Environment

Victims of Toxic and Hazardous Substances Emergency Relief Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1980

Victims of Toxic and Hazardous Substances Emergency Relief Act of 1980 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to determine promptly, but in no event later than 15 days, whether toxic or hazardous wastes pose a serious and immediate threat to the public health or safety, whenever the Administrator receives evidence that such wastes may pose a threat to the public; and (2) to submit to the President a recommendation that a state of hazardous substances emergency be declared, if the Administrator determines that such wastes pose such threat. Authorizes the President, in the President's discretion and upon recommendation of the Administrator, to declare a state of hazardous substances emergency with such amendments and deletions to the Administrator's recommendations as the President sees fit. Directs the Administrator: (1) after such state of emergency has been declared, to forward recommendations for immediate actions to protect the public health and safety to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (2) thereafter, to act promptly to (a) determine the extent of the contamination of air, land, and water (including ground water), and (b) screen and test the population likely to have been exposed to such wastes in a manner or degree capable of causing physical injury (including any poisoning, burn, infection, chromosomal damage, or genetic defect); (c) study crops and livestock in the affected area and identify those unfit for human consumption; and (d) evaluate alternatives to prevent further damage to human life or health. Directs the Administrator to submit initial and supplemental reports and recommendations at specified times to the Director. Requires the Director, on the basis of such reports and recommendations and other relevant information, to undertake promptly, during the first 12 months following the declaration of a state of emergency, actions necessary to protect public health and safety, including: (1) immediate relocation of the physically injured or those in serious danger; (2) permanent closing of contaminated structures and property; (3) purchase, at prior fair market value, of homes closed; (4) medical treatment to reverse, treat, or prevent physical injury or reimbursement for such treatment; (5) compensatory payments for residents whose income is interrupted due to the toxic or hazardous wastes; and (6) commencement of a screening program for early detection of future physical injury resulting from exposure to such wastes. Subrogates the United States to the rights of any individual compensated under this Act, to the extent that such individual has a cause of action against a person who has disposed of a toxic or hazardous substance and such disposal has resulted in a state of hazardous substances emergency. Requires that the emergency state be terminated 12 months after it is declared or upon the President's declaration of termination. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1981 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities for fiscal year 1981. Specifies amounts authorized for programs concerning air quality, water quality, water supply, pesticides, solid waste, toxic substances, radiation, energy, program management and support, and interdisciplinary activities. Authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to utilize such funds for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications, when such use is in the public interest. Prohibits the transfer of funds, above a specified amount, without prior written approval by the appropriate congressional committees or the lapse of 30 legislative days after the transmittal to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate of a written report containing a full and complete statement concerning the nature of, and reason for, the transfer. Directs the Administrator, after consultation with specified officials and groups, to issue regulations providing for access to oil shale mining, processing, retorting, and refining operations on federally owned land by representatives of Federal, State, and local government and other appropriate persons for reasonable and legitimate research on the environmental effects of oil shale operations. Requires that compliance with such regulations be made a condition of any lease entered into by the United States with any oil shale operation. Declares that such existing lease shall be deemed amended to incorporate such condition. Requires that such regulations provide for: (1) certification by the Administrator of each person or class of persons granted access; (2) necessary restrictions on such access; and (3) conditions and restrictions for the use of information gained through such access. Subjects persons granted such access to specified criminal penalties for disclosure of confidential information.

An original bill to extend certain authorizations in the Clean Water Act and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1980

Amends the Clean Water Act (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to extend through fiscal year 1982 authorizations of appropriations for: (1) research, investigations, and training; (2) grants for pollution control programs; (3) areawide waste treatment management planning process grants; (4) rural nonpoint source pollution control; (5) clean lakes grants to States; and (6) carrying out all but specified provisions of such Act. Extends by 12 months the period during which sums allotted to States under such Act shall remain available for obligation (making such period the fiscal year for which authorized and the next succeeding 24 months). Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into contracts and other agreements with the State of New York to carry out a project to demonstrate methods for selective removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminating bottom sediments of the Hudson River, treating such sediments as required, burying such sediments in secure landfills, and installing monitoring systems for such landfills. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for 75 percent of the cost of such Hudson River PCB reclamation project. Requires non-Federal sources to provide the remainder of such costs. Repeals specified limitations and conditions on grants under such Act for the construction of treatment works which provided that: (1) the applicant make provision for receiving payment from industrial users of the treatment works for that portion of the Federal share of the construction cost of such works allocable to industrial wastes treatment; (2) the grantee retain a specified portion of such revenues; and (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency be authorized to exempt certain industrial users from such payments. Repeals provisions for such payments for treatment works by industrial users to the United States in the case of privately owned treatment works. Makes other technical and conforming amendments to such Act. Repeals provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 which provided for a moratorium on such payments for treatment works by industrial users. Provides that a grantee shall retain all revenues: (1) derived from the payment of costs by industrial users of waste treatment service to the extent costs are attributable to the Federal share of eligible project costs provided pursuant to title II of the Clean Water Act; and (2) collected prior to December 27, 1977. Requires that such retained revenues be used for such project. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, grants made under the Clean Water Act after September 30, 1980, for a publicly owned treatment works, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, from being used to treat, store, or convey the flow of any industrial user into such treatment works in excess of a flow per day equivalent to 50,000 gallons of sanitary waste.

An original bill to amend the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978, as amended, to extend the appropriations authorizations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1980

Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to change the title of such Act to the "National Ocean Pollution Planning Act." Changes the date on which the biennial five-year plan report is due to April 30 of each odd-numbered year. Authorizes appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to exceed $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1983.

An original bill to amend the Marine Protection Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for title II of such Act for fiscal year 1981.

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 1980

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for activities related to ocean dumping for fiscal year 1981. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to include in the comprehensive and continuing program of research with respect to possible long-range effects of pollution, as required by such Act, the scientific assessment of damages to the natural resources from spills of petroleum or petroleum products.

A bill to extend deadlines in the Clean Air Act applicable to stationary sources, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1980

Amends the Clean Air Act and the Clear Air Act Amendments of 1977 to extend specified deadlines applicable to stationary sources (relating to State implementation plans, Federal enforcement, and noncompliance penalties).

