Environment

28 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, proposed by his Department in response to EU proceedings in respect of water quality; the measures, if any, implemented in this regard; the measures contemplated; the response, if any, of the EU institutions to his Department's proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

28 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, proposed by his Department in response to EU proceedings in respect of water quality; the measures, if any, implemented in this regard; the measures contemplated; the response, if any, of the EU institutions to his Department's proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/00]

27 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, made concerning the implementation of the Government's affordable housing scheme established by his Department in 1999. [5808/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

27 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, made concerning the implementation of the Government's affordable housing scheme established by his Department in 1999. [5808/00]

26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he will take to deal with the chronic litter problem which is blighting every area; the proposals, if any, he has to prevent continued littering; the measures, if any, he will take to ensure the effective implementation of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; the number of litter wardens employed by local authorities; the number of litter fines imposed in 1999; the number of prosecutions taken in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he will take to deal with the chronic litter problem which is blighting every area; the proposals, if any, he has to prevent continued littering; the measures, if any, he will take to ensure the effective implementation of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; the number of litter wardens employed by local authorities; the number of litter fines imposed in 1999; the number of prosecutions taken in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/00]

35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the discussions, if any, he will have with the Departments of Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the provision of amenities and recreational areas, particularly in built up areas, in a concerted effort to improve citizens' health and to combat crime and vandalism by providing a desirable environment for members of the public, with special emphasis on youth. [6040/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the discussions, if any, he will have with the Departments of Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the provision of amenities and recreational areas, particularly in built up areas, in a concerted effort to improve citizens' health and to combat crime and vandalism by providing a desirable environment for members of the public, with special emphasis on youth. [6040/00]

30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will allocate significant quantities of moneys to local authorities, in conjunction with moneys for housing, to purchase lands and have them developed and maintained as open spaces, incorporating playing pitches, amenity areas, parks and gardens. [6041/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will allocate significant quantities of moneys to local authorities, in conjunction with moneys for housing, to purchase lands and have them developed and maintained as open spaces, incorporating playing pitches, amenity areas, parks and gardens. [6041/00]

51 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will return power to the local authorities to allow for the issue of the 350 taxi licences which they had planned to issue in January 2000 in view of the injunction which is preventing the issuing of taxi licences by his Department. [5360/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

51 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will return power to the local authorities to allow for the issue of the 350 taxi licences which they had planned to issue in January 2000 in view of the injunction which is preventing the issuing of taxi licences by his Department. [5360/00]

38 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of applications received by the 18 February 2000 deadline for new taxi plates; the number of existing taxi licence holders who have applied for an additional licence; the number of cosies who have applied for additional licences; the number of each category who have been granted additional licences; when the additional taxis will come on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5984/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

38 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of applications received by the 18 February 2000 deadline for new taxi plates; the number of existing taxi licence holders who have applied for an additional licence; the number of cosies who have applied for additional licences; the number of each category who have been granted additional licences; when the additional taxis will come on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5984/00]

29 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the developments, if any, regarding his discussions with representatives of the taxi industry; the progress, if any, made on the request of the taxi industry for a taxi forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

29 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the developments, if any, regarding his discussions with representatives of the taxi industry; the progress, if any, made on the request of the taxi industry for a taxi forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6058/00]

28 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, proposed by his Department in response to EU proceedings in respect of water quality; the measures, if any, implemented in this regard; the measures contemplated; the response, if any, of the EU institutions to his Department's proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

28 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the measures, if any, proposed by his Department in response to EU proceedings in respect of water quality; the measures, if any, implemented in this regard; the measures contemplated; the response, if any, of the EU institutions to his Department's proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6013/00]

27 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, made concerning the implementation of the Government's affordable housing scheme established by his Department in 1999. [5808/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

27 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, made concerning the implementation of the Government's affordable housing scheme established by his Department in 1999. [5808/00]

26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he will take to deal with the chronic litter problem which is blighting every area; the proposals, if any, he has to prevent continued littering; the measures, if any, he will take to ensure the effective implementation of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; the number of litter wardens employed by local authorities; the number of litter fines imposed in 1999; the number of prosecutions taken in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

26 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action, if any, he will take to deal with the chronic litter problem which is blighting every area; the proposals, if any, he has to prevent continued littering; the measures, if any, he will take to ensure the effective implementation of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997; the number of litter wardens employed by local authorities; the number of litter fines imposed in 1999; the number of prosecutions taken in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/00]

