The world's political record
Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
101 records in 1981
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1981
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to permit the dumping of solid, semisolid, or liquid waste generated by a municipal waste water treatment plant into ocean waters under specified circumstances.
United States · United States Congress · 28 May 1981
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reimburse the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority for 50 percent of its costs in constructing the advanced waste water treatment plant in the Occoquan Reservoir watershed area of Fairfax County, Virginia. Limits the amount of such Federal assistance to a specified sum. Requires that the Administrator first receive reasonable assurances that the Authority will use such Federal assistance to reduce the sewer rates charged to customers in Fairfax and Prince William Counties, Virginia, and in Manassas and Manassas Park, Virginia.
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend, through fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations to carry out all but specified provisions of such Act. Requires that the sums authorized for fiscal year 1982 be allotted to each State based on such State's needs as a percentage of the total national needs. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the program under such Act which provides grants to States for eligible treatment works. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the request of the Governor of a State, to set aside from funds authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1982 not more than three percent of funds allotted to such State for such grants to be available only for increasing grants for construction of treatment works from 75 percent to 85 percent, and to set aside not more than four percent of such funds to be available only for alternatives to conventional sewage treatment works for municipalities having a population of 3,500 or less, or for the highly dispersed sections of larger municipalities, as defined by the Administrator. Limits such grants for treatment works to the following categories of projects: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost- effective alternative thereof; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Authorizes the Administrator, from sums authorized for each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1981, to reserve from the allotment for each State for each such fiscal year an amount not to exceed one percent of the sum of the unexpended obligations and the unobligated allotment available to such State as of the first day of such fiscal year, or $400,000, whichever is greater. Repeals the provision under which the Administrator is authorized to pay the Federal share of the cost of advanced construction on publicly owned treatment works in cases where a State allotment has been obligated under specified provisions. Permits the Administrator to retain the authority to pay such eligible obligations in such amounts as the Administrator considers appropriate. Prohibits any grant, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, to be made under such Act to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity. Makes the Administrator responsible for determining the size and capacity of the treatment works eligible for a grant under such Act. States that the determination of the priority to be given projects within each State shall be made by that State. Requires each State, in determining such priority, to give highest priority to projects which: (1) demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved; and (2) will directly benefit communities having urban-industrial concentrations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 1981
Clean Water Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Clean Water Act (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to revise provisions for Grants for Construction of Treatment Works (title II). Prohibits Federal grants, after October 1, 1981, which provide assistance only for facility plans, or plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed construction of treatment works. Provides that non-Federal funds expended during the facility planning and advanced engineering and design phase shall be reimbursed at the prevailing Federal share, if the proposed project later receives a Federal grant for construction. Prohibits grant approval until the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State have reviewed and approved plans, specifications, estimates, compliance with specific Federal laws, and a grant payment schedule. Lowers the Federal share for treatment works grants (from 75 percent in fiscal year 1981) to 65 percent for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 and to 55 percent thereafter. Requires that treatment works grants be made only for: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost-effective alternative; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Revises formulas for determining the amount of any grant, made after September 30, 1978, for treatment works using innovative or alternative wastewater treatment processes. Extends the definition of the term "eligible treatment works" to cover those that can be fully funded by States in fiscal years beyond fiscal year 1981 (and which meet specified other requirements). Makes available to the Administrator specified additional funds per fiscal year to be used to address water quality problems of bays and estuaries due to discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows, not otherwise eligible for Federal payments for treatment works. Authorizes the use of such funds upon the request of and demonstration of water quality benefits by the Governor of an affected State. Revises conditions on treatment works grants to prohibit grants to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity (except for specified planning and preparation grants). Directs the Administrator to base determination of size and capacity of the eligible treatment works upon 1980 population statistics. Requires grant applicants to identify the engineer or firm responsible for architect-engineering or supervisory services for treatment works construction. Requires such engineer or firm to acknowledge such responsibility in writing and to give a two-year warranty of performance of such works according to specifications. Provides for resolution by binding arbitration of disputes about the nature of the responsibility of the engineer or firm. Sets forth formulas, schedules, and procedures for the allotment of funds for treatment works grants in fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Extends a formula for specified State and territorial allotments, as well as an authorization of appropriations for such allotments, through fiscal year 1985. Sets