PROGRESS MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT ACTION PROGRAMME AND ASSESSMENT OF THE WORK DONE TO IMPLEMENT IT (Communication from the Commission to the Council)

European Union · European Commission · 7 May 1980

RATIONAL LAND USE : ITS ROLE IN COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT POLICY (Communication from the Commission to the Council)

European Union · European Commission · 7 May 1980

A bill to amend Title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize a demonstration project for the reclamation of the Hudson River.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1980

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements with the State of New York for a demonstration project for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls from the Hudson River and the storage of such toxic substances in secure landfills. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State for 75 percent of the costs of such project.

A bill to amend section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to restrict the jurisdiction of the United States over the discharge of dredged or fill material to discharges into waters which are navigable and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 1980

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (formerly authorized) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at a disposal site or sites specified by the applicant (formerly specified by the Secretary), unless the Secretary determines that such site cannot be specified through the application of certain guidelines or other considerations. Limits the definition of "navigable waters" for purposes of such permits to mean all waters which are presently used, or are susceptible to use in their natural condition or by reasonable improvement as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce shoreward to their ordinary high water mark, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to their mean high water mark. Declares that the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters (as limited by such definition) is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to regulation under any Act of Congress. Repeals provisions relating to State programs of permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into other types of navigable waters. Eliminates the qualifying phrase "to the maximum extent practicable" in the requirement that specified agreements between Federal agencies assure that decisions on permit applications be made within 90 days of published notice.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guarantees with respect to the payment of the principal and interest of bonds to be issued by the Suffolk County Sewer Authority, in Suffolk County, New York, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1980

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, beginning in fiscal year 1981, to issue guarantees with respect to the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Suffolk County Sewer Authority, in Suffolk County, New York. Limits the issuance of guarantees to amounts provided in advance by appropriation Acts.

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend the period for which variances may be provided in the case of contaminant level and treatment technique requirements of national primary drinking water regulations, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to replace specified references to "exemptions" with references to "interim variances." Permits State-prescribed public water system schedules to require compliance with less stringent contaminant levels or treatment techniques during a period of interim variance. Mandates that such schedules require final compliance with each contaminant level and treatment technique requirement for which such interim variance was granted by a specified date. Sets such date at: (1) the later of January 1, 1988, or seven years after such requirement takes effect; or (2) in cases where the public water system has entered into an enforceable agreement to become part of a regional public water system, the later of January 1, 1992, or nine years after such requirement takes effect. Permits a State with primary enforcement responsibility to determine that the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means need not be constructed and in place before a variance may be granted.

A bill to amend section 206 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to reimbursement for certain publicly owned sewage collection systems.

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1980

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to entitle any competitively bid construction contract for a publicly owned sewage collection system on which construction was initiated after October 18, 1972, but before January, 1976, and which met the requirements for Federal financial assistance under such Act but did not receive such application, to the maximum amount of assistance the system would have received under such Act notwithstanding such State policy.

A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act (P. L. 94-480), as amended.

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1980

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide for criminal penalties against any person who: (1) knowingly generates, stores, treats, transports, disposes of, or otherwise handles any hazardous waste (whether such activity took place before or takes place after the date of the enactment of this Act) and who disposes, alters, or conceals any record maintained with respect to the generation, storing, treatment, transportation, disposal, or other handling of hazardous waste; or (2) transports, treats, stores, or disposes of any hazardous waste identified or listed under specified provisions of such Act in reckless disregard of the fact of thereby causing or creating a substantial danger or risk to human life or health. Increases the maximum penalty for first convictions of specified violations of such Act to $50,000 per day of each violation and/or two years imprisonment. Defines "reckless" for purposes of specified violations of such Act.

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendment of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study, by contract with the National Academy of Sciences, to determine the adequacy of compensation and other assistance available to persons to mitigate health problems or economic losses caused by hazardous chemical substances, and to issue and submit to appropriate congressional committees a detailed report on the results of such study. Authorizes the appropriation of $2,000,000 for such study. Directs the Administrator to provide for the monitoring of emissions at facilities used to incinerate polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") and to hold briefings for the general public to report the results of such monitoring.

Soft Drink Interbrand Competition and Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 1980

Soft Drink Interbrand Competition and Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Declares that territorial provisions in licenses to manufacture, distribute, and sell trademarked soft drink products are lawful under antitrust laws after the date of enactment of this Act under the following circumstances: (1) such product and the licensee are in effective competition with other products and licensees of the same class within the geographic area; (2) the licensor retains control over such product in accordance with the Trademark Act of 1946; and (3) the licensee sells such product only in refundable beverage containers, the retailer pays consumers for the return of such containers in the amount stated on the container, and the licensee reimburses retailers for the return of such containers. Directs the General Accounting Office, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers and to report to Congress on the impact of provisions of this Act on the industry, environmental effects, and the economy. Directs the Administrator of EPA to provide technical assistance and information to licensees, retailers, consumers, and manufacturers to assist in complying with provisions of this Act concerning refundable beverage containers. Declares that the provisions of this Act shall apply to contracts or agreements already in effect and those entered into subsequent to its enactment.

A bill to extend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1980

Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1982.

