Environment

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601 records in 1995

All countries Ireland · 43,210 United States · 16,037 Austria · 10,123 France · 9,358 United Kingdom · 5,076 European Union · 2,387 Netherlands · 1,984 Germany · 1,294 Belgium · 120 Search this topic

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 914 (104th)referred

Environmental Lender and Fiduciaries Liability Amendments Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Environmental Lender and Fiduciaries Liability Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exclude from the definition of "owner or operator," for purposes of limiting liability for releases of hazardous substances, a person who, without participating in the management of a vessel or facility, holds indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest in such vessel or facility. Defines "indicia of ownership" as an interest in property acquired: (1) for securing payment of a loan or indebtedness or the performance of an obligation; (2) evidencing ownership under a lease financing transaction where the lessor does not initially select or ordinarily control the daily operation or maintenance of the property; or (3) in the course of protecting a security interest or right of reimbursement or subrogation under a guaranty. Makes liable for any release or threatened release of a hazardous substance attributable to their activities: (1) a holder of a security interest who takes certain actions concerning transfer, protection, or abandonment of property; and (2) a fiduciary or trustee who acquires ownership or control of a property. Makes conforming amendments to the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 908 (104th)referred

To authorize appropriations for each of fiscal years 1996 through 2000 for the provision of grants for construction of wastewater treatment works to serve United States colonias and for connecting residents to sewer collection systems and making any necessary plumbing improvements to enable residences to meet existing county or city code requirements.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to any State along the U.S.-Mexican border or to any designated entity for the construction of treatment works to serve U.S. colonias or for connecting colonia residents to sewer collection systems and making plumbing improvements to enable colonias to meet existing county or city code requirements. Defines "U.S. colonia" as any identifiable community that: (1) is in Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas; (2) is within 100 kilometers of the border between the United States and Mexico; (3) is determined to be a colonia on the basis of objective criteria, including lack of potable water or adequate sewage systems; (4) is in an unincorporated area and was in existence before January 1, 1990; and (5) includes a community within a standard metropolitan statistical area (MSA) that has a population exceeding one million but does not include the entire MSA. Provides for approval of construction plans by States under appropriate EPA standards. Authorizes appropriations.

Bill· HRH.R. 909 (104th)referred

To encourage liberty inside the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 1995

Expresses the sense of the Congress that any U.S. national conducting a commercial cooperation project in Vietnam should adhere to specified principles regarding: (1) nondiscrimination in employment; (2) worker and environmental safety; (3) partnerships with businesses not controlled by the Vietnamese Government; (4) prohibitions on a military presence and political indoctrination programs on project premises; (5) freedoms of association and expression; and (6) the promotion of a full accounting of all Americans missing in action from the Vietnam conflict. Directs the Secretary of State to encourage member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to promote similar principles. Requires U.S. nationals conducting commercial cooperation projects in Vietnam to: (1) register with the Secretary and indicate whether they agree to implement such principles; and (2) report annually to the Department of State on adherence to such principles. Permits Federal agencies to intercede with a foreign government or national on behalf of such a U.S. national regarding export marketing activities in Vietnam only if such individual adheres to the principles.

Bill· SS. 394 (104th)referred

Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995

Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to absolve Federal banking or lending agencies of liability under any law imposing strict liability for the release of hazardous substances (including petroleum) from property acquired in connection with: (1) receivership or conservatorship authority or the liquidation of an insured depository institution; (2) the provision of loans or other financial assistance; or (3) property received in a civil or criminal proceeding or administrative enforcement action. Extends such immunity to the first subsequent purchaser of property acquired from such an agency, except under certain conditions. Provides that such an agency that causes or contributes to a release may be liable for response actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund) or under Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (provisions pertaining to underground storage tanks). Exempts such agencies from any law requiring them to grant covenants warranting that a response action has been, or will be, taken with respect to such acquired property. Amends CERCLA to limit liability under such Act and Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act of insured depository institutions or other lenders in connection with property acquired through foreclosure, subject to a security interest, held by a lessor pursuant to an extension of credit, or subject to financial control pursuant to an extension of credit, to the actual benefit conferred on the institution or lender by a removal, remedial, corrective, or other response action undertaken by another party. Defines the "actual benefit" as the net gain realized by the institution or lender due to such action. Provides that institutions or lenders that caused or contributed to hazardous substance releases may be liable for response actions. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines for such institutions and lenders to develop procedures to evaluate environmental risks that may arise from or at property prior to making an extension of credit secured by such property. Provides that the liability of a fiduciary that is liable under other CERCLA provisions or Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act for releases in connection with property held in a fiduciary capacity may not exceed the assets held in such capacity that are available to indemnify the fiduciary. Makes fiduciaries potentially liable for response or corrective actions if they caused or contributed to a hazardous substance release. Lists additional conditions under which fiduciaries are exempted from liability. Makes liability provisions regarding fiduciaries inapplicable to Federal banking or lending agencies. Excludes from the definition of "owner or operator," for purposes of limiting liability under CERCLA, the United States, a Federal agency, or a conservator or receiver appointed by a Federal agency which acquired ownership of a facility or vessel in connection with receivership or conservatorship, forfeiture or seizure authority, or pursuant to a law specifying the property to be acquired, provided such entity does not participate in operations that result in a release. Excludes persons who did not participate in management of a vessel or facility prior to foreclosure (even if they engage in specified foreclosure, business, or response activities) from such definition as well. Includes underground storage tanks in the definition of "facility or vessel." Makes conforming amendments to the Solid Waste Disposal Act with respect to limitations on liability established by this Act.

