Environment

Question 513 — commerce et artisanat

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

M. Olivier Dassault attire l'attention de M. le ministre de l'économie et des finances sur l'annonce de la hausse du prix du paquet de cigarettes à 10 euros. Les buralistes français ferment les uns après les autres, alors qu'ils sont souvent les derniers commerces de proximité en milieu rural. M. le député soutient la demande des buralistes qui exigent que cette augmentation des prix soit mise en œuvre après l'application du protocole de l'OMS « pour éliminer le commerce parallèle de tabac ». L'Allemagne l'a ratifié à la fin du mois de juillet 2017, contrairement à la France. Sur les 18 derniers mois, la France a perdu 4,5 milliards d'euros de recettes fiscales dans ce domaine et les buralistes, 375 millions d'euros de chiffre d'affaires. Il souhaite savoir dans quel délai le Gouvernement compte signer ce protocole international et ainsi mettre en œuvre une traçabilité indépendante des produits du tabac.

Question 507 — chasse et pêche

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

Mme Marie-Christine Dalloz attire l'attention de M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation sur la date d'ouverture de la pêche du brochet. Elle pourrait être fixée sans dérogation possible au 4ème samedi d'avril. Cette mesure risque d'avoir de lourdes conséquences à court terme sur la pisciculture. Les poissons seront prélevés avant la fraie, le sandre non concerné par ce dispositif sera malgré tout menacé par cette pêche anticipée. Elle souhaiterait connaître la position du Gouvernement sur le sujet et notamment s'il envisage d'adapter ce dispositif aux spécificités locales.

Question 477 — agriculture

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

Mme Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq appelle l'attention de M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation sur la mise en œuvre des projets alimentaires territoriaux prévus par la loi d'avenir pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et la forêt du 13 octobre 2014. Ce dispositif vise à développer les circuits courts, et l'accès à une alimentation locale et saine. Comme beaucoup d'autres, la 6ème circonscription du Nord est un territoire rural, qui compte de nombreuses exploitations agricoles. Malgré un travail acharné, les agriculteurs ne bénéficient pas tous d'une juste répartition de la valeur, et certains d'entre eux rencontrent même des situations économiques dramatiques, comme l'a rappelé le Premier ministre dans son discours d'ouverture des États généraux de l'alimentation. Ces derniers produisent pourtant des biens alimentaires de qualité, reconnue dans le monde. Cette alimentation saine, qualitative, est également plébiscitée par les consommateurs, ainsi que par les communes et les collectivités. Aussi, elle l'interroge sur la mise en œuvre de ce dispositif pour les années à venir et souhaiterait, en particulier, savoir quels seront les moyens mobilisés par le Gouvernement pour favoriser le développement des circuits courts et la structuration en filière des acteurs de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation.

Question 473 — agriculture

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

M. David Lorion attire l'attention de M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation sur la présence récente du Varroa destructor à La Réunion. Cet acarien, parasite de l'abeille, vient d'être détecté sur l'île le 4 mai 2017. Pour l'instant, le taux d'infestation semble modeste mais le danger de voir une forte augmentation de celui-ci n'est pas à exclure. Si tel était le cas, on pourrait assister à un effondrement des colonies d'abeilles mettant en jeu la survie de la filière apicole locale. Il faut aussi rappeler que 35 % de l'alimentation à La Réunion dépend des abeilles. Des choix de traitement existent et la solution ne passe pas forcément par le chimique. Le syndicat apicole de La Réunion a par exemple proposé à ses adhérents des traitements biologiques plus respectueux de l'environnement. Il lui demande s'il compte soutenir leur initiative et plus largement quel plan l'État compte-t-il mettre en place dans les prochains mois pour lutter contre le Varroa.