25 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the percentage of waste products recycled in 1999; the level of recycling to be reached nationally over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

25 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the percentage of waste products recycled in 1999; the level of recycling to be reached nationally over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/00]

24 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of tenants who were evicted from private rented accommodation during 1999; his estimate of the extent to which rents in the private rented sector have increased over the past three years; the action, if any, he will take to provide protection and additional rights for tenants in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6090/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

24 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of tenants who were evicted from private rented accommodation during 1999; his estimate of the extent to which rents in the private rented sector have increased over the past three years; the action, if any, he will take to provide protection and additional rights for tenants in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6090/00]

23 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proportion of urban waste water discharged without treatment; the proportion which receives (i) preliminary treatment, (ii) primary treatment, (iii) secondary treatment and (iv) secondary treatment and nutrient reduction, and the target date by which all urban waste water will be treated. [5799/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 February 2000

23 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proportion of urban waste water discharged without treatment; the proportion which receives (i) preliminary treatment, (ii) primary treatment, (iii) secondary treatment and (iv) secondary treatment and nutrient reduction, and the target date by which all urban waste water will be treated. [5799/00]

A bill to authorize Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas.

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000

Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new title XII, Public School Repair and Renovation, which authorizes Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas. (Replaces the current title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, which is also known as the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Requires high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to use the title XII grants or loans they receive for repairs and renovations to reduce health and safety problems, and to improve the learning environment, with respect to: (1) roofs, electrical wiring, or plumbing repair or replacement; (2) heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems' repair, replacement, or installation; (3) title XII repairs and renovations compliance with specified accessibility requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and (4) other types of school repairs and renovations that the Secretary of Education may reasonably determine are urgently needed, particularly projects to correct facilities problems that endanger the health and safety of students and staff. Requires title XII grant or loan applicants to demonstrate to the Secretary's satisfaction that they lack sufficient funds from other sources to carry out the repairs or renovations for which they are requesting assistance. Provides for the following types and portions of title XII assistance: (1) a specified amount reserved for allocated grants to LEAs with high concentrations of students living on Indian lands (which may be used for new school construction if renovating an existing school would not be cost-effective); (2) ten percent of the remainder for competitive grants to high-poverty LEAs (with at least a quarter of their students being from families with incomes below the poverty line); and (3) 90 percent of such remainder for competitive grants and loans to high-need LEAs that lack the ability to fund urgent school repairs (with a limitation on the amount of the loan volume). Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits title XII assistance for repair or renovation of athletic stadiums or other structures or facilities intended primarily for athletic events for which admission is charged to the general public.

Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000

Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 - Requires: (1) Governors of each State receiving monies from the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund (established under this Act) to report on June 15 of each year to the Secretaries of the Interior or of Agriculture, as appropriate, accounting for the money received for the previous fiscal year, including the funded projects and activities; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to Congress on monies the Departments of the Interior and of Agriculture have spent out of the Fund, including a summary of such Governors' reports. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund (CRAF). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into CRAF certain Outer Continental Shelf revenues, undisbursed amounts under title I of this Act, and certain interest earned on CRAF investments. Transfers all amounts deposited into the CRAF as follows: (1) to the Secretary of the Interior for payment of $1 billion to States for impact assistance and coastal conservation, $125 million for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978, $100 million for the National Historic Preservation Act, and $150 million ($100 million for permanent conservation easement and $50 million for endangered and threatened species recovery); (2) to the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture for payment of $200 million for Federal and Indian land restoration; (3) to the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the amount of $900 million; and (4) to the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund (FAWRF) established under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in the amount of $350 million. Provides that any shortfalls less than $2.825 billion in a fiscal year, after FY 2000, proportionally reduce such sums for that fiscal year. (Sec. 6) Limits the amount available for administrative expenses to two percent. Provides that nothing in this Act shall affect the prohibition contained in the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (as amended by this Act) that bars the use of funds transferred to the FAWRF by this Act for administrative or execution of program expenses. (Sec. 7) Requires off-budget treatment of the receipts and disbursements of funds under this Act. (Sec. 9) Prohibits a State or local government from receiving funds under this Act during any fiscal year: (1) when its expenditures of non-Federal funds for recurrent expenditures for programs for which such funding is provided will be less than its expenditures were for such programs during the preceding fiscal year; or (2) for a program unless the Secretary of the Interior is satisfied that such a grant will be used to supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of State, local, or other non-Federal funds available for such program. Exempts a State or local government from such prohibition if the Secretary determines that a reduction in expenditures is attributable to a non-selective reduction in the expenditures in the programs of all executive branch agencies of such entity. Treats all funds received by a State or local government under this Act as Federal funds for purposes of compliance with provisions in effect under other law requiring that non-Federal funds be used to provide a portion of the funding for any program or project. (Sec. 11) Prohibits: (1) the taking of private property in whole or in part, without just compensation; and (2) Federal agencies, using funds appropriated by this Act, from applying any regulation on any lands until the lands or water or an interest therein is acquired, unless authorized to do so by another Act of Congress. (Sec. 12) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to design a standardized sign and, where appropriate, require its installation at sites receiving funds under this Act. Title I: Impact Assistance and Coastal Conservation - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to allocate such transferred CRAF payments to coastal States for impact assistance and coastal conservation only if such States have: (1) a Secretary-approved Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plan; (2) agreed to provide specified reports; and (3) certain necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures. (Sec. 101) Sets forth the formula for allocating such funds to coastal States and coastal political subdivisions. (Sec. 102) Requires the development and submission of a Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plan by each coastal State seeking to receive grants under this title (and in the case of a producing State, the Governor) to incorporate the plans of the coastal political subdivisions into the Statewide plan for transmittal to the Secretary of the Interior for approval or disapproval before the disbursement of CRAF funds. Specifies authorized uses of the CRAF funds. Title II: Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to provide that all CRAF funds transferred to the Land and Water Conservation Fund shall be covered into the Fund. (Sec. 203) Makes $900 million available each fiscal year after FY 2001 for expenditure without further appropriation, to be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent for Federal purposes; and (2) 50 percent for State grants. (Sec. 205) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of the Federal portion of such funds for any land or water interest acquisition except those specified and approved by Congress in the appropriate appropriations Act. Prescribes: (1) a procedure for preparing and transmitting to Congress of a list of proposed Federal acquisitions; and (2) notification to specified officials of affected areas with respect to such proposed acquisitions. (Sec. 206) Revises the formula used to allocate amounts made available for State purposes from the Fund each fiscal year. Makes all federally recognized Indian tribes and Native Corporations eligible to receive shares of such apportionment in accordance with a competitive grant program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires each State, with an exception, to make available as grants to local governments at least 50 percent of its annual apportionment or an equivalent amount made available from other sources. (Sec. 207) Revises the requirement that a State have a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan as a prerequisite to consideration by the Secretary of the Interior of financial assistance for acquisition or development projects. Allows each State to define its own priorities and criteria for selection of outdoor conservation and recreation acquisition and development projects eligible for grants under this Act if it provides for public involvement in this process and publishes an accurate and current State Action Agenda for Community Conservation and Recreation, within five years after enactment of this Act, indicating the needs it has identified and the priorities and criteria it has established. Allows an existing Comprehensive State Plan to remain in effect until the appropriate State adopts a State Action Agenda. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to approve, subject to certain conditions, the conversion of property (other than for public outdoor recreation use) acquired or developed with assistance under the Act only if the State demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists. Exempts from such requirement those properties that no longer meet the criteria within the State Plan or Agenda as an outdoor conservation and recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination which endangers public health and safety. (Sec. 210) Provides that nothing in this title shall affect any State or Federal water law or an interstate compact governing water, alter any allocations of water rights, or create any new water rights. Title III: Wildlife Conservation and Restoration - Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (FAWRA) to require CRAF funds transferred for FAWRA purposes to be deposited in a new subaccount in the FAWRF, to be made available without further appropriation, for apportionment in each fiscal year for State wildlife conservation and restoration programs. (Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for: (1) apportionment of such subaccount funds; (2) applications for approval of, and development grants for, State wildlife conservation and restoration programs; and (3) coordination. Prohibits such funds from being used for expenses incurred in the administration and execution of programs. Limits to ten percent the use of such funds for wildlife-associated recreation. (Sec. 305) Allows the subaccount funds to be used for a wildlife conservation education program. Exempts education efforts, projects, or programs that promote or encourage opposition to the regulated taking of wildlife. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a State from receiving FAWRA matching funds if it diverts any funds from wildlife conservation purposes. Title IV: Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Amendments - Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 to make transferred CRAF funds available to the Secretary of the Interior, without further appropriation, to assist local governments in improving their park and recreation systems. Sets forth limits on the use of such funds. (Sec. 404) Provides for the development of new recreation areas and facilities (including the acquisition of lands for such development) under the urban park and recreation recovery program. (Sec. 406) Revises requirements for: (1) Federal assistance grant eligibility; (2) matching grants to local governments for rehabilitation, development, and innovation purposes; (3) local park and recreation recovery action programs; (4) State action incentives; and (5) conversion of recreation property for any other purposes other than public recreation purposes. (Sec. 411) Repeals sunset provisions and congressional reporting requirements with respect to: (1) the impact of the urban park and recreation recovery program; and (2) the annual achievements of the innovation grant program. Title V: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to provide that amounts transferred from the CRAF each fiscal year shall be deposited into the Historic Preservation Fund to be available without further appropriation, in that fiscal year, to carry out the Act. (Sec. 501) Requires at least one half of the funds obligated or expended each fiscal year under this Act to be used for preservation projects on historic properties (giving priority to the preservation of endangered historic properties). (Sec. 502) Authorizes a State to provide financial assistance to the management entity for any national heritage area or national heritage corridor to support cooperative historic preservation planning and development. Title VI: Federal and Indian Lands Restoration - Makes CRAF funds transferred to the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture available to be used as a dedicated source of funding for a coordinated program on Federal and Indian lands to restore degraded lands, protect resources that are threatened with degradation, and protect public health and safety. Allocates: (1) 60 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for lands within the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management; (2) 30 percent to the Secretary of Agriculture for lands within the National Forest System; and (3) ten percent to the Secretary of the Interior for competitive grants to qualified Indian tribes (giving priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health). (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) each establish priority lists for the use of funds (giving priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health or safety); and (2) jointly establish a coordinated program for tracking the progress of activities carried out with amounts made available by this title and determining the extent to which demonstrable results are being achieved. Title VII: Conservation Easements and Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Subtitle A: Conservation Easements - Provides that CRAF funds transferred to the Secretary of the Interior shall be used by the Secretary to establish the Conservation Easement Program to provide grants, under specified conditions, to an eligible entity (State or local government, an Indian Tribe, or certain private organizations) to provide the Federal share of up to 50 percent of the total cost of purchasing permanent conservation easements in land with prime, unique, or other productive uses. Subtitle B: Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Makes CRAF funds transferred from the CRAF for this title in a fiscal year available to the Secretary of the Interior without further appropriations, in that fiscal year, to provide financial assistance to persons for development and implementation of Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Agreements entered into under this title. Requires the Secretary to give priority to the development and implementation of Agreements that: (1) implement actions identified under recovery plans approved by the Secretary; (2) have the greatest potential for contributing to the recovery of an endangered or threatened species; and (3) require use of the assistance on land owned by a small landowner or on a family farm by the owner or operator. (Sec. 713) Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance for any action that is required by a permit or an incidental take statement issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or that is otherwise required under Federal law. (Sec. 714) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such Agreements and sets forth Agreement requirements, including: (1) requiring activities not otherwise mandated by law that contribute to species recovery; and (2) specifying species recovery goals. Requires the Secretary to review Agreements in compliance, periodically monitor the implementation of each Agreement, and disburse financial assistance to implement the Agreement.

Public School Repair and Renovation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000

Public School Repair and Renovation Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to establish a new title XII, Public School Repair and Renovation, which authorizes Federal financial assistance for the urgent repair and renovation of public elementary and secondary schools in high-need areas. (Replaces the current title XII, School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, which is also known as the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Requires high-need local educational agencies (LEAs) to use the title XII grants or loans they receive for repairs and renovations to reduce health and safety problems, and to improve the learning environment, with respect to: (1) roofs, electrical wiring, or plumbing repair or replacement; (2) heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems' repair, replacement, or installation; (3) asbestos removal or abatement; (4) school compliance with fire safety codes; (5) title XII repairs and renovations compliance with specified accessibility requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and (6) other types of school repairs and renovations that the Secretary of Education may reasonably determine are urgently needed, particularly projects to correct facilities problems that endanger the health and safety of students and staff. Requires title XII grant or loan applicants to demonstrate to the Secretary's satisfaction that they lack sufficient funds from other sources to carry out the repairs or renovations for which they are requesting assistance. Provides for the following types and portions of title XII assistance: (1) a specified amount reserved for allocated grants to LEAs with high concentrations of students living on Indian lands (which may be used for new school construction if renovating an existing school would not be cost-effective); (2) ten percent of the remainder for competitive grants to high-poverty LEAs (with at least a quarter of their students being from families with incomes below the poverty line); and (3) 90 percent of such remainder for competitive grants and loans to high-need LEAs that lack the ability to fund urgent school repairs (with a limitation on the amount of the loan volume). Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits title XII assistance for repair or renovation of athletic stadiums or other structures or facilities intended primarily for athletic events for which admission is charged to the general public.

Expressing the sense of Congress with regard to the use of reformulated gasoline fuels, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 February 2000

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Federal government should: (1) promote the continued use of renewable ethanol in the Chicago reformulated gasoline market and in other reformulated gasoline areas as a means of enhancing energy security and supporting farm income; (2) allow State and local governments the option of limiting the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) as an oxygenate until those governments are certain that MTBE will not harm their environments; and (3) require the Environmental Protection Agency to revise the Phase II reformulated gasoline regulations under the Clean Air Act to allow ethanol to remain a viable oxygenate within the Act's reformulated gasoline program.

School Environment Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2000

See summary of: S. 1716

Umsetzung des Anti-Atom-Aktionsplans sowie der EU-Osterweiterung; Fragen der nuklearen Sicherheit

Austria · National Council · 24 February 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für auswärtige Angelegenheiten betreffend die Umsetzung des Anti-Atom-Aktionsplans sowie der EU-Osterweiterung und den damit verbundenen Fragen der nuklearen Sicherheit

Umsetzung des Anti-Atom-Aktionsplans sowie der EU-Osterweiterung; Fragen der nuklearen Sicherheit

Austria · National Council · 24 February 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend die Umsetzung des Anti-Atom-Aktionsplans sowie der EU-Osterweiterung und den damit verbundenen Fragen der nuklearen Sicherheit

Advancing the Global Opportunities for Biotechnology in Agriculture Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2000

Advancing the Global Opportunities for Biotechnology in Agriculture Act of 2000 - Authorizes the appropriation of certain foreign assistance funds to the Agency for International Development (AID) for programs and projects designed, through the establishment of technical exchange programs for foreign officials and U.S. biotechnology experts, to educate government officials in developing countries regarding the use of biotechnology in the agricultural sector and the regulatory procedures used by the United States with respect to agricultural products using biotechnology. Declares that such programs shall encourage acceptance by such countries of products approved under the U.S. regulatory system or, in the case of countries which choose to establish a national regulatory system based on science, to encourage adoption of domestic approval processes based on objective scientific principles. Directs the President to establish an interagency process for all relevant executive branch agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of State, AID, the Department of Commerce, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to coordinate efforts and to generate support for the acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. Urges U.S. policies to stress the prominence of science as the foundation for regulatory decision-making and work aggressively in international fora such as the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, including its CODEX Alimentarius, and the United Nations, to advocate for science-based decision- making. Urges AID and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that all food and grain products that meet U.S. health and safety requirements are acceptable to foreign countries under relevant food aid programs. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should work with U.S. embassies abroad to develop bilateral support from foreign governments for the approval of science-based trading regimes in multilateral forums and organizations.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act and titles 23 and 49, United States Code, to provide for continued authorization of funding of transportation projects after a lapse in transportation conformity.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2000

Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that a transportation project identified for funding in a transportation plan and transportation improvement program adopted under specified Federal-aid highway or mass transportation provisions shall remain eligible for funding after such plan or program is no longer in conformity with a State implementation plan (SIP) for national air quality standards as required by the Act if: (1) the plan and program met conformity requirements at the time at which a project agreement for the project was approved under such provisions; (2) the project is a transportation control measure; (3) the project qualifies for an exemption from the requirement that it come from a conforming metropolitan long-range transportation plan and improvement program under Federal regulations in effect on March 1, 1999; or (4) the project is exempt from a prohibition on approval of projects or grants under provisions requiring sanctions for failures to meet certain SIP requirements, excepting certain projects for highway ramp metering and traffic signalization. Amends Federal-aid highway and mass transportation provisions to authorize the amendment of long-range transportation plans or improvement programs that no longer conform to SIPs without a demonstration of conformity if the amendment is solely for the purpose of adding a transportation project: (1) for which the State submits to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a request for approval as a transportation control measure; or (2) that qualifies for an exemption from the requirement that a project come from a conforming metropolitan long-range transportation plan and improvement program under Federal regulations in effect on March 1, 1999.

Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2000

Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food misbranded if it contains or was produced with a genetically engineered material unless its labeling contains statements meeting specified requirements. Excludes food: (1) served in restaurants; (2) medical food; or (3) grown on a tree that was planted before the date of enactment of this Act, in a case in which the producer of the food does not know if the food contains a genetically engineered material, or was produced with a genetically engineered material. Authorizes grants to appropriate individuals, organizations, and institutions to conduct research into the public health and environmental risks associated with genetically engineered materials, food that contains a genetically engineered material, and food that is produced with a genetically engineered material. Authorizes appropriations.

Air transport: impact on the environment (communication)

European Union · European Parliament · 18 February 2000

proposition de loi prévention contre les incendies en milieu forestier

France · Senate · 17 February 2000

projet de loi relatif à la chasse

France · Senate · 16 February 2000

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the Great Lakes program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000

Amends provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act regarding the Great Lakes to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States, Indian tribes, interstate agencies, and local governments for projects to improve water quality at areas of concern. Limits the Federal share of project costs to 60 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator to undertake projects to improve degraded fresh water estuary habitat (with respect to bodies of water having unimpaired natural connections with a Great Lake and within which the water from the Great Lake is measurably diluted with water from land drainage) for purposes of attaining self-sustaining systems integrated into the surrounding landscape. Limits the Federal share of project costs to 65 percent. Reauthorizes the Great Lakes program for FY 2001 through 2005.

To amend the Clean Air Act and titles 23 and 49, United States Code, to provide for continued authorization of funding of transportation projects after a lapse in transportation conformity.

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000

Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that a transportation project identified for funding in a transportation plan and transportation improvement program adopted under specified Federal-aid highway or mass transportation provisions shall remain eligible for funding after such plan or program no longer conforms with a State implementation plan (SIP) for national air quality standards as required by the Act if: (1) the plan and program met conformity requirements at the time at which a project agreement for the project was approved under such provisions; (2) the project is a transportation control measure; (3) the project qualifies for an exemption from the requirement that it come from a conforming metropolitan long-range transportation plan and improvement program under Federal regulations in effect on March 1, 1999; or (4) the project is exempt from a prohibition on approval of projects or grants under provisions requiring sanctions for failures to meet certain SIP requirements, excepting certain projects for highway ramp metering and traffic signalization. Amends Federal-aid highway and mass transportation provisions to authorize the amendment of long-range transportation plans or improvement programs that no longer conform to SIPs without a demonstration of conformity if the amendment is solely for the purpose of adding a transportation project: (1) for which the State submits to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a request for approval as a transportation control measure; or (2) that qualifies for an exemption from the requirement that a project come from a conforming metropolitan long-range transportation plan and improvement program under Federal regulations in effect on March 1, 1999.

Congressional Oversight and Audit of Agency Rulemaking Actions Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2000

Congressional Oversight and Audit of Agency Rulemaking Actions Act - Establishes a pilot project under which the Comptroller General may review a published economically significant proposed or interim rule at the request of a committee of either House of Congress with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the rule. Defines "economically significant rule" to mean any proposed, final, or interim rule: (1) that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments, small businesses, or communities; or (2) for which an agency has prepared an initial or final regulatory flexibility analysis. Requires that an independent audit and assessment of such a rule by the Comptroller General shall consist of: (1) an analysis of the agency's and the public's assessment of the potential benefits and costs of the rule and of alternative approaches that could achieve the agency's objectives in a more cost effective manner; (2) an analysis and assessment of any impact statement or report prepared by the agency as part of the rulemaking, including any assessment of impacts on State and local governments; and (3) a list of all analyses, groups, entities, and sources consulted in developing the analyses and assessments described above. Grants the Comptroller General discretion to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review. Requires each agency, upon request of the Comptroller General, to provide any available or existing records, information, or data upon which the agency relied in developing such a rule. Requires the Comptroller General to transmit an independent audit containing the prescribed assessments and analyses on a final rule, together with a summary of the differences between the proposed and final rule, within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the pilot project established under this Act to continue for a five-year period if specified appropriations are provided. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on such project's effectiveness and on whether it should be authorized permanently.

Logan Reclamation and Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000

Logan Reclamation and Stabilization Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate the Logan Triangle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a brownfield site for purposes of the EPA's brownfields economic redevelopment initiative.

Ombudsman Reauthorization Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2000

Ombudsman Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend the termination date for the Office of Ombudsman to the date ten years after this Act's enactment. (Current law provides for termination four years after November 8, 1984.) Requires the Ombudsman to report to Congress on the status of health and environmental concerns addressed by cases brought before the Ombudsman and recommend improvements to the hazardous waste programs for which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry are responsible. Directs the EPA Administrator to facilitate the structuring of the Office to conform to the structure reflected in the Model Ombudsman Statute of the American Bar Association.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 341/2000 of 15 February 2000 fixing the exchange rate applicable to certain direct aids and measures of a structural or environmental nature

European Union · EUR-Lex · 15 February 2000

Mud Dump Permanent Closure and Remediation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2000

Mud Dump Permanent Closure and Remediation Act of 2000 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit dumping at the Historic Area Remediation Site (the dredged material disposal area located east of Sandy Hook, New Jersey). Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to issue permits authorizing the transportation of dredged materials to such Site solely for purposes of providing for remediation. Bars the Secretary from issuing such permits upon satisfying a goal stated in this Act for reduction of contamination at the Site. Provides that an existing permit shall not be effective if it authorizes dumping in violation of this Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop standards for evaluating dredged materials to be used solely for remediation purposes at the Site. Directs the Administrator, in developing such standards, to ensure that the materials used for remediation: (1) contain significantly lower levels of contaminants than exist at the Site; (2) will significantly reduce contamination levels in biota and sediments at the Site; and (3) will reduce the number, extent, and magnitude of undesirable effects on marine life in and around the Site. Requires the goals of such standards to be to reduce the level of contamination at the Site to a level that reflects background ambient contamination levels in the ocean.

proposition de loi organique proposant des mesures exceptionnelles pour les communes forestières à la suite de la tempête de décembre 1999

France · Senate · 10 February 2000

Saving Women's Lives through International Family Planning Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000

Saving Women's Lives through International Family Planning Act of 2000 - Authorizes appropriations for U.S. voluntary contributions to international organizations and programs, including the United Nations Environmental Fund for support of international measures to protect and improve the environment. Earmarks amounts for the United Nations Population Fund. Authorizes appropriations for certain population planning activities. Prohibits the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in determining eligibility of nongovernmental and multilateral organizations for population planning assistance or other population assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, from applying requirements to such organizations more restrictive than requirements applicable to foreign governments for such assistance.

Timber and Agriculture Environmental Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2000

Timber and Agriculture Environmental Fairness Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit for discharges composed entirely of agricultural stormwater discharges or for discharges from silviculture operations. Excludes discharges of stormwater runoff from silvicultural operations from the definition of "point source."

Vorkehrungen zur Schaffung eines Bundestierschutzgesetzes im Sinne des Tierschutz-Volksbegehrens

Austria · National Council · 9 February 2000

Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Ludmilla Parfuss, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend budgetäre, organisatorische sowie personelle Vorkehrungen zur Schaffung eines Bundestierschutzgesetzes im Sinne des Tierschutz-Volksbegehrens

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt certain silviculture activities from permits under the national pollutant discharge elimination system.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2000

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that no national pollutant discharge elimination system permit shall be required for discharges from silviculture activities and for discharges of stormwater runoff from such activities conducted in connection with: (1) site preparation; (2) reforestation; (3) thinning; (4) prescribed burning; (5) pest and fire control; (6) harvesting operations; (7) surface drainage; (8) road construction and maintenance; and (9) nursery operations. Excludes discharges of stormwater runoff from silvicultural activities from the definition of "point source."

White Paper on environmental liability

European Union · European Commission · 9 February 2000

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt discharges from certain silvicultural activities from permit requirements of the national pollutant discharge elimination system.

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit for discharges of stormwater runoff from silvicultural activities conducted in connection with: (1) site preparation; (2) reforestation; (3) thinning; (4) prescribed burning; (5) pest and fire control; (6) harvesting operations; (7) surface drainage; (8) road construction and maintenance; and (9) nursery operations. Excludes discharges of stormwater runoff from silvicultural activities from the definition of "point source."

