 30 days after the President has transmitted the proposed proclamation to the Governor of the State or States in which such acreage is located, soliciting written comment. Makes any such proclamation ineffective two years after its issuance unless Congress has approved it by law. Provides that land subject to a proclamation issued after the enactment of this Act that ceases to be effective shall revert to the land use status it had before the proclamation was issued. Requires the President: (1) to solicit public participation and comment in the development of a monument proclamation; (2) to consult with the Governor and entire congressional delegation of the State or territory in which such lands are located at least 60 days before any national monument proclamation; and (3) before issuing it, to consider any information, including public comments, made available in the development of existing plans and programs for the management of the lands under consideration. Requires any management plan for a national monument developed subsequent to a proclamation made under this Act to comply with the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Hawaii Water Resources Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2003

Hawaii Water Resources Act of 2003 - Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of: (1) a project in Kalaeloa, Hawaii, to desalinate and distribute seawater for direct potable use within the service area of the Board of Water Supply, City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii; (2) facilities in Kealakehe, Hawaii, for the treatment and distribution of recycled water and for environmental purposes within the County of Hawaii; and (3) and acquire land for, facilities in Lahaina, Hawaii, for the distribution of recycled water from the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility for nonpotable uses within the County of Maui. Limits the Federal share to 25 percent of the total cost of any such project. Prohibits the use of funds provided by the Secretary for project operation and maintenance. Amends the Hawaii Water Resources Act of 2000 to: (1) increase the authorization of appropriations for the Federal share of activities authorized under the Act for the Hawaii Water Resources Study; and (2) eliminate the prohibition against the total Federal cost share for the study and reports from exceeding the amount authorized by the Act.

Judgment of the Court (Third Chamber) of 5 June 2003. # Commission of the European Communities v Hellenic Republic. # Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations - Failure to transpose Directive 2000/14/EC - Noise emission in the environment. # Case C-352/02.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 5 June 2003

Forcierung der Lärmbekämpfung in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Forcierung der Lärmbekämpfung in Österreich <i>(Vorlage eines Lärmschutzgesetzes)</i>

AKW Temelin - mangelndes Engagement der Bundesregierung

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für auswärtige Angelegenheiten betreffend AKW <i>(Atomkraftwerk)</i> Temelin - mangelndes Engagement der Bundesregierung

AKW Temelin - mangelndes Engagement der Bundesregierung

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend AKW <i>(Atomkraftwerk)</i> Temelin - mangelndes Engagement der Bundesregierung

AKW Temelin - mangelndes Engagement der Bundesregierung

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend AKW <i>(Atomkraftwerk)</i> Temelin - mangelndes Engagement der Bundesregierung

Erarbeitung eines überfälligen Bundestierschutzgesetzes in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend Erarbeitung eines überfälligen Bundestierschutzgesetzes in Österreich

Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend dringend erforderliche Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers in Österreich

Rinderleukosegesetz 1982

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

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

EU-konforme Novellierung der Altölbestimmungen in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 4 June 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend EU-konforme Novellierung der Altölbestimmungen in Österreich

Recycled Roads Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003

Recycled Roads Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a recycled roads incentive grant program to encourage, and to make grants to States and Indian tribes to employ a coordinator and carry out projects and activities to promote, the expanded use of a diverse range of recyclable material in the construction and maintenance of Federal-aid highways. Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage cooperation between transportation and environmental programs carried out by the State or Indian tribe; and (2) treat an Indian tribe as a State for the purpose of such grants.

Species Protection and Conservation of the Environment Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003

Species Protection and Conservation of the Environment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make renewable two-year Aldo Leopold Native Heritage Grants for harmful nonnative species control projects to States, local governments, interstate or regional agencies, or private persons with adequate personnel, funding, and authority to carry out and monitor or maintain such a project. Authorizes a grant to a State to carry out an assessment project to: (1) identify harmful nonnative species occurring in the State; (2) assess the needs to restore, manage, or enhance native fish and wildlife and their natural habitats and processes; (3) identify priorities for actions to address such needs; (4) identify mechanisms to increase capacity building in a State or across State lines to conserve and protect native fish and wildlife and their habitats and to detect and control harmful nonnative species within the State; and (5) incorporate, where applicable, the guidelines of the National Management Plan referred to in Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999, and entitled Meeting the Invasive Species Challenge. Authorizes the Secretary to assist financially a rapid response to outbreaks of harmful nonnative species when rapid eradication or control is possible. Establishes: (1) the National Invasive Species Council to provide leadership and coordination among Federal agencies, and between the Federal Government and State and local governments; and (2) the Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of a National Oceans Week.