Question 471 — agriculture

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

Mme Muriel Ressiguier alerte M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation sur les orientations annoncées la semaine du 24 juillet 2017 concernant la PAC pour 2018. Celles-ci vont impacter les budgets du dispositif actuel en vigueur jusqu'en 2020. Ces choix sont surprenants. En effet, il a tranché radicalement en direction d'un changement important dans la répartition des aides, à l'opposé des déclarations faites par le Président de la République lors des États généraux de l'alimentation. Ainsi, M. le ministre s'apprête à notifier à Bruxelles qu'en raison d'un manque de 853 millions d'euros il n'aurait pas d'autre solution que de transférer des crédits affectés d'un dispositif vers un autre, d'en changer les natures et les destinataires, et enfin de réduire un certain nombre d'aides spécifiques ou de bloquer leur montant global. En faisant le choix de ne pas augmenter les aides pour les 52 premiers hectares, il va pénaliser en premier lieu les petites et moyennes exploitations de la paysannerie française. En refusant d'anticiper l'extension du zonage pour l'indemnité compensatoire de handicap naturel (ICHN), en diminuant le montant des aides pour les mesures agro-environnementales et climatiques (MAEC) et celles concernant le maintien à l'agriculture biologique, il fait un choix arbitraire qui va fragiliser un secteur pourtant en plein essor. L'agriculture bio, l'agriculture raisonnée et l'agriculture paysanne connaissent un important succès qu'il convient d'accompagner, ce qui contribuera à éviter les scandales alimentaires et sanitaires qui ont été connus par le passé. Sans débat sur l'orientation des finances en matière agricole sur ces choix cruciaux au sein de la représentation nationale, cette réorientation des deniers de la PAC ne peut être considéré que comme un renoncement à soutenir l'emploi agricole et la transition vers une agriculture de qualité qui répond aux demandes sociétales, sanitaires et aux enjeux environnementaux. On le sait, la France traverse une crise sociale et écologique sans précédent. La croissance productiviste met en péril l'écosystème. L'enjeu du XXIe siècle est de penser et promouvoir un nouveau modèle de développement, qui dépasse les intérêts marchands et oriente la société française vers une économie sociale et solidaire, respectueuse de la nature. Le modèle dominant de l'agriculture intensive et l'agro-industrie qui lui est associée, sont largement responsables de la dégradation des ressources naturelles (sols, eaux, biodiversité) et contribuent au réchauffement climatique (doublement des émissions mondiales de GES entre 1961 et 2011). La mission de contrôle des autorités sanitaires est affaiblie, tant par l'influence des lobbys de l'industrie et de la distribution que par le manque de moyens mis à disposition. Or soumettre les objectifs économiques aux exigences prioritaires de santé publique et de protection de l'environnement, tel devrait être le concept fondateur de la nouvelle agriculture dont la France a besoin pour demain. La réhabilitation des agroécosystèmes passe par un retour à la diversification de l'activité agricole dans les exploitations et par la rotation des sols. Le respect des équilibres naturels est une priorité autant environnementale que sanitaire pour les régions agricoles françaises. Cela implique d'en finir avec la surconcentration animale ou la monoculture qui dégrade les sols et défigure les paysages. Il faut favoriser les circuits courts producteurs-consommateurs, gage de respect du travail des producteurs et de modération des prix pour les consommateurs. C'est pourquoi elle souhaite l'alerter et l'interpeller sur les conséquences irréversibles de ces choix, d'autant plus incompréhensibles qu'ils sont à contre-courant de l'agriculture à visage humain garante d'une alimentation plus saine de la préservation de l'écosystème.

Question 468 — agriculture

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

Mme Anne-Laurence Petel interroge M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation sur le faible nombre de projets alimentaires territoriaux, dispositif introduit par la loi d'avenir pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et la forêt du 13 octobre 2014 en son article 39. Les projets alimentaires territoriaux sont des projets élaborés de manière concertée, à l'initiative des acteurs d'un territoire et qui visent à renforcer l'agriculture de proximité, l'identité culturelle du terroir, la cohésion sociale ainsi qu'à préserver la santé des populations. Ces projets peuvent mettre à contribution l'État, les collectivités territoriales, les associations, les groupements d'intérêt économique et environnemental, les agriculteurs ainsi que d'autres acteurs du territoire. Le projet peut mobiliser des fonds publics comme privés, bien que l'enjeu soit de parvenir à terme à générer des ressources propres. Trop peu de de PAT ont vu le jour depuis la promulgation de la loi. Alors que des objectifs très ambitieux avaient été annoncés (100 projets d'ici 2017, 500 d'ici 2020), on compte seulement 40 projets pour l'ensemble du territoire national aujourd'hui. Elle lui demande si une évaluation de ce dispositif créé en 2014 a été effectuée afin de comprendre les difficultés rencontrées par les acteurs locaux et les raisons qui expliquent un si faible nombre de projets. Elle l'interroge également sur les mesures qu'il compte prendre, notamment dans le cadre de la réflexion initiée avec les États généraux de l'alimentation, pour accroître le nombre de projets alimentaires territoriaux.

Question 467 — agriculture

France · National Assembly · 7 August 2017

M. Dominique Potier attire l'attention de M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation sur la situation de l'agriculture biologique en France. Le plan national Ambition bio 2017, engagé depuis plusieurs années, traduit l'ambition de la France. Il a permis une progression des conversions qui correspond à une triple attente : celle des consommateurs de plus en plus exigeants pour leur santé ; celle des territoires dont les citoyens expriment leur sensibilité à la protection de l'environnement ; celle d'agriculteurs, candidats à l'installation ou souhaitant se convertir, pour développer un projet d'entreprise conforme à leurs convictions et aux opportunités offertes par ce nouveau marché. Aujourd'hui cette évolution est une chance pour la France qui a vocation à combler son déficit commercial en agroalimentaire AB, mais également à devenir un leader européen d'une agroécologie dont l'agriculture biologique est le laboratoire. Pour toutes ces raisons, il lui demande quel est l'ensemble des moyens spécifiques qui pourront être déployés tant sur des fonds européens que nationaux afin de ne pas freiner le développement de l'agriculture biologique en France.

