Environment

83 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is intended to review the local authority electoral areas in advance of the 2004 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8746/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

83 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is intended to review the local authority electoral areas in advance of the 2004 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8746/03]

82 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 4 February 2003, if he will give details of the location of the sites referred to in that answer. [8633/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

82 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 4 February 2003, if he will give details of the location of the sites referred to in that answer. [8633/03]

81 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to newspaper accounts of a report commissioned by the environmental organisation, Greenpeace, showing that up to 3.5 million people could die in the event of a terrorist attack on a British nuclear installation, such as Sellafield; the assurances he has sought or received from the British authorities regarding the security of such installations in view of the potential danger to the public and the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8816/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

81 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to newspaper accounts of a report commissioned by the environmental organisation, Greenpeace, showing that up to 3.5 million people could die in the event of a terrorist attack on a British nuclear installation, such as Sellafield; the assurances he has sought or received from the British authorities regarding the security of such installations in view of the potential danger to the public and the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8816/03]

80 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his position on the Health Research Board's report, Health and Environmental Effects of Landfilling and Incineration of Waste. [8814/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

80 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his position on the Health Research Board's report, Health and Environmental Effects of Landfilling and Incineration of Waste. [8814/03]

79 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total number of people who are homeless here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

79 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total number of people who are homeless here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/03]

298 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will investigate the possibility of entering into dialogue with his colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, with a view to introducing an improved task force home improvement scheme for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8497/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

298 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will investigate the possibility of entering into dialogue with his colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, with a view to introducing an improved task force home improvement scheme for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8497/03]

78 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation where elderly people and the sick requiring essential repairs are failing to get permission to carry out these repairs to their homes in view of the financial crisis facing the disabled person's grant scheme and the housing aid for the elderly scheme. [8813/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 April 2003

78 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation where elderly people and the sick requiring essential repairs are failing to get permission to carry out these repairs to their homes in view of the financial crisis facing the disabled person's grant scheme and the housing aid for the elderly scheme. [8813/03]

Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2003

Energy Tax Policy Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish credits for the following: (1) residential solar energy property; (2) qualified fuel cell power plants; (3) energy efficiency improvements to existing homes; (4) construction of new energy efficient home; (5) combined heat and power system property; (6) production of low sulphur diesel fuel; and (7) producing oil and gas from marginal wells. Repeals: (1) the 4.3-cent per gallon diesel fuel excise taxes on railroads and inland waterway transportation; (2) phaseouts for qualified electric vehicle credit and the deduction for clean fuel-vehicles; and (3) for two years, the alternative minimum tax preference for intangible drilling costs for certain taxpayers and the minimum tax limitation on the oil recovery credit. Treats: (1) natural gas gathering lines as 7-year property; (2) natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property; and (3) electric transmission property treated as 15-year property. Extends and modifies the credits for: (1) electricity produced from renewable resources; (2) producing fuel from a nonconventional source. Provides for: (1) reduced motor fuel excise tax on certain mixtures of diesel fuel; (2) the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with environmental protection agency sulfur regulations; (3) an increase in the barrel per day small refiner exception to oil depletion deduction; (4) treating of gain ratably over an 8-year period with respect to sales or dispositions to implement Federal energy regulatory commission or State electric restructuring policy; (5) modifications to the special rules for nuclear decommissioning costs; (6) the treatment of certain income of rural electric cooperatives; and (7) amortization, over a 2-year period, of delay rental payments and of geological and geophysical expenditures. Allows: (1) the prepayment of premium liability for coal industry health benefits; (2) generally, for the inapplicability of arbitrage rules to prepayments for natural gas; (3) the suspension, until December 31, 2006, of the limitation based on 65 percent of taxable income and of taxable income limit with respect to marginal production; and (4) certain business related energy credits against the regular and minimum tax.

Tualatin River Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2003

Tualatin River Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, to conduct a water supply feasibility study of the Tualatin River Basin in Oregon in order to identify: (1) ways to meet future water supply needs; (2) water conservation and storage measures; (3) measures that would improve water quality and enable environmental and species protection; and (4) integrated water resource management and supply needs.

