Environment

547 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased in private housing estates by local authorities, per local authority, in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25955/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

547 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses purchased in private housing estates by local authorities, per local authority, in each of the past five years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25955/07]

546 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses completed per local authority in each of the past ten years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25954/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

546 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses completed per local authority in each of the past ten years and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25954/07]

545 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be approved for a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position in relation to same; if funding has been approved to date; the estimated costs of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25953/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

545 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be approved for a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position in relation to same; if funding has been approved to date; the estimated costs of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25953/07]

544 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for a sewerage scheme in a village (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25952/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

544 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for a sewerage scheme in a village (details supplied) in County Mayo. [25952/07]

543 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the planning guidelines for one off rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25951/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

543 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the planning guidelines for one off rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25951/07]

541 Deputy Peter Power asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government is planning legislation on the regulation of professional lobbyists; and if so, when the legislation will be put before the Dáil. [26442/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

541 Deputy Peter Power asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Government is planning legislation on the regulation of professional lobbyists; and if so, when the legislation will be put before the Dáil. [26442/07]

540 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status in relation to the purchase of bog lands (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for delay in the processing of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26057/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

540 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status in relation to the purchase of bog lands (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for delay in the processing of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26057/07]

539 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his most recent estimate of the number of vehicles without motor tax on the road here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26047/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

539 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his most recent estimate of the number of vehicles without motor tax on the road here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26047/07]

542 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines that have been issued to local authorities for use in considering planning applications for telecommunications infrastructure. [26475/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

542 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines that have been issued to local authorities for use in considering planning applications for telecommunications infrastructure. [26475/07]

538 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the law regarding the placing of mobile phone masts and generators next to residential developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26037/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

538 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the law regarding the placing of mobile phone masts and generators next to residential developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26037/07]

403 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 402 of 23 October 2007 in relation to responsibility for marine related functions, the foreshore functions that are being transferred to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government decision of 2 October 2007; and the functions that are to be retained in her Department. [26438/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

403 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 402 of 23 October 2007 in relation to responsibility for marine related functions, the foreshore functions that are being transferred to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government decision of 2 October 2007; and the functions that are to be retained in her Department. [26438/07]

323 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 251 of 28 March 2007 and 546 of 26 September 2007, if he is proposing to introduce additional measures to ensure that there is a supportive environment for small business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 October 2007

323 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 251 of 28 March 2007 and 546 of 26 September 2007, if he is proposing to introduce additional measures to ensure that there is a supportive environment for small business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26599/07]

2007/708/EC: Commission Decision of 31 October 2007 amending the list of experts appointed as members of the Scientific Committees in the field of consumer safety, public health and the environment and the prolongation of their term of office

European Union · EUR-Lex · 31 October 2007

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Environment Agency and the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Codified version)

European Union · European Commission · 31 October 2007

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 30 October 2007

Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007

Mine Communications Technology Innovation Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a program of research, development, and demonstration that includes the establishment of best practices, adaptation of existing technology, and efforts to accelerate the development of next generation technology and tracking systems for mine communications. Requires the Director to coordinate with federal agencies and industry to evaluate areas of research and development and best practices that will be most promising in protecting miner safety. Authorizes the Director, in establishing the program, to focus on the following communications and tracking system characteristics: (1) systems that are likely to work in emergency situations; (2) systems that work in coal mines, with special attention paid to deep underground coal mines; (3) systems that provide coverage throughout all areas of the mine; (4) hybrid systems that use both wireless and infrastructure-based systems; (5) functionality for two-way and voice communications; (6) systems that serve emergency and routine communications needs; (7) the ability to work with existing legacy systems and to be quickly integrated; and (8) propagation environment characterization, performance metrics, and independently derived validation tests to verify performance for standards development. Requires the Director to: (1) work with industry and federal agencies to develop consensus industry standards for communications in underground mines; and (2) develop and provide measurement services needed to support implementation of such standards, which should address the appropriate use of frequency bands and power levels, matters related to interoperability, and technology to prevent interference.

Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007

Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the alternative minimum tax, the discharge of mortgage indebtedness, and tax administration and extends certain expiring tax credits, deductions, and other tax incentives. Extends through 2007: (1) offsets against the alternative minimum tax for certain nonrefundable income tax credits; and (2) increased alternative minimum tax exemptions for individual taxpayers. Extends through 2008 various expiring tax provisions primarily affecting individual taxpayers, including: (1) the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes, for qualified tuition and related expenses, for qualified conservation contributions, for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and for the travel expenses of state legislators while away from home; (2) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) the taxpayer election to include combat pay as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (4) special rules for qualified mortgage bonds to finance home purchases by veterans; and (5) tax-free distributions from retirement plans for individuals called to active military service. Extends through 2008 various expiring tax provisions primarily affecting businesses, including: (1) the tax credits for increasing research expenses, for hiring workers on Indian reservations, for investment in new markets, for railroad track maintenance, and for hiring workers in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina; (2) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for motorsports entertainment complexes, and for business property on Indian reservations; (3) expensing allowances for environmental remediation costs; (4) tax deductions for contributions of food and book inventories and for computer equipment for educational purposes; and (5) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia and American Samoa. Extends through 2008 authorities for: (1) issuing qualified zone academy bonds; (2) making disclosures of tax information to facilitate student loan repayments and for combating terrorist activities; and (3) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) undercover operations. Allows an exclusion from gross income for up to $2 million of the income attributable to discharges of home mortgage indebtedness incurred after January 1, 2007. Extends through 2014 the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. Sets forth alternative criteria for qualifying a corporation as a cooperative housing corporation for purposes of the tax deduction for payments to such corporations. Limits the exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of a principal residence by denying an exclusion of the gain that is allocable to a nonqualified use of such residence (i.e., use other than as a principal residence). Repeals the authority of the IRS to enter into private debt collection contracts. Delays until 2012 the requirement for federal, state, and local agencies to withhold 3% of payments for goods and services provided to such agencies. Revises tax administration provisions and rules relating to: (1) tax returns of certain U.S. Virgin Island residents; and (2) the tax treatment of high-income individuals who relinquish U.S. citizenship or residency to avoid U.S. taxation (expatriates). Repeals the 36-month suspension of interest and penalties on tax underpayments for taxpayers not notified of a tax deficiency by the IRS. Increases tax penalties for failure to file accurate tax information returns. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide that wine of the same color shall be deemed to be commercially interchangeable for purposes of the duty drawback for unused merchandise.

Good Samaritan Cleanup of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2007

Good Samaritan Cleanup of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2007- Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the permitting authority, with the concurrence of the state in which an abandoned or inactive mine remediation project is proposed or a federal agency or the Indian tribe which owns or has jurisdiction over the site on which a remediation project is proposed, to issue a Good Samaritan discharge permit to a Good Samaritan to carry out a project to remediate an inactive or abandoned mine site to reduce pollution caused by historic mine residue. Outlines the permit process, including requirements governing remediation plans, investigative sampling, and application review and approval. Defines the term "Good Samaritan" to mean a person that, with respect to historic mine residue at an inactive or abandoned mine site: (1) had no role in the creation of the mine residue; (2) had no role and is not related to a person who had a role in creating the environmental pollution caused by the mine residue; and (3) is not liable under any law for the remediation of the mine residue.

