Environment

Coastal Zone Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Coastal Zone Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2003 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to expand statutory procedures and policies for the location of renewable energy facilities in the marine environment. Prescribes licensing requirements for the operation of renewable energy facilities in waters under Federal jurisdiction seaward of the coastal zone. Instructs the Secretary of Commerce immediately to identify and evaluate locations within such waters that have the greatest potential for producing energy from renewable energy facilities.

Clean Coal Power Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2003

Clean Coal Power 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 designated statutes. 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 establish income tax credits for investment in and for production from a qualifying advanced clean coal technology facility. Prescribes guidelines for the treatment of persons not able to use the entire credit relating to clean coal technology.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 445/2003 of 11 March 2003 fixing the exchange rates applicable to certain direct aids and structural or environmental measures in 2003

European Union · EUR-Lex · 11 March 2003

Bericht des Europäischen Amtes für Betrugsbekämpfung (OLAF und Österreich)

Austria · National Council · 6 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Bericht des Europäischen Amtes für Betrugsbekämpfung (OLAF und Österreich)

Schadstoffemissionen der LKW Type Euro 2

Austria · National Council · 6 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Petra Bayr, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Schadstoffemissionen der LKW Type Euro 2

Southern Ute and Colorado Intergovernmental Agreement Implementation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 6 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.

Water Quality Investment Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

Water Quality Investment Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations through FY 2005 for grants for planning, design, and construction of treatment works to control or treat municipal combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows. Extends the requirements for a report on funding levels.

State Waste Empowerment and Enforcement Provision Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

State Waste Empowerment and Enforcement Provision Act of 2003 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State to limit, place restrictions on, or otherwise regulate out-of-State municipal solid waste received or disposed of annually at each landfill or incinerator in the State, except, until two years after enactment of this Act, to the extent that a host community agreement (between an owner or operator of a landfill or incinerator and an affected local government) specifically authorizes such receipt.

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide funding for the clean up of MTBE contamination from underground storage tanks, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize appropriations from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to address issues concerning methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) contamination in underground storage tank systems.

National Computer Recycling Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2003

National Computer Recycling Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, after submitting to Congress a study of waste materials in used computers that may be hazardous to human health or the environment, to require assessment of a fee on the sale to an end-user of any computer, monitor, or other designated electronic devices. Requires fees collected to be used for administration of this Act and grants for: (1) collecting or processing used computers, monitors, or other devices for recycling; (2) reusing or reselling such articles; and (3) extracting and using, or selling for reuse, raw materials from such articles. Requires reports to Congress on the status of computer recycling, which shall include descriptions of fee collection and use.

Anträge auf EU-weite Zulassung von Gentech-Pflanzen

Austria · National Council · 5 March 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Pirklhuber, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Anträge auf EU-weite Zulassung von Gentech-Pflanzen

Fremont-Madison Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Fremont-Madison Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) convey to the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District in Idaho, pursuant to a specified Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the District and the Secretary, the canals, lateral, drains, and other components of the water distribution and drainage system operated or maintained by the District; and (2) condition such conveyance on the District paying the administrative costs of the conveyance and related activities and the lesser of the net present value of the remaining obligations owed to the United States for the facilities conveyed or $280,000. Requires the Secretary, in conveying the Teton Exchange Wells, to also convey to the District Idaho Department of Water Resources permit number 22-7022, including drilled wells under such permit and all appurtenant equipment. Extends a specified water service contract between the Secretary and the District until all conditions described in this Act are fulfilled. Requires the Secretary, prior to conveyance, to complete all environmental reviews and analyses as set forth in the MOA. Increases the acreage within the District eligible to receive water from the Minidoka and Teton Basin Projects to reflect the number of acres within the District. Requires the Secretary: (1) in collaboration with stakeholders in the Henry's Fork watershed, to initiate a drought management planning process to address all water uses in the watershed; and (2) report a final plan to Congress.

National Invasive Species Council Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

National Invasive Species Council Act - Declares that no Federal agency may authorize, fund, or carry out any action that would likely cause or promote the introduction or spread of an invasive species in the United States or any other location, unless the agency head determines that: (1) the benefits outweigh the potential harm to the environment, economy, or human health; and (2) all feasible and prudent measures to minimize the risk or harm will be taken. Requires the Council On Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the National Invasive Species Council, to develop guidelines for such measures. Establishes within the executive branch the National Invasive Species Council to ensure that Federal agency efforts concerning invasive species are coordinated, effective, complementary, and cost-efficient. Requires the Council to develop a National Invasive Species Management Plan that details and recommends performance-oriented goals. Requires the Council to create the Invasive Species Advisory Committee to provide information and advice for consideration by the Council. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to prepare and submit to Congress and the Council a yearly budget analysis and summary of all Federal programs relating to invasive species.