Law· HRH.R. 889 (104th)enacted

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Department of Defense to Preserve and Enhance Military Readiness Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Title II: Rescinding Certain Budget Authority Title III: Additional Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Further Enhance Readiness Title IV: General Provisions Emergency Supplemental Appropriations and Rescissions for the Department of Defense to Preserve and Enhance Military Readiness Act of 1995 - Title I: Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for active military personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, as well as reserve personnel in the Army. Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for operation and maintenance (O&M) in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, as well as for defense-wide O&M and O&M for the Navy Reserve. Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for other procurement in the Army and Air Force, as well as for the Defense Health Program. Title II: Rescinding Certain Budget Authority - Rescinds specified funds currently available for: (1) O&M in the Air Force; (2) O&M defense-wide; (3) environmental restoration, defense; (4) former Soviet Union threat reduction; (5) aircraft and missile procurement, Air Force; (6) procurement of National Guard and reserve equipment; (7) Defense Production Act purchases; (8) research, development, test, and evaluation in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and defense-wide; and (9) the National Security Education Trust Fund. Title III: Additional Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Further Enhance Readiness - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations to DOD for: (1) active and reserve military personnel, as well as Army and Air Force National Guard personnel; and (2) O&M for such personnel. Title IV: General Provisions - Prohibits any part of any appropriation contained in this Act from remaining available beyond the current fiscal year unless expressly provided herein. Requires all funds received by the United States as reimbursement for expenses for which funds are provided in this Act to be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

Bill· HRH.R. 879 (104th)referred

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide grants for projects that demonstrate technologies and methods for reducing discharges from combined sewer overflows into navigable waters of interstate significance.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1995

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to State, interstate, regional, and local entities for projects that demonstrate innovative and cost-effective technologies and methods for reducing discharges from combined sewer overflows into navigable waters of interstate significance. Requires the Administrator, in awarding such grants, to give priority consideration to projects that provide for the transfer of technologies to other areas of the United States. Sets the maximum Federal share of project costs at: (1) 100 percent of the cost of a feasibility study; (2) 80 percent of the cost of engineering and design; and (3) 80 percent of the cost of construction. Authorizes appropriations.

Record· Regierungserklärung13/18open

Hochwasserkatastrophe - Hilfen und Möglichkeit vorbeugender Maßnahmen (G-SIG: 13000184)

Germany · German Bundestag · 9 February 1995

Hochwasserkatastrophe im Januar 1995, Ursachen, Hilfen für die Betroffenen, u.a. Darlehensprogramm und Steuerstundung, Funktion des Hochwassermeldedienstes, Aktionsprogramm zum Hochwasserschutz, wasserwirtschaftliche Maßnahmen