forth a formula for reserving specified funds from each State's allotment for fiscal year 1982 and thereafter. Authorizes the Administrator to reserve an additional amount from State allotments to be available to States, local governments, or multijurisdictional agencies for: (1) water quality management decision-making as to treatment works construction; and (2) implementing provisions for water quality standards and implementation plans. Extends through fiscal year 1985 requirements that specified minimum amounts be expended from State allotments to increase the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques. Revises formulas for determining such amounts. Lowers the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for treatment works construction grants. Authorizes appropriations, in such lowered amount, for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 for such purpose. Eliminates provisions for project priority that relate to: (1) specified categories of projects; (2) required allocation of funds; and (3) the authority to remove a project from a State's priority list. Provides that the determination of priority shall be made by the State in which the projects are to be constructed, consistent with the treatment works grants provisions of such Act. Limits projects included on a State's priority list to those eligible for funding under specified provisions. Directs a State to give highest priority to projects which demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved, and in particular to projects having the greatest effect on water quality improvement. Requires that the review, revision, adoption or promulgation of revised or new water quality standards, pursuant to specified provisions of such Act, be completed two years after the enactment of this Act. Requires that, to the extent practicable, the establishment of total maximum daily loads of pollutants, pursuant to specified provisions, also be completed by such date. Extends to July 1, 1988, the period for which the Administrator may issue or modify permits to extend compliance deadlines for specified effluent limitations, in cases where reductions in the amount of financial assistance or changed construction conditions beyond the control of the owner or operator will make it impossible to complete construction by July 1, 1983. Repeals a provision that all publicly owned treatment works must comply by a certain date with specified requirements for study and evaluation of alternative waste management techniques and for application of best practicable waste treatment technology. Provides that, for purposes of specified information and guidelines provisions, certain types of facilities shall be deemed the equivalent of secondary treatment upon a showing satisfactory to the Administrator that water quality will not be adversely affected. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the States, to submit to the Congress, within 18 months, a report: (1) identifying those publicly owned treatment works needed to comply with specified requirements and standards; and (2) taking into account all actions of the Administrator pursuant to specified provisions, estimating the total cost and the Federal share necessary for the construction of such works.
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to exempt electric generating facilities on Guam from standards of performance for new stationary sources and from stack height requirements under such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out the provisions of such Act (other than research, development, and demonstration activities).
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Amends the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 for the operations of the Office of Environmental Quality and the Council on Environmental Quality.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities relating to air quality, water quality, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, pesticides, radiation, interdisciplinary activities, toxic substances, and energy. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development for program management and support. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to utilize funds authorized under this Act for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications. Permits transfers of funds of up to ten percent between categories of activities authorized under this Act, as well as transfers of more than ten percent if the Congress is notified and the appropriate committees do not object. Requires that at least 15 percent of funds appropriated for each activity be obligated and expended for long-term environmental research and development programs. Reduces the total amount of appropriations authorized under this Act by $1,000,000 (such reduction to be apportioned among the supported activities at the discretion of the Administrator).
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Quiet Communities Act - Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to repeal the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish noise emission standards for products distributed in interstate commerce. Repeals provisions for EPA noise control regulations pertaining to product labeling. Retitles such Act the "Quiet Communities Act." Replaces a finding that Federal action is necessary to control major noise sources with a finding that Federal action must promote and assist effective State and local programs. Replaces a purpose of such Act "to authorize the establishment of Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce" with a purpose "to assure that railroad and motor carrier equipment and operational noise emissions are controlled adequately by either State or Federal regulation." Revises provisions relating to railroad noise and motor carrier noise. Provides that existing regulation of interstate railroads and equipment and of interstate motor carriers and equipment shall continue until specifically repealed or amended. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate: (1) additional noise control regulations establishing standards and requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of rail or motor carrier equipment or devices, or controls; and (2) noise control regulations establishing restrictions on interstate railroad operations and activities, along specific rail lines or specific centers of activity, and on motor carrier operations and activities. Revises provisions relating to the right of a State or local government to establish and enforce environmental noise restrictions in the absence of a Federal requirement relating to railroad or motor carrier noise or a Federal decision that no Federal, State, or local requirement is appropriate, on a specific class of equipment or operations. Permits any person adversely affected by a State or local requirement, or the Administrator, to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence the existence of an inconsistency between a State or local requirement and a Federal requirement. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out specified provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1981