Communication from the Commission - Choosing to grow: Knowledge, innovation and jobs in a cohesive society - Report to the Spring European Council, 21 March 2003 on the Lisbon strategy of economic, social and environmental renewal {SEC (2003) 25}

European Union · European Commission · 31 March 2003

proposition de résolution chargée d'examiner les causes et conséquences de la fermeture de l'usine Métaleurop Nord

France · Senate · 27 March 2003

National Coal Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

National Coal Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) perform an assessment that identifies cost and performance goals of technologies permitting continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, as chemical feedstocks, and as transportation fuel in 2007, 2015, and the years after 2020; and (2) implement a technology research, development, and demonstration program to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power through methods and equipment under specified Federal law. Prescribes conditions and criteria for the authorization of appropriations for a clean coal power initiative program. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) fund coal energy generation projects that advance efficiency, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond the level of technologies in operation as of the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) award competitive, merit-based grants to universities for the establishment of Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prescribe credits against tax for: (1) production from a qualifying clean coal technology unit; and (2) production from and for investment in a qualifying advanced clean coal technology unit. Prescribes guidelines for the treatment of persons not able to use the entire credit relating to clean coal technology.

Southern Ute and Colorado Intergovernmental Agreement Implementation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Southern Ute and Colorado Intergovernmental Agreement Implementation Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to treat the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a State for purposes of implementing and enforcing air quality control programs for their Reservation, as developed in the Intergovernmental Agreement.

Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Depleted Uranium Munitions Study Act of 2003 - Requires the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct jointly and report to Congress on: (1) a comprehensive study of the health effects of exposure to depleted uranium munitions upon uranium-exposed veterans and upon their children born after such exposure; and (2) a public health assessment of persons who are thought to have an epidemiological link to any U.S. military installation or production facility at which depleted uranium munitions have either been, or currently are being used or produced. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct and report to certain congressional committees on a comprehensive environmental evaluation of possible contamination of the soil, air, water, and vegetation by depleted uranium at sites listed by the Secretary of Defense where depleted uranium munitions have been used or produced. Requires the Secretary of Defense to: (1) develop and implement a plan for the mitigation and cleanup of depleted uranium at the pertinent sites; and (2) submit annual progress reports to the Administrator and such congressional committees.

Homeland Infrastructure Power Security and Assurance Incentives Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Homeland Infrastructure Power Security and Assurance Incentives Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish within the Department of Energy an Advanced Technology Incentives Program to provide funding to accelerate development and deployment of new advanced technologies such as fuel cells, turbines, hybrid, and storage system power technologies. Requires the use of such funding for: (1) eligible owners or operators to support efforts to reduce system costs, and improve the performance and reliability of advanced distributed power generation and energy storage systems; and (2) demonstrating the capability of new technologies to increase power generation through enhanced operational, economic, and environmental performance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) evaluate security and assurance performance improvement; (2) define locations and facilities that would benefit most from such improvements; and (3) determine the criteria for facilities that generate or store and distribute electric energy that improves the security and reliability of the nation's electricity grid and protects locations critical to its security (including military installations, financial institutions, medical and first responder facilities).

Securing Transportation Energy Efficiency for Tomorrow Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2003

Securing Transportation Energy Efficiency for Tomorrow Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to authorize the Administrator of General Services to establish a program for the procurement and installation of photovoltaic solar electric systems for electric production in public buildings. Directs the Architect of the Capitol to evaluate the energy infrastructure of the Capitol Complex to determine how it could be augmented to become more energy efficient, using photovoltaic solar energy systems, district-heating, and other unconventional and renewable energy resources. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to carry out a demonstration program for the development of brightfield sites (brownfield sites redeveloped through the incorporation of solar energy technologies). Amends Federal transportation law to: (1) direct the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish a program of grants to State and local governments for fuel conservation projects; (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants for fuel cell bus technology projects; (3) direct the Secretary to establish a Conserve By Bicycling pilot program for projects to encourage the use of bicycles in place of motor vehicles; (4) require environmental impact statements for Federal-aid highway and transit projects to consider energy impacts as an environmental project consequence; and (5) direct the Secretary to establish a specified public-private research partnership dedicated to advancement of railroad technology, efficiency, and safety owned by the Federal Railroad Administration and operated in the private sector. Amends Federal transportation law to direct: (1) the Secretary to establish a pilot clean airport bus replacement and fleet expansion grant program; and (2) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to establish a public-private research partnership to develop a clean ground demonstrator engine utilizing specified National Aeronautics and Space Administration-developed technologies. Directs the Secretary to establish a public-private research partnership to develop and demonstrate technologies that increase fuel economy, reduce emissions, and lower costs of marine transportation, as well as the efficiency of intermodal transfers. Directs the Secretary of the Army to study and report to Congress on the potential for reduced fossil fuel consumption through an increase in U.S. hydropower capabilities. Encourages specified adjacent States to continue to prohibit off-shore drilling in the Great Lakes for oil and gas, and other adjacent States and the Canadian Province of Ontario to prohibit such drilling. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income as a qualifying transportation fringe benefit a commuting allowance of $75 per month for individuals who bicycle, carpool, or car-share to work.