Bill· SS. 373 (104th)referred

State Regulation and Management of Solid Waste Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Amendments Title II: State Solid Waste Management Plans Title III: Interstate Transport of Waste Title IV: Financial Assistance State Regulation and Management of Solid Waste Act of 1995 - Title I: General Amendments - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions concerning congressional findings and objectives. Title II: State Solid Waste Management Plans - Sets forth as the objective of this title the reduction of solid waste generated and disposed of prior to the year 2015 by requiring States to develop programs which: (1) reduce the generation of solid waste, encourage resource conservation, and meet other specified objectives; and (2) facilitate the recycling of, and the use of valuable resources from, such waste. Requires State waste management plans to: (1) identify the quantities, types, sources, and characteristics of solid wastes that are expected to be generated within, transported to, or managed by, the State during each of the 20 years following 1995; (2) ensure the availability of capacity to manage waste in an environmentally sound manner; (3) provide for annual certifications to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to meeting objectives and capacity to manage waste; (4) provide that all solid waste management facilities in the State meet Federal and State laws and allow only registered facilities to manage waste; (5) provide for technical and financial assistance to local communities to meet plan requirements; and (6) specify the conditions under which the State will authorize the acceptance of solid waste from other States. Title III: Interstate Transport of Waste - Authorizes a State with an approved solid waste management plan to prohibit or restrict the importation of solid waste from another State for management purposes (other than transportation). Permits States to levy fees on solid waste. Requires at least 50 percent of such fees to be allocated to the local government managing the waste. Title IV: Financial Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) assistance to States and local and regional authorities for developing and implementing solid waste management plans; (2) grants to States to encourage recycling and resource recovery and conservation; and (3) assistance to rural communities for solid waste management.

Bill· SS. 375 (104th)referred

A bill to impose a moratorium on sanctions under the Clean Air Act with respect to marginal and moderate ozone nonattainment areas and with respect to enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1995

Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, during the two-year period beginning on this Act's enactment date, from taking an enforcement action (including the withholding of certain grants, the promulgation of a Federal implementation plan, or the imposition of specified sanctions) with respect to areas classified as Marginal or Moderate ozone nonattainment areas under the Clean Air Act. Prohibits, during such period, specified adverse actions against States by the Administrator or the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration with respect to failures of enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs in Serious ozone nonattainment areas.

Bill· SS. 365 (104th)referred

Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995

Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require permits for discharges from publicly owned treatment works to contain terms for biological monitoring or whole effluent toxicity testing and for establishing a process to reduce the cause of such toxicity if the permitting authority determines that such discharges cause, have the potential to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion above a narrative or numeric criterion for whole effluent toxicity. Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that it is necessary to include biological monitoring, whole effluent toxicity testing, or assessment methods as a permit condition for publicly owned treatment works, the failure of such tests shall not result in a finding of violation.

Bill· HRH.R. 855 (104th)referred

Municipal Liability Cap Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995

Municipal Liability Cap Act of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to limit the liability of municipalities or other persons resulting from the generation or transportation of municipal solid waste to four percent of costs and damages. Makes such amendment retroactively effective to response actions or suits commenced before this Act's enactment.

Bill· HRH.R. 854 (104th)referred

Toxic Pollution Responsibility Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1995

Toxic Pollution Responsibility Act of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to absolve municipalities or persons that generate or transport municipal solid waste from liability under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 837 (104th)referred

To promote quality environmental research by permitting the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into cooperative research and development agreements.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1995

Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter into cooperative research and development agreements with colleges and universities, State environmental protection agencies, and nonprofit organizations to participate in a cooperative research unit to develop research and training programs relating to environmental protection. Limits EPA's participation in the cooperative research unit to: (1) the assignment by the Administrator of EPA scientific personnel to serve at the unit; (2) the provision of assistance for the work of researchers on environmental protection projects; (3) the provision of equipment; and (4) the payment of incidental expenses of EPA personnel and employees of other entities assigned to the unit.

Bill· SS. 352 (104th)referred

Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995

Comprehensive Wetlands Conservation and Management Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit, unless such activity is undertaken pursuant to a permit issued by the Secretary of the Army: (1) the discharge of dredged or fill material into U.S. waters; or (2) the draining, channelization, or excavation of wetlands. (Sec. 3) Requires the Secretary, upon receiving permit applications, to: (1) classify as Type A wetlands those that are of critical significance to the long-term conservation of an ecosystem and meet other specified conditions; (2) classify as Type B wetlands those that provide habitat for a significant population of wildlife or provide other significant wetlands functions and values; and (3) classify as Type C wetlands those that serve marginal functions but exist in such abundance that regulation of activities is not necessary to conserve wetlands values and functions, are prior converted cropland, are fastlands, or are lands within areas that do not serve significant wetlands functions and values. Prohibits more than 20 percent of any county, parish, or borough from being classified as Type A wetlands. Permits owners of interests in Type A wetlands to seek compensation for the fair market value of such lands. Provides that title for such lands shall pass to the United States on acceptance of an offer for compensation. Requires the Secretary to deny a permit authorizing activities in Type A wetlands unless: (1) such activities can be undertaken with minimal alteration or disturbance; or (2) the proposed use of the land will result in overall environmental benefits. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for activities in Type B wetlands subject to conditions that ensure that the wetland ecosystem does not suffer loss or degradation. Imposes requirements for mitigation when such activities result in permanent wetland loss or degradation. Directs the Secretary to establish a mitigation banking program in each State to ensure compensation for loss and degradation of wetlands. Requires the primary objective of such programs to be to provide for the restoration, enhancement, or creation of ecologically significant wetlands on an ecosystem basis. Exempts specified activities from this Act's requirements. Authorizes the Secretary to establish standards to govern the delineation of wetlands, to be binding on all Federal agencies. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a project to identify and classify U.S. wetlands. Authorizes civil actions and prescribes penalties for permit violations. Authorizes States to administer permit programs for activities covered by this Act, subject to the Secretary's approval.