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to authorize appropriations for regulation of ocean dumping for fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 1981
Great Lakes Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes Protection program under such Act. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish within NOAA a Great Lakes Research Office, to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the Great Lakes. Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Requires the Executive Director, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, to report to the President and the Congress on: (1) current state of Federal efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; and (2) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Sets forth other responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that all Federal agencies include Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Directs that, to the fullest extent practicable: (1) U.S. policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies of protection for the Great Lakes set forth in this Act; and (2) any major Federal action significantly affecting the Great Lakes be modified to accommodate such policies and include all possible planning to minimize harm to the Great Lakes. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through fiscal years 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978. Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1981.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 1981
Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron- and steel-producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extensions. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of receipt of an application for extension of time in the Federal Register and to notify the appropriate State and local officials. Directs the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register notice of any finding made or other action taken, or failure or refusal to take action, by the Administrator in connection with consent decrees. Provides that such findings, actions, refusals, or failures shall be reviewable only by a court in which a specified civil action under such Act is brought against the stationary source owner or operator. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1981
Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for grants to State programs and for other provisions of such Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 May 1981
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981 - Title I: Amendments to Title I of the Clean Air Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act ("the Act"). Planning and Control Program Grant Regulations - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in making regulations for grants to State agency planning and control programs, to give due consideration to the extent to which an air pollution control agency has assumed responsibility for carrying out the provisions of such Act. Air Quality Criteria and Control Techniques - Eliminates the 12-month deadline within which the Administrator must issue air quality criteria for an air pollutant after its inclusion on a specified list. Permits proposed air quality criteria and associated documents to be published by the Administrator only after notice and 90 days opportunity for public comment. Prohibits issuance in final form of any such criteria without prior approval of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. Sets forth required inclusions in any document containing air quality criteria for any pollutant. Directs the Administrator to carry out another critical clinical or toxicological study before taking any final action regulating any pollutant, if the Administrator or the Committee questions the validity of the original study. Requires the Administrator to issue specified information to the States and appropriate agencies only after (currently, simultaneously with) issuance of such criteria. Prohibits information on air pollution control techniques from being issued until a 90-day period for public comment has expired after the Administrator publishes a draft document setting forth the proposed information. Requires that each air pollution control technique guideline or information issued by the Administrator include a determination of the associated costs of the technique. Eliminates requirements that the Administrator publish specified planning guidelines and control techniques information. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) - Directs the Administrator, upon issuance or reissuance of air quality criteria dealing with an air pollutant, to publish: (1) a notice of intention to propose (a) a primary or secondary NAAQS (or both) or (b) regulations controlling such pollutant under specified provisions; or (2) a determination that regulation of such pollutant under the Act is necessary to protect public health and welfare. Requires a 90-day period after issuance of criteria before publication of proposed regulations prescribing NAAQS for pollutants. Requires a 90-day public comment period after the date of such publication before such regulations may be promulgated. Directs the Administrator to publish specified impact assessments at the time of any proposed or final regulation establishing such standards. Provides that primary NAAQS be requisite to protect the public health from "significant risk of" adverse health effects (currently, protect the public health, "with an adequate margin for safety"). Provides that secondary NAAQS be requisite to protect the public welfare from "significant risks of" any known or anticipated adverse effects (currently, simply "protect from" such effects). Requires reviews of air quality criteria three years after the enactment of this Act and at ten-year intervals thereafter (currently, five-year intervals). Raises the number of members of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee from seven to ten. Replaces the one required member from the National Academy of Sciences with a required member representing industries subject to the Act. Adds required memberships for appointees of the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the President of the National Academy of the Sciences, the Surgeon General, and the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. Directs the Committee to approve or disapprove air quality criteria and to review any scientific evidence upon which the Administrator bases any proposed listing of a pollutant. Requires the Committee to review such criteria three years after enactment of this Act and at ten-year intervals thereafter (currently, five-year