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish aquatic invasive species prevention requirements for vessels (including towed vessels) operating in U.S. waters. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations for ballast water management standards and certification procedures. Directs the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to establish a priority pathway management program that identifies those pathways that pose the highest risk for the introduction of aquatic invasive species unless further managed. Prohibits the importation of live aquatic organisms not in trade without specified screening and approval. Requires the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to construct and maintain a national dispersal barrier program to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in U.S. waterways. Provides for expansion of the Brown Tree Snake Control Program and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program information, education, and outreach activities. Requires the Task Force to establish a national subcommittee on nutria for its control. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey (Administering Agencies) to develop and conduct a marine and freshwater research program to assess rates of, patterns of, and conditions surrounding introductions of nonnative aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems and efforts to prevent the introduction of, and detect and eradicate, such species. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of vessel pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by vessels. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry out research in systematic and taxonomy. Requires the Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to recommend to appropriate Federal agencies additions to the list of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to ensure that international efforts to prevent, detect, monitor, assess, and control aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies.

Ombudsman Reauthorization Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Ombudsman Reauthorization Act of 2003 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions regarding the Ombudsman. Expands the duties of the Ombudsman to include assisting citizens in resolving problems relating to any program or requirement under this Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as well as any other program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Requires the Ombudsman to conduct investigations, make findings of fact, and make nonbinding recommendations concerning such problems. Describes additional administrative and investigative powers of the Ombudsman. Requires the Ombudsman to appoint a Deputy for and maintain contact information in each region of the Agency. Requires annual reports on the status of health and environmental concerns addressed in complaints and cases brought before the Ombudsman. Provides criminal penalties for obstructing the proceedings of or making false or fraudulent statements to the Ombudsman. Protects employees who comply with this Act. .

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey (Administering Agencies) to: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation of this Act; and (2) develop and conduct a marine and fresh-water research program to support efforts to assess rates and patterns of the introduction of invasive nonnative species into the Aquatic Ecosystem and efforts to detect, prevent, and eradicate them. Requires the Administering Agencies to: (1) develop standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of nonnative aquatic species; (2) document baseline ecological information of the aquatic ecosystem and pathways; (3) acting through NOAA, administer a program to award grants to academic institutions and other appropriate groups to develop standardized protocols and conduct marine and fresh-water research experiments; and (4) conduct laboratory and field-based marine and fresh-water research experiments on a range of taxonomic groups to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of nonnative aquatic species. Requires the United States Geological Survey to develop, maintain, and update a central, national database of the information and make the database widely available to the public. Requires the Administering Agencies to analyze the data collected. Makes the Invasive Species Council responsible for disseminating such information and develop a national strategy for how it will be shared with Federal, State, and local entities. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), acting through the Office of Research and Development, to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound, cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate aquatic invasive species. Reauthorizes the ship pathway technology demonstration program. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of ship pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships into the Aquatic Ecosystem. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry our research programs in systematics and taxonomy.

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2003 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish aquatic invasive species prevention requirements for all vessels operating in U.S. waters. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations for ballast water management standards and certification procedures. Directs the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to establish a priority pathway management program that identifies those pathways that pose the highest risk for the introduction of aquatic invasive species unless further managed. Prohibits the importation of live aquatic organisms not in trade without specified screening and approval. Requires the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to construct and maintain a national dispersal barrier program to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in U.S. waterways. Provides for expansion of the Brown Tree Snake Control Program and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program information, education, and outreach activities. Requires the Task Force to establish a national subcommittee on nutria for its control. Requires the Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to recommend to appropriate Federal agencies additions to the list of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to coordinate activities to ensure that international efforts to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies.