Healthy Air and Clean Water Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007

Healthy Air and Clean Water Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that affected units (coal-fired electric generating facilities that have a nameplate capacity greater than 25 megawatts and that generate electricity for sale) that commence operation after December 31, 2008, shall be considered new units. Prohibits such units from exceeding the mercury emission limit of 0.6 pounds mercury per trillion Btu. Prohibits affected units that commence operation on or before December 31, 2008, from exceeding such limit by January 1, 2011. Sets forth penalties for excess emissions. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that mercury captured or recovered by emission controls installed at affected units is not re-released into the environment. Sets carbon dioxide emission limits for affected units for 2015, 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050. Requires the Administrator to establish a carbon dioxide allowance trading program. Declares that nothing in this Act affects the ability of states to take actions to further limit climate change. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to protect specified sensitive ecosystems if the emissions reductions under title VII of the Clean Air Act are not sufficient to ensure the protection and restoration of such ecosystems. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to reduce, not later than January 1, 2010, specified amounts of aggregate sulfur dioxide emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants. Authorizes the regulations to include market-oriented mechanisms. Requires the Administrator to coordinate with federal and state governments to increase energy efficiency, to increase the use of renewable energy, and to implement cost saving advanced demand and supply side policies. Requires a power plant, on the later of the date that is 30 years after it commenced operation or the date that is five years after this Act's enactment, to comply with the specified new source performance standards and specified requirements applicable to modified sources under the Clean Air Act.

Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Incentive Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2007

Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the taxpayer election to expense (deduct in the current taxable year) expenditures made for environmental remediation (i.e., abatement or control of hazardous substances at contaminated sites).

Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Austria · National Council · 25 October 2007

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Werner Neubauer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Justiz betreffend Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Austria · National Council · 25 October 2007

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Werner Neubauer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten betreffend Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Austria · National Council · 25 October 2007

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Werner Neubauer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Austria · National Council · 25 October 2007

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Werner Neubauer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Austria · National Council · 25 October 2007

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Werner Neubauer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Völkerrechtsklage wegen Temelin

Altlastensanierungsgesetz, Änderung (ALSAG-Novelle 2008)

Austria · National Council · 25 October 2007

Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Altlastensanierungsgesetz geändert wird (ALSAG-Novelle 2008)

2006 discharge: European Environment Agency (EEA)

European Union · European Parliament · 25 October 2007

167 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be published; if it will provide for the tenant purchase of local authority flats and maisonettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25929/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

167 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be published; if it will provide for the tenant purchase of local authority flats and maisonettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25929/07]

166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland to transpose the EU Directive on public participation into Irish law. [25927/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland to transpose the EU Directive on public participation into Irish law. [25927/07]

165 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland to ratify the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters in view of the fact that Ireland is the only EU country not to have ratified the convention. [25926/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

165 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland to ratify the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters in view of the fact that Ireland is the only EU country not to have ratified the convention. [25926/07]

164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with the Environment Noise Directive 2002/49/EC; and if he will provide information regarding noise from major roads as required by the Directive. [25924/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with the Environment Noise Directive 2002/49/EC; and if he will provide information regarding noise from major roads as required by the Directive. [25924/07]

163 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the looming crisis in waste management due to the absence of direction and co-ordination of a clear regulatory framework and of clarity of direction in terms of waste ownership and provision of infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

163 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the looming crisis in waste management due to the absence of direction and co-ordination of a clear regulatory framework and of clarity of direction in terms of waste ownership and provision of infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/07]

162 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the three month delay before placing a protection order on Rath Lugh in view of its vulnerable position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

162 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the three month delay before placing a protection order on Rath Lugh in view of its vulnerable position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/07]

161 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the urgent need to bring in legislation to ensure that Ireland complies with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 1 and that Ireland require environmental impact assessments for significant archaeological finds and national monuments. [25840/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

161 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the urgent need to bring in legislation to ensure that Ireland complies with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 1 and that Ireland require environmental impact assessments for significant archaeological finds and national monuments. [25840/07]

160 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a proper system to enable resident associations to make complaints to the Private Rented Tenancies Board about anti-social behaviour issues arising from rented properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25839/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

160 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a proper system to enable resident associations to make complaints to the Private Rented Tenancies Board about anti-social behaviour issues arising from rented properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25839/07]