Rechenschaftsbericht 2017 der Bundesregierung zur Umsetzung der Nationalen Strategie zur biologischen Vielfalt

Germany · German Bundestag · 4 August 2017

Verknüpfung mit multilateralen und nationalen Strategien und Prozessen, Umsetzung der Strategie als gesellschaftlicher Dialog, Ziele und Maßnahmen von zehn prioritären Themenfeldern, Indikatoren zur Erfolgsmessung, Gesamtbilanz

Rebuild America Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Rebuild America Now Act This bill amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to expedite the environmental review and permitting process for projects undertaken or funded by the federal government that could have significant environmental consequences. The bill states as policy that when implementing a permitting law, including specified environmental laws, agencies should seek to issue permit decisions favorably to the maximum extent practicable. The bill includes provisions regarding: lawsuits involving challenges to agency actions concerning energy production, approval of gas pipeline projects, rights-of-way through national parks, assistance to areas where air pollution levels have not met national ambient air quality standards, and state authority to review certain transportation projects and agreements.

Emergency Fuel Reduction Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Emergency Fuel Reduction Act of 2017 This bill amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to categorically exclude an authorized hazardous fuel reduction project from the environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 if the project: involves the removal of insect-infested trees, dead or dying trees, trees presenting a threat to public safety or electrical reliability, or the removal of other hazardous fuels threatening certain infrastructure; is conducted on federal land that is not located in the wildland-urban interface, is located within at least 1.5 miles of nonfederal land, and on which conditions are determined to pose a risk to adjacent nonfederal land; or treats 10,000 acres or less of federal land that is at particular risk for wildfire, contains threatened and endangered species habitat, or provides conservation benefits to a species that is not listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, but is under consideration to be listed, or a state-listed or special concern species. The bill does not apply to federal land that is wilderness, on which the removal of vegetation is specifically prohibited, or that is within a national monument.

Regulatory Improvement and Transparency Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2017

Regulatory Improvement and Transparency Act of 2017 Administrative Procedures Improvement Act of 2017 The bill revises the process that governs the way in which executive agencies may propose and issue regulations, including by establishing requirements that agencies must follow when proposing or issuing a major rule. A major rule is defined as one that is likely to cause an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, a major increase in costs or prices, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, public health and safety, or the environment. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) must provide guidance on, and oversight of, agencies' assessments of their proposed major rules. Pilot Retrospective Review Commission Act of 2017 The bill establishes in the legislative branch a Pilot Regulatory Review Commission to evaluate and provide recommendations for modifying, consolidating, or repealing certain regulations that impact the transportation sector. Plain Writing Act for Regulations Act of 2017 When issuing or revising regulations, executive agencies must use plain writing that is clear, concise, and well-organized if feasible. Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Transparency Act of 2017 OIRA must ensure greater openness, accessibility, and accountability in the regulatory review process. Cost-Benefit Analysis Improvement Act of 2017 The General Services Administration must contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to publish a study on the costs and benefits associated with major rules.

Reactie op verzoek commissie over de situatie bij Chemours, naar aanleiding van recente berichten in de media

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 3 August 2017

Reactie op verzoek commissie over de situatie bij Chemours, naar aanleiding van recente berichten in de media

Forest Management Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Forest Management Improvement Act of 2017 This bill makes categorical exclusions, from requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to conduct environmental assessment and environmental impact statements, available to the Forest Service to conduct forest management activities on up to 10,000 acres of National Forest System land for each exclusion to: create early seral habitat forests; improve wildlife habitats; commercially thin forest stands on suited timberlands; and salvage trees that are dead and/or dying and were damaged by such events as wind, fire, or construction. For a forest management activity, the Forest Service: in an NEPA-prepared environmental impact statement, shall study, develop, and describe only the activity and the alternative of no action; and in an NEPA-prepared environmental assessment, shall not be required to study, develop, and describe the alternative of no action. The bill makes permanent the authority to designate, at state request, treatment areas in national forests that are experiencing an insect or disease epidemic. The bill revises authorities for watershed restoration and protection services. The Department of Agriculture shall establish a pilot arbitration program under which specified forest management projects challenged in a civil action may be designated for an alternative dispute resolution procedure instead of judicial review.