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1980

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1981 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities for fiscal year 1981. Specifies amounts authorized for programs concerning air quality, water quality, water supply, pesticides, solid waste, toxic substances, radiation, energy, program management and support, and interdisciplinary activities. Authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to utilize such funds for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications, when such use is in the public interest. Prohibits the transfer of funds, above a specified amount, without prior written approval by the appropriate Congressional committees or the lapse of 30 legislative days after the transmittal to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate of a written report containing a full and complete statement concerning the nature and reason of the transfer. Directs the Administrator to establish a separately identifiable long-term environmental research and development program to be funded by a percentage of funds appropriated under this Act. Authorizes funds for grants concerning long-term environmental research programs at universities and other research institutions. Authorizes funds to implement the air quality study authorized by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of the use of peer review in research planning, by means of a pilot project involving such review of documents from one or two areas of research at any appropriate time in the EPA planning cycle. Requires that peer review panels be selected by the principal EPA research official in accordance with criteria developed by the Scientific Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator to report on the results of such study to the Board and the Congress. Authorizes the Administrator to award an annual prize of $10,000 for a recognized, outstanding, environmentally-related research contribution, irrespective of research sponsorship. Directs the Board, in consultation with the National Research Council, to establish procedures and criteria for nomination for and award of such prize. Directs the Council to make an annual recommendation to the Administrator with regard to such award. Directs the principal EPA research official to commission annually several critical reviews of the scientific, technical, or engineering literature in various fields of importance to the EPA's mission, and to solicit advice from relevant non-Federal scientific and technical groups in arranging for such reviews. Directs the Board to establish and publish criteria relating to such reviews, for use by such official. Directs the Administrator to develop and promulgate simple procedures, including specified data quality assurance protocols, for assuring that EPA research programs produce data of verifiable accuracy. Requires that reports of such research work state plainly and prominently whether or not such work was performed and reported in accordance with such procedures. Directs the Scientific Advisory Board to provide such scientific advice as the Congress requests (in addition to providing such advice upon request to the Administrator).

A bill to amend section 204 of the Clean Water Act to repeal certain grant conditions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 1980

Amends the Clean Water Act to repeal the industrial cost recovery provisions which required that applicants for treatment works construction grants make provision for receiving payment from industrial users for that portion of the Federal share of the construction cost allocable to industrial wastes treatment. Makes technical and conforming amendments in such Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to remove from any such grants made after March 1, 1973, and prior to the date of enactment of this Act, any condition or requirement no longer applicable as a result of such repeal or to release any grant recipient from such obligations. Amends the Clean Water Act of 1977 to make technical and conforming amendments related to such repeal of industrial cost recovery provisions. Declares that the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on December 27, 1977.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to revise the standard for the application of title I of the Act to modifications of facilities which emit or may emit any air pollutant.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 1980

Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the definition of "modification" of a source or facility, for purposes of the provisions of such Act concerning the prevention of significant deterioration of air quality, to mean any physical change in, or change in the operation of, a stationary source which increases the net amount of any pollutant emitted by such stationary source by either 100 tons per year or more for a major emitting facility, or by 250 tons per year or more for any other stationary source. Revises the definitions of "modifications" and "modified", for purposes of the provisions of such Act concerning plan requirements for nonattainment areas, to mean any physical change in (including a complete replacement), or a change in the method of operation of, a stationary source which increases the net amount of any air pollutant emitted by such stationary source, or which results in the emission of any air pollutant not previously emitted by such stationary source by 100 tons per year or more.

An act to extend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, until September 30, 1981, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980

Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 1981.

An act to provide for liability, compensation, cleanup, and emergency response for hazardous substances released into the environment and the cleanup of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1980