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the ocean is of paramount importance to the economic future, environmental quality, and national security of the United States; (2) the United States has a responsibility to exercise and promote comprehensive stewardship and understanding of the ocean and the living marine resources it contains; and (3) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe a National Oceans Week with appropriate recognition, programs, ceremonies, and activities to further ocean literacy, education, and exploration.

Common Position (EC) No 42/2003 of 3 June 2003 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1210/90 on the establishment of the European Environment Agency and the European Environment Information and Observation Network

European Union · Council of the European Union · 3 June 2003

A bill to condition of receipt certain State revolving funds on the restriction of development or construction of new colonia and colonia structures along the border between the United States and Mexico.

United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2003

Prohibits specified Federal water pollution or drinking water capitalization grants for a State that has not required each of its county and municipal governments in the United States-Mexico border to enforce rules that prohibit development or construction of any new colonia that lacks water, wastewater, or other necessary infrastructure. Defines "colonia"as an identifiable community: (1) located in the United States-Mexico border region (excluding certain metropolitan statistical areas) in Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas; (2) recognized as such prior to enactment of this Act; and (3) lacking water, sewage, and housing infrastructure.

Directive 2003/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 providing for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment and amending with regard to public participation and access to justice Council Directives 85/337/EEC and 96/61/EC - Statement by the Commission

European Union · EUR-Lex · 26 May 2003

die Störfälle im ungarischen AKW Paks

Austria · National Council · 23 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für auswärtige Angelegenheiten betreffend die Störfälle im ungarischen AKW <i>(Atomkraftwerk)</i> Paks

belastete Gebiete - Luft in Kärnten

Austria · National Council · 23 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend belastete Gebiete - Luft in Kärnten

Abschied von der heimischen Anti-Atom-Politik

Austria · National Council · 23 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Abschied von der heimischen Anti-Atom-Politik, den mangelnden Aktivitäten der österreichischen Bundesregierung nach den Störfällen im ungarischen AKW <i>(Atomkraftwerk)</i> Paks und im tschechischen Temelin und fehlenden Initiativen auf EU-Ebene

Arbeitsgruppe zur Erarbeitung eines Bundestierschutzgesetzes

Austria · National Council · 23 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Brigid Weinzinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend Arbeitsgruppe zur Erarbeitung eines Bundestierschutzgesetzes

Vormarsch der Einweg-Gebinde und die Säumigkeit des Ministers

Austria · National Council · 23 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Vormarsch der Einweg-Gebinde <i>(am Getränkemarkt)</i> und die Säumigkeit des Ministers

Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2003

Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the renewable electricity production tax credit to, among other things, include as qualified energy resources, geothermal energy, solar energy, small irrigation power, biosolids and sludge, and municipal solid waste. Provides alternative vehicle and fuel incentives, including credits for installation of alternative fueling stations and the retail sale of alternative fuels as motor vehicle fuel, modification of the credit for qualified electric vehicles, and allowing the alcohol fuels credit to be transferred and to be used against motor fuels taxes. Sets forth certain conservation and energy efficiency provisions such as credits for the construction of new energy efficient homes, the installation of energy efficient appliances, combined heat and power system properties, and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Establishes a three-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices. Establishes clean coal incentives, including credits for emission reductions, efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generation facilities, and investment in qualifying advanced clean coal technology. Revises oil and gas provisions, including establishing a credit for the production of oil and gas from marginal wells, permitting the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with EPA sulfur regulations, establishing an environmental tax credit, extending the marginal production income limit, and treating natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property. Sets forth electric utility restructuring provisions. Sets forth provisions concerning tax shelters, including establishing penalties for failure to include reportable transaction information and accuracy-related understatements, and increasing the penalty for failure to furnish information regarding tax shelters. Establishes rules concerning corporate expatriation and an excise tax on stock compensation of insiders in inverted corporations. Makes additional amendments, including amendments concerning: (1) the recovery period for Indian reservation property; (2) IRS user fees; (3) adding hepatitis A vaccine to the taxable vaccine list; and (4) individual expatriation to avoid tax.