Fremont-Madison Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Fremont-Madison Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) convey to the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District in Idaho, pursuant to a specified Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the District and the Secretary, the canals, lateral, drains, and other components of the water distribution and drainage system operated or maintained by the District; and (2) condition such conveyance on the District paying the administrative costs of the conveyance and related activities and the lesser of the net present value of the remaining obligations owed to the United States for the facilities conveyed or $280,000. Requires the Secretary, in conveying the Teton Exchange Wells, to also convey to the District Idaho Department of Water Resources permit number 22-7022, including drilled wells under such permit and all appurtenant equipment. Extends a specified water service contract between the Secretary and the District until all conditions described in this Act are fulfilled. Requires the Secretary, prior to conveyance, to complete all environmental reviews and analyses as set forth in the MOA. Increases the acreage within the District eligible to receive water from the Minidoka and Teton Basin Projects to reflect the number of acres within the District. Requires the Secretary: (1) in collaboration with stakeholders in the Henry's Fork watershed, to initiate a drought management planning process to address all water uses in the watershed; and (2) report a final plan to Congress.

Salmon Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2003

Salmon Planning Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences providing for scientific analysis of Federal salmon and steelhead recovery efforts. Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to study the potential effects of partially removing the four lower Snake River dams, including those on: (1) the economy of surrounding communities; (2) water transportation; (3) irrigation; (4) energy production; and (5) the extinction of salmon and steelhead populations in Snake River. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to partially remove the dams if found necessary by: (1) the Secretary to restore Snake River salmon and steelhead populations to meet obligations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (2) the Secretary of the Interior to meet treaty obligations to Indian tribes or other sovereign nations; or (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to meet requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003

Constitutional Amendment - States that all U.S. citizens shall have a right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.

Endorsing increased efforts to preserve and protect Lake St. Clair as a vital part of the Great Lakes system.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2003

Affirms the importance of Lake St. Clair, Michigan, and the entire Great Lakes system. Commends existing environmental protection efforts and calls for additional actions to preserve the Lake as a vital natural resource.

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to designate perchlorate as a contaminant and to establish a maximum contaminant level for perchlorate.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2003

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate perchlorate as a contaminant and to establish a maximum contaminant level that provides an adequate margin of safety for vulnerable populations.

Hochwasserschutz in Österreich

Austria · National Council · 27 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Kurt Gaßner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Verbesserungen des Hochwasserschutzes in Österreich

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Nevada, to the Secretary of the Interior, in trust for the Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada and California.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Nevada, to the Secretary of the Interior, in trust for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Reserves for the United States a nonexclusive easement for public and administrative access to National Forest System land. Requires the Secretary to provide a reciprocal easement to the Tribe for vehicular access to such land to accommodate: (1) individuals with disabilities or who would otherwise have access difficulties; and (2) administrative or safety needs. Requires the Tribe to: (1) limit the use of the conveyed land to traditional and customary uses and stewardship conservation; (2) not permit any permanent or recreational development on, or commercial use of, such land (including commercial development, tourist accommodations, gaming, sale of timber, or mineral extraction); and (3) comply with environmental requirements that are no less protective than those that apply under the Regional Plan of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

Fisheries Science and Management Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Fisheries Science and Management Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to permit each Regional Fishery Management Council under the National Fishery Management Program to establish one or more scientific review committees to conduct peer review of all stock assessments prepared for fisheries under the Council's jurisdiction. Requires the Secretary of Commerce or his designee to conduct an independent and confidential peer review of any stock assessment by a scientific review committee before the assessment is used to further the purposes, policy, and provisions of this Act. Requires the Council of jurisdiction to establish a set of goals, objectives, an implementation schedule, and a statistically reliable method of achieving such goals and objectives for Fishery Management Observer programs that utilize observers deployed on U.S. fishing vessels or to U.S. fish processors. Requires the Secretary to issue national criteria for designating a habitat as a habitat area of particular concern. Revises requirements for: (1) fishery management plans; (2) fish habitat guidelines and recommendations; and (3) the determination and rebuilding of overfished fisheries. Requires fishery conservation and management measures to take into account the importance of fishery resources to fishing communities and the cumulative impact of fishery conservation and management measures on those fishing communities. Requires fishery management plans to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Omnibus Mercury Emission Reduction Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Omnibus Mercury Emission Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to establish standards for mercury and mercury compound emissions applicable to: (1) electric utility steam generating units; (2) coal- and oil-fired boiler units of a specified capacity; (3) chlor-alkali plants that use the mercury cell production process; and (4) dust from Portland cement plants. Sets forth permit requirements. Requires the Administrator to authorize methods of emissions control. Establishes mercury emission baselines for electric utility and coal- and oil-fired boiler units. Requires the regulations to ensure that recovered mercury is disposed of in a manner that ensures that: (1) mercury hazards are not transferred between environmental media; and (2) there is no release of mercury into the environment. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of long-term disposal research and publicize emission data for each facility. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator to publish a list of mercury-containing items to be separated and removed from the waste streams that feed solid waste facilities. Requires mercury-content labeling by manufacturers. Requires persons that transfer solid waste that may contain a listed mercury-containing item to submit separation and removal plans. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning measurement of mercury emissions from solid waste combustion flue gases. Requires permits for solid waste incineration units to specify inspection, entry, monitoring, compliance certification, and reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to require incineration units that exceed the maximum emission rate to install measures that will result, within three years, in a rate below the specified maximum. Prohibits, three years after this Act's enactment, the sale of mercury-containing products unless the manufacturer has been granted an exemption. Requires reports on reductions of mercury emissions from medical and hazardous waste incinerators, military uses of mercury, the sources and extent of emissions in North America, sedimentation trends in water bodies of concern, and fish consumption advisories. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Administrator to establish an advisory committee to report on the progress made in complying with this Act's amendments. Requires a study of mercury stockpiles and retirement. Increases funding for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program Mercury Deposition Network.