Hazardous Waste Containment Act of 1980 - Provides that nothing in this Act or in any amendment made to this Act shall apply to oil or other pollution of navigable waters. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require owners or operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal sites to provide specified information to the relevant State and local officials or to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes the Administrator or the State in which the site is located to secure such information from such owners or operators, former or subsequent owners or operators of the site, or generators or transporters of hazardous waste, if such owners or operators fail to comply with information requirements or offer inadequate information. Requires States to undertake continuing programs to compile, publish, and submit to the Administrator inventories containing such information for each inactive waste site within the State. Directs the Administrator to: (1) carry out such inventories when there is inadequate State compliance; compile a national inventory of all hazardous waste sites; and (3) report to the appropriate committees of Congress such inventory and an analysis thereof, with an annual update. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to carry out such inventory programs. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for fiscal year 1981. Requires that each State establish annual priorities among the inactive hazardous waste sites in that State which present, or may present, a substantial threat to public health or the environment. Requires that such priorities be: (1) established according to regulations promulgated by the Administrator; and (2) consistent with the National Hazardous Waste Response Plan ("the Plan"). Directs the Administrator to establish and annually revise national priorities, based upon the relative danger to public health and the environment, among the inactive hazardous waste sites throughout the U.S. which are releasing, or present a substantial threat of releasing, hazardous waste. Refers to the 100 inactive hazardous waste sites designated as representing the greatest danger as top priority sites. Requires owners of inactive hazardous waste sites to monitor releases and immediately notify the Administrator and State and local authorities of threats to the public health or the environment. Authorizes the Administrator to require sellers or former owners or operators of such sites to carry out such requirements. Provides for specified immunity with regard to such information and other specified information received pursuant to this Act. Prohibits the destruction of records relating to compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to take emergency response actions, or require specified persons to take such actions, if neither State, local government, nor any other person takes necessary immediate actions to prevent, minimize, or mitigate any harm to public health or the environment associated with a release or substantial threat of release of hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to relocate, contain, and clean up hazardous waste at or associated with any hazardous waste site which may present an unreasonable risk to public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator not to exercise such authority upon determination that the responsible party or the State or local government concerned will take the action referred to in this paragraph. Authorizes the Administrator to provide assistance to State and local governments and to take such action, or assist other Federal agencies in taking actions as are deemed necessary to protect health and the environment from hazards associated with conditions similar to, but not immediately identifiable as, a release of hazardous waste into the environment in any manner which may present an unreasonable risk to public health or the environment. Specifies that such assistance may be rendered and actions taken even where the Administrator is unable to immediately determine the applicability of any Federal law other than this Act or the existence of any authority to take remedial action with respect to such conditions. Requires the Administrator or such other Federal agency or instrumentality to reimburse the Fund established under this Act for amounts expended for emergency assistance or actions where it is determined that such action taken or assistance provided is authorized under any authority of law other than this Act. Prohibits the Administrator from exercising such authority to engage in or order the transportation and offsite disposition of hazardous waste unless such offsite activity is: (1) less expensive than onsite disposition; (2) essential to protect the public health or safety or the environment; or (3) carried out at a facility where substantial new capacity has been established at such levels as may be necessary to accommodate specified types and amounts of hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to provide equipment and other items to establish and maintain damage assessment and response capabilities of Federal, State and local strike forces, or other emergency response teams, established in conformity with the plan. Limits to $5,000,000 in any fiscal year that portion of specified available funds which may be used for research and development to improve hazardous waste cleanup and containment technologies in order to ultimately reduce response and containment costs at inactive hazardous waste sites. Grants specified entry, inspection, and other authorities to anyone ordered or authorized by the Administrator to take any action under the hazardous waste response program. Defines "responsible party" to mean, with respect to any inactive hazardous waste site, any person who: (1) owned or operated such site as of November 1, 1979, or at the time it was utilized for the treatment, storage, or disposal of any unregulated hazardous waste; or (2) generated any such waste treated, stored, or disposed of at such site. Provides for the apportionment of costs among responsible parties. Directs the President to issue a National Hazardous Waste Response Plan after appropriate public review and public hearings are completed. Sets forth the components of such plan, and requires that hazardous waste removal and containment and emergency assistance for releases of such waste shall be in accordance with such plan. Requires that such plan set forth recommended methods, procedures, criteria, and equipment for handling released hazardous waste. Limits the Federal share of the cost of actions taken by the Administrator under this Act to 90 percent of the total cost of such actions; except in cases of federally owned or operated sites or of expenditures below $500,000 for any one site. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Waste Response Fund to finance emergency response, removal, containment, cleanup, and other actions authorized by this Act, including administrative and personnel costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for such fund. Includes in such fund: (1) fees collected under this Act; (2) damage payments received for liability for hazardous waste releases; (3) reimbursements for emergency assistance or for the costs of actions taken for removal, containment, or cleanup of hazardous waste releases; (4) penalties assessed under this Act; and (5) amounts authorized to be appropriated. Imposes fees to be set by the Administrator on: (1) suppliers of petrochemical feedstocks; (2) suppliers of inorganic elements and compounds; and (3) refiners and exporters of crude oil. Specifies the aggregate amounts of fees imposed under this Act which are to be collected from such parties. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such fees upon determination that any such feedstock, element, or compound is derived from the waste stream of a production process or from recycled materials. Imposes civil penalties for the failure or refusal to pay such fees. Prohibits any court from staying such fee regulations or modifications pending completion of judicial review. Prohibits any discharge, escape, injection, spilling, pouring, emitting, leaching, pumping, or other transfer of hazardous waste at or from any inactive hazardous waste site to any land, air, or water if such transfer presents an unreasonable risk to public health or the environment unless such activity is: (1) permitted by the terms of specified permits issued under such Act; (2) carried out pursuant to this Act; or (3) otherwise authorized or permitted by Federal law. Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action against any person to impose a civil penalty for violation of regulations issued under this Act of up to $10,000 for single violations, and $250,000 for willful and knowing violations. Authorizes the Administrator to issue abatement orders or to seek equitable relief in the event of hazardous waste releases endangering or threatening to endanger public health or safety. States that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant such relief. Authorizes criminal fines and/or imprisonment for violations of specified notification requirements or of the prohibition against destruction of records under this Act. Imposes strict liability upon any person causing or contributing to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste into the environment, except where such releases are caused solely by an act of God or an act of war, negligence on the part of the Federal Government, or an act or omission of a third party if the defendant exercised due care. Specifies the damages and costs for which such person shall be liable and states that such liability shall be to the governmental entity which incurred costs relating to removal, containment, emergency assistance or other actions, and to persons who sustained damages for personal injury, injury to property, and economic loss resulting from such release or threatened release. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of any person under any other law except that the amount recovered under such other laws shall reduce the amount recoverable under this Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of hazardous waste siting, with specified inclusions, and report the results to the appropriate committees of Congress. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such study. Directs the President to submit an annual report on the hazardous waste response fund to such committees. Directs the Administrator to study, and submit a comprehensive report to such committees on the experience with the implementation of the amendments made by this Act, with recommendations for any necessary legislative changes.

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980

Toxic Substances Control Act Amendments of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate rules within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act to eliminate the use of polychlorinated biphenyls in concentrations exceeding 50 parts per million, or as otherwise determined under such Act, in dielectric fluids in transformers and large capacitors used at food-related facilities, unless: (1) such concentrations do not present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment; and (2) the imposition of such requirements would pose significant economic hardships on food facility owners and operators. Directs the Administrator to review any rules promulgated within one year after the date of enactment of this Act: (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture restricting the use of polychlorinated biphenyls in facilities regulated under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, or the Egg Products Inspection Act; and (2) by the Secretary of Health and Human Services restricting such use under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study, by contract with the National Academy of Sciences, to determine the adequacy of compensation and other assistance available to persons to mitigate health problems or economic losses caused by hazardous chemical substances, and to issue and submit to appropriate congressional committees a detailed report on the results of such study. Authorizes the appropriations for such study. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of: (1) requiring the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls in specified concentrations from transformers and large capacitors used in food-related facilities; and (2) establishing a polychlorinated biphenyl contamination prevention program. Requires the preparation of a report on the results of such study to be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees. Directs the Administrator to provide for the monitoring of emissions at facilities used to incinerate polychlorinated biphenyls and to hold briefings for the general public to report the results of such monitoring.

A bill to extend certain provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act for three years.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1980

Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency through fiscal year 1982.

A bill to amend the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to establish labeling requirements applicable to substances which cause chronic health side effects, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1980

Amends the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to establish labeling requirements for substances which cause chronic health side effects. Authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to determine which substances or mixture of substances possess chronic toxicity and are capable of being ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the human body through any customary or reasonably foreseeable handling, use, or misuse. Sets forth criteria for the determination of toxicity. Sets forth labeling requirements for such substances, including: (1) a statement which describes the nature of a side effect and an explanation of procedures to be followed to counteract such side effect; and (2) a warning where a substance has been determined to possess chronic toxicity that such substance has been shown to cause cancer in animals or in humans.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guarantees with respect to the payment of the principal and interest of bonds to be issued by the Suffolk County Sewer Authority, in Suffolk County, New York, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1980

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, beginning in fiscal year 1981, to issue guarantees with respect to the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Suffolk County Sewer Authority, in Suffolk County, New York. Limits the issuance of guarantees to amounts provided in advance by appropriation Acts.