Bill· HRH.R. 821 (104th)referred

Middle Class Regulatory Relief Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995

Middle Class Regulatory Relief Act of 1995 - Amends Federal law to define "major rule" as a rule or a group of closely related rules that the proposing agency or the President determines is likely to have an annual effect on the economy of $50 million or more in reasonably quantifiable increased costs, or has a significant impact on a sector of the economy. (Sec. 2) Authorizes an agency proposing the rule or the President to designate as a major rule any rule or group of closely related rules which is likely to result in: (1) a substantial increase in costs or prices for wage earners, consumers, individual industries, nonprofit organizations, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or (2) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, the environment, public health or safety, or the ability of enterprises whose principal places of business are in the United States to compete in domestic or export markets. Requires each Federal agency, before publishing notice of proposed rulemaking for any rule, to determine whether the rule is or should be designated major. Requires the agency to issue at the time of the notice of proposed rulemaking a draft cost-benefit analysis which shall be summarized in such notice. Prohibits an agency from promulgating a rule unless it finds that: (1) the rule's potential benefits to society outweigh its costs; and (2) such rule will provide greater net benefits to society than reasonable alternatives, including certain market-based mechanisms. Subjects agency and presidential rule determinations or designations to judicial review. Authorizes any person subject to a major rule to petition the agency or the President to perform a cost-benefit analysis. Requires an agency, before a major rule can become final, to submit to the Congress a copy of the rule and a report containing a concise statement on the rule, a complete copy of the cost-benefit analysis, and the proposed effective date of the rule. Prohibits a rule from becoming final if the Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval. Prohibits the promulgation of any rule that expands Federal jurisdiction beyond the level of regulatory action needed to satisfy statutory requirements. Requires a court reviewing a final agency action to affirm an agency's interpretation of the statute granting authority to promulgate the rule if, in applying traditional principles of statutory construction, it finds that the interpretation is clearly the interpretation of the statute intended by the Congress. Requires the head of each Federal agency to prepare: (1) a risk assessment for each proposed major rule relating to human health, safety, or natural resources; and (2) for each such proposed or final rule, an assessment of incremental risk reduction or other benefits associated with each significant regulatory alternative to the rule or proposed rule (including a comparison of any human health, safety, or natural resource risks addressed by such alternatives to other relevant risks chosen by the agency heads). Specifies principles for risk assessment, risk characterization, and risk communication, requiring generally that scientific findings and best estimates of risk be distinguished from other considerations. Requires the President to issue a final regulation for agencies to implement risk assessment and risk characterization principles and provide a format for summarizing risk assessment results. Requires an agency head, subject to presidential review, to determine for each major rule that: (1) the risk assessment is based on a scientific evaluation supported by the best available scientific data; and (2) there is no alternative allowed by statute under which the major rule is promulgated that would achieve an equivalent reduction in risk in a more cost-effective and flexible manner. Requires an agency head to prioritize the use of available resources under laws protecting human health and safety or the environment to address the risks to human health, safety, and natural resources that: (1) the agency determines are the most serious; and (2) can be addressed in a cost-effective manner while achieving the greatest overall net reduction in risks with the public and private sector resources to be expended. Requires such priorities to be incorporated into the agency's budget request to the Congress. Directs the President to develop a systematic program for peer review of work products. Requires the President to: (1) establish procedures for agency compliance with this Act; and (2) monitor, review, and ensure such compliance. Authorizes an affected small entity to petition for the judicial review of a final rule with respect to which an agency: (1) has certified that it would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; (2) prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis.

Bill· HRH.R. 820 (104th)referred

Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1995

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1995

Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1995 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled or would be burned as fuel or for energy recovery or incineration or that the consuming facility was not in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations; (2) added hazardous substances to the material for purposes other than processing for recycling; or (3) failed to exercise reasonable care with respect to the management of the material. Makes such exemptions inapplicable if the recyclable material contained polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million or any new Federal standard.

Question· oralPQ 75asked