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.

Clear Skies Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Clear Skies Act of 2003 - Amends the acid deposition control provisions of the Clean Air Act with respect to emissions limitations and allowances programs for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury by: (1) revising the allowance system and associated transfer, tracking, permit, compliance plan, and penalty requirements, including those for auctions; and (2) establishing new emissions limitations and trading programs (including implementation of a separate sulfur dioxide scheme for States in the Western Regional Air Partnership). Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) promulgate performance standards (limiting emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury) for new boilers, integrated gasification combined cycle plants, and combustion turbines; and (2) conduct a comprehensive research and environmental assessment program to enhance understanding of health and environmental effects of particulate matter and mercury and to demonstrate the efficacy of emission reductions under this Act. Excludes the following units from consideration as major emitting facilities or major stationary sources (or parts thereof) for purposes of compliance with provisions concerning prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and plan requirements for nonattainment areas: (1) those that are subject to the performance standards of this Act; or (2) those with properly operated and maintained equipment to limit particulate matter emissions or subject to a permit under an applicable implementation plan that provides a specified particulate matter emissions limitation and that use good combustion practices to minimize carbon monoxide emissions. Requires States to ensure in implementation plans that: (1) in an attainment or unclassifiable area, any emissions increase from the construction or modification of an affected unit will not result in exceeding a national ambient air quality standard; and (2) in a nonattainment area, the emissions increase will not interfere with a program to assure the achievement of such a standard. Provides for designation of transitional areas under implementation plans and states requirements for emissions inventories, the attainment of standards by the end of 2015, and penalties for not meeting the eight-hour ozone or fine particles standard.

Electric Transmission and Reliability Enhancement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Electric Transmission and Reliability Enhancement Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to require an unregulated transmitting utility to provide transmission services: (1) at rates comparable to those that it charges itself; and (2) on terms and conditions comparable to FERC rules requiring public utilities to offer open access transmission services that are not unduly discriminatory or preferential. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for conducting environmental review of electric power transmission corridors across Federal lands. Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to give priority for electric power transmission corridor rights-of-way across Federal lands. Grants FERC jurisdiction over: (1) Electric Reliability Organizations; (2) regional entities; and (3) all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system. Exempts Alaska and Hawaii from such provisions. Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. States that no electric utility shall be required to enter into a new contract or obligation to purchase electric energy or capacity from a qualifying cogeneration facility or a qualifying small power production facility (qualifying facility). Requires FERC to issue rules establishing an electronic information system for public access to information that facilitates price transparency and participation in markets subject to FERC jurisdiction. Prohibits the filing of false information regarding the wholesale price of electricity, and round trip trading. Increases civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act.