Hazardous Waste Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1980

Hazardous Waste Act of 1980 - Requires owners or operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal sites to provide specified information to the relevant State and local officials and to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes the Administrator, or the State in which the site is located, to secure such information from such owners or operators, former or subsequent owners or operators of the site, or generators or transporters of hazardous waste, if such owners or operators fail to comply with information requirements or offer inadequate information. Prohibits such information received from any person, and information derived therefrom, from being used against such person in any criminal proceeding except a prosecution for perjury or for knowingly making a false statement or representation. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require each generator of hazardous waste to submit a report to the Administrator and to the State agencies setting forth the quantities and characteristics of hazardous waste generated by such generator in the year preceding the date of enactment of this Act. Allows regulations requiring each generator of hazardous waste to submit annual reports to the Administrator and to the State agencies setting forth the quantities and characteristics of hazardous waste expected to be generated in the year during which the report is filed. Subjects such information to specified confidentiality requirements. Requires that each State establish priorities among the inactive hazardous waste sites in that State which present, or may present, a substantial threat to public health or the environment. Requires that such priorities be: (1) established according to regulations promulgated by the Administrator; and (2) consistent with the National Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Response Plan ("the Plan"). Directs the Administrator to establish and annually revise national priorities, based upon the relative danger to public health and the environment, among the inactive hazardous waste sites throughout the United States which are releasing, or present a substantial threat of releasing, hazardous waste. Refers to the 100 inactive hazardous waste sites designated as representing the greatest danger as top priority sites. Authorizes any State to submit to the Administrator a program under which specified actions may be taken or be required to be taken with respect to inactive waste sites which present or may present a substantial threat to public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator to approve such State program upon determination that it conforms to the Plan and meets other specified criteria. Authorizes States, under such programs, to require specified current owners or former owners, operators or hazardous waste generators to take necessary cleanup actions with regard to a top priority site. Authorizes the Administrator to provide assistance to States from a specified fund to carry out approved State cleanup programs. Allows up to 15 percent of such assistance funds to be used for cleanup of sites not designated as top priority, if such sites present or may present a greater hazard than some top priority sites. Limits such assistance to: (1) 70 percent of program expenses at sites owned by the State or any political subdivision thereof; and (2) 95 percent of such expenses at sites not so owned. Authorizes the Administrator to provide such assistance to any State without regard to whether such State has an approved program in effect, for a period of two years after the enactment of this Act and under specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical and legal assistance in the administration and enforcement of, and to intervene in any civil action involving, contracts or subcontracts made by State or local governments acting in accordance with State plans. Authorizes the Administrator to take emergency response actions, or require specified persons to take such actions, if neither State, local government, nor any other person takes necessary immediate actions to prevent, minimize, or mitigate any harm to public health or the environment associated with a release or substantial threat of release of hazardous waste. Directs the President to revise and republish the National Contingency Plan for the removal of oil and hazardous substances, with a new section entitled the National Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Response Plan, with specified inclusions, and with procedures for public review, hearings, and further revisions. Requires that the removal of hazardous wastes and actions to minimize damage from hazardous waste release be in accordance with the plan to the greatest extent possible. Authorizes the President to issue regulations on the removal of released hazardous wastes and on the development and implementation of State cleanup programs. Authorizes the President to require the Attorney General to seek relief in the U.S. district court in the district in which such a threat occurs, in addition to State or local government actions. Provides for enforcement of this Act, liability for funds expended for cleanup, and civil penalties. Authorizes appropriations, for the five fiscal years beginning after the enactment of this Act, of sums necessary, together with funds collected through liability payments or civil penalties, to establish and maintain a fund of up to $1,000,000,000 for assistance to State programs and for actions by the Administrator. Requires owners of inactive hazardous waste sites to monitor releases and immediately notify the Administrator and State and local authorities of threats to the public health or the environment. Authorizes the Administrator to require sellers or former owners or operators of such sites to carry out such requirements. Provides for specified immunity with regard to such information. Sets forth provisions regarding the liability of generators for damages, the apportionment of responsibility among generators, the liability of other persons, and statutes of limitations. Prohibits U.S. district courts from having jurisdiction over such actions for damages pursuant to any grants of Federal question jurisdiction. Requires persons who generate hazardous waste to pay a fee to the Administrator. Provides for the amount, enforcement, and uses of such fees, which are inapplicable to waste which will be recycled and reused. Provides for payment by the Administrator of the rights of the claimant against the liable person. Grants specified subpoena powers to the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to improve enforcement capabilities relating to hazardous waste programs and laws. Requires that State attorneys general submit plans with specified inclusions to the Administrator in order to receive such grants or other assistance. Provides for equitable allotment of such funds among States and for termination of payments for noncompliance. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such assistance to State attorneys general for fiscal years 1981 through 1985. Increases the maximum terms of imprisonment for specified violations of such Act to five years (formerly one year) for first convictions and to ten years (formerly two years) for subsequent convictions. Includes among such violations the knowing transport, treatment, storage, disposal, or other handling of any hazardous waste so as to place any other person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. Declares that, whenever a corporation commits any of specified violations, this shall also be deemed a violation by the individual director, officer or agent of such corporation who authorized, ordered, or carried out any of the acts constituting the violation if such individual knew or had reason to know of the act.

A bill to amend title 39 of the United States Code to provide for the right of employees of the Postal Service to a safe working environment, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1980

Declares that a Postal Service employee who stops working because of abnormally dangerous working conditions shall not be considered to be striking. Prohibits another Postal Service employee or officer from interfering with such employee's right not to work under such conditions.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring motor vehicle inspection and maintenance until such time as each new motor vehicle is required to be separately tested for compliance with emission standards before its sale by the manufacturer, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1980

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to requirements which adversely affect employment.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement his or her recommendations, in the case of finding an adverse effect on employment, by modifying or withdrawing any effluent limitation or order issued under such Act. Directs the Administrator to modify or withdraw any effluent limitation or order, if the Governor of any State advises the Administrator that such limitation or order threatens closing of a plant or facility. Declares that such requested modification or withdrawal shall be deemed approved if the Administrator has not acted upon it within 90 days of receipt.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to requirements which adversely affect employment.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980

Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, States, or local governments to implement recommendations of the Administrator, made in the case of any finding of an adverse effect on employment, by modifying or withdrawing any requirement imposed or proposed under such Act. Directs the Administrator to approve a State implementation plan revision which establishes less stringent emission limitations applicable to an existing source in an attainment or nonattainment area and which, in the case of a nonattainment area, demonstrates reasonable further progress toward attainment and maintenance of ambient air quality standards, if the Governor of such State proposes such revision because the requirements of such Act threaten shutdown of such source. Declares that such revision will be deemed approved if the Administrator has not acted on the proposed revision within 90 days of receipt.