HEAT Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Heat Efficiency through Applied Technology Act or the HEAT Act This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish model rules and procedures for (1) interconnection and its associated costs; and (2) determining fees or rates for supplementary power, backup or standby power, maintenance power, and interruptible power supplied to facilities that operate combined heat and power technology and waste heat to power technology. ("Interconnection" means service to an electric consumer under which an on-site generating facility on the consumer's premises is connected to the local distribution facilities.) The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency to create a voluntary grant program to encourage states to update state or local air permitting procedures to incorporate output-based emission standards. ("Output-based emission standard" means a standard that relates emissions to the electrical, thermal, or mechanical productive output of a device or process rather than the heat input of fuel burned or pollutant concentration in the exhaust.)

Forest Service Flexible Partnerships Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Forest Service Flexible Partnerships Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lease as an administrative site, for consideration that is at least the market value of the site: any facility or improvement that was acquired or is used for the administration of the National Forest System (NFS); any federal land associated with such a facility or improvement that was acquired or is used for the administration of Forest Service activities and underlies or abuts such facility or improvement; or per fiscal year, no more than 10 isolated, undeveloped parcels no larger than 40 acres each. The bill makes the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable to the leasing of administrative sites, subject to an exception. Cash consideration for an administrative site shall be available to USDA to pay: necessary and incidental costs incurred in acquiring, improving, maintaining, reconstructing, or constructing a facility or improvement for the NFS and the lease of such site; and reasonable commissions or fees for brokerage services obtained regarding the lease.

Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue one-year permits allowing Washington, Oregon, Idaho, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to kill sea lions in a portion of the Columbia River or certain tributaries in order to protect fish from sea lion predation. Permits may be issued to kill sea lions only if the sea lions are part of a population that is not depleted. The permits may authorize the lethal taking of 100 sea lions or fewer. The cumulative annual taking of sea lions each year under all such permits is limited to 10% of the annual potential biological removal level. Permit holders must be trained in natural resource management. These permits are exempted from environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for five years. NOAA may suspend the issuance of the permits if, within five years, lethal removal authority is no longer necessary to protect fish from sea lion predation.

Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2017

Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to codify the WaterSense Program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows water-efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services to bear a "WaterSense" label. The EPA must establish certification criteria for the WaterSense label, enhance public awareness regarding the label, preserve the label's integrity, and review, and if appropriate, revise the WaterSense label requirements. To the maximum extent practicable and no less than annually, the EPA must estimate and publish the aggregate production, aggregate market penetration, and savings of water, energy, and capital costs of water, wastewater, and stormwater attributable to the use of WaterSense-labeled products, buildings and building landscapes, facilities, processes, and services.

Wijzigingswet Kernenergiewet (instelling Autoriteit Nucleaire Veiligheid en Stralingsbescherming)

Netherlands · Dutch statute book · 1 August 2017

Eerstverantwoordelijke: Infrastructuur en Milieu · Rechtsgebied: Contracten, schade en aansprakelijkheid, Aansprakelijkheidsrecht, Ruimtelijke ordening en milieu, Milieurecht · Geldig vanaf 2017-08-01

Homegrown Organic Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

Homegrown Organic Act of 2017 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to modify several Department of Agriculture conservation programs to authorize additional assistance for farmers who are transitioning to organic farming. The bill modifies the Conservation Reserve Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2017

Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2017 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to eligible higher education institutions and research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure, which is any green stormwater management technique that: (1) uses natural systems or engineered systems that mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or capture stormwater; and (2) preserves, enhances, or mimics natural hydrology to protect or restore water quality. One of the centers must be the national electronic clearinghouse center and operate a website and a public database on the infrastructure. In addition, the EPA must provide grants to state, tribal, or local governments or entities that manage stormwater, drinking water resources, or wastewater resources for innovative stormwater control infrastructure projects. The EPA must ensure that: (1) EPA's Office of Water, Office of Enforcement and Compliance, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Policy promote the use of the infrastructure in, and coordinate the integration of, permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; and (2) the Office of Water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms in the implementation of the infrastructure. The EPA must: (1) direct each EPA regional office to promote and integrate the use of the infrastructure within the region, and (2) promote sharing information about the infrastructure approaches. The EPA must establish the innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard of voluntary, measurable goals to increase the percentage of annual water managed by entities that use the infrastructure.

Food Recovery Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2017

Food Recovery Act of 2017 This bill provides funding and establishes requirements to reduce food waste and standardize date labeling on food. The bill authorizes grants or loans for: raising awareness about wasted food and food recovery efforts to reduce the quantity of wasted food; reducing food waste at schools and farms; and reducing food waste in accordance with the Food Recovery Hierarchy of the Environmental Protection Agency, including for a state organic waste reduction plan, food waste management infrastructure, and certain composting or anaerobic digestion food waste-to-energy projects. The bill provides funds for: (1) state storage and distribution costs under the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and (2) national media campaigns to decrease food waste. The bill also: establishes a Food Recovery Liaison within the Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifies that composting is eligible for support under USDA's conservation programs, expands the liability protections for the donation of food, and requires companies that receive federal food service contracts to donate surplus food to nonprofit organizations that assist food-insecure people. The bill requires date labels on food packaging to include the phrases "best if used by" to indicate food quality and "use by" to warn of food that may be unsafe to eat after a specified date. Labelers may include a quality date on packaging, but must include a safety date on ready-to-eat products. No one may prohibit the sale, donation, or use of a product based on passage of the quality date of the product.

Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce, as appropriate, to make publicly available on the Internet, subject to privacy or administrative limitations, the best scientific and commercial data available that are the bases for the determination of whether a species is an endangered species or a threatened species, including each proposed regulation for the listing of a species.

National Flood Research and Education Center Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

National Flood Research and Education Center Act This bill establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a National Flood Research and Education Center (NFREC), which shall consist of: (1) an office within NOAA; (2) one public university or college selected by the NOAA Administrator, which shall serve as the lead partner institution with NOAA; and (3) a consortium of other public universities or colleges selected by the Administrator and such lead partner institution based on their ability to fulfill specific purposes of NFREC. The purposes of NFREC are listed, including to plan, conduct, and arrange for competent public research, data, education, and recommendations within the following categories as they relate to flooding issues nationwide, regionally, and locally: (1) physical sciences, social science, and economic, policy, and risk analysis; (2) risk management; and (3) improvement of existing, and testing of new, risk assessment tools and methods, monitoring and predicting strategies and techniques, and flood management and prevention strategies and techniques. The bill sets forth criteria for selection of a lead partner institution and consortium members. NFREC must: (1) partner with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Army Corps of Engineers; (2) collaborate on federal flood-related issues with specified federal agencies; and (3) collaborate and share best practices on regional, state, and locally specific flooding and flood-related issues with state and local governments and with watershed, agriculture, environmental, and business and development organizations. Review and reporting requirements are set forth. NFREC must establish and make information available on a website. NFREC may provide technical assistance and demonstration project grant assistance to state and local governments on a competitive basis to assist with implementing recommendations of NFREC or testing new or improved strategies or technologies.

Donations in Rough Years (DRY) Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Donations in Rough Years (DRY) Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985, with respect to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), to permit hay that is harvested in the course of an activity that is authorized under CRP and complies with the program's requirements to be donated to the owners or operators of certain farms or ranches that are in disaster areas or are experiencing a drought. (CRP provides payments to farmers who agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.) The hay may be donated to the owner or operator of a farm or ranch that is located in: (1) the state in which the hay is harvested, and (2) a county that is either experiencing a drought with a specified intensity or with respect to which the President has issued a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act that a major disaster exists due to a fire.

REGION Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Recognizing the Environmental Gains In Overcoming Negligence Act or the REGION Act This bill prohibits funds made available for any fiscal year from being used to close, consolidate, or eliminate an office of the Environmental Protection Agency, including a regional or program office.

Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Restoration and Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Restoration and Enforcement Act This bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to address environmental justice. Aggrieved persons may file suit in federal court against agencies that are engaged in unlawful: (1) intentional discrimination prohibited under this bill; or (2) unintentional discrimination that causes a disparate impact on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The President must establish the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice Compliance and Enforcement. The bill specifies the duties of the working group, including: (1) advising and assisting federal agencies in identifying and addressing the disproportionate human health and environmental effects of federal programs, policies, practices, and activities on communities of color, low-income communities, rural communities, and tribal and indigenous communities; (2) developing and publishing a guidance document that defines terminology used in dealing with environmental justice issues; and (3) developing a coordinated interagency federal environmental justice strategy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must: (1) offer environmental justice training to federal employees, (2) establish grant programs that address environmental justice, (3) establish a partnership-based training program to increase the capacity of residents of environmental justice communities to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects, and (4) establish the Environmental Justice Clearinghouse. The President must also establish an independent National Environmental Justice Advisory Council to provide advice to the EPA regarding environmental justice issues.

Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response program to assist coastal states with the voluntary development of coastal climate change adaptation plans to (1) minimize contributions to climate change, and (2) prepare for and reduce the negative consequences that may result from climate change in the coastal zone.

Transportation and Trailer Modernization Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Transportation and Trailer Modernization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to revise the definition of a motor vehicle to exclude trailers and vehicles reliant on a connection to a self-propelled vehicle for power. (The Environmental Protection Agency set emissions standards for trailers as a part of motor vehicle emissions regulations. The regulations as applied to trailers were stayed by a federal court on October 27, 2017.)