Gateway Communities Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Gateway Communities Cooperation Act - Requires the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management to: (1) provide for public involvement by government officials of local gateway communities (communities, including recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native villages, adjacent to or near public lands) in the development of land use plans, programs, regulations, and decisions, transportation plans, general management plans, and any other public land plans, decisions, projects, or policies that will have a significant impact; (2) provide such communities with early public notice of such proposed decisions; (3) offer training sessions for officials for understanding and participating in agency planning processes; (4) assign an employee or contractor to work with such a community to develop data and analysis relevant in the preparation of agency plans, decisions, and policies; and (5) assist in conducting a review of plans likely to affect such community. Allows a Federal land manager to enter into a cooperative agreement with gateway communities to provide for coordination between Federal, State, local, and tribal governments in land use inventory, planning, and management activities. Requires the consolidation and coordination of the plans and planning processes of two or more Federal agencies to facilitate an affected gateway community's participation. Directs Federal land agencies to solicit the participation of gateway communities as cooperating agencies under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 when a proposed action is determined to require the preparation of an environmental impact statement. Allows a Federal land manager to make grants to enable an eligible gateway community (population under 10,000) to: (1) participate in Federal land planning or management processes; (2) obtain professional land use or transportation planning assistance necessary as a result of Federal action; (3) address and resolve public infrastructure impacts that are a likely result of the Federal land management decisions and for which sufficient funds are not otherwise available; and (4) provide information and interpretive services.

Living Wage, Jobs For All Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

A Living Wage, Jobs for All Act - Declares that the Congress affirms the basic economic rights and responsibilities under the 1944 "Economic Bill of Rights," while updating and extending it to include: (1) certain rights to decent jobs, income security for individuals unable to work for pay, a decent living for farm families, freedom from monopolies, decent housing, adequate health services, social security in old age, sickness, accidental injury, and unemployment, and education and work training; and (2) certain other rights relating to collective bargaining, a safe working environment, information on trends in pollution sources and products and processes that affect the well-being of workers throughout the world, voting and campaigning, and personal security. Requires corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to disclose fully in annual reports the impact of their activities in the United States and other countries on environmental quality and on the rights of other stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and communities. Requires each State, as a condition of Federal grants and contracts, also to require all State-chartered corporations to submit such annual reports. Directs the Attorney General to establish a computerized registration program of all corporations found guilty of violating a Federal or State law. Authorizes the President to deny Federal contracts, loans, or loan guarantees to non-compliant corporations. Requires Federal agencies and commissions, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, to help establish and maintain conditions under which all adult Americans may freely exercise the economic rights specified in 1944 and in this Act. Prohibits Federal agencies or commissions from promoting recession, stagnation, or unemployment to reduce wages or inflation. Directs the President to establish a full employment framework for the annual budget submitted to the Congress that meets specified goals for: (1) quality of life and environment; (2) responsible, sustainable growth; (3) unemployment reduction; and (4) human rights. Requires the Joint Economic Committee to oversee actions under this Act and submit an annual Concurrent Resolution on Economic Policy setting forth its proposed employment goals.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 2003 - Re-establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Department of Commerce, headed by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere who will serve as the Administrator of NOAA. Establishes within NOAA: (1) the National Coast (sic) and Ocean Service; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Service; (3) the National Marine Fisheries Service; (4) the National Weather Service; (5) the National Environmental Satellite and Data Information Service; (6) the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; and (7) such other components as the Secretary considers necessary. Establishes within NOAA the positions of: (1) Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; (2) Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere; (3) General Counsel; and (4) Assistant Administrators for the Services and a Director of Marine and Aviation Operations and the Commissioned Officer Corps. Establishes within NOAA a Science Advisory Board. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with agencies, States, local governments, or other persons and apply for, accept, and use grants or funds from such entities; (2) enter into resource sharing agreements with States, local governments, or Federal agencies; and (3) establish joint or cooperative institutes with qualified entities. Amends the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act to authorize the Secretary to implement a program to replace and modernize the NOAA fleet. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a modernization plan for the NOAA fleet covering FY 2004 through 2008.