West Valley Demonstration Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980

West Valley Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a high-level liquid nuclear waste management demonstration project at the Western New York Service Center in West Valley, New York, by: (1) vitrifying such wastes located at the Center or by employing the most effective technology for solidification available; (2) transporting such solidified wastes to an appropriate Federal repository for long-term burial; and (3) decontaminating and decommissioning facilities, materials, and hardware used in connection with the project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare a plan for safe removal of such wastes; (2) determine the feasibility of immobilization and waste handling techniques required by the unique situation of such wastes at the Center, including initiation of engineering and cost estimates, and safety and environmental impact analyses; and (3) transfer title to such wastes to the United States upon payment by the State of New York and other appropriate persons of an appropriate fee for the care and maintenance of such wastes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for such project. Provides that funds authorized and appropriated in subsequent fiscal years for the project shall not be used by the Secretary until the Secretary, the State of New York, and other appropriate persons enter into specified contracts and agreements concerning the conduct and costs of such project. Directs the Secretary to transmit to specified congressional committees an annual report on the activities conducted in carrying out such project. States that, except for the costs and responsibilities established by this Act for such project, nothing in this Act is to be construed as affecting any rights, obligations or liabilities of the commercial operator of the Center, the State of New York, or any person arising under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or under any other law or agreement for the operation, maintenance, or decontamination of any facility or property at the Center or for any waste at the Center. Provides that nothing in this Act is to be construed as affecting any licensing requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.

West Valley Demonstration Project Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980

West Valley Demonstration Project Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a high-level liquid nuclear waste management demonstration project at the Western New York Service Center in West Valley, New York, by: (1) vitrifying such wastes located at the Center or by employing the most effective technology for solidification available; (2) transporting such solidified wastes to an appropriate Federal repository for long-term burial; and (3) decontaminating and decommissioning facilities, materials, and hardware used in connection with the project. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare a plan for safe removal of such wastes; (2) determine the feasibility of immobilization and waste handling techniques required by the unique situation of such wastes at the Center, including initiation of engineering and cost estimates, and safety and environmental impact analyses; and (3) transfer title to such wastes to the United States upon payment by the State of New York and other appropriate persons of an appropriate fee for the care and maintenance of such wastes. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1980 for such project. Provides that funds authorized and appropriated in subsequent fiscal years for the project shall not be used by the Secretary until the Secretary, the State of New York, and other appropriate persons enter into specified contracts and agreements concerning the conduct and costs of such project. Directs the Secretary to transmit to specified congressional committees an annual report on the activities conducted in carrying out such project. States that, except for the costs and responsibilities established by this Act for such project, nothing in this Act is to be construed as affecting any rights, obligations, or liabilities of the commercial operator of the Center, the State of New York, or any person arising under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 or under any other law or agreement for the operation, maintenance, or decontamination of any facilities or property at the Center or for any wastes at the Center. Adds that nothing in this Act is to be construed as affecting any licensing requirements of such Act or the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to requirements which adversely affect employment.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement his or her recommendations, upon finding an adverse effect on employment, by modifying a limitation or order issued under such Act. Directs the Administrator to modify or withdraw any effluent limitation or order, if the Governor of any State advises the Administrator that such limitation or order threatens closing of a plant or facility. Declares that such requested modification or withdrawal shall be deemed approved if the Administrator has not acted upon it within 90 days of receipt.

A bill to amend the Federal Clean Air Act with respect to requirements which adversely affect employment.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1980

Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, States, and local governments to modify or withdraw imposed or proposed requirements under such Act which have adverse effects on employment. Directs the Administrator to approve a State implementation plan revision which establishes less stringent emission limitations applicable to an existing source in an attainment or nonattainment area and which, in the case of a nonattainment area, demonstrate reasonable further progress toward attainment and maintenance of ambient air quality standards, if the Governor of such State proposes such revision because the requirements of such Act threaten shutdown of such source. Declares that such revision will be deemed approved if the Administrator has not acted on the proposed revision within 90 days of receipt.

Asbestos Control Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 1980

Asbestos Control Act of 1980 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate rules to: (1) prohibit the release into the environment of asbestos fibers and fibers from asbestos substitutes, such as fibrous glass, which the Administrator determines would present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or to the environment; (2) require asbestos, asbestos substitutes and materials containing asbestos or asbestos substitutes to be marked with clear and adequate warnings and instructions with respect to their manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal, or any combination thereof; and (3) require asbestos substitutes to be employed in place of asbestos in all applications and processes where feasible and practicable, provided that such substitutes present no new hazard.

A bill to amend the Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that environmental impact statements be prepared with respect to interstate pipelines before Federal rights-of-way or permits may be issued.

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1980

Amends the Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that environmental impact statements be prepared with respect to interstate pipelines before Federal rights-of-way or permits may be issued.