Improve Access to Care for Our Female Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Improve Access to Care for Our Female Veterans Act This bill instructs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to strengthen the environment and oversight of the care inspections process by: expanding the list of requirements that facility staff inspect for compliance with the women's health handbook of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), ensuring that all patient care areas of VA medical facilities are inspected as required, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of VA medical facility staff responsible for identifying and addressing compliance, and establishing a process to verify that the noncompliance information reported by such facilities to the VHA central office is accurate and complete. To improve care for women veterans, the VA shall monitor women veterans' access to sex-specific care services (mammography, maternity care, and gynecology) under community care contracts.

Sage-Grouse and Mule Deer Habitat Conservation and Restoration Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2017

Sage-Grouse and Mule Deer Habitat Conservation and Restoration Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Interior to categorically exclude vegetative management activities that establish or improve habitat for greater sage-grouse and mule deer from environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Examples of vegetative management activities include restoring native vegetation following a natural disturbance or preventing the expansion of nonnative or invasive vegetation into such habitat. A categorical exclusion under NEPA is a category of actions which do not have a significant effect on the human environment and for which neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required. The bill prohibits the categorical exclusion from including: (1) activity conducted in a wilderness area or wilderness study area, or (2) activity for the construction of a permanent road or trail. Before commencing a vegetative management activity that is covered by a categorical exclusion, Interior must develop a long-term monitoring and maintenance plan, covering at least 20 years, to ensure that management of the treated area does not degrade the habitat gains secured by the vegetative management activity. Vegetative material resulting from vegetative management activity may be: (1) used for fuel wood or other products; or (2) piled or burned, or both. Native vegetative cover must be reestablished on a temporary road constructed in connection with a categorically excluded vegetative management activity in order to minimize soil erosion from areas disturbed by the temporary road.

C. J. Mahoney, of Kansas, to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative (Investment, Services, Labor, Environment, Africa, China, and the Western Hemisphere), with the rank of Ambassador, vice Miriam E. Sapiro, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 27 July 2017

Border Security and Accountability Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

Border Security and Accountability Act 2017 This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), together with other specified departments, to submit to Congress and the Government Accountability Office a U.S. border protection strategy. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is amended to require that international land border control actions accord with that strategy. DHS shall implement: a monitoring and mitigation plan to address the ecological and environmental impacts of security infrastructure along the international land borders of the United States; and a plan to improve coordination among U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal, state, local, or tribal authorities to improve efforts to combat human smuggling. CBP shall make available to the public information collected on migrant deaths occurring along the U.S.-Mexico border. Except in a national emergency or when required for specific counterterrorism duties, the Armed Forces may not assist in federal, state, and local and civilian law enforcement of immigration laws. DHS shall establish a Border Communities Liaison Office in every patrol sector at the southern and northern borders. The bill prescribes requirements for enhanced border cooperation with Mexico, including in the areas of: (1) border security, (2) human trafficking and smuggling, (3) drug trafficking, (4) gang membership, and (5) violence and border deaths. DHS shall establish a Southern Border Security Task Force. The bill establishes the Southern Border Security Commission. DHS shall: issue policies regarding the use of force by DHS personnel; establish standards for the conditions of confinement for children in CBP custody; and consider safety and family concerns in any action related to the repatriation or prosecution of individuals apprehended for immigration violations. DHS may not establish any new border crossing fees for individuals crossing at land ports of entry along the southern and northern borders. DHS must certify to Congress every six months, with specified exceptions, that it has only deported or otherwise removed a migrant from the United States through an entry or exit point on the southern border during daylight hours. DHS shall make specified increases to the total number of full-time CBP officers and support staff at U.S. land ports of entry by September 30, 2022. Each component of DHS shall comply with the Department of Justice Guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Regarding the Use of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, National Origin, Religion, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity.

Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Great Lakes basin initiative for agricultural nonpoint source pollution prevention. (Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources and is caused by precipitation moving over or through the ground and carrying pollution.) In implementing the initiative, USDA must: provide grants to Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin) for education and outreach, technical assistance, and voluntary verification programs regarding nonpoint source pollution from agricultural activities; establish a funding priority within the Great Lakes basin for payments to producers that participate in the initiative to achieve verification through a state verification program; and use existing data where it is available. In carrying out the initiative, states may collaborate with entities that have agricultural or environmental expertise, including academic or nonprofit organizations.

Environmental Cleanup Infrastructure Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

Environmental Cleanup Infrastructure Act This bill provides funds through October 1, 2026, for: (1) remedial actions at National Priority List sites (i.e., Superfund sites); (2) remedial actions to address releases of hazardous substances at eligible abandoned coal mining sites; (3) environmental restoration of formerly used defense sites under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program; (4) the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program; and (5) the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program. The Environmental Protection Agency must prioritize remediation efforts that have the potential to facilitate economic revitalization when providing funding for the remediation of abandoned coal mining sites with funds made available under this bill. An abandoned coal mine site is eligible for such funding if: (1) the site is described in the Department of the Interior's Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System, and (2) the site's restoration costs are not funded by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.