Clear Skies Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Clear Skies Act of 2003 - Amends the acid deposition control provisions of the Clean Air Act with respect to emissions limitations and allowances programs for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury by: (1) revising the allowance system and associated transfer, tracking, permit, compliance plan, and penalty requirements, including those for auctions; and (2) establishing new emissions limitations and trading programs (including implementation of a separate sulfur dioxide scheme for States in the Western Regional Air Partnership). Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) promulgate performance standards (limiting emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury) for new boilers, integrated gasification combined cycle plants, and combustion turbines; and (2) conduct a comprehensive research and environmental assessment program to enhance understanding of health and environmental effects of particulate matter and mercury and to demonstrate the efficacy of emission reductions under this Act. Excludes the following units from consideration as major emitting facilities or major stationary sources (or parts thereof) for purposes of compliance with provisions concerning prevention of significant deterioration of air quality and plan requirements for nonattainment areas: (1) those that are subject to the performance standards of this Act; or (2) those with properly operated and maintained equipment to limit particulate matter emissions or subject to a permit under an applicable implementation plan that provides a specified particulate matter emissions limitation and that use good combustion practices to minimize carbon monoxide emissions. Requires States to ensure in implementation plans that: (1) in an attainment or unclassifiable area, any emissions increase from the construction or modification of an affected unit will not result in exceeding a national ambient air quality standard; and (2) in a nonattainment area, the emissions increase will not interfere with a program to assure the achievement of such a standard. Provides for designation of transitional areas under implementation plans and states requirements for emissions inventories, the attainment of standards by the end of 2015, and penalties for not meeting the eight-hour ozone or fine particles standard.

Recreational Waters Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Recreational Waters Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a revised standard for new Type I marine sanitation devices ("Type IA" devices). Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make State authority to prohibit the discharge of sewage (whether treated or not) inapplicable to vessels that operate a Type IA device that meets the standards revised pursuant to this Act.

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to replace the term "navigable waters," throughout the Act, with the term "waters of the United States," defined to mean all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting them, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.

To amend the Clean Air Act requirements relating to gasoline to prevent future supply shortages and price spikes in the gasoline market, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2003

Amends the Clean Air Act to allow the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve a provision in a State implementation plan controlling or prohibiting the use of a motor vehicle fuel or additive only if such control requires the use of either Federal clean burning gasoline (regarding which the Administrator is directed to establish requirements under this Act, replacing those for fuel currently called "reformulated gasoline") or low Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) gasoline (as defined in this Act) for use during the high ozone season. Permits previously approved plan provisions effecting such controls to remain in effect for four years after enactment of this Act only if the State reevaluates the provisions and establishes that their benefits in terms of air quality improvement, consistent supply, production costs, and stable prices exceed the benefits of modifying them to require the use of Federal clean burning fuel or low RVP gasoline. Repeals reformulated gasoline oxygen content requirements. Prohibits, effective January 1, 2007, the introduction into commerce of any fuel containing methyl tertiary butyl ether. Requires that, beginning in 2004, gasoline sold in the United States be comprised of a specified percentage of renewable fuel (ethanol or biomass-derived fuel or other fuel used to reduce the quantity of fossil fuel present in gasoline). Provides for adjustment of such percentage in a State and a program of credits for use and exchange by refiners, blenders, and importers. Expresses the sense of Congress in support of the promotion of ethanol as the primary renewable fuel. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of emissions and air quality changes attributable to this Act's amendments.

2003/171/EC: Council Decision of 27 February 2003 amending Decision 2000/265/EC on the establishment of a financial regulation governing the budgetary aspects of the management by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council, of contracts concluded in his name, on behalf of certain Member States, relating to the installation and the functioning of the communication infrastructure for the Schengen environment, "Sisnet"

European Union · EUR-Lex · 27 February 2003

Order of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 27 February 2003.#Oliehandel Koeweit BV and Others v Minister van Volkshuisvesting, Ruimtelijke Ordening en Milieubeheer.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Raad van State - Netherlands.#Article104(3) of the Rules of Procedure - Environment - Directive 75/442/EEC on waste - Regulation (EEC) No259/93 concerning the shipment of waste - Directive 75/439/EEC on the disposal of waste oils - Classification - Waste disposal and recovery operations - Objections to shipments - Legal basis - Illegal shipments.#Joined cases C-307/00 to C-311/00.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 27 February 2003

die Sanierung der Klärschlamm- und Hausmülldeponie in der Ursteiner Au

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Anita Fleckl, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend die Sanierung der Klärschlamm- und Hausmülldeponie in der Ursteiner Au <i>(Verkehrsbelastung durch Abtransport)</i>

EU-Kritik an der mangelnden Umsetzung von Tiertransportbestimmungen

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend EU-Kritik an der mangelnden Umsetzung von Tiertransportbestimmungen in Österreich