159 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the European Commission infringement procedure no. 1997/4409 on Ireland’s failure to respect obligations regarding microbiological standards for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Directive 80/778/EEC and gaps in Irish legislation governing private water supplies. [25838/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

159 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the European Commission infringement procedure no. 1997/4409 on Ireland’s failure to respect obligations regarding microbiological standards for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Directive 80/778/EEC and gaps in Irish legislation governing private water supplies. [25838/07]

158 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with European Directives 91/271/EEC and 76/464/EEC, following the ruling of the European Court of Justice on 2 June 2005 in case C-282/02 for not having an authorisation system for discharges from urban waste water treatment plants and other waste water infrastructure. [25837/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

158 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with European Directives 91/271/EEC and 76/464/EEC, following the ruling of the European Court of Justice on 2 June 2005 in case C-282/02 for not having an authorisation system for discharges from urban waste water treatment plants and other waste water infrastructure. [25837/07]

157 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the investigation his Department has carried out in respect of expected markets for materials extracted during mechanical biological treatment at landfill sites. [25836/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

157 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the investigation his Department has carried out in respect of expected markets for materials extracted during mechanical biological treatment at landfill sites. [25836/07]

156 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the exact position with regard to county councils nationally paying councillors’ expenses to attend meetings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25834/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

156 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the exact position with regard to county councils nationally paying councillors’ expenses to attend meetings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25834/07]

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Departments policy in relation to landfill, incineration or other forms of waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25812/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Departments policy in relation to landfill, incineration or other forms of waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25812/07]

23 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to investigate the possibility of exempting sports bodies from commercial rates in view of the considerable pressure that this places on sports organisations in all parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 October 2007

23 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to investigate the possibility of exempting sports bodies from commercial rates in view of the considerable pressure that this places on sports organisations in all parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/07]

LEAPP Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Lead Elimination, Abatement, and Poisoning Prevention Act of 2007 or the LEAPP Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out demonstration projects and outreach programs for the identification and abatement of lead hazards. Requires the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to establish the Joint Task Force on Lead-Based Hazards. Requires the President, in conjunction with the Administrator, to establish the Task Force on Children's Environmental Health and Safety. Requires the Secretary to conduct outreach and education activities about lead exposure. Requires the Secretary, in conjunction with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to undertake pilot projects in states to provide lead poisoning risk assessments, blood-lead level screening, interventions to reduce exposure to lead-based hazards, and medically appropriate treatment to pregnant women enrolled in the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act. Amends the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 to require a seller or lessor of housing to: (1) conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint hazards (current law permits the purchaser a 10-day period to conduct such assessment or inspection unless the parties mutually agree on a different period); (2) disclose to the purchaser or lessee the results of such inspection or assessment and hazard control measures carried out; (3) remediate any lead-based paint hazards found; and (4) include in any contract for the purchase or lease of housing documentation of any inspection, risk assessment, or hazard control measure. Includes within the meaning of the term "target housing" housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities or any zero bedroom dwelling. Redefines the term "qualified allocation plan" for purposes of the low-income housing tax credit. Directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to require the conduct of lead hazard control measures during weatherization projects. Authorizes appropriations for HUD's Lead Hazard Reduction Program.