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Adapting e-business policies in a changing environment: The lessons of the Go Digital initiative and the challenges ahead

European Union · European Commission · 27 March 2003

Berücksichtigung des Fairen Handels im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen

Austria · National Council · 26 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Lunacek, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Berücksichtigung des Fairen Handels im öffentlichen Beschaffungswesen

Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 26 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Nitratbelastung des Grundwassers in Österreich

Strategie zur Minimierung des Pestizideinsatzes

Austria · National Council · 26 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Pirklhuber, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Strategie zur Minimierung des Pestizideinsatzes <i>(in der Landwirtschaft)</i>

Ausnahmen für Wirkstoffe in Pestizidprodukten

Austria · National Council · 26 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Ausnahmen für Wirkstoffe in Pestizidprodukten

Ausbau des Hochspannungsnetzes in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 26 March 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Georg Oberhaidinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend die dringende Notwendigkeit des Ausbaus des Hochspannungsnetzes in Österreich

Energie-Regulierungsbehördengesetz, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 26 March 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Georg Oberhaidinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Energie-Regulierungsbehördengesetz geändert wird

projet de loi relatif à la chasse

France · Senate · 26 March 2003

Emissionshöchstmengengesetz-Luft; Ozongesetz, Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 25 March 2003

Bundesgesetz, mit dem ein Bundesgesetz über nationale Emissionshöchstmengen für bestimmte Luftschadstoffe (Emissionshöchstmengengesetz-Luft, EG-L) erlassen sowie das Ozongesetz und das Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft geändert werden

104 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the economic environment for the Irish business manager is currently one of inflation running at 5%, interest rates at 2.5%, pay rises at 7% with public sector benchmarking to come, astronomical insurance costs, poor physical infrastructure, weak and exorbitant electronic infrastructure and problems with housing, transportation and health care and her further views on whether the economy is best placed to put the need for increased competitiveness as the central theme of the forthcoming European Union presidency due to these circumstances. [8197/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 March 2003

104 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the economic environment for the Irish business manager is currently one of inflation running at 5%, interest rates at 2.5%, pay rises at 7% with public sector benchmarking to come, astronomical insurance costs, poor physical infrastructure, weak and exorbitant electronic infrastructure and problems with housing, transportation and health care and her further views on whether the economy is best placed to put the need for increased competitiveness as the central theme of the forthcoming European Union presidency due to these circumstances. [8197/03]

104 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the economic environment for the Irish business manager is currently one of inflation running at 5%, interest rates at 2.5%, pay rises at 7% with public sector benchmarking to come, astronomical insurance costs, poor physical infrastructure, weak and exorbitant electronic infrastructure and problems with housing, transportation and health care and her further views on whether the economy is best placed to put the need for increased competitiveness as the central theme of the forthcoming European Union presidency due to these circumstances. [8197/03]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 March 2003

104 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the economic environment for the Irish business manager is currently one of inflation running at 5%, interest rates at 2.5%, pay rises at 7% with public sector benchmarking to come, astronomical insurance costs, poor physical infrastructure, weak and exorbitant electronic infrastructure and problems with housing, transportation and health care and her further views on whether the economy is best placed to put the need for increased competitiveness as the central theme of the forthcoming European Union presidency due to these circumstances. [8197/03]

Pollution Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2003

Pollution Accountability Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the public availability of an accounting of funds used (or required to be used) in response to a release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