Bundesrahmengesetz für die Fischerei

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Dr. Günther Kräuter, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Vorlage eines Bundesrahmengesetzes für die Fischerei durch den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft

die erheblichen Lücken in der heimischen Fleischkontrolle

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für soziale Sicherheit und Generationen betreffend die erheblichen Lücken in der heimischen Fleischkontrolle

EU-Kritik an der mangelden Umsetzung von EU-Richtlinien zum Schutz der Tiere

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für soziale Sicherheit und Generationen betreffend EU-Kritik an der mangelden Umsetzung von EU-Richtlinien zum Schutz der Tiere zum Zeitpunkt der Schlachtung sowie beim Transport

unterschiedliche Kanalgebühren in den Bundesländern

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Robert Rada, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend unterschiedliche Kanalgebühren in den Bundesländern

Versorgungssicherheit mit Strom trotz Liberalisierung

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Georg Oberhaidinger, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Arbeit betreffend Versorgungssicherheit mit Strom trotz Liberalisierung

Maßnahmen für den Schutz von Tieren beim Transport

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Maßnahmen für den Schutz von Tieren beim Transport

Gleichstellung von Frauen und Männern im ländlichen Raum

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Heidemarie Rest-Hinterseer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Gleichstellung von Frauen und Männern im ländlichen Raum

Nichtzustimmung Österreichs zur Aufstockung des EURATOM-Kreditrahmens

Austria · National Council · 26 February 2003

Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Ulrike Sima, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Nichtzustimmung Österreichs zur Aufstockung des EURATOM-Kreditrahmens