An act to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to further encourage the use of recycled oil.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1980

Amends the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to add a new subtitle concerning recovery and reuse of used oil. Vests the authority to prescribe labeling, packaging, marketing, or other requirements related to the sale or distribution of used, waste, or recycled oil in the Environmental Protection Agency. Voids regulations promulgated prior to the date of enactment of this subtitle by the Federal Trade Commission relating to the labeling of such oil. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue regulations: (1) assuring purchasers of the quality and fitness of recycled or re-refined oil; (2) providing for the recycling and re-refining of used oil; and (3) assuring, to the extent not covered by regulations issued under such Act, that waste oil and used oil are handled safely and in such a way as to minimize potentially adverse effects on public health or the environment. Requires that virgin oil containers be prominently labeled so as to make purchasers or users aware of the necessity of recycling used oil. Prohibits the making of contracts or agreements to discourage the use of recycled oil if such use is consistent with the required labeling for such recycled oil. Authorizes the award of treble damages to any party injured or aggrieved by such agreements or contracts. Directs the Secretaries of Commerce and Defense, the Administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency and the General Services Administration, and the personnel of the Office of Procurement Policy, to accord the highest priority to the development of standards, markets, and regulations relating to recycled and re-refined oil in implementing specified provisions of such Act. Provides for the development of State plans and programs relating to such oil and authorizes the Administrator to delegate the authorities under this Act to any State with an approved program on such oil. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

A joint resolution designating the week beginning June 1, 1980, as "National Garden Week".

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1980

Designates the week beginning June 1, 1980, as "National Garden Week."

A joint resolution designating the week beginning July 20, 1980, as "National Environmental Health Week".

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1980

Designates the week beginning July 20, 1980, as "National Environmental Health Week."

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to strengthen the authority to ban the importation of agricultural commodities bearing or containing unsafe pesticide chemicals and the importation of foods derived from such commodities, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1980

Amends the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem as misbranded and adulterated specified imported agricultural commodities grown with unacceptable pesticides. Requires that personnel of the Department of Health and Human Services (formerly, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare) examine samples of commodities to be imported. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish laboratories on the border between the United States and Mexico to determine if raw agricultural commodities imported from Mexico bear or contain such pesticides.

Cigarette Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1980

Cigarette Safety Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate, within 24 months, final performance standards for cigarettes and little cigars ensuring a minimum capacity for igniting smoldering upholstered furniture and mattress fires. Authorizes the Commission to prohibit manufacturers from stockpiling such products to which such standard applies. Provides for judicial review of such standard in an appropriate U.S. court of appeals. Declares such cigarette safety standards to be subject to all remedial and penalty provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Authorizes appropriations necessary to carry out this Act for the first three fiscal years beginning after its enactment.

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1980

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships - Implements the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL Protocol). Applies this Act to ships of United States registry or nationality or of a country party to the MARPOL Protocol and ships registered in or of the nationality of a country not a party to the MARPOL Protocol traveling in all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Exempts: (1) warships, naval auxiliaries, or other ships owned by the United States while engaged in noncommercial service, subject to standards prescribed by the appropriate Federal departments and agencies; and (2) other ships specifically excluded by the MARPOL Protocol. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer, enforce, and prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of the MARPOL Protocol and this Act, utilizing other Federal departments and agencies as necessary. Authorizes the Secretary to designate persons to issue certificates required by the MARPOL Protocol. Stipulates that: (1) certificates shall not be issued to ships of countries not a party to the MARPOL Protocol; and (2) certificates issued by a participating country of the MARPOL Protocol shall be honored. Subjects to inspection any ship required to carry a valid certificate. Directs the Secretary to detain any ship required to have a certificate which either does not have one on board or has a condition in disagreement with the certificate until such ship can proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment. Allows any person whose ship is detained to petition the Secretary. Permits compensation for any loss or damage suffered by a ship unreasonably detained or delayed. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish regulations for determining the adequacy of reception facilities of a port or terminal, and to issue certificates indicating that facilities for receiving residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substances from seagoing ships are adequate. States conditions under which such certificates can be inspected, suspended, or revoked. Requires the listing of such certified ports and terminals in the Federal Register. Allows the Secretary to deny entry to any ship retaining residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquids into a port or terminal required to have but not holding a valid certificate. Requires immediate reporting of any incident covered by the Protocol to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate any such report of violation and take appropriate action, acting through the Secretary of State in cases involving a ship not of United States registry or nationality. Imposes a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, and a civil penalty of not more than $10,000, or $1,000 in cases of false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations. Deems a ship liable in rem for any pecuniary fine or penalty incurred. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke clearance required by Federal law (R.S. 4197) to any ship liable for such a penalty. Sets forth procedures to be taken in accepting a proposed amendment to the MARPOL Protocol received by the United States from the Secretary-General of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization. Permits any person having an interest adversely affected by: (1) any person who is alleged to be in violation of these provisions; or (2) a Secretary who is alleged to be in neglect in performing duties under this Act, to bring suit against such party, subject to specified procedures and jurisdictions. Authorizes the court to award costs of litigation. Allows the Attorney General to intervene in any action not involving the United States. Repeals the Oil Pollution Act, 1961, and the Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect vessels subject to this Act, except public vessels engaged in noncommercial service entering navigable waters of and documented under the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary and the heads of Federal departments to issue regulations, standards, and certificates upon enactment of this Act.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to authorization extensions and industrial cost recovery.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1980

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend through fiscal years 1981 and 1982 authorizations for: (1) pilot programs of manpower development, training, and retraining for the operation and maintenance of treatment works and related activities; (2) a system for forecasting and publishing the supply of and demand for professions and other occupations for regional, State, or area pollution prevention, reduction, and elimination; (3) grants for pollution control programs; (4) training grants and contracts and scholarships; (5) grants for developing and operating a continuing areawide waste treatment management planning process; (6) a program, administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, to install and maintain measures incorporating best management practices to control nonpoint source pollution in specified areas; (7) grants to States for Clean Lakes programs; and (8) a general authorization for specified programs under such Act. Repeals specified limitations and conditions on grants under such Act for the construction of treatment works which required that: (1) the applicant make provision for receiving payment from industrial users of the treatment works for that portion of the Federal share of the construction cost of such works allocable to industrial wastes treatment; (2) the grantee retain a specified portion of such revenues; and (3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency be authorized to exempt certain industrial users from such payments. Repeals provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 which provided for a moratorium on such payments for treatment works by industrial users. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to repeal provisions for such payments for treatment works by industrial users to the United States in the case of privately owned treatment works. Makes other technical and conforming amendments to such Act.

An act to amend the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal years 1981 and 1982, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980

Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration not to exceed $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981.