Communication from the Commission - Developing an action plan for environmental technology

European Union · European Commission · 25 March 2003

To improve the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2003

Authorizes appropriations for FY 2004 for the U.S. payment to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Trust Fund administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). Authorizes additional appropriations for payment to such Fund to meet the additional financing needs of the Enhanced HIPC Initiative, provided the Secretary of the Treasury determines that an agreement by certain multilateral financial institutions regarding modification of the Initiative has been reached. Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary to commence immediately efforts within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, as well as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions, to accomplish certain modifications in the Initiative, including requiring that: (1) the amount of debt stock reduction for a country eligible for debt relief under the Initiative be sufficient to reduce, for a specified period, the net value of outstanding public guaranteed debt of the country and its annual payments due on such debt to not more than specified formulated percentages; and (2) the debt cancellation under such Initiative not be conditioned on any agreement by an impoverished country to implement or comply with policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment, or that implement user fees on primary education or primary health care, increase the cost to consumers with incomes of less than $2.00 per day for access to clean drinking water, or that undermine internationally recognized worker rights. Makes ineligible for debt relief any country that: (1) supports international terrorism; (2) engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; or (3) has been designated as a &quot;Tier 3&quot; nation pursuant to the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 for its failure to cooperate on international trafficking in persons prevention efforts. Conditions debt cancellation upon the country's agreeing to ensure that the financial benefits of such debt relief are applied to programs to combat poverty and to redress environmental degradation. Amends certain Federal laws to prohibit the provision of foreign assistance or the transfer of certain weapons and technology to countries (or persons) that fail to cooperate with the United States on efforts to combat international terrorism. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on options to expand debt relief to non-HIPC countries.

Futtermittel-Kontrollen auf gentechnisch veränderte Bestandteile

Austria · National Council · 19 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Futtermittel-Kontrollen auf gentechnisch veränderte Bestandteile

Behinderung der Markteinführung der EN 12566-3 geprüften Kläranlagen

Austria · National Council · 19 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Behinderung der Markteinführung der EN 12566-3 geprüften Kläranlagen

Position der Bundesregierung zur geplanten Aufstockung des EURATOM-Kreditrahmens

Austria · National Council · 19 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Position der Bundesregierung zur geplanten Aufstockung des EURATOM-Kreditrahmens

Position der Bundesregierung zur geplanten Aufstockung des EURATOM-Kreditrahmens

Austria · National Council · 19 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Position der Bundesregierung zur geplanten Aufstockung des EURATOM-Kreditrahmens

Gesamtsumme der Hochwasserschäden nach der Überschwemmungskatastrophe Sommer 2002

Austria · National Council · 19 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Michaela Sburny, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend die Angabe des Ministeriums zur Gesamtsumme der Hochwasserschäden nach der Überschwemmungskatastrophe vom Sommer 2002

Qualité de l'eau et assainissement en France (annexes)

France · Senate · 18 March 2003

La qualité de l'eau et assainissement en France (annexes)

Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003

Brownfields Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.

To amend the Federal Power Act to provide for Federal and State coordination of permitting for electric transmission facilities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003

Designates the Department of Energy (DOE) as the lead agency for purposes of coordinating all applicable Federal authorization and related environmental review of a proposed electricity transmission or distribution facility upon request of a current or prospective applicant for Federal authorization related to such a facility. Instructs DOE to establish prompt and binding intermediate milestones and ultimate deadlines for the review of and Federal authorization decisions relating to the proposed facility. Sets a one-year deadline for completion of all permit decisions and related environmental reviews regarding an application. Requires the Secretary of Energy to consult regularly with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators on changes to the national grid that will improve reliability, relieve congestion, and enhance the capability of the grid to deliver electricity.

Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2003

Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects to alleviate or prevent conditions of excessive unemployment, underemployment, blight, and infrastructure deterioration associated with brownfield sites. Defines a "brownfield site," with exceptions, as real property the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. Defines eco-industrial development as development conducted in a manner in which businesses cooperate with each other and the local community to share resources efficiently (such as information, materials, water, energy infrastructure, and natural habitat) with the goals of economic gains, improved environmental quality, and equitable enhancement of human resources in businesses and local communities.