Umsetzung der EU-Richtlinie 2001/91/EG - Innerstaatlicher Handlungsbedarf?

Austria · National Council · 22 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Umsetzung der EU-Richtlinie 2001/91/EG - Innerstaatlicher Handlungsbedarf?

die geplante Verbauung von vier Kärntner Wildbächen zu energiewirtschaftlichen Nutzung

Austria · National Council · 22 May 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Walter Posch, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Arbeit betreffend die geplante Verbauung von vier Kärntner Wildbächen zu energiewirtschaftlichen Nutzung

11 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is a delay in issuing REP scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13939/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 May 2003

11 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is a delay in issuing REP scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13939/03]

A bill to provide suitable grazing arrangements on National Forest System land to persons that hold a grazing permit adversely affected by the standards and guidelines contained in the Record of Decision of the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment and pertaining to the Willow Flycatcher and the Yosemite Toad.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide alternative grazing arrangements on National Forest System land to a person with a System grazing permit if such permittee's grazing privileges will be limited by implementation of the guidelines for the willow flycatcher and the Yosemite Toad (contained in the Record of Decision of the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment). States that such guidelines shall not apply in 2003 for grazing activities for which the Secretary is unable to provide alternative arrangements in specified allotments on the Lassen, Plumas, Tahoe, Stanislaus, and Sierra National Forests. Authorizes the Secretary to provide certain environmental exclusions for such alternative grazing arrangements without first administratively establishing an applicable category of excluded actions.

Great Lakes Water Quality Indicators and Monitoring Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Great Lakes Water Quality Indicators and Monitoring Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Great Lakes National Program Office of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement a set of science-based indicators of water quality and related environmental factors in the Great Lakes, including accumulated toxic pollutants. Requires continued monitoring and data collection to help identify emerging problems.

Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2003 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study and describe the current state of science concerning the human health effects of exposure to asbestos and other durable fibers; and (2) make recommendations for uniform systems for asbestos exposure standards and protocols for detecting and measuring asbestos. Directs the Administrator to establish an Asbestos Policies Panel to study asbestos and other durable fibers. Directs the Administrator to study the status of the manufacture, processing, distribution, ownership, importation, and disposal of asbestos-containing products and contaminant-asbestos products. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year which prohibit the manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing products within three years, except as specified. Requires the Administrator to establish a public awareness program concerning the dangers posed by these products and vermiculite insulation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand research programs on diseases caused by asbestos exposure, particularly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural injuries. Establishes and funds mesothelioma disease research and treatment centers.

Congo Basin Forest Partnership Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Congo Basin Forest Partnership Act of 2003 - Authorizes appropriations to the President for FY 2004 and 2005 to carry out the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) program (which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of the forests of the Congo Basin by working to combat poaching, illegal logging, and other unsustainable practices, and giving local populations an economic stake in the preservation of the forests, including through the development of ecotourism). Locates the Congo Basin in the Central African countries of Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Sao Tome/Principe. Earmarks most of such funds for the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Clean Diesel Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Clean Diesel Act of 2003 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator of EPA) to promulgate regulations applicable to motor vehicle diesel fuel produced or imported by any refiner or importer beginning on January 1, 2011. Sets forth standards for: (1) sulfur content; (2) cetane number; (3) aromatic content; and (4) lubricity level. Exempts from such standards certain motor vehicle diesel fuel designated for export outside the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such standards upon petition by one or more States. Establishes civil penalties and injunctive authority for misfueling practices which knowingly introduce, or cause or allow to be introduced, fuel other than clean diesel fuel into any motor vehicle designed to operate with diesel fuel. Directs the Secretary of Energy to determine credit amounts for the clean diesel motor vehicle credit and the lifetime fuel savings credit under the Internal Revenue Code in amounts which the Secretary determines will provide appropriate incentives to encourage the widespread consumer acceptance of clean diesel motor vehicles. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish such credits, as well as a credit for producing low sulfur content diesel fuel. Provides for expensing the capital costs incurred in complying with EPA sulfur regulations. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to States and cities to convert old plants to produce clean diesel motor vehicles.

Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2003 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study and describe the current state of science concerning the human health effects of exposure to asbestos and other durable fibers; and (2) make recommendations for uniform systems for asbestos exposure standards and protocols for detecting and measuring asbestos. Directs the Administrator to establish an Asbestos Policies Panel to study asbestos and other durable fibers. Directs the Administrator to study the status of the manufacture, processing, distribution, ownership, importation, and disposal of asbestos-containing products and contaminant-asbestos products. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations within one year which prohibit the manufacturing, processing, or distributing of asbestos-containing products, subject to limited exemption upon petition. Requires the disposal of asbestos-containing products within three years, except as specified. Requires the Administrator to establish a public awareness program concerning the dangers posed by these products and vermiculite insulation. Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand research programs on diseases caused by asbestos exposure, particularly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural injuries. Establishes and funds mesothelioma disease research and treatment centers.

To amend section 211 of the Clean Air Act to prohibit the use of certain fuel additives.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) amend certain regulations regarding motor vehicle fuels to prohibit the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether as a fuel additive; and (2) prohibit any additive in gasoline registered under fuel regulation provisions unless it has been determined, through scientific testing and peer review, not to have adverse effects on the public.

Second Century of Flight Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Second Century of Flight Act - Establishes in the Department of Transportation an Office of Aerospace and Aviation Liaison (OAAL) to coordinate aviation and aeronautics research programs. Establishes within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a National Air Traffic Management System Development Office, which shall develop a next generation air traffic management system plan for the United States. Directs the OAAL to report to specified congressional committees on market developments and government policies influencing the competitiveness of the U.S. jet transport aircraft industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the FAA Administrator to establish a joint aerospace workforce initiative of grants to increase the number of students in technical training and certificate programs, as well as studying for undergraduate and graduate degrees, in aerospace-related fields. Authorizes the NASA and FAA Administrators to provide loans (scholarships for service) of up to $5,000 per year to fulltime students enrolled in an undergraduate or post-graduate program leading to an advanced degree in an aerospace-related field. Directs the FAA Administrator to: (1) continue the research grant program to improve airfield pavements; (2) review whether its asphalt and concrete airfield pavement standards accord with its standard 20-year-life requirement; (3) arrange with the National Research Council (NRC) to assess the FAA wake turbulence research and development program; (4) establish a cabin air quality research program; (5) exercise leadership with its foreign counterparts in the International Civil Aviation Organization; (6) report to specified congressional committees on aviation and aeronautical safety, and research funding and technological actions in other countries; (7) conduct research to promote development of analytical tools to improve existing certification methods and reduce overall certification costs; (8) develop a Center for Excellence focused on applied research and training with respect to advanced materials in transport airframe structures; and (9) study and report to specified congressional committees on ways to reduce aircraft noise and emissions and increase aircraft fuel efficiency. Authorizes the FAA Administrator to conduct a limited pilot program of incentives to airspace users for deployment of new technologies. Amends Federal transportation law to provide for FAA issuance of design organization certificates authorizing design organizations to certify compliance with certain requirements and minimum standards for the type certification of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or appliances. Directs the NASA Administrator to: (1) develop a a ten-year aeronautics research plan; (2) study and report to specified congressional committees on markets enabled by environmental technologies for future aircraft; (3) convert and expand the vehicle systems program into a vehicle-enabling technologies program; (4) develop innovative software-validation technologies; (5) increase research into weather sensors and prediction; (6) develop a National Center for Advanced Materials Performance; and (7) submit unified annual program budgets to specified congressional committees.

Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2003

Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct owners or operators of publicly-owned treatment works to institute an alert system for sanitary sewer overflow. Requires that the public and the appropriate officials be notified as soon as practicable within 24 hours of the time the owner or operator becomes aware of the overflow. Requires a written report on the overflow, including magnitude and cause, as well as measures taken to eliminate and prevent its recurrence. States that owners or operators must report overflows on their monthly discharge monitoring report to either the State or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection, as appropriate. Makes these alert systems eligible for assistance and authorizes funding.

Clean Ocean Preservation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003

Clean Ocean Preservation Act of 2003 - Establishes a final criterion of 113 parts per billion of polychlorinated biphenyls for remediation material at the Historic Area Remediation Site, New Jersey. Requires any Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule to be at least as protective as this criterion.

Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003

Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act - Approves the August 28, 2000, Federal programmatic Record of Decision issued by specified Federal agencies and supported by the State of California as a framework for addressing Calfed Bay-Delta Program components. Authorizes the Secretary and the heads of such agencies to carry out Stage 1 activities (projects and programs planned for the first seven years) in the following categories if such activities have been subject to environmental review and approval under Federal and State law and have been certified by the California Bay-Delta Authority to be consistent with the Record of Decision: water storage; conveyance; water use efficiency; water transfers; the Environmental Water account; integrated regional water management plans; ecosystem restoration; watersheds; water quality; levee stability; science; program management, oversight, and coordination; and diversification of water supplies. Requires the Federal agencies to: (1) coordinate their activities with specified California agencies; (2) cooperate with local and tribal governments and the public through a federally chartered advisory committee or other means; and (3) implement the Program using the best available scientific information and scientific review. Directs the Secretary: (1) to report monthly on the Authority's progress in achieving the water supply targets, environmental water account requirements, and water quality targets described in the Record and on any pending actions that may affect the Authority's ability to achieve those targets and requirements; (2) to report annually on Program implementation, expenditures, and accomplishments; (3) to certify in such annual report whether the Program is progressing in a balanced manner in advancing Program components (requires the Authority to prepare a revised implementation schedule to ensure balanced progress if balance is not certified); (4) to submit annual financial reports containing a detailed accounting of all Federal and State funds received and obligated under the Program and all projects to be carried out in the upcoming year; (5) prior to December 2004, to report to Congress on the Program's accomplishments, the specific steps remaining to be undertaken, the specific funding levels and sources to accomplish such steps, and recommendations necessary to accomplish Program goals and objectives. Requires: (1) the President's budget to include requests for an appropriate funding level for each Federal agency to carry out its Program responsibilities; and (2) the Office of Management and Budget to submit an interagency budget crosscut report displaying the budget proposed for each such agency for the Program. Prohibits the Federal share of the total cost of implementing Stage 1 from exceeding 33.3 percent.

Surface Transportation Board Reform Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003

Surface Transportation Board Reform Act of 2003 - Declares as primary objectives for U.S. rail transportation policy: (1) ensuring effective competition among rail carriers at origin and destination; (2) maintaining reasonable rates in the absence of such competition; (3) maintaining consistent and efficient rail transportation service to shippers, including the timely provision of railcars requested by them; and (4) ensuring that smaller carload and intermodal shippers are not precluded from assessing rail systems due to volume requirements. Requires a rail carrier, upon a shipper's request, to establish a rail transportation rate. Requires the Surface Transportation Board, if a shipper challenges the reasonableness of such a rate, to then determine its reasonableness without regard to specified factors. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to: (1) acceptance of requests for grain service by rail carriers; and (2) the Board's mandate to require terminal facilities owned by a rail carrier providing rail transportation to be used by another rail carrier. Requires the Board in a proceeding involving the approval of the merger or control of at least two Class I railroads to consider, among other things, at least the: (1) safety and environmental effects of the proposed transaction; and (2) the effect of such transaction on rail passenger transportation. Sets forth certain requirements with respect to: (1) the Board ensuring that commuter authorities are able to provide commuter rail passenger transportation that meets the commuter rail passenger transportation needs of the United States; and (2) water carriers making their tariffs containing the rates established for their transportation or service available electronically to any person.