A bill to amend the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal year 1981, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1980

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 to carry out the provisions of such Act. Amends such Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) conduct research, training, and demonstrations for the purpose of determining means of minimizing or ending ocean dumping and developing disposal methods as alternatives to such dumping; and (2) provide for the coordination of such research among appropriate Federal, State, local, or interstate public authorities, agencies, and institutions and provide financial and other assistance to such entities. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for research programs authorized under such Act. Renders the designation of a marine sanctuary, or any terms included therein, by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to such Act ineffective upon: (1) certification to the Secretary by the Governor of any State in which such designation is made that such designation or any of its terms are unacceptable to such State; or (2) adoption of a concurrent resolution by both Houses of Congress disapproving such designation or any of its terms. Sets forth terms to be included in such designations and authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations to implement such terms and control the activities permitted under such designation. Directs the Secretary to conduct research to carry out the purposes of such Act. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to conduct enforcement activities to carry out the purposes of such Act. Requires the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a marine sanctuary designation at the time of its publication. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for making such designations, and for research and enforcement. Adds "industrial waste" to the provision of such Act requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to end the dumping of sewage sludge into ocean waters, but provides that after December 31, 1981, the Administrator may issue permits for the ocean dumping of industrial waste upon determination that such proposed dumping: (1) is necessary for research purposes; (2) will have minimal adverse impact upon human health and welfare and the marine environment; or (3) will provide potential benefits outweighing any such adverse impact. States that such permits shall be effective for no more than six months. Authorizes the Administrator to impose such conditions and restrictions on permits as are necessary to minimize possible adverse impacts of such dumping. Defines "industrial waste" as any solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated by a manufacturer or processing plant which, if dumped in the ocean, may degrade or endanger human health or welfare or the marine environment. Makes the provisions of such Act concerning foreign-state ocean-dumping permits applicable to transportation of material by an agency or instrumentality of the United States, with a proviso that the Administrator must concur in the filing of an application for such permit. States that the waters of Long Island Sound shall be considered "ocean waters" for the purposes of such Act.

Low Level Radioactive Waste Burial Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1980

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Burial Act of 1980 - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to provide Federal assistance for the establishment of low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities to be operated by the individual States. Directs the Secretary of Energy to permit Federal low-level radioactive waste burial facilities to be used for burial of civilian low-level wastes from specified geographical areas for an 18-month period beginning on the date of the Secretary's approval of a State Governor's signed statement declaring the State's intention to develop and operate within its borders a low-level waste facility for burial of future waste from such areas. Permits such use of Federal facilities only upon the Secretary's determination that the State has been unable to acquire a commitment for disposal of such wastes at existing commercial or State-operated facilities in the same geographical areas as the source of such wastes. Sets forth criteria for granting extensions of the period during which States may use Federal facilities. States that Congress consents to any interstate compacts or agreements entered into between States in any region for the burial of such wastes at a facility located in that region. Authorizes the Secretary: (1) to conduct research and development designed to assist States in selecting sites for such facilities and performing related engineering and testing activities; (2) to provide on-site assistance to States in site evaluation, site development, and related demonstrations; (3) to conduct research on such wastes and provide each State with information derived therefrom; and (4) to take any other actions as necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to accelerate research and development and related activities concerning the compacting and immobilization of such wastes to aid States in planning and related activities under this Act. States that the planning activities related to the selection of a low-level waste facility site shall not be considered as a major Federal action for the purposes of the environmental impact statement requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and eliminates the requirement that alternative means of disposing such wastes be included in any such statement. Directs the Secretary to keep the appropriate congressional committees informed as to all activities conducted under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act for fiscal year 1980.

Acid Rain and National Atmospheric Fallout Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1980

Acid Rain and National Atmospheric Fallout Act of 1980 - Title I: Objectives - States findings concerning atmospheric fallout and acid rain caused by industrial processes, fossil fuel plants, electrical generating plants, home heating, motorized vehicles, municipal waste disposal, and certain intensive agriculture and forestry operations. Declares it to be the policy of the United States that programs of national research, emission source identification, monitoring, and other specified activities, studies, and plans be established to study and solve the problems of atmospheric fallout from the operations described above. Title II: Interagency Committee - Establishes the Interagency Committee on Atmospheric Fallout to perform specified duties to minimize or eliminate the harmful effects of atmospheric fallout. Sets forth membership requirements for such Committee and other requirements relating to staffing. Directs the Committee to review plans and reports on atmospheric fallout made by other bodies, including the Council on Environmental Quality, and to develop a plan to provide for the amelioration of the harmful effects of atmospheric fallout. Sets forth the elements of such plan and requires that it provide for a coordinated monitoring, management, and research program. Requires the submission of such plan to Congress and to the President no later than twelve months after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Committee to submit annual reports to Congress and to the President on publicly and privately supported atmospheric fallout activities, and on progress in implementing the Committee's plan for atmospheric fallout control. Requires that such reports be submitted annually for ten years. Title III: National Advisory Council - Establishes the National Advisory Council on Atmospheric Fallout to review the decisions and actions of the Committee and to increase cooperation and coordination among Federal and State public and private organizations and agencies involved in controlling atmospheric fallout. Sets forth membership and staffing requirements for such Council. Title IV: General Provisions - Authorizes the Committee and the Council to obtain directly from any Federal agency or department any information necessary to enable them to carry out their functions and specifies support services at their disposal. Terminates the authority of the Committee and the Council.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring motor vehicle inspection and maintenance until such time as each new motor vehicle is required to be separately tested for compliance with emission standards before its sale by the manufacturer, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.

A bill to amend title 28 of the United States Code to provide for special venue provisions in cases relating to the environment.

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 1980

Sets forth venue provisions applicable to the National Environmental Policy Act or any Act of Congress relating to environmental quality, including Acts relating to nonstatutory Federal water rights, in which the impact or injury alleged is less than nationwide in scope, requiring such actions to be brought only in a judicial district in which a substantial portion of the impact or injury occurs. Requires appeals from any agency decision arising under such Acts to be appealed to the court of appeals for the judicial circuit in which a substantial portion of the impact or injury occurs.