intervals). State Implementation Plans (SIPs) - Eliminates the nine-month deadline for States to adopt, and submit to the Administrator, SIPs after promulgation of NAAQS. Requires that the Administrator be notified of, and entitled to make comments and objections in, public hearings on SIPs or SIP revisions. Revises procedures for SIP approval. Revises required provisions of SIPs. Requires that primary NAAQS promulgated in final form before the enactment of this Act be attained no later than December 31, 1990. Specifies no maximum period for the attainment of later primary NAAQS (currently, within three years of SIP approval). Eliminates a requirement that SIPs specify a reasonable time at which secondary NAAQS will be attained. Retains the requirement that SIPs provide for the attainment of NAAQS as expeditiously as practicable. Eliminates requirements that SIPs: (1) include transportation controls; and (2) provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles. Revises SIP approval provisions for: (1) SIP revisions; and (2) stationary source construction or modification in nonattainment areas. Repeals a provision that such plans must require major stationary source owners or operators to pay fees to the permitting authority to cover specified costs. Revises procedures for approval of SIP revisions. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring the inclusion of any transportation control program or vehicle inspection and maintenance program as a condition for SIP approval. Allows States to include such programs in SIPs. Prohibits the Administrator, except under specified conditions, from including such programs in any SIP promulgated for an air quality control region. Extends to one year (currently, 60 days) the minimum period permitted to States for specified revisions of SIPs. Repeals provisions relating to: parking surcharge, management of parking supply, and preferential bus/carpool lane regulations; noncommercial retrofits, gas rationing, and reduction of on-street parking; and bridge tolls or charges. Repeals provisions relating to SIP deadline extension procedures. Permits a State environmental agency to issue a temporary emergency suspension of any part of an SIP, without action by the President, if such agency determines that: (1) the suspension may be necessary because of the severity of a national or regional energy emergency; (2) other measures for responding to the emergency may be inadequate; and (3) the suspension will not result in the violation of a primary NAAQS. Limits such suspensions to 14 days, except when the Governor petitions for a further suspension by the President, in which case the State may extend its suspension until a Presidential determination is reached. Permits only one suspension for any source on the basis of the same set of circumstances. Provides that the amendments made by this Act shall apply only with respect to SIPs (or SIP portions or revisions) submitted by a State, or promulgated by the Administrator, after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that any SIP approved or promulgated before such enactment date shall remain in force and effect until such SIP is revised or a new SIP (or portion) takes effect. Requires upon application of the Governor of the State, immediate deletion of any transportation control program or vehicle inspection and maintenance program from SIPs approved or promulgated before such enactment date. Provides that such SIPs shall continue in force and effect notwithstanding such deletion. Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources (NSPS) - Repeals the NSPS requirement that fossil fuel fired stationary sources achieve a "percentage reduction" of emissions. Directs the Administrator to review and, if appropriate, revise NSPS at least every six years (currently, four years). Revises deadlines for the promulgation of regulations establishing NSPS. Specifies a substantial likelihood of "a greater degree of emission limitation," rather than "a greater continuous emission reduction," as one factor in determining waivers of NSPS to encourage innovative technology. Includes, among those conversions to coal which are not to be deemed "modifications" of a source, a conversion to coal by a facility originally constructed with the capability to use coal as a primary energy source and the conversion of which to coal is not required under any authority of law. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations providing an NSPS for each stationary source or category of stationary sources for which an NSPS was in effect before the enactment of this Act. Makes the amendments made by this Act applicable to stationary source construction or modification commencing after the effective date of the applicable regulations promulgated after the date of enactment of this Act. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) - Prohibits inclusion of any air pollutant on the published list of hazardous air pollutants (for which the Administrator intends to establish NESHAPs) prior to review by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee of the pertinent scientific evidence upon which the proposed listing is based. Enforcement - Eliminates the provision that the Administrator must commence actions for injunctions or penalties against owners or operators of stationary sources under specified conditions (but retains the discretionary authority of the Administrator to commence such actions). Provides that State-ordered deadlines for final compliance by a stationary source with an SIP shall be no later than December 31, 1990, with specified exceptions. Makes these amendments (relating to enforcement) effective with respect to orders issued and actions commenced after the date of enactment of this Act. Noncompliance Penalties - Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, requiring noncompliance penalties against specified persons. Eliminates the requirement that the State or the Administrator assess and collect a noncompliance penalty against specified persons (but continues their authority to do so). Eliminates specified deadlines for notifying persons of noncompliance. Eliminates provisions requiring that noncompliance penalty regulations: (1) authorize the Administrator to review State decisions regarding petitions challenging noncompliance orders or alleging entitlement to exemptions; and (2) direct the Administrator to conduct such review upon certain showings by petitioners. Replaces opportunity for a hearing on the record with an opportunity for comment by an owner or operator concerning specified penalties and schedules. Revises provisions for determining the amount of a noncompliance penalty and the schedule of its payment. Eliminates specified deadlines for imposition of noncompliance penalties. Declares that these amendments (relating to noncompliance penalties) shall be effective with respect to any such penalty initially imposed after the effective date of regulations promulgated after the date of enactment of this Act. Stack Heights - Declares current stack height provisions inapplicable to stationary sources: (1) constructed or modified after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) with specified emissions levels. Prohibits the construction of any stack or dispersion technique, from such sources, which does not comply with good engineering practice, as determined by specified regulations. Makes such compliance a requirement in SIP permit programs. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to carry out these new provisions for stack heights, including variances in complex and high terrain areas. Ten-Year "Grandfather" - Exempts from later emission limitations or standards any stationary source that met or meets all applicable emission limitations and standards in effect under the SIP at the time construction or modification commenced or commences, for a ten-year period beginning on the date of submission of a completed application for a permit for such construction or modification. Makes such exemption inapplicable to emission limitations or standards imposed with respect to: (1) air pollution that presents a clear and imminent danger to public health; or (2) an air pollutant for which no NAAQS is in effect at the time the completed application is submitted. State Permit Programs - Allows State permit programs to consist of State regulations that meet specified requirements. Requires the approval of the Administrator in the case of permits for major stationary sources with specified emissions levels. Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD) - Replaces the stated PSD program purpose of insuring economic growth consistent with the preservation of "existing clean air resources," with the purpose of insuring such economic growth consistent with the preservation of "the use and enjoyment of clean air areas and the development of energy resources and facilities" (PSD areas are those with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS). PSD Increments and Ceiling - Eliminates "increment" requirements (maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations of sulfur oxides and particulate matter) for class II and class III PSD areas. Eliminates "short-term" increment requirements (for 24-hour and three-hour periods) for class I PSD areas (international and national parks and wilderness areas of specified sizes, and other areas as designated by the States). Permits pollutants in excess of the required PSD ceilings maximum allowable concentrations in class II areas where: (1) the operation of a source in a manner which results in such exceedance provides other environmental or public health and welfare benefits; (2) the amount and frequency of the exceedance is not excessive; (3) the population at risk is small; (4) the effect is localized; and (5) the costs for additional controls necessary to avoid such exceedance are significant. Area Redesignation - Permits a State to redesignate PSD areas as class I or class II as it deems appropriate (with the exception of "Federal class I" areas established as class I by the Act and Indian reservation lands). Eliminates reference to class III areas and allows major emitting facilities to be constructed and operated in areas designated or redesignated as class II. Eliminates special protections for specified areas in excess of 10,000 acres in size which are national: (1) monuments; (2) primitive areas; (3) preserves; (4) recreation areas; (5) wild and scenic rivers; (6) lakeshores or seashores; or (7) parks or wilderness areas (if any of these are established after a specified date). Preconstruction Requirements - Eliminates certain prerequisites, including analysis of any air quality impacts projected for a PSD area as a result of growth associated with a facility to be constructed. Authorizes the State (or the Administrator in specified cases) to determine on a case-by-case basis whether specified monitoring is necessary. Limits the PSD requirement that a proposed facility be subject to the "best available control technology (BACT) for each pollutant subject to an NAAQS BACT to those pollutants emitted or resulting from such facility in major amounts. Eliminates provisions for an exemption from a preconstruction demonstration requirement. Eliminates a prohibition against issuance of construction permits in cases where the Federal Land Manager demonstrates that facility emissions will have an adverse impact on air quality related values even though concentrations will not exceed increment limitations maximum allowable increases). Eliminates provisions relating to State authority to issue permits where the owner or operator demonstrates that facility emissions will have no adverse impact on such values even though concentrations will exceed incremental limitations (maximum allowable increases). Limits specified PSD required analyses of ambient air quality possibly affected by emissions from a proposed facility to those pollutants subject to NAAQS that are emitted in major amounts. Excludes from any air quality modelling specified for PSD preconstruction requirement purposes any modelling with respect to fugitive dust. Permits the major emitting facility construction to comply with PSD program requirements by means of enforceable emission offset credits or other enforceable alternative control measures. PSD Regulation of Other Pollutants - Eliminates a requirement that PSD program regulations for pollutants other than sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, provide specific measures at least as effective as the increments established for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter to fulfill the goals and purposes of the PSD program. Eliminates a provision authorizing the inclusion in such regulations of air quality increments, emission density requirements, or other measures. PSD Definitions - Restricts PSD program regulation to modifications that, together with other specified changes, increase net allowable emissions of sources or facilities by specified amounts. Revises the definition of "best available control technology" (BACT) for PSD program purposes. Equates the BACT with the NSPS (New Source Performance Standard) where an applicable NSPS exists. Visibility Protection for Federal Class I Areas - Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of the causes and extent of visibility impairment resulting from air pollution; and (2) report the results to the Congress. Prohibits any visibility protection regulations from taking effect, and suspends any such regulation which took effect before the date of enactment of this Act, until such report has been filed with the Congress. Provides that such amendments to the PSD provisions shall take effect in the same manner as provided for amendments to the SIP provisions. Nonattainment Areas - Revises provisions