CO2 Regulatory Certainty Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2017

CO2 Regulatory Certainty Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise requirements for the secure geological storage of carbon dioxide for the purpose of the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration. The bill establishes a December 31, 2017, deadline and requirements for regulations that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is required, under current law, to establish for determining adequate security measures for the geological storage of the carbon dioxide such that carbon dioxide does not escape into the atmosphere. The IRS regulations must consider the carbon dioxide to be disposed of in secure geological storage if it is stored in compliance with specified rules promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide, the injection of carbon dioxide, and the criteria and standards for underground injection control programs that are applicable to Class II wells. The bill also revises the definition of "qualified enhanced oil or natural gas recovery project" to exclude a requirement for the first injection of liquids, gases, or other matter to commence after December 31, 1990.

To provide for the establishment in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Council.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2017

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a Highly Automated Vehicle Advisory Council to undertake information gathering activities, develop technical advice, and present best practices or recommendations to DOT regarding: labor and employment issues that may be affected by the deployment of highly automated vehicles; the impact of the development and deployment of such vehicles on the environment; protection of consumer privacy and security of information collected by such vehicles; and cabin safety for vehicle passengers and how automated driving systems may impact collision vectors, overall crashworthiness, and the use and placement of airbags, seatbelts, anchor belts, head restraints, and other protective features in the cabin. A "highly automated vehicle" is defined as a motor vehicle (excluding a commercial motor vehicle) equipped with an automated driving system. An "automated driving system" is defined as the hardware and software that are collectively capable of performing the entire dynamic driving task on a sustained basis, regardless of whether such system is limited to a specific operational design domain.

Supporting the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2017

Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving U.S. land, water, and wildlife. Supports the engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

A resolution supporting the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2017

Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving U.S. land, water, and wildlife. Supports the engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 26 July 2017.#Comune di Corridonia and Others v Provincia di Macerata and Provincia di Macerata Settore 10 – Ambiente.#Requests for a preliminary ruling from the Tribunale amministrativo regionale per le Marche.#References for a preliminary ruling — Environment — Directive 85/337/EEC — Directive 2011/92/EU — Possibility of carrying out, a posteriori, an environmental impact assessment of an operational plant for the production of energy from biogas with a view to obtaining a new consent.#Joined Cases C-196/16 and C-197/16.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 26 July 2017

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 26 July 2017.#ArcelorMittal Atlantique et Lorraine SASU v Ministre de l’Écologie, du Développement durable et de lʼÉnergie.#Request for a preliminary ruling from the Tribunal administratif de Montreuil.#Reference for a preliminary ruling — Environment — Directive 2003/87/EC — Article 10a(1) — EU greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme — Free allocation of allowances — Decision 2011/278/EU — Validity — Principle of sound administration — Determination of the product benchmark for hot metal — Use of data in the ‘BREF’ for iron and steel production and guidelines for establishing benchmarks for hot metal — Meaning of ‘similar products’ — Reference installations — Obligation to state reasons.#Case C-80/16.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 26 July 2017

Drinking Water System Improvement Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2017

Drinking Water System Improvement Act of 2017 This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to address the infrastructure of public water systems and compliance by the systems with drinking water regulations. Community water systems must include in their consumer confidence reports information about: (1) corrosion control efforts, (2) any exceedances of the lead action level for which corrective action has been required, and (3) violations that occurred. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must revise regulations for consumer confidence reports as outlined by the bill. The EPA must develop a strategic plan for improving the accuracy and availability of compliance monitoring data. Within five years and every five years thereafter, the EPA must review, and if appropriate, update educational materials concerning best practices for asset management strategies that may be used by public water systems. The bill: (1) reauthorizes through FY2022 the public water system supervision grant program and the source water petition program, and (2) reauthorizes through FY2022 and revises the drinking water state revolving fund. The EPA must review and report to the public on existing and potential methods, means, equipment, and technologies for the treatment and distribution of drinking water. The EPA must also establish a grant program for the replacement of drinking water fountains that contain lead in schools and day care facilities. This bill amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to ensure that states and community water systems are notified of a release of a contaminant into their source waters.

Pesticide Protection Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2017

Pesticide Protection Act of 2017 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cancel the registration of the pesticide chlorpyrifos under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The bill prohibits the sale and use of existing stock of chlorpyrifos. The bill requires the EPA to ban chlorpyrifos residue on food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2017

Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit from sale any food that contains the organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must offer a contract to the National Research Council to conduct an organophosphate pesticide risk assessment. If the EPA finds pesticide exposure that does not meet FFDCA standards or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act standards, the EPA must take regulatory action not later than 90 days after becoming aware of the exposure.