A bill to provide for the transfer to the Secretary of Energy of title to, and full responsibility for the possession, transportation, and disposal of, radioactive waste associated with the West Valley Demonstration project, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003

Sets a September 30, 2004, deadline for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to transfer to the Secretary of Energy title to and full responsibility for the possession, transportation, disposal, stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring of all radioactive waste (other than waste disposed of in the State-licensed disposal area) at the Western New York Service Center in West Valley, New York, in exchange for payment to the United States of all amounts held by the Authority for the maintenance of radioactive waste solidified under the West Valley Demonstration Project.

Mercury Reduction Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003

Mercury Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) prohibit the sale or supply of mercury fever thermometers to consumers, except by prescription; and (2) require manufacturers to provide clear instructions on handling of thermometers to avoid breakage and on proper cleanup in the event of breakage. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants for a household mercury thermometer collection and exchange program. Establishes a Task Force on Mercury to make recommendations on: (1) the long-term management of surplus mercury collected from thermometers and from medical, commercial, government, and industrial and other sources; (2) programs to test technologies for sequestration of retired mercury; (3) storage of mercury in a manner that ensures no release into the environment; (4) reduction of the total threat posed by mercury to humans and the environment; and (5) reduction of mercury produced, used, and released. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Task Force, to: (1) take title to mercury collected under the thermometer exchange program or from another source; (2) manage the mercury in a manner that prevents its release into the environment; (3) ensure that collected mercury is not reintroduced into commerce; (4) provide to the Task Force an analysis of, and recommendations concerning, collection and management activities under this Act; and (5) identify stabilization technologies and long-term storage measures that prevent mercury release and conduct appropriate research, development, and demonstration.

Tualatin River Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003

Tualatin River Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct the Tualatin River Basin water supply feasibility study in order to identify: (1) ways to meet future water supply needs; (2) water conservation and water storage measures; (3) measures that would improve water quality and enable environmental and species protection; and (4) integrated water resource management and supply needs.

Family Farm and Ranch Innovation Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003

Family Farm and Ranch Innovation Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee small business loans to qualifying farming or ranching concerns in order to implement an Agricultural Innovation Plan. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to assist a qualifying small business farming or ranching concern to develop a Plan which shall seek to increase farm or ranch income and protect environmental quality.

Melina Bill

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003

United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act of 2003 or the Melina Bill - Directs: (1) the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to jointly study the health effects of indoor mold growth and toxic mold; (2) EPA to promulgate standards for preventing, detecting, and remediating indoor mold growth; and (3) EPA, NIH, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sponsor related public education programs. Directs: (1) rental property lessors to conduct annual indoor mold inspections and notify the occupants of such results; and (2) the Secretary of HUD and the Administrator of EPA to promulgate mold hazard disclosure regulations with respect to housing offered for sale or lease. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish, with respect to indoor mold in public housing, inspection requirements for existing housing and construction standards for new housing; and (2) establish model construction standards and techniques for mold prevention in new buildings. Establishes an indoor/toxic mold inspection requirement with respect to federally made or insured mortgages. Amends the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to provide for industry standards development with respect to building products that are designed to retard mold development. Directs the Administrator of EPA to make grants to States and local governments for mold growth remediation efforts in buildings owned or leased by such governments, including schools and multifamily dwellings. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual tax credit for 60 percent of non-reimbursed mold inspection and remediation expenses ($50,000 annual maximum) paid or incurred by a taxpayer. Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to: (1) establish and carry out a toxic mold insurance program, with priority for one-to-four-family residential properties; and (2) establish in the Treasury a National Toxic Mold Hazard Insurance Fund. Authorizes the Director to assist qualifying insurers to form a federally-assisted toxic mold hazard insurance pool. Provides for Federal operation of such program under specified circumstances. Authorizes State waiver of income, resource, and other Medicaid requirements for an individual whose health has been adversely affected by toxic mold exposure, and who lacks adequate medical insurance coverage.

Coal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2003

Coal Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2003 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) perform an assessment that identifies cost and performance goals of technologies permitting continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, as chemical feedstocks, and as transportation fuel in 2007, 2015, and the years after 2020; and (2) implement a technology research, development, and demonstration program to facilitate production and generation of coal-based power through methods and equipment under specified Federal law. Prescribes technical criteria for a clean coal power initiative under which the Secretary shall fund coal energy generation projects that advance efficiency, environmental performance, and cost competitiveness well beyond the level of technologies that on a full scale are in operation or have been demonstrated to date. Instructs the Secretary to award competitive, merit-based grants to universities for the establishment of Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future.