Tax Reduction and Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2007

Tax Reduction and Reform Act of 2007 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to individual income tax rates, the alternative minimum tax, partnerships and corporations and extends certain expiring tax credits, deductions, and other tax incentives. Increases and modifies: (1) the standard tax deduction for individual taxpayers; and (2) the earned income and child tax credits. Extends the increased alternative minimum tax exemptions for individual taxpayers through 2007. Repeals such tax after 2007. Imposes limitations on the itemized deductions and exemptions of taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $250,000. Treats partnership income earned for providing investment management services (i.e., carried interest) as ordinary income. Extends through 2008 various expiring tax provisions primarily affecting individual taxpayers, including: (1) the tax deductions for state and local sales taxes, for qualified tuition and related expenses, for qualified conservation contributions, for certain expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers, and for mortgage insurance premiums; (2) tax-free distributions from individual retirement accounts for charitable purposes; (3) the taxpayer election to include combat pay as earned income for purposes of the earned income tax credit; (4) special rules for qualified mortgage bonds to finance home purchases by veterans; and (5) tax-free distributions from retirement plans for individuals called to active military service. Extends through 2008 various expiring tax provisions primarily affecting businesses, including: (1) the tax credits for increasing research expenses, for hiring workers on Indian reservations, for investment in new markets, and for railroad track maintenance; (2) accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements, for motorsports entertainment complexes, and for business property on Indian reservations; (3) expensing allowances for environmental remediation costs; (4) tax deductions for contributions of food and book inventories and for computer equipment for educational purposes; and (5) tax incentives for investment in the District of Columbia and American Samoa. Extends through 2008 authorities for: (1) issuing qualified zone academy bonds; (2) making disclosures of tax information to facilitate student loan repayments, for combating terrorist activities, and for veterans programs purposes; and (3) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) undercover operations. Reduces the top marginal income tax rate for corporations from 35 to 30.5% and the tax deduction for dividends received by corporations. Repeals various provisions relating to corporate taxation, including the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities, the LIFO and the lower of cost or market accounting methods, interest allocation rules for U.S. corporations with foreign assets, and special rules relating to domestic international sales corporations. Makes permanent the increased expensing allowance ($125,000) for small business assets. Increases the amortization period for goodwill and other intangibles from 15 to 20 years. Sets forth rules for the application of the economic substance doctrine to tax transactions. Imposes enhanced penalties for underpayments of tax due to transactions lacking in economic substance.

AVIATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT: NOISE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 October 2007

267 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will issue to Kilkenny County Council for funding towards the cost of a housing project (details supplied) and where all information requested from the County Council has been submitted to his Department. [25696/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 October 2007

267 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when approval will issue to Kilkenny County Council for funding towards the cost of a housing project (details supplied) and where all information requested from the County Council has been submitted to his Department. [25696/07]

266 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures being taken to eliminate the risks of cryptosporidium in the country’s water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25684/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 October 2007

266 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures being taken to eliminate the risks of cryptosporidium in the country’s water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25684/07]

265 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the provision of better local Government can be delivered with embargoes on staffing levels still in place, as it is misleading to the public to issue directives requiring extra work and not allow the necessary extra staff to be engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25683/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 October 2007

265 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the provision of better local Government can be delivered with embargoes on staffing levels still in place, as it is misleading to the public to issue directives requiring extra work and not allow the necessary extra staff to be engaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25683/07]

264 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the new fire station in Edgeworthstown, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25682/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 October 2007

264 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the new fire station in Edgeworthstown, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25682/07]

263 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if legislation governing management companies will facilitate the transfer in newly completed housing estates of responsibility for essential public services such as water, sewage, roads, lighting and common open spaces to the control of the local authority and restrict the use of management companies in traditional housing estates. [24730/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 October 2007

263 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if legislation governing management companies will facilitate the transfer in newly completed housing estates of responsibility for essential public services such as water, sewage, roads, lighting and common open spaces to the control of the local authority and restrict the use of management companies in traditional housing estates. [24730/07]

262 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Office of Public Works intend to remove the famous historical Turoe Stone from its present position at Bullaun, Loughrea to Galway City; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the family who own the land around the stone would provide sufficient space free of charge for a proper cover to be erected, that the same landholder will provide their services free of charge as a caretaker to the stone and that the Heritage Council do not agree with its removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/07]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 October 2007

262 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Office of Public Works intend to remove the famous historical Turoe Stone from its present position at Bullaun, Loughrea to Galway City; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the family who own the land around the stone would provide sufficient space free of charge for a proper cover to be erected, that the same landholder will provide their services free of charge as a caretaker to the stone and that the Heritage Council do not agree with its removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/07]