Modoc County Land Transfer and Economic Development Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Modoc County Land Transfer and Economic Development Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to convey, without consideration, to Modoc County, California, specified National Forest System land in Modoc National Forest which contains an obsolete Over-the-Horizon Backscatter Radar System receiving station. The purpose of such conveyance is to: (1) preserve and utilize the improvements constructed on such land, and (2) permit the county to use the conveyed property for economic development purposes. To expedite the conveyance, environmental remediation of such land by the Air Force shall be limited to the removal of the perimeter fence, which was treated with an arsenic-based weatherproof coating, and the treatment of the soil affected by the leaching of such chemical.

A resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 23, 2017, as "National Estuaries Week".

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Designates the week of September 16-September 23, 2017, as National Estuaries Week.

Beach Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2017

Beach Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize through FY2021 a grant program for monitoring, and notifying the public of, any pathogens in coastal recreation waters bordering public beaches. The bill reauthorizes through FY2021 the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000. The bill establishes requirements with respect to: (1) using rapid testing methods to detect unsafe levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators in such coastal recreation waters, and (2) notifying governmental agencies when pathogens exceed water quality standards. Those methods must provide testing results within four hours of receiving a sample. The applicable state or local government must communicate the presence of any pathogens within two hours of receipt of a water quality sample. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess state and local compliance with coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification legal requirements and grant conditions. The bill limits federal share of grants to non-compliant state or local governments. The Government Accountability Office must review the EPA's compliance assessments and corrective actions. States with coastal recreation waters must adopt the most protective water quality criteria and standards practicable for pathogens. The EPA must: (1) update the national list of beaches that are used by the public regardless of the presence of a lifeguard within 12 months and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically); (2) study the long-term impact of climate change on pathogenic contamination of coastal recreation waters; and (3) study the impacts of excess nutrients on coastal recreation waters.

hohe Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers in Österreich - Geplante Überarbeitung des Aktionsprogramms Nitrat 2012

Austria · National Council · 21 July 2017

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Wolfgang Pirklhuber, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend hohe Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers in Österreich - Geplante Überarbeitung des Aktionsprogramms Nitrat 2012

Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2017

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies. Provides appropriations to Interior for: the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. Provides appropriations to Interior for Departmental Offices, including: the Office of the Secretary, Insular Affairs, the Office of the Solicitor, the Office of Inspector General, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. Provides appropriations to Interior for Department-Wide Programs, including: Wildland Fire Management, the Central Hazardous Materials Fund, the Natural Resources Damage Assessment Fund, the Working Capital Fund, the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, and Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILT). Provides appropriations to the EPA. Provides appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service. Provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for: the Indian Health Service, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Provides appropriations to other related agencies, including: the Executive Office of the President for the Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Environmental Quality; the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; the Smithsonian Institution; the National Gallery of Art; the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities; the Commission of Fine Arts; the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; the National Capital Planning Commission; the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission; the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission; and the World War I Centennial Commission. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 Provides FY2018 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and independent agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for: Investigations, Construction, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Operation and Maintenance, the Regulatory Program, the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies, Expenses, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation. Provides appropriations to DOE for Energy Programs, including: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Nuclear Energy, Fossil Energy Research and Development, Naval Petroleum and Oil Shale Reserves, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Energy Security and Infrastructure Modernization Fund, the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, the Energy Information Administration, Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup, the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund, Science, the Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy, the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program, the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program, and the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. Provides appropriations to DOE for: Atomic Energy Defense Activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, Environmental and Other Defense Activities, and the Power Marketing Administrations. Provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Sets forth permissible and prohibited uses for funds provided by this and other appropriations Acts.

A resolution calling for a credible, peaceful, free, and fair presidential election in Kenya in August 2017.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2017

Calls upon: (1) the governernment of Kenya and opposition parties in Kenya to hold free and fair presidential elections in August 2017 and to condemn the use of hate speech and the incitement of violence by political candidates, the media, or any Kenyan citizens; (2) Kenyan citizens to peacefully participate in the general elections and seek to resolve any disputes over results through the legal system; and (3) Kenyan political candidates to respect the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Political Party Code of Conduct. Encourages: (1) Kenyan political parties, civil society, and the media to act responsibly with their parallel vote tabulations; (2) Kenyan civil society organizations to continue providing early warning and response measures to mitigate election-related violence and strengthen democratic processes; and (3) the President to appoint an Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Commends the key role the faith-based community has played in ensuring a peaceful pre- and post-election environment through periodically convening the Multi-Sectoral Forum to deliberate on matters of governance, election management, and looming insecurity. Supports efforts by the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to assist election-related preparations in Kenya. Calls upon the United States and Kenya's other international partners to continue to support Kenya's efforts to address the remaining electoral preparation challenges and identify gaps in which additional resources or diplomatic engagement could make important contributions to the conduct of the elections.