relating to SIP requirements for nonattainment areas to eliminate the definition of "lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER). Revises deadlines for the attainment of NAAQS in any nonattainment area. Requires that an inventory of actual emissions from all sources be contained in a public document, but not be included in the SIP (as is currently required). Eliminates requirements that specified SIPs provide for: (1) analyses of alternatives to proposed major emitting facilities prior to construction or modification permit issuance; and (2) specific schedules for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance program. Conforms SIP identification of other necessary compliance measures to the revised deadlines for attainment of NAAQS. Eliminates provisions requiring that SIP revisions contain enforceable measures to assure attainment of an applicable standard by a specified date. Sets forth provisions relating to the determination of "reasonable available control technology" (RACT). Revises provisions relating to permit requirements to eliminate a requirement that the proposed source comply with the lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER). Requires that stationary sources to which new source performance standards (NSPS) are not applicable, and which, without pollution control technology, will emit any air pollutant in excess of specified levels, comply with best available control technology (BACT) emissions limitations determined by the Administrator. Repeals specified limitations on certain Federal assistance (under the Act and under specified provisions for transportation projects and grant awards) in any air quality control region where any NAAQS has not been attained for which transportation control measures are necessary and certain SIP submissions are lacking. Replaces "lowest achievable emission rate" (LAER) information with information on "reasonably available control technology" (RACT) in guidance documents which the Administrator must issue to States. Eliminates deadlines for the publication of such documents. Provides that amendments to the provisions for SIP requirements for nonattainment areas shall take effect in the same manner as provided for amendments to other SIP provisions. Title II: Amendments to Title III - Adds a definition of "applicable implementation plan." Directs the Administrator to undertake a continuing program of research on environmental emergencies involving air pollution. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out such purpose. Directs the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register of all citizen suits brought under the Act after the date of enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. Repeals provisions relating to restrictions on grants to sewage treatment works based on air pollution considerations. Revises provisions for economic impact assessment (retitling such provisions "Regulatory Impact Assessment") to end the applicability of such provisions to promulgations or revisions of new source performance standards (NSPS). Adds to required elements of such assessments an analysis of the effects of a standard or regulation on available energy supply. Repeals provisions relating to how certain economic impact assessment provisions: (1) are to be construed; or (2) are to be treated for purposes of citizen suits or judicial review. Revises provisions for air quality monitoring to direct the Administrator to validate air quality models used for SIPs. Requires that the limitations of the modeling technique be taken into account in the regulatory program when models are not validated. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement performance evaluation procedures for air quality models and apply such procedures to all recommended models. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Title III: Amendment to Other Laws - Amends the Energy Security Act to change from ten years to five years the period covered by a comprehensive research plan setting forth a coordinated program to identify the causes and effects of acid precipitation and actions to limit or ameliorate its harmful effects.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1981
Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron- and steel-producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extensions. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of receipt of an application for extension of time in the Federal Register and to notify the appropriate State and local officials. Directs the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register notice of any finding made or other action taken, or failure or refusal to take action, by the Administrator in connection with consent decrees. Provides that such findings, actions, refusals, or failures shall be reviewable only by a court in which a specified civil action under such Act is brought against the stationary source owner or operator. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1982 and 1983 to regulate ocean dumping.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to: (1) extend the duration of the scientific advisory panel through fiscal year 1985; and (2) authorize specified appropriations for fiscal year 1982.
United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1981
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to issue guarantees with respect to the payment of principal and interest of bonds to be issued by the Suffolk County Sewer Authority, in Suffolk County, New York. Limits such guarantees to amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to: (1) extend the duration of the scientific advisory panel through fiscal year 1983; and (2) authorize specified appropriations through fiscal year 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1981
Repeals title V (fuel economy standards) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1981
Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1982.
Germany · German Bundestag · 24 April 1981
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend, through fiscal year 1982, the authorization of appropriations to carry out all but specified provisions of such Act. Requires that the sums authorized for fiscal year 1982 be allotted to each State based on such State's needs as a percentage of the total national needs. Extends through fiscal year 1982 the program under such Act which provides grants to States for eligible treatment works. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at the request of the Governor of a State, to set aside from funds authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1982 not more than three percent of funds allotted to such State for such grants to be available only for increasing grants for construction of treatment works from 75 percent to 85 percent, and to set aside not more than four percent of such funds to be available only for alternatives to conