Environment

Medicaid Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991

Medicaid Substance Abuse Treatment Act of 1991 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide federally reimbursed Medicaid coverage of alcoholism and drug dependency residential treatment services for pregnant women whose family income is below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level and for their Medicaid-eligible children and spouses. Lists the required services included in such coverage as: (1) individual, group, and family counseling and addiction education and treatment provided pursuant to individualized treatment plans; (2) room and board in a structured environment with on-site supervision 24 hours a day; (3) therapeutic child care or counseling for children of individuals in treatment; (4) parental assistance in obtaining developmental assistance for their preschool children and public education for themselves and their school-age children; (5) easier access to prenatal, postpartum, pediatric, and other appropriate health, social, and child care services; (6) planning and assistance in reentering society; and (7) continuing specialized training of residential treatment facility staff members in the most recent and effective treatment techniques. Requires that such coverage continue for at least 12 months, except that the coverage of pregnant women must continue for one year following the end of pregnancy. Limits the size of a residential treatment facility to no more than 40 beds unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the request of a State, waives such limitation under prescribed conditions.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a portion of Iraq's oil wealth should be used to pay the costs of the allied military operations against Iraq, to indemnify noncombatant nations and individuals that suffered losses as a result of the conflict, and to pay the environmental clean-up costs associated with the conflict.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1991

Urges the President, in planning and negotiating Iraq's post-war settlements with the United States and its allies, to insist that an appropriate portion of Iraq's oil wealth be used to: (1) indemnify the United States and its allies for the costs of the military conflict; (2) indemnify noncombatant nations and individuals for losses suffered as a result of the acts of war committed by Iraq or as a result of necessary actions taken by allied forces in defeating Iraqi aggression; and (3) provide an ongoing fund to pay for the cleanup of environmental degradation in the Arabian Gulf caused by the conflict.

To provide for a study of hazardous air pollutants by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1991

Requires the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct an epidemiological study (over a period of at least four years) and report to the Congress on the health effects of hazardous air pollutants in Staten Island, New York, and in at least two other areas of the United States.

Water Research Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Water Research Act of 1991 - Declares it U.S. policy to provide for: (1) the development of a means of producing, from saline or biologically impaired waters, water of a quality suitable for agricultural, industrial, municipal and other uses; and (2) related research on a scale sufficient to determine the feasibility of large scale development. Defines "saline water" to mean sea water, brackish water, and other mineralized or chemically impaired water. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a basic research and development program as Phase I of the water research program established by this Act. Specifies the activities to be included in Phase I, including activities involving research grants and contracts. Directs the Secretary to endeavor to obtain results in Phase I, within three years after enactment of this Act, sufficient to support recommendations to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct additional basic research and development concurrently with Phase II demonstration activities. Directs the Secretary to conduct a demonstration program as Phase II of the water research program established by this Act. Specifies the activities to be included in Phase II. Requires the results of research under this Act, with exceptions for national defense and patent rights, to be available to the public. Applies specified provisions of the Federal Nonnuclear Energy, Research and Development Act of 1974 (FNERDA) relating to patents and inventions to any invention conceived in the course of any contract under this Act, but states that such application does not affect the application of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act to research under this Act that is performed at a Federal laboratory. Applies provisions of FNERDA relating to antitrust laws to activities under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) accept technical and administrative assistance from public or private agencies in connection with work relating to the desalting of water; (2) enter into contracts or agreements; and (3) provide for cost sharing. Authorizes the Secretary to take other actions in carrying out this Act, including making grants and contracts. Directs the Secretary to dispose of water and byproducts resulting from operations under this Act consistent with environmental law. Requires, notwithstanding other law, moneys received from the dispositions to be deposited in a separate account in the Treasury, to be known as the Water Research Fund. Makes amounts from the Fund available as provided in appropriations Acts. Directs the President to instruct the Agency for International Development (AID) to sponsor an international desalination conference. Allows funding for the conference to come from operating or program funds of AID. Requires AID to encourage financial and other support from other nations, including those that have desalination technology and those that might benefit from it. Authorizes appropriations for Phase I.

United States-Mexico Border Environmental Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

United States-Mexico Border Environmental Protection Act - Establishes the United States-Mexico Border Environmental Protection Fund to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate and respond to conditions which present a threat to the land, air, or water resources of the United States-Mexico border region. Authorizes the Administrator, whenever conditions exist which present a substantial threat to the land, air, or water resources in such region, to declare an environmental emergency. Permits the Governors of the States of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas to petition for the declaration of an environmental emergency in such region. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a system for information sharing and for early warning to the United States and affected States, political subdivisions, and Indian tribes of environmental problems affecting the United States-Mexico border region. Requires the Administrator to establish a United States-Mexico Border Environmental Protection Advisory Committee to: (1) monitor and study environmental conditions within the border region; and (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection in such region. Directs the Secretary of State, acting through the United States Commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, to conclude agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Mexico for: (1) the correction of international pollution problems in international streams crossing the boundary between the United States and Mexico; and (2) a joint response through the construction of works, repair of existing infrastructure, and other measures to correct water pollution emergencies in such streams. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to correct water pollution emergencies in such streams in the United States. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Mexico to: (1) establish a binational advisory committee to monitor and study environmental conditions within the border region and make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection in such region; and (2) establish a system for information sharing and for early warning between the two nations of environmental problems affecting such region. Prohibits the expenditure of U.S. funds for emergency investigation or remediation in Mexico without a cost-sharing agreement unless the Secretary can demonstrate that the expenditure of such funds would be cost-effective and in the U.S. interest. Establishes the United States International Boundary and Water Commission Fund to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Central Valley Project Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Central Valley Project Improvement Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from entering into any contract to sell or deliver water from the Central Valley Project (CVP), California (a Bureau of Reclamation facility) on any basis or for any purpose other than fish and wildlife before certain requirements have been met, including those enumerated later under this Act with respect to wetland habitats, anadromous fish populations, and fisheries and water of affected Indian entities. Provides for an exception to such prohibition for long-term contracts for the sale of a specified amount of CVP water to California water agencies for municipal and industrial purposes. Requires the revenues from such long-term contracts to be covered into the Restoration Fund established later by this Act. Prohibits the renewal of CVP water delivery contracts (other than contracts for fish and wildlife water supply purposes) for longer than one year until the requirements referenced above and enumerated later by this Act have been met. Provides an exception to such prohibition for long-term renewals if: (1) the contractor agrees to forego ten percent of the previous contract amount of water, plus an additional one percent for each year beyond ten years, for fish and wildlife purposes; and (2) the Secretary has analyzed such contract's impact pursuant to Federal environmental laws and complied with applicable State environmental laws. Requires the Secretary to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement on CVP water contract renewals. Establishes the terms and conditions for all new and newly renewed or amended CVP water contracts for agricultural, municipal, or industrial purposes. Places restrictions on the transfer of water under contract to users in California. Requires contractors to meter ground and surface water and to take responsibility for ensuring that drainage discharges meet all applicable State and Federal water quality standards. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to operate CVP so as to: (1) protect, restore, and enhance affected fish, wildlife, and related habitat; and (2) treat them equitably with the other purposes for which CVP is authorized to operate. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide firm water supplies of suitable quality to maintain and improve wetland habitats on specified national wildlife refuges, wildlife management areas, and a certain grasslands resource conservation district in California; (2) develop and adopt a program for the mitigation of damage suffered by anadromous fish populations on specified rivers as a result of CVP contruction or operation; (3) develop, adopt, and implement a program to comply with specified provisions of the California Fish and Game Code; and (4) develop and report to the Congress a plan to fulfill U.S. trust obligations with respect to the fisheries and water of affected Indian entities. Sets forth determinations for the quantity and delivery schedules of water for the national wildlife refuges referenced above. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate and report to the Congress on CVP's effects on anadromous fish populations and the fisheries, communities, tribes, businesses and other interests that have or had significant economic, social, or cultural association with those fishery resources. Establishes the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund (Restoration Fund) for the receipt of revenues and funds provided by this Act. Provides revenues for the Restoration Fund by directing the Secretary of the Interior to impose surcharges on CVP power and water sales to implement the fish and wildlife restoration goals of this Act. Requires the Secretary to contribute half of the surcharge revenues to a private, non-profit California-based Central Valley Project Restoration Trust (Restoration Trust) established by this Act. Sets forth requirements which the Restoration Trust must meet in order to be eligible to receive such contributions. Outlines additional uses of funds deposited in the Restoration Fund, with priority given to restoration and acquisition of lands and properties in the CVP area. Bars the Secretary from making any expenditures from the Restoration Fund, other than the contribution to the Restoration Trust, until California commits to implement specified fish and wildlife protection and restoration measures on the Sacramento River. Outlines additional authority granted to the Secretary by this Act with respect to CVP. Directs the Secretary to establish and administer an office on CVP water conservation best management practices to develop water conservation standards and criteria for CVP. Provides for review, improvement, and implementation of water contractors conservation plans required by the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982. Provides sanctions for failure to comply with such standards and criteria. Authorizes provision of Federal financial assistance to those CVP irrigation contractors who renewed their contracts on a long-term basis under provisions outlined above to cover up to half the costs of implementing the project involved, under certain conditions. Requires annual progress reports to the Congress from the Secretary on the implementation of this Act. Provides for citizen suits for alleged violations of the requirements of this Act. Establishes the Central Valley Project Transfer Advisory Committee to prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report on all issues associated with CVP's transfer to California. Authorizes appropriations.

Reclamation Waste Water and Ground Water Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Reclamation Waste Water and Ground Water Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting pursuant to the Reclamation Act of 1902 and other Federal reclamation laws, to investigate and identify opportunities for reclamation and reuse of municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural waste water, and naturally impaired ground and surface waters. Directs the Secretary to undertake appraisal investigations to identify opportunities and make recommendations for water reclamation and reuse. Authorizes the Secretary to participate with appropriate Federal, State, regional, and local authorities in studies to determine the feasibility of water reclamation and reuse projects recommended. Limits the Federal share of study costs to 50 percent, except when the Secretary determines that due to financial hardship the non-Federal participant in such study is unable to contribute at least 50 percent of such costs. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of a comprehensive water reclamation and reuse system for southern California. Requires such a study for southern Arizona. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study of the potential for development of demonstration and permanent facilities to reclaim and reuse water in the San Diego and San Jose metropolitan service areas. Directs the Secretary to conduct a feasibility study of the potential for development of facilities to utilize fully waste water from the regional waste water treatment plant for direct municipal, industrial, agricultural, and environmental purposes, groundwater recharge and direct potable reuse in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to assess and develop means of reclaiming the waters of Lake Cheraw, Colorado, or otherwise ameliorating, controlling, and mitigating potential negative impacts of pollution in the Lake waters on ground water resources or on the waters of the Arkansas River. Limits the Federal share of study costs to 50 percent. Authorizes the Secretary to participate with the City of Los Angeles, State of California, West Basin Municipal Water District, and other appropriate authorities, in the design, planning, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects to treat a specified amount of effluent from the Hyperion Service Area, City of Los Angeles, in order to provide new water supplies for industrial, environmental, and other beneficial purposes, to reduce the demand for imported water, and to reduce sewage effluent discharge into Santa Monica Bay. Limits the Secretary's share of project costs to 25 percent. Authorizes appropriations. Requires congressional reports for such investigations and studies. Directs the Secretary: (1) acting through the Bureau of Reclamation and the Geological Survey, to conduct an investigation and analysis of the impacts of existing Bureau projects on the quality and quantity of groundwater resources; and (2) to prepare a reclamation groundwater management and technical assistance study concerning such resources. Requires the Secretary to consult with Governors of affected States in conducting such investigation, analysis, and study. Requires a congressional report concerning such study. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to change the name of the Centers for Disease Control to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Changes references to the Centers for Disease Control (in one case a reference to the Federal Center for Disease Control) to references to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control in the Comprehensive Smoking Education Act, the Education Amendments of 1978, the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988, the Public Health Service Act, the Health Omnibus Programs Extension of 1988, the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, and a Federal law relating to paint poisoning prevention.

Federal Recycling Incentive Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1991

Federal Recycling Incentive Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of General Services to: (1) establish, and periodically modify, a program requiring Federal agencies to separate and collect solid waste (including high-grade paper, newspapers, aluminum, bottles, and containers) for recycling; (2) establish and implement a system for monitoring and enforcing the provisions of this Act; and (3) report periodically to the Congress as to the extent of compliance for the preceding 12-month period. Authorizes Federal agencies to retain any moneys received from the sale of such waste for use in carrying out their functions. Authorizes appropriations.

Omnibus Committee Funding Resolution for 1991 and 1992

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1991

Omnibus Committee Funding Resolution for 1991 and 1992 - Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 1991, through February 28, 1992, and for the period March 1, 1992, through February 29, 1993: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Budget; (6) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (7) Energy and Natural Resources; (8) Environment and Public Works; (9) Finance; (10) Foreign Relations; (11) Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Labor and Human Resources; (14) Rules and Administration; (15) Small Business; (16) Veterans' Affairs; (17) Aging; (18) Intelligence; and (19) Indian Affairs. Authorizes the transfer of any unexpended balance of any committee to a special reserve to assist such committee during the transition to a biennial budget. Earmarks a minimum amount to be reserved for each Committee.

Gefährdung von Menschen und Umwelt durch den Betrieb mobiler Recycling-Anlagen für quecksilberhaltige Abfälle (G-SIG: 12050158)

Germany · German Bundestag · 22 February 1991

NOTICE - COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COOPERATION PROCEDURE LAID DOWN IN ARTICLE 149 ( 2 ) OF THE EEC TREATY: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A SPECIFIC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF THE ENVIRONMENT

European Union · Council of the European Union · 22 February 1991

Indoor Air Quality Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Indoor Air Quality Act of 1991 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to assure the quality of indoor air, including coordinating and accelerating efforts related to the causes, detection, and correction of contaminated air. Requires such program to include information collection and dissemination, cooperative research, grants, studies, development of techniques, facility construction, and conferences. Requires that research focus on human health effects and the identification of types and levels of contaminants likely to cause harm, including the development of methodology and techniques for detection and control. Authorizes the Administrator to assist technology demonstration activities based on a technology's potential to cost effectively control sources of contaminants. Limits Federal funding to 75 percent of the costs of such projects. Requires the Administrator to publish general reports on the findings of such demonstration projects. Directs the Administrator to conduct a national assessment of indoor air pollution in buildings owned by local educational agencies and child care facilities. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on issues related to chemical sensitivity disorders. Repeals title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 concerning radon and indoor air quality research. Directs the Administrator to publish bulletins assessing technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Requires the Director of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to develop a course to provide training in: (1) ventilation system operation and maintenance; (2) maintenance of records concerning indoor air quality; and (3) the identification of health threats posed by indoor air pollutants, pollutant sources, and options for reducing exposure to contaminants. Authorizes fees for such training. Requires the Administrator to conduct a program to analyze the adequacy of existing standards and guidelines to protect the public from indoor air contaminants. Directs the Administrator to publish and biennially revise a list of contaminants known to occur in indoor air at levels expected to cause adverse health effects. Provides for additions to such list upon application of a State Governor. Requires the Administrator to publish advisory materials addressing the health effects of listed contaminants. Directs the Indoor Air Quality and Total Human Exposure Committee of the EPA Science Advisory Board to assist in the listing and advisories. Requires advisories to be updated at least once every five years. Directs the Administrator to develop and publish a national indoor air quality response plan to reduce human exposure to listed indoor air pollutants and attain contaminant levels protective of human health. Requires the response plan to identify the contaminant, the basis for the action, the nature of the response, the responsible Federal authority, and the necessary financial resources. Requires the Administrator and the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop and implement a program to respond to and reduce indoor air contamination in Federal buildings and to demonstrate methods of reducing indoor air contamination in new Federal buildings. Directs the GSA Administrator to prepare response plans addressing indoor air quality in Federal buildings. Exempts certain buildings for national security, demolition, or special use reasons. Directs the GSA Administrator to reserve .5 percent of funds used for construction of new Federal buildings for measures to reduce indoor air contaminant concentrations in such buildings. Requires that any new EPA building be designed, constructed, and maintained as a model to demonstrate practices for protection of indoor air quality. Directs the GSA Administrator to provide a method to allow workers and the public to file complaints concerning indoor air quality in Federal buildings. Requires the GSA Administrator to designate an Indoor Air Quality Coordinator for each Federal building owned or leased by GSA. Requires each Coordinator to complete the indoor air training course established pursuant to this Act. Provides that the GSA Administrator shall not reestablish leases for buildings in which the lessee has failed to designate and train a Coordinator. Authorizes grants to States for the development and implementation of management strategies and indoor air quality assessment and response programs similar to those of the Federal program. Directs the Administrator to establish the Office of Indoor Air Quality within the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation to implement agency responsibilities under this Act. Establishes a Council on Indoor Air Quality to coordinate Federal indoor air quality activities and review and comment on the national indoor air response program and the Federal building response plan. Requires the Council to report to the Congress on a biennial basis. Directs the Administrator to establish a national indoor air quality clearinghouse which shall operate a toll-free hotline on indoor air quality. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to implement a Building Assessment Demonstration Program to support the development of methods, techniques, and protocols for assessing indoor air contamination in non-residential, non-industrial buildings and to provide contamination reduction assistance and guidance to building owners and occupants. Sets forth building assessment report requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

To authorize appropriations for programs, functions, and activities of the Bureau of Land Management for fiscal years 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995; to improve the management of the public lands; and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Authorizes appropriations for the programs, functions, and activities of the Bureau of Land Management for FY 1992 through 1995. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to add riparian areas as a priority for the Secretary of the Interior's inventory of all public lands and their resource and other values. Provides for congressional disapproval of certain decisions by the Secretary to implement land use plans by the enactment of a joint (currently, concurrent) resolution. Requires that land use plans be developed for all public lands outside Alaska no later than January 1, 1997, and for all public lands no later than January 1, 1999. Requires that such plans be revised at least every 15 years. Requires the Secretary, in the development and revision of land use plans, to: (1) evaluate the feasibility of measures, consistent with the principles of multiple use and sustained yield, that would enhance the extent to which the public lands can support increases in the numbers and types of plant communities and fish and wildlife populations located on or supported by such lands; (2) give priority to identification, protection, and enhancement of the ecological, environmental, fish and wildlife, and other resources and values of riparian areas; and (3) include recreational and other nonconsumptive uses when considering present and potential uses of the public lands. Changes the title of the Associate Director of the Bureau of Land Management to Deputy Director. Adds the positions of State Directors of the Bureau which the Secretary may appoint as necessary. Prohibits, after May 1, 1989, the appointment of any person as Deputy Director of the Bureau or as an Assistant Director or State Director who is not at the time of appointment either a career appointee or in the competitive service. Increases the fine for violation of any regulation issued by the Secretary to implement the provisions of the Act with respect to the management, use, and protection of public lands from a maximum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. Requires the Secretary in managing the public lands: (1) to minimize adverse environmental impacts on such lands and their resources resulting from use, occupancy, or development; and (2) to prevent impairment or derogation of the resources and values of conservation system units. Adds protection of environmental quality, the management and enhancement of fish and wildlife populations and habitat, and outdoor recreation as citizens' concerns to be represented through appointments to the Secretary's advisory councils. Requires the provision of an opportunity for interested members of the public to suggest persons for appointment to such councils. Requires the Secretary, in promulgating rules and regulations with respect to the public lands, to: (1) provide for appropriate management of areas of critical environmental concern; and (2) provide an opportunity for the public to propose specific areas for designation as areas of critical environmental concern. Changes the dates on which the Secretary must submit a request for the authorization of appropriations for all programs, functions, and activities of the Bureau to January 1, 1993, and January 1 of each second odd-numbered year thereafter. (Current law requires such requests beginning May 15, 1977, and not later than May 15 of each second even numbered year thereafter.) Prohibits funds that are appropriated for purposes of land acquisition from being expended for any other purpose. Prohibits subleasing with regard to the grazing on public lands or National Forest lands covered by a grazing permit of domestic livestock which are not both owned and controlled by the holder of the grazing permit. Provides penalties for a violation of such prohibition. Provides that no regulation shall impose liability without fault with respect to a right-of-way granted, issued, or renewed under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to a nonprofit entity or an entity qualified for financing under the Rural Electrication Act of 1936 if such entity uses such right-of-way for the delivery of electricity to parties having an equity interest in such entity. Authorizes the sale of public lands in excess of 2,500 acres unless the Congress enacts a joint (currently, concurrent) resolution disapproving such sale.

National Coal and Extractive Energy Strategy Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

National Coal and Extractive Energy Strategy Act of 1991 - Title I: Coal Remining - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize any State with an approved abandoned mine reclamation program to establish, upon the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, a State Remining Program, including a State Remining Fund. Outlines Program and Fund requirements. Declares that penalties shall not be imposed on qualified permittees under the Program for any violation which results from an unanticipated event or condition. Sets forth special rules applicable to remining operations. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to publish in the Federal Register proposed regulations establishing: (1) environmental protection performance and reclamation standards; and (2) a separate permit system for abandoned coal refuse piles. Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on such standards and permit system. Direct the Secretary to increase from 50 percent to 80 percent the amount of total State reclamation costs which may be reimbursed with Federal grants if: (1) the State has insufficient fiscal resources to adequately implement its Program; or (2) the State has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary for the implementation of the Applicant Violator System settlement agreement. Title II: Metallurgical Coal Development - Directs the Secretary to establish as a separate program within the Bureau of Mines a metallurgical coal mining experimental program to develop techniques leading to enhanced utilization of metallurgical coal resources. Requires the Director of the Bureau of Mines to transfer technologies developed under the experimental program to the private sector for commercial application. Establishes the Metallurgical Coal Development Commission to advise on increased development and utilization of metallurgical coal resources. Requires the Commission to report to the Congress and the President. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to construct and maintain a mining experimental station facility in a region with a history of intensive metallurgical coal mining. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Coalbed Methane Development - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to allocate the rights of ownership among surface estate and subsurface rights owners and lessees of coalbed methane gas where the rights of ownership and leasing have been severed from the surface estate. Title IV: Federal Coal Leasing Amendments - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to permit the extension of a coal lease for up to five years when coal is not being produced in commercial quantities at the end of ten years if: (1) the lessee has made bona fide efforts to produce coal in commercial quantities; and (2) payments in lieu of diligent development are made. Prohibits the Secretary from issuing any coal lease: (1) if it would have a significant adverse effect on coal produced from private lands due to its displacement from historical markets; or (2) to any person or entity engaged in coal production in a foreign country, or the importation of such coal into the United States. Directs the Secretary to report to the President and the Congress on possible specified effects of current Federal coal royalty rates, and on certain alternative royalty bases. Title V: Federal Mineral Receipts Management - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to prescribe the manner in which payments shall be made by the Secretary to the States with respect to: (1) moneys received; and (2) a suspense account pending resolution of a Federal-State dispute of moneys received. Mandates that each department, agency and instrumentality of the United States which administers lands acquired by the United States with existing mineral leases shall transfer to the Secretary the authority to administer such lease and collect all receipts due and payable to the United States under it. Amends Federal law to treat any bonuses, royalties or rentals due the United States from mineral leases as money received on account of the leasing of lands acquired by the United States for flood control, navigation, and allied purposes (including hydroelectric power development). Title VI: Coalfield Assistance, Restoration and Enhancement - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to establish the Coalfield Assistance, Restoration and Enhancement Fund to be administered by the Secretary (acting through the Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement) for the purpose of assisting coalfield communities to cope with the impacts associated with coal development, restoring public facilities, and enhancing the coalfield environment. Makes Fund moneys available in the form of grants to eligible States. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund. Title VII: Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Amendments - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to mandate that: (1) the national minimum acceptable bid be $2.00 per acre; (2) certain leases be in maximum units of 2,560 acres, (except in Alaska where units shall not exceed 5,760 acres); and (3) primary lease terms be for five years.

Indoor Air Quality Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Indoor Air Quality Act of 1991 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program to ensure the quality of indoor air and to coordinate and accelerate efforts related to the causes, detection, and correction of contaminated air. Authorizes the Administrator to assist technology demonstration projects which reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants, provided certain conditions are met. Limits Federal funding for such projects to 75 percent of the total costs. Directs the Administrator to consider indoor human exposure to contaminants when developing air quality standards and emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a national assessment to survey the seriousness and extent of indoor air contamination in buildings owned by local educational agencies and child care facilities; and (2) establish an advisory group of interested parties to provide guidance and direction in developing such assessment. Directs the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology to study and report to the Congress on chemical sensitivity disorders. Requires the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the NAS for the Institute of Medicine to study indoor allergens. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the sources of lead exposure for children with blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter. Requires the Administrator and the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to conduct research on indoor air quality in nonresidential, nonindustrial buildings that comply with generally accepted principles of design, maintenance, and operation of ventilation, filtration, and other building systems. Directs the Administrator to publish bulletins providing an assessment of technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Requires the Director to develop a model indoor air quality training course to provide training in ventilation system operation and maintenance and in identifying and reducing indoor air contaminant exposures. Authorizes the Director to establish a fee for such training. Requires the Administrator to publish health advisories on indoor air contaminants that are known to occur at concentrations which may have adverse human health effects. Provides for the revision of advisories at least every five years. Requires a technology and management practice bulletin to be published concurrently with each advisory addressing a specific contaminant. Directs the Administrator to publish a strategy for a national response to indoor air quality problems. Requires the Administrator to conduct research on radon and radon progeny measurement methods and protocols. Directs the Administrator to issue guidance documents that: (1) provide information on the results of such research; and (2) describe model State radon measurement and mitigation. Requires the Administrator to establish a mandatory program that requires: (1) products offered for sale, or devices used in connection with public services, for radon measurement to meet minimum performance criteria; and (2) operators of devices, or persons employing techniques, used in connection with public services for radon measurement to meet minimum proficiency levels. Directs the Administrator to establish user fees for persons seeking certification under such program. Provides for the deposit of such fees into a Radon Service Account. Requires the national indoor air quality response strategy to evaluate: (1) the range and reliability of indoor air quality diagnostic and mitigation services; and (2) the range of knowledge and mastery of indoor air quality and energy efficiency techniques of ventilation system operators. Provides for the biennial update of such strategy. Requires the Director to: (1) develop a program to evaluate indoor air contamination in Federal buildings; and (2) develop and disseminate to all Federal agencies a model indoor air quality remediation program. Directs Federal agencies responsible for Federal buildings to submit to the Director a specific remediation program for each building, with priority given to buildings based on the health threat and numbers of persons exposed. Requires the Director to review at least five percent of such programs and assess their ability to improve indoor air quality. Directs such agencies to implement systematic programs for the assessment of indoor air quality and the correction of conditions resulting in inadequate air quality. Requires Federal agencies responsible for the design and construction of buildings for Federal occupancy to employ up-to-date design, commissioning, and operating practices for optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Directs persons entering into new leases or lease renewal contracts for Federal buildings to require building owners to demonstrate and guarantee that the building is operating at design specifications for the existing ventilation system and that all portions of the building are accessible for indoor air quality monitoring and evaluation. Provides that buildings that operate at current ventilation rate standards shall be given priority for leasing when available at competitive cost. Requires Federal agencies to designate an Indoor Air Quality Coordinator for each Federal building. Directs Coordinators and their assistants to complete an indoor air training course. Authorizes grants to: (1) States for the development and implementation of indoor air quality management strategies; and (2) States and local air pollution control agencies for air quality response programs. Sets forth grant limitations and selection criteria. Directs the Administrator to establish the Office of Indoor Air Quality within the EPA Office of Air and Radiation. Establishes a Council on Indoor Air Quality to coordinate Federal indoor air quality activities and review and comment on the national indoor air response strategy. Requires the Indoor Air Panel of the EPA Science Advisory Board to be expanded to include technical advisors with expertise in technologies and management practices for the control and measurement of indoor air contaminants. Directs the Administrator to establish a national indoor air quality clearinghouse which shall operate a toll-free hotline on indoor air quality. Requires the Director to implement a Building Assessment Demonstration Program to support the development of methods, techniques, and protocols for assessing indoor air contamination in non-residential, non-industrial buildings and to provide contamination reduction assistance and guidance to building owners and occupants. Sets forth building assessment report requirements. Requires public or commercial buildings receiving permits for construction or renovation to maintain and operate a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system designed to provide a minimum of: (1) 20 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air per occupant to all occupied space in such building; and (2) 60 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air per smoking occupant to rooms where smoking is permitted. Prohibits exhaust air from a room where smoking is permitted from being returned to the general ventilation system. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements with respect to such systems. Directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to enforce compliance with such requirements. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of such requirements. Requires the Administrator to evaluate the need for additional standards related to the level of specific indoor air contaminants present in such buildings to supplement such requirements. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations which: (1) establish standard methods for the measurement and description of indoor air contaminant emissions; (2) identify products that pose significant human health threats through such emissions; and (3) require products that do pose such a threat to be labeled or accompanied by written material informing consumers and commercial purchasers of the indoor air contaminant emissions rate of such products. Makes it unlawful to sell or import into the United States any product which: (1) does not have such a label or written material; or (2) has a label or material containing false information. Requires the Administrator to educate consumers and commercial purchasers about the labeling of such products. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) determine whether standards on workplace indoor air quality are necessary to protect the health and safety of employees; and (2) issue a final standard, as necessary. Repeals the Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act of 1986. Authorizes appropriations.

Environmental Assurance Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Environmental Assurance Act of 1991 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on possible roles of the Federal Government in transfers of real property. Requires such study to: (1) take into account the effect of Federal, State, and local environmental liability statutes and regulations on such transfers; (2) explore the role of environmental liability insurance in such transfers and in environmental remediation; and (3) assess the long-term financial and health effects of environmental impairment and the types of insurance that can best protect against environmental impairment and contribute to remediation efforts. Directs the Secretary to report to the Congress on such study and to include recommendations for ensuring the soundness of the environmental liability financial assurance market and encouraging the development of practices for real estate transfers that ensure the complete remediation of environmental hazards.

Environmental Tax Credit Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Environmental Tax Credit Act of 1991 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for a three-year credit period for a percentage of the investment in acid rain control property installed to comply with sulfur dioxide emission limitations under the Clean Air Act. Allows the use of tax-exempt facility bonds to finance acid rain control property. Allows a business credit for a percentage of the expenditures incurred for coal cleaning minerals used to remove or reduce the sulfur content of coal. Excludes from gross income the value of clean air allowances allocated to the taxpayer under the Clean Air Act. Allows a 60-month amortization of acid rain control property.

To designate April 22, 1991, as "Earth Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1991

Designates April 22, 1991, as Earth Day.

Mining Law Reform Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991

Mining Law Reform Act of 1991 - Title I: Disposition of Mineral Deposits - Declares that all public domain mineral lands shall be open to any person for location of a mining claim according to prescribed recordation requirements and filings. Reserves to the United States all surface and subsurface rights and interests (including royalties) in claimed lands, except for locatable minerals subject to a claim located, recorded, and maintained under this Act. Declares that claims shall be conclusively presumed to be abandoned 20 years after the location notice is filed unless locatable minerals have been or are being produced in sufficient quantities. Prescribes guidelines for: (1) an annual holding fee to maintain a claim; (2) surface use permits for milling, processing or beneficiation activities; (3) a mining plan of operations; (4) mineral production royalty payments; and (5) the allocation of user fees and administrative fees between the States and the Federal Government. Title II: Environmental Protection - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to take action to assure that all mineral activities are conducted in a manner to minimize adverse impact upon the environment. Prescribes criteria for development of: (1) land use planning guides; (2) land reclamation standards; and (3) financial guarantees for mining area reclamation activities. Requires the Secretary to conduct biannual compliance inspections. Sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes citizens' suits to compel compliance with this Act. Title III: Hardrock Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund - Establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Fund to be administered by the Secretary (acting through the Director, Bureau of Land Management) for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past hardrock mining. Outlines lands and waters eligible for reclamation expenditures. Provides for Fund allocation on an annual basis in the form of grants to eligible States. Prescribes criteria for State reclamation programs eligible for Fund expenditures. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Savings and Administrative Provisions - Subjects mining claims and patents to the requirements of this Act, including certain existing claims. Amends Federal law to provide that no mineral deposit material (including sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, or clay) shall have such distinct and special value as to be deemed a valuable mineral deposit within the meaning of U.S. mining laws. Sets forth conversion guidelines for mineral materials asserted to have some property giving them distinct and special value under the Mining Law of 1872. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to administer Federal mining law activities on National Forest System lands. Directs the Secretary to collect user fees from claimants to reimburse Federal administrative expenses. Repeals the Mining Law of 1872, and certain filing requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.

To prohibit Federal agencies from implementing the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands.

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991

Prohibits any Federal agency from taking any action to implement a specified document entitled "Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands" adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Army, and the Soil Conservation Service. Applies this Act to all actions taken after January 9, 1989.

National Recycling Resource Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1991

National Recycling Resource Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, mineral water, soda water, wine coolers, or carbonated soft drinks in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of ten cents. Requires distributors to collect from retailers the refund value for each beverage sold to such retailers. Directs retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to such consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold by such retailers or distributors. Directs distributors to pay annually to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by such distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to retailers). Makes unclaimed refunds available to the Administrator for administration of this Act and to carry out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Makes this Act inapplicable (except for the prohibition on the sale of metal containers with detachable openings) to Michigan, Massachusetts, Oregon, Iowa, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, and any State that: (1) has established a program to expend amounts equal to total unclaimed refunds for solid waste management plans; and (2) has adopted requirements identical to those under this Act for beverage containers, or has demonstrated to the Administrator that the State has achieved a 70 percent return rate for such containers. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from imposing any tax on the sale of beverage containers. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to provide for the adjustment for inflation of the ten cent refund amount at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1991

Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1991 - Title I: Enterprise for the Americas Facility - Establishes in the Department of the Treasury the Enterprise for the Americas Facility to support improvement in the lives of the people of Latin America and the Caribbean through market-oriented reforms and economic growth with actions to promote debt reduction, investment reforms, and community based conservation and sustainable use of the environment. Makes eligible for Facility benefits Latin American or Caribbean countries that: (1) have in effect, received approval for, or are making progress toward, specified International Monetary Fund arrangements and structural or sectoral adjustment loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Development Association; (2) have put in place major investment reforms in conjunction with an Inter-American Development Bank loan or are implementing or making progress toward an open investment regime; and (3) have agreed with commercial bank lenders on a financing program for debt or debt service reduction. Title II: Debt Reduction - Authorizes the President to reduce the amount owed to the United States (as a result of concessional loans made pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or predecessor foreign economic assistance legislation) by any country eligible for Facility benefits. Declares that this title supersedes specified provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the International Development and Food Assistance Act of 1975 concerning repayments of loans outstanding after September 19, 1966, and the settlement of debts owed to the United States. Sets forth requirements with respect to the exchange of obligations, repayment of principal, and interest on new obligations issued by beneficiary countries. Title III: Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds - Requires beneficiary countries that enter into Environmental Framework Agreements to establish Enterprise for the Americas Environmental Funds. Authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into Environmental Framework Agreements concerning the operation and use of Environmental Funds with countries eligible for Facility benefits. Directs administering bodies in each beneficiary country to administer the Environmental Funds and to make grants for environmental activities. Requires grants from the Funds to be used for activities that link the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources with local community development. Subjects grants of more than $100,000 to veto by the U.S. Government or the government of the beneficiary country. Establishes an Environment for the Americas Board to: (1) advise the Secretary on the negotiations of Environmental Framework Agreements; (2) ensure that a suitable administering body is identified for each Environmental Fund; and (3) review the programs, operations, and fiscal audits of administering bodies. Declares that the President should encourage other official creditors of beneficiary countries whose debt is reduced under this Act to provide debt reduction to such countries. Requires the President to ensure that Environmental Funds are able to receive donations from private and public entities and private creditors of beneficiary countries. Title IV: Reports - Directs the President to report annually to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Facility.

Federal Energy Management Amendments Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Federal Energy Management Amendments Act of 1991 - Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA) to set a deadline by which each Federal agency must: (1) install energy conservation measures in its Federal buildings with specified payback periods; (2) submit a list of projects to the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) which meet such payback criterion and indicate total energy and cost savings involved; and (3) have substantially completed at least 25 percent of such projects, or those projects that would account for 25 percent of total energy savings. Directs the Secretary to develop guidelines with respect to the selection of energy service contractors. Requires: (1) each Federal agency that leases space in a building after January 1, 1994, to consider the energy efficiency of such building at the time of renewing of entering into a new lease; and (2) all government owned and leased space constructed after such date to meet model Federal building standards for energy efficiency. Sets forth specified procedures for implementation of energy conservation measures for each Federal agency. Amends the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989 to require the Secretary to solicit proposals for, and provide financial assistance to, joint ventures for the demonstration of fuel cells technology. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the NECPA to require the Secretary to: (1) conduct a fuel cell systems demonstration program in Federal buildings; and (2) report to the Congress on the program's implementation. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the cost of environmental externalities associated with the use of different fuels and renewable and clean energy sources and technologies, and to prepare a report assigning monetary values to such externalities and describing the methodology used to obtain them. Requires submission of the report to specified congressional committees.

Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Lead Battery Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, transport, store, recycle, or dispose of spent lead-acid batteries. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the regulations on the recycling industry. Sets forth required elements of such regulations, including specific requirements for: (1) the storage and transfer of batteries by generators; (2) recordkeeping by battery generators, transporters, and recyclers; and (3) management practices of recyclers. Directs battery retailers to accept from customers spent lead-acid batteries of the same type and quantity as the batteries sold. Requires transporters to acquire an identification number from the EPA or the State enforcing this Act. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of spent lead-acid batteries. Authorizes appropriations. Applies such requirements to batteries which are transported to or managed by a lead-acid battery recycling facility, a secondary lead smelter, or any facility that prepares batteries for recycling. Requires producers or importers of lead-acid batteries to recycle, for the ten-year period beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment, an amount of spent lead equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lead in the batteries produced or imported by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes compliance with such requirement by: (1) reclaiming lead from such batteries and using it in the production of new batteries; (2) purchasing reclaimed lead from secondary lead smelters for purposes of producing new batteries or shielding; or (3) purchasing recycling credits. Directs producers or importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of virgin and secondary lead used in new lead-acid batteries produced or imported by such persons. Sets the recycling percentage at 80 percent. Increases such percentage by two points annually. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce or waive the two percent increase if the rate exceeds 95 percent. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow: (1) producers of lead-acid batteries to create credits for recycling an amount of batteries greater than required; and (2) producers or importers of new batteries to purchase such credits for purposes of complying with this Act. Sets forth minimum requirements for the credit system. Applies battery recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than 10,000 pounds of new lead-acid batteries annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 90 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate recycling regulations.

Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Newsprint Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require producers or importers of newsprint to recycle, through methods specified under this Act, an amount of newsprint equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of newsprint produced or imported annually by such individuals by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through deinking) newsprint; (2) purchasing recycled newsprint to combine with shipments of virgin newsprint; or (3) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires the recycling percentage to be at least 20 percent. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for the next ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to allow newsprint producers or importers to create or purchase recycling credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) producers and importers to keep specified records; (2) producers of recycled newsprint to notify EPA of capacity to recycle old newsprint; (3) importers of recycled newsprint to notify the U.S. Customs Service of the amount of newsprint being imported and to have certifications of the accuracy of such amount from the trade representative of the country shipping such newsprint to the United States; and (4) producers and importers to report to the Administrator on the amount of recycled newsprint produced or imported annually and the number of credits purchased from, or sold to, other producers or importers. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the newsprint and newspaper industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who produce or import more than ten tons of newsprint annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 20 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress and implement a plan for the recycling of post-consumer high grade paper. Authorizes appropriations.

Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1991 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of certain products containing more than a specified percentage of lead. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the allowable lead percentage for such products under certain conditions. Permits the Administrator to extend dates for compliance with such requirements for one year and to establish a performance standard for lead leaching from plumbing fittings and fixtures in lieu of the applicable restriction if such standard is at least as protective of human health and the environment as such restriction. Requires the Administrator to waive such requirements with respect to certain toys and recreational game pieces that are collectible items and scale models intended for adult acquisition. Directs the Administrator to publish regulations banning the sale of lead solder to plumbers and plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers. Prohibits the sale or promotion of: (1) any packaging which may be used for food for human consumption (or any food in such packaging) that includes any additive to which lead has been intentionally introduced, beginning 24 months after this Act's enactment; and (2) any packaging or product in packaging that includes such an additive, beginning 48 months after this Act's enactment. Sets allowable concentration levels for the incidental presence of lead in such packaging. Prohibits the sale or promotion of packaging exceeding such levels. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from such requirements: (1) packaging manufactured prior to this Act's enactment date; and (2) packaging to which lead has been added to comply with Federal, State, or local health or safety requirements. Requires certificates of compliance with lead requirements to be retained by packaging manufacturers or distributors and made available to purchasers. Prohibits the manufacture, import, or distribution in commerce of food cans containing more than .2 percent lead by dry weight. Prohibits the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing in commerce of foils for wine bottles containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to delay the application of such requirements under certain conditions. Prohibits the sale of leaded gasoline at a price lower than that of unleaded gasoline sold at the same establishment. Prohibits, within six months of this Act's enactment, the sale of leaded gasoline for use in motor vehicles (other than farm vehicles) in a metropolitan statistical area or consolidated metropolitan statistical area with a 1980 population of 250,000 persons or more. Requires, effective January 1, 1996, manufacturers or importers of fuels containing lead or lead additives to submit quarterly reports to the Administrator on the lead content and volume of such fuels. Exempts from lead content requirements: (1) paint used by artists; (2) products used for medical purposes; (3) products used in connection with national security; (4) products used in the nuclear industry; and (5) products used in the mining industry to determine the presence of noble metals in geological materials. Directs persons manufacturing, processing, or importing any product containing more than .1 percent lead by dry weight to submit specified information to the Administrator. Exempts owners or operators of recycling facilities and manufacturers, processors, or importers of lead-acid batteries from such requirement. Requires the Administrator to update, and publish a compilation of, such information. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such information and on recommendations for minimizing the release of lead into the environment and preventing human exposure to lead. Permits persons submitting inventory information to claim such information as confidential. Sets forth provisions concerning confidentiality applications. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations that provide for the labeling of products (other than lead-acid batteries) that pose a risk of human exposure to lead. Requires the labeling of toys and recreational game pieces that are collectible items and scale models to disclose that such items contain lead and are not suitable for children. Prohibits: (1) the placement into landfills and incineration of lead-acid batteries; and (2) the disposal of such batteries other than by recycling in accordance with this Act. Prohibits the disposal of batteries except by delivery to: (1) battery retailers or wholesalers; (2) regulated lead smelters or collection or recycling facilities; or (3) automotive dismantlers. Sets forth specified delivery and disposal requirements for battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Directs battery retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to accept from customers used batteries of the same type, and in an approximately equal quantity to, the batteries sold. Requires battery retailers to post notices in public areas of retail establishments that: (1) state that it is illegal to throw away motor vehicle or lead-acid batteries; (2) state that Federal law requires battery retailers to accept used batteries for recycling and allows a person to give used batteries to battery collectors, recyclers, or processors or to automotive dismantlers; and (3) encourage recycling of used batteries. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of such notice requirements. Makes it unlawful to sell a lead-acid battery that does not bear a permanent label stating that: (1) the battery contains lead; and (2) Federal law requires recycling and the seller must accept the return. Permits the Administrator to issue warnings and citations for noncompliance with battery labeling and notice requirements. Permits the export of lead-acid batteries for purposes of recycling. Directs the Administrator to undertake a program to promote monitoring, detection, and abatement of lead-based paint and other lead exposure hazards. Requires the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to establish: (1) standards for laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil, and dust; and (2) certification programs to assure the quality and consistency of such analyses, unless voluntary accreditation programs are operating nationwide. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to establish parallel standards and certification programs for laboratory analysis of lead in blood. Requires the Secretary of Labor to develop minimum core curricula for technical training courses for lead-based paint abatement workers, supervisors, designers, inspectors, and building owners. Provides that such courses shall address factors associated with lead testing and abatement in various types of housing units. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate such programs and to encourage State certification programs or the development of national proficiency tests. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate and develop standards and testing protocols for emerging products and techniques for detecting lead in paint films and dust. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on the efficacy and effectiveness of various abatement and management techniques in reducing lead dust levels. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program and develop standards for the evaluation of products and procedures for encapsulating or removing lead-based paint. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of products and procedures that meet performance standards. Requires the Administrator to issue guidelines for the management of lead-based paint debris. Prohibits the funding of travel of EPA employees outside the United States unless such guidelines are issued. Requires the Administrator to undertake a research project on lead exposure in children who have elevated blood lead levels or other indicators of elevated lead body burden. Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator to conduct a long-term research study on the sources of lead exposure in construction workers. Requires the Administrator to sponsor public education and outreach activities to increase awareness of the scope and severity of lead poisoning from household sources, potential exposure to lead in schools and day care centers, and the need for abatement and management action. Directs the Administrator to issue guidelines concerning the action levels for lead in soil. Directs the Administrator to appoint a Coordinator for Lead Activities. Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education for purposes of establishing Centers for the Prevention of Lead Poisoning. Limits the Federal share of Center operation costs. Limits grants to two-year periods. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, to: (1) encourage State public health officials to report blood-lead measurements to the Director; and (2) report to the Congress on the status of such reporting and the feasibility and desirability of instituting a national requirement for mandatory pre-school blood-lead screening. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary, acting through the Director, to establish a blood-lead laboratory reference project to assist State and local governments in establishing and improving the quality of laboratory measurements performed for childhood lead poisoning prevention programs. Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to update a report submitted pursuant to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to include information on childhood and adult lead poisoning and estimates of adverse health outcomes associated with lead exposure. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food to be adulterated if: (1) it is packaged in a container containing solder or another ingredient with a lead content greater than .2 percent by dry weight; or (2) it is ceramic ware and the ability of such ceramic ware to leach lead does not conform with standards for ceramic ware established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to establish standards and testing procedures with respect to lead in ceramic ware. Authorizes appropriations.

Tire Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Tire Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the recovered rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities, scrap tire collection facilities, and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of recycling requirements. Considers a scrap tire recycling or disposal facility to be a solid waste disposal facility for purposes of Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning exempt facility bonds. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities and on the intentional infliction of damage on tire casings to preclude casings from being used in retreading; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire collection facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility owners or operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the State to use to issue permits to scrap tire recycling facilities. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring items that make use of scrap or used tires. Requires Federal departments, if the Administrator fails to promulgate such guideline, to procure items containing at least 75 percent of post-consumer scrap rubber from scrap tires if the rubber is available within a reasonable amount of time at a reasonable price and meets performance standards. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to publish standards to determine the life-cycle costs and benefits of items that make use of rubber from scrap or used tires as compared with items that make use of rubber other than from scrap or used tires. Requires such standards to be used by Federal departments covered by the procurement guideline. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to determine and report to the Congress on: (1) direct worker environmental health effects relating to asphalt made from crumb rubber from scrap tires; (2) the recyclability of asphalt road surfaces made from crumb rubber from scrap tires; and (3) the estimated life of existing asphalt road surfaces made from crumb rubber from scrap tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent agreements with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Oil Recycling Incentives Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Oil Recycling Incentives Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from identifying used oil or affiliated materials as hazardous wastes under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Defines "affiliated materials" as used oil filters and any materials used for cleaning up after changing oil that are contaminated with used oil. Provides that any fuel derived from used oil that does not meet used oil specifications established by the Administrator and would otherwise be identified as a hazardous waste shall be deemed to be a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for persons who generate, store, transport, recycle, or dispose of used oil. Requires the Administrator, in developing such regulations, to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of such regulations on the used oil recycling industry. Provides that regulations for used oil generators shall: (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground storage tank unless such tank meets requirements under this Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) require generators to transfer such oil to specified permitted used oil recycling or disposal facilities or transporters; and (4) require generators to keep specified records on such oil. Requires used oil transporter regulations to provide that such transporters: (1) acquire identification numbers from EPA; (2) meet applicable financial responsibility requirements; and (3) keep specified records. Includes intermediate storage requirements in transporter regulations. Provides that used oil recycler regulations shall require recyclers to: (1) keep specified records; (2) test fuel produced from the recycling process before departure from the facility; and (3) obtain certain permits. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for exempt refineries that recycle used oil as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Sets forth minimum requirements for such regulations. Requires used oil disposal and affiliated material regulations to prohibit mixing used oil with any hazardous waste identified under the Solid Waste Disposal Act unless the mixture is stored, treated, or disposed of at a permitted facility. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring owners or operators of new and existing recycling facilities to have class permits. Sets forth permit requirements. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities to assure permit compliance. Sets forth requirements for interim class permits. Exempts from permit requirements: (1) facilities which refine at least 10,000 barrels daily of crude oil into petroleum products, are classified as S.I.C. number 2911 (pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget Standard Classification Manual) facilities, and at which the amount of refined used oil is equal to no more than the amount of used oil that the owner is required to recycle and the used oil contains less than a specified amount of halogens; and (2) facilities which compound or blend lubricating base oil into finished lubricant products as their principal activity, are classified as S.I.C. number 2899 or 2992 facilities, and whose volume of used oil compounded or blended into such products is no more than ten percent of the lubricating base oil compounded or blended annually. Exempts from used oil regulation requirements on-site activities at facilities classified as S.I.C. number 4911 facilities. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations governing such facilities. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing specification standards for fuel derived from used oil to be burned in furnaces and boilers. Sets forth requirements to take effect if the Administrator fails to promulgate used oil regulations by the applicable deadline. Requires the Administrator to implement education programs to inform the public and small businesses about the environmental and safety hazards associated with improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from used oil recycling. Authorizes appropriations. Sets forth labeling requirements for oil packages and oil filters to encourage the recycling and return of used oil to collection centers. Requires States to develop plans for making information available to the public about recycling of used oil and oil filters. Directs the Administrator to establish a toll-free telephone line to give out information about State used oil recycling programs. Requires producers or importers of lubricating oil to recycle for a period of ten years an amount of used oil equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of lubricating oil produced or imported that year by such persons by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator. Authorizes such individuals to comply with this Act by: (1) recycling (through re-refining) used oil or purchasing re-refined oil for purposes of producing lubricating oil; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires producers and importers to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of oil produced or imported by such persons. Requires a producer or importer to be treated as having recycled two units of used oil for each unit of re-refined oil or lubricant base stock purchased. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is two points higher than the existing recycling rate for lubricating oil. Provides for increases in such percentage of two points annually for ten years. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for used oil recycling and producers or importers of lubricating oil to purchase such credits. Provides that such regulations shall require: (1) specified records to be kept by recyclers and by importers or producers; and (2) recyclers to sell or distribute in commerce such oil as specification used oil, off-specification used oil, industrial specification used oil, or re-refined oil. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress on such regulations and to include: (1) a discussion of the effects of such regulations on the oil industry and the environment; and (2) an evaluation of the level of the recycling percentage and whether such percentage should be increased in future years. Requires an updated version of such report to be submitted within ten years of this Act's enactment. Applies recycling requirements to persons who import or produce more than 100,000 gallons of lubricating oil annually. Sets the recycling percentage at 40 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate such regulations.

A joint resolution to establish April 15, 1991, as "National Recycling Day".

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Designates April 15, 1991, as National Recycling Day.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should take a leadership position in calling for worldwide carbon dioxide emissions reductions at the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on a Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Washington, D.C. on February 4th - 14th, 1991.

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1991

Expresses the sense of the Senate that it should be U.S. policy to specify reductions in the national emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by a date certain and to assume a leadership position in negotiating an international climate protection treaty that contains specific commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including: (1) achieving agreements by industrialized nations to reduce current carbon dioxide emissions, by developing nations to limit their growth in emissions from fossil fuel combustion, and by all countries to limit the release of carbon dioxide due to deforestation and to take steps to cut emissions of other greenhouse gases; (2) establishing an international fund to help developing countries achieve such objectives, a mechanism for continuing international cooperation for development of efficient policies for future emissions reductions, and institutional mechanisms to facilitate cooperation in research, observation, and analysis, information exchange and reporting, technology development and transfer, and technical training and public education. Urges the United States to support, at the February 1991 negotiating session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change, the establishment of a process that will allow negotiations of substantive provisions to accomplish each of these elements for inclusion in the convention that is to be concluded in June 1992.

166 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the 1991 capital allocation for local authority housing for Dublin County Council.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

166 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the 1991 capital allocation for local authority housing for Dublin County Council.

160 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the improvements which have occurred in the fire service since 1981; and his proposals for further developments in the coming years.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

160 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the improvements which have occurred in the fire service since 1981; and his proposals for further developments in the coming years.

149 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment the reason the town of Cahir, County Tipperary does not have an urban council; if he intends to designate the town of Cahir for an urban council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

149 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for the Environment the reason the town of Cahir, County Tipperary does not have an urban council; if he intends to designate the town of Cahir for an urban council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

115 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department have made any projections of the demand for senior citizen accommodation in each local authority area, in each of the next five years; if he will outline the steps he proposes to take to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

115 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department have made any projections of the demand for senior citizen accommodation in each local authority area, in each of the next five years; if he will outline the steps he proposes to take to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

111 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 to regulate standards and practices in relation to all private rented dwellings.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

111 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 to regulate standards and practices in relation to all private rented dwellings.

110 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 to regulate standards and practices in relation to all private rented dwellings.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

110 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 to regulate standards and practices in relation to all private rented dwellings.

109 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of finance allocated by him for the construction of local authority houses in 1991 to (a) Donegal County Council, (b) Letter-kenny UDC and (c) Buncrana UDC.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

109 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of finance allocated by him for the construction of local authority houses in 1991 to (a) Donegal County Council, (b) Letter-kenny UDC and (c) Buncrana UDC.

105 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendations by the NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

105 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendations by the NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

102 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendation by NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

102 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendation by NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

101 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendation by NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

101 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendation by NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

100 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has considered the recommendations in the Stardust Tribunal report which deal with amendments to the Fire Services Act, 1981; and if he has plans to introduce amending legislation.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

100 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has considered the recommendations in the Stardust Tribunal report which deal with amendments to the Fire Services Act, 1981; and if he has plans to introduce amending legislation.

99 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendation by NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

99 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendation by NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

94 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the precise policy steps he proposes to recommend to housing authorities and planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanála, to mitigate the extent and effects of social segregation in housing as promised in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

94 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the precise policy steps he proposes to recommend to housing authorities and planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanála, to mitigate the extent and effects of social segregation in housing as promised in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

93 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment the measures which are planned to address the serious local authority housing crisis; the number of housing units which these measures will produce; when they will materialise; and the number of persons on low incomes who will be assisted to avail of same.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

93 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment the measures which are planned to address the serious local authority housing crisis; the number of housing units which these measures will produce; when they will materialise; and the number of persons on low incomes who will be assisted to avail of same.

91 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendations by the NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

91 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the recent recommendations by the NESC that in relation to housing policy there should be equitable State subsidisation of various housing tenures such as owner-occupancy, private rented and local authority rented; and his views on whether the present pattern of subsidisation is equitable.

90 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the meaning of the system of shared ownership as used by the Government in the section on future housing policy in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; if local authorities will be consulted or involved; if the Housing Finance Agency have been asked to develop proposals in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

90 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the meaning of the system of shared ownership as used by the Government in the section on future housing policy in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress; if local authorities will be consulted or involved; if the Housing Finance Agency have been asked to develop proposals in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

89 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his proposals to resolve the housing crisis in Cork city where there are 1,500 on the waiting list for Cork Corporation housing from private addresses as well as several hundred others who are awaiting transfers from inadequate corporation housing to more suitable accommodation.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

89 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline his proposals to resolve the housing crisis in Cork city where there are 1,500 on the waiting list for Cork Corporation housing from private addresses as well as several hundred others who are awaiting transfers from inadequate corporation housing to more suitable accommodation.

88 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment the reason a new survey of housing need is being carried out at present when so little progress has been made in housing those on existing housing lists; the number of applicants housed since the last assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

88 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment the reason a new survey of housing need is being carried out at present when so little progress has been made in housing those on existing housing lists; the number of applicants housed since the last assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

86 Mr. O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982, to regulate standards and practices in relation to all private rented dwellings.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 February 1991

86 Mr. O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982, to regulate standards and practices in relation to all private rented dwellings.