Environmental Justice Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003

Environmental Justice Act of 2003 - Requires Federal agencies to include achieving environmental justice in their missions through identifying and addressing any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their activities on minority and low-income communities. Establishes the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice. Directs each Federal agency to develop an agency-wide environmental justice strategy. Establishes the Federal Environmental Justice Advisory Committee. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and analyze data assessing environmental and human health risks borne by populations identified by race, national origin, or income. Targets for data collection those areas surrounding facilities expected to have a substantial environmental, human health, or environmental effect on surrounding populations.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-08.

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2003

Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should: (1) endorse the concept of a worldwide International Geophysical Year-Two (IGY-2) for the 2007-2008 time frame (the 50th anniversary of the IGY of 1957-1958); (2) require the Director of the National Science Foundation and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate interagency and international inquiries and discussions that explore the opportunities for a worldwide IGY-2 in such time frame, emphasizing activities dedicated to global environmental research, education, and protection; and (3) report to Congress on the steps taken to carry out this resolution, including possible activities and organizational structures for an IGY-2.

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2003

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act - Prohibits commercial logging and timber sales (with specified exceptions) on Federal public lands, with a two-year phase-out for existing contracts. Provides for payment of relinquished contracts. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to each: (1) establish a National Heritage Restoration Corps to restore (and monitor) such lands to their natural pre-logging condition; and (2) develop National Heritage Restoration Plans and related standards for regional ecological restoration and monitoring. Sets forth provisions respecting forest fire and hazardous fuel reduction. Provides for worker retraining of eligible persons whose jobs have been lost due to terminated timber and logging contracts. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make training grants, including grants for job search and relocation. Sets forth fund allocation provisions, including amounts for an Environmental Protection Agency investigation of non-wood paper and construction alternatives. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to make permanent certain education, transportation, and public purpose payments to States and counties containing Federal land. Authorizes a private right of action for violations of this Act.

2003/462/EC: Council Decision of 19 May 2003 on the signing on behalf of the European Community and provisional application of a Framework Agreement on a Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Programme in the Russian Federation and its Protocol on Claims, Legal Proceedings and Indemnification and approving the conclusion by the Commission on behalf of the European Atomic Energy Community of the abovementioned Agreement and its Protocol

European Union · EUR-Lex · 19 May 2003

Modified Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing of an Agreement on a Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Programme in the Russian Federation and its Protocol on Claims, Legal Proceedings and Indemnification

European Union · European Commission · 19 May 2003

Modified Proposal for a Council Decision approving the conclusion by the Commission on behalf of the European atomic energy community of an Agreement on a Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Programme in the Russian Federation and its Protocol on Claims, Legal Proceedings and Indemnification

European Union · European Commission · 19 May 2003

Quelle politique des biotechnologies pour la France ?

France · Senate · 15 May 2003

Mission d'information sur les enjeux économiques et environnementaux des organismes génétiquement modifiés : quelle politique des biotechnologies pour la France ?

Department of Environmental Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003

Department of Environmental Protection Act - Redesignates the Environmental Protection Agency as the Department of Environmental Protection, to be headed by a Secretary of Environmental Protection who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides for other officials, including three under-secretaries for: (1) science and information; (2) policy, planning, and innovation; and (3) implementation, compliance and enforcement. Establishes the Bureau of Environmental Statistics within the Department. Subjects the statistical procedures and methodology of the Bureau to periodic peer review.

Preventing Perchlorate Pollution Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003

Preventing Perchlorate Pollution Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that information on the discharge and storage of perchlorate be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the appropriate State water pollution control agency. Impose fines on violators. Requires that fines be deposited in a newly created Perchlorate Pollution Prevention Fund and used for loans to public water suppliers and private well owners to replace water contaminated by percholorate.

To amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether as a gasoline additive and to repeal the oxygenate requirement for reformulated gasoline, to provide funding for the clean up of underground storage tanks, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003

Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MBTE) as a motor vehicle fuel additive. Repeals the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulate regulations which continue required toxic air pollutant emissions reductions from reformulated gasoline. Authorizes appropriations from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

Tar Creek Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2003

Tar Creek Restoration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide relocation assistance to specified communities, including Picher and Cardin, on the Tar Creek Superfund site, Oklahoma.