Leave No Child Behind Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003

Leave No Child Behind Act of 2003 - MediKids Health Insurance Act of 2003 - Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a MediKids program to meet the health needs of eligible children. Family Opportunity Act of 2003 or the Dylan Lee James Act - Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to give States the option of allowing families of disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for them. Establishes a Commission on Children's Access to Care. Children's Health Insurance Accountability Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for children's health accountability standards. Kids Deserve Freedom from Tobacco Act of 2003 or the KIDS Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for additional restrictions on the marketing, advertising, and access to tobacco products. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage of Childhood Immunization Act of 2003 - Amends ERISA, PHSA, and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to outline standards relating to coverage of childhood immunization. Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide for environmental protection for children and other vulnerable subpopulations. School Environment Protection Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for integrated pest management systems for public schools. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to make grants to eligible States to support parenting support and education programs. Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible entities to pay for the Federal share of projects to provide wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to family caregiving needs, including those resulting from the birth or adoption of a child. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to extend its coverage to private employers with 25 or more (currently, 50 or more) employees. Amends the Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to provide for an entitlement to leave for addressing domestic violence for Federal employees. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Amends Federal civil service law on family and medical leave to authorize the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a demonstration project that assists families by providing paid leave for eligible Federal employees who are responding to: (1) caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter; or (2) other family caregiving needs. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and Federal civil service law to provide for entitlement to school involvement leave of eligible individuals, including Federal employees. Amends SSA titles XIX and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) (SCHIP) to provide for optional FamilyCare coverage of targeted low-income parents and their children. Children's Environmental Protection and Right to Know Act - Amends: (1) the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to reporting toxic chemicals; and (2) the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to require publication of a list of substances or mixtures determined toxic to children. Amends SSA title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide block grants to States for media campaigns promoting responsible fatherhood. Amends the Head Start Act and the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to reserve specified funds for programs for infants and toddlers, especially programs to improve access to child care. Focus On Committed and Underpaid Staff for Children's Sake Act or the FOCUS Act - Establishes the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program and the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Federal Employees Child Care Act - Provides for child care centers in Federal facilities as well as for child care services for Federal employees. Amends the Early Learning Opportunities Act to extend the authorization of appropriations. Child Care Facilities Financing Act - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants for the Federal share of the cost of the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities or equipment. Book Stamp Act - Directs the Secretary to make grants to State agencies to promote child literacy and improve children's access to books at home and in early learning and other child care programs. Amends the Higher Education Act regarding student loan forgiveness for teachers. America's Better Classroom Act of 2003 - Amends the IRC to establish an income tax credit for qualified public school modernization, school construction, and zone academy bonds. Child Opportunity Zone Family Center Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible partnerships to pay for the Federal share of the cost of establishing and expanding child opportunity zone family centers. Amends the IRC to increase the child tax credit and to make the credit partially refundable. Tax Relief for Working Families Act - Amends the IRC to increase the earned income tax credit for married couples and for two or more qualifying children. Extends the dependent care tax credit to respite care services. Establishes the Gateways Grant Program to improve the administration of State and county low-income families with children programs. Child Support Distribution Act - Amends SSA title IV parts A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) and B (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to provide for increased child support payments to families and enforcement of child support obligations. Child Support Assurance Act - Directs the HHS Secretary to make grants to States for child support assurance demonstration projects. Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2003 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for a graduated increase in the minimum wage (and apply it to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Federal Living Wage Responsibility Act - Specifies minimum hourly wages and other employment terms for employees under Federal contracts. Amends the IRC concerning: (1) parity for part-time workers, fair counting of wages, and use of improved technology for making wage data available; (2) ensuring unemployment compensation for individuals that are separated from employment due to domestic violence; and (3) loss of child care as good cause for leaving employment. Amends the TANF program concerning: (1) disregard of months engaged in work for purposes of the five year TANF assistance limit; (2) replacement of case load reduction credit with employment credit; (3) elimination of limit on number of TANF recipients enrolled in vocational education or high school who may be counted towards the work participation requirement; (4) elimination of separate work participation rate for two parent families; and (5) strengthening of TANF individual responsibility plans. Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the treatment of aliens under the TANF program. Amends the TANF program to provide for the reauthorization and extension of TANF State family assistance grants. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act concerning the child and adult care food program, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 concerning the food stamp program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 concerning: (1) prevention of hunger among families with children; (2) encouragement of collection of child support; and (3) periodic redetermination of eligibility. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a rental assistance voucher program. Establishes in the Treasury the Voucher Success Fund and the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Housing Preservation Matching Grant Act of 2003 - Directs the HUD Secretary to make grants to States for low-income housing preservation. Amends SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) to direct the HHS Secretary to reimburse States for preventive, protective, crisis, permanency, independent living, and post-permanency services. Social Services Block Grant Restoration Act - Amends SSA title IV part A (TANF) and SSA title XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services) to provide for restoration of funds for the social services block grant. Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act - Amends SSA title IV part B to provide for child protection and alcohol and drug partnerships for children. Amends SSA title IV part E to provide for a permanency grants program. Amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to authorize the HHS Secretary to award grants for programs to: (1) serve children who have been exposed to domestic violence; and (2) encourage the development and use of multisystem intervention models that respond to the needs of children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Directs the Secretary to establish a program through which the Secretary may make grants to States to address the mental health and developmental needs of young children. Younger Americans Act - Establishes a national youth policy. Establishes grants for State and community programs to encourage and assist States and youth development consortia in mobilizing and supporting communities in planning, implementing, and being accountable for strategies that link community-based organizations, local government, volunteer centers, schools, community colleges, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, businesses, parks and recreation agencies, libraries and museums, arts and cultural organizations, other youth-serving organizations, and other segments of the community to ensure that all youth have access to, and participate in, the full array of described core resources. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a Coordinating Council for National Youth Policy. Mental Health Juvenile Justice Act - Amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) to establish grants for a State and local juvenile justice agency training program regarding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for juveniles in contact with the State juvenile justice system. Establishes a Federal Coordinating Council on Criminalization of Juveniles With Mental Disorders. Amends the Federal criminal code to: (1) provide for the regulation of firearms transfers at gun shows; and (2) require child handgun safety locks on firearms. Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to require child handgun safety locks. Prohibits weapons transfers to juveniles and imports of large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to establish grants for: (1) State and local domestic violence offender recordkeeping improvements; and (2) local and antigun violence media campaigns. Provides for regulation of Internet firearms transfers. Prohibits multiple handgun sales or purchases. Directs the HHS Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Private Sector Support for Children and Families.

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Army to convey the remaining water supply storage allocation in Rathbun Lake, Iowa, to the Rathbun Regional Water Association.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2003

Directs the Secretary of the Army to convey the remaining water supply storage allocation in Rathbun Lake, Iowa, to the Rathbun Regional Water Association in exchange for such Association: (1) constructing, operating, and maintaining a regional lighthouse visitor center complex on Federal land at Rathbun Lake; (2) paying all operation and maintenance costs allocated to the water supply storage space; and (3) using any complex revenues in excess of amounts required to operate and maintain or improve the complex to improve the quality of the environment in the Rathbun Lake watershed.