Transit and Air Quality Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000

Transit and Air Quality Improvement Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to treat mass transit projects as conforming to State implementation plans for national air quality standards and provides that no determination of conformity shall be required with respect to any such project. Defines a "mass transit project" as a project for: (1) fixed guideway modernization; (2) new fixed guideway systems and extensions to such systems; and (3) replacement, rehabilitation, and purchase of buses and related equipment and construction of bus facilities.

David L. Corbett Lighthouse Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2000

David L. Corbett Lighthouse Transfer Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey to the Ontonagon County Historical Society a parcel of land underlying and immediately surrounding the lighthouse at Ontonagon, Michigan. Makes the Secretary responsible for all environmental remediation of such land.

Verankerung wirtschaftlicher Grundsätze im Wasserrechtsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 7 February 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Theresia Haidlmayr, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Verankerung wirtschaftlicher Grundsätze im WRG <i>(Wasserrechtsgesetz)</i> - Fehlen der am 14. Juli 1999 für die "nächsten Wochen" angekündigten "Vorschläge" einer BMU <i>(Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie)</i> /BMLF <i>(Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft)</i> -Arbeitsgruppe

Verankerung wirtschaftlicher Grundsätze im Wasserrechtsgesetz

Austria · National Council · 7 February 2000

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Theresia Haidlmayr, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Verankerung wirtschaftlicher Grundsätze im WRG <i>(Wasserrechtsgesetz)</i> - Fehlen der am 14. Juli 1999 für die "nächsten Wochen" angekündigten "Vorschläge" einer BMU <i>(Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie)</i> /BMLF <i>(Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft)</i> -Arbeitsgruppe

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the incentives for the environmental cleanup of certain contaminated industrial sites designated as brownfields.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2000

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit to holders of qualified brownfields cleanup bonds. Sets a national limit on the amount of such bonds and provides for allocation among the States.

Einrichtung eines Beirates für die ländliche Entwicklung

Austria · National Council · 3 February 2000

Bericht des Ausschusses für Land- und Forstwirtschaft über den Antrag 58/A(E) der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Pirklhuber, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Einrichtung eines Beirates für die ländliche Entwicklung

Gewässerschutzbericht 1999

Austria · National Council · 3 February 2000

Bericht des Ausschusses für Land- und Forstwirtschaft über den Bericht (III-23 d.B.) des Bundesministers für Land- und Forstwirtschaft über den Gewässerschutzbericht 1999

proposition de loi Environnement

France · Senate · 2 February 2000

Urban Wet Weather Priorities Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2000

Urban Wet Weather Priorities Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require each permit, order, or decree issued pursuant to such Act for a discharge from a combined storm and sanitary sewer to conform to the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Policy signed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on April 11, 1994. Authorizes the Administrator, notwithstanding specified compliance schedules and permit limitations, to issue or execute a permit, order, or decree for discharges from such sewers that includes a schedule for compliance with a long-term control plan for a term of up to 15 years. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator to issue regulations which establish a program to control discharges from municipal sanitary sewer overflows. Includes within program elements a prohibition on avoidable overflows and provisions for remediation and treatment. Authorizes the Administrator to issue a permit for a discharge from a municipal separate sanitary sewer due to stormwater inflows or infiltration for a term of up to 15 years. Grants a compliance schedule of longer than 15 years if compliance within such period is not within the economic capability of the owner or operator. (Sec. 5) Requires implementation of stormwater best management practices to be the basis on which to determine compliance with the water quality and technology based requirements of the Act. Authorizes adjustments to plans and practices to be required to reduce the impacts of any municipal wet weather discharges associated with continuing water quality impairments that continue to occur after implementation of best management practices. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring compliance with numeric effluent limitations or fixed numeric pollutant load reductions in a permit for discharges from municipal separate storm sewers. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to conduct municipal demonstration programs relating to watershed management of wet weather flows and the control of pollutants from separate storm sewer systems for determining controls that are cost-effective in reducing pollutants from urban stormwater runoff. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Administrator to make grants to local government entities for: (1) planning, design, and construction of facilities to intercept, transport, or control flows from separate storm sewer systems and combined or sanitary sewers; (2) planning and implementation of urban wet weather control measures and management practices; and (3) development and implementation of urban watershed management plans. Authorizes appropriations.