High Productivity and Economic Growth Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003

High Productivity and Economic Growth Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the expensing of the cost of high productivity property (defined as certain computer and computer related property, electronic equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, optical fiber equipment, advanced environmental or life science products, and etc.). Directs that an election to treat property in such a fashion shall be made on an asset by asset basis, and that the cost of such property shall not include so much of the basis as is determined by reference to the basis of other property held at any time by the taxpayer. Provides for a recapture if the property is not used predominately in a trade or business at any time. Excludes certain property from qualifying for high productivity expensing. Makes permanent the 30 percent expensing for certain property acquired after September 10, 2001. Prescribes that the depreciation rules shall not be modified for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.

Encroachment on Military Bases Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003

Encroachment on Military Bases Prevention Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) from designating as critical habitat any lands or areas owned and controlled by the Department of Defense, or designated for its use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources management plan under the Sikes Act if the Secretary determines that such plan addresses special management considerations or protection. Requires the Secretary to consider impact on national security when making critical habitat determinations. Amends the Act commonly known as the National Park System General Authorities Act to require: (1) the Secretary to notify the Secretary of Defense of the exact military lands included in any study of an area for potential inclusion in the National Park System (NPS); and (2) the Secretary of Defense to evaluate the existing environmental protections for such lands and the importance of such lands to military readiness and preparation. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to require the Secretary to exclude such lands if it is determined that current environmental protections are adequate and that their inclusion in the NPS would adversely affect military readiness and preparation. Amends the National Marine Sanctuary Act to prohibit the Secretary from including as a national marine sanctuary any area that the Secretary of Defense has designated for use for military readiness activities.

National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2003

National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Act of 2003 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and administer: (1) a national greenhouse gas emissions information system to collect annual lists required to be submitted under this Act of an entity's greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) a national greenhouse gas registry (included in such system) to collect voluntarily reported information on emissions reductions. Specifies factors for adjustment of emissions records by a reporting entity.

Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend and modify the renewable electricity production tax credit to, among other things, include credits for electricity produced from biomass, swine and bovine waste nutrients, geothermal energy, and solar energy. Provides alternative vehicle and fuel incentives, including credits for installation of alternative fueling stations and the retail sale of alternative fuels as motor vehicle fuel, modification of the credit for qualified electric vehicles, and allowing the alcohol fuels credit to be transferred and to be used against motor fuels taxes. Sets forth certain conservation and energy efficiency provisions such as credits for the construction of new energy efficient homes, the installation of energy efficient appliances, combined heat and power system properties, and energy efficiency improvements to existing homes. Establishes a three-year recovery period for depreciation of qualified energy management devices. Establishes clean coal incentives, including credits for emission reductions, efficiency improvements in existing coal-based generation facilities, and investment in qualifying advanced clean coal technology. Revises oil and gas provisions, including establishing a credit for the production of oil and gas from marginal wells, permitting the expensing of capital costs incurred in complying with EPA sulfur regulations, establishing an environmental tax credit, extending the marginal production income limit, and treating natural gas distribution lines as 15-year property. Sets forth electric utility restructuring provisions. Makes additional amendments, including amendments concerning: (1) the recovery period for Indian reservation property; and (2) the definition of a rural airport.

Polluter Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Polluter Accountability Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase criminal penalties for: (1) negligent and knowing violations of provisions concerning effluent limitations, national performance standards, toxic pollutants and pretreatment effluent standards, recordkeeping and reporting, oil or hazardous substance discharges, aquacultural discharges, sewage sludge, pollutant discharge permits, and dredged or fill material; and (2) negligently or knowingly introducing into a sewer system or publicly owned treatment works a pollutant or hazardous substance known to cause personal injury or property damage or that results in violation by a treatment works of effluent limitations or permit conditions. Amends the Refuse Act of 1899 to increase criminal penalties for violations of provisions concerning deposit of refuse in navigable waters, injury to harbor or river improvements, and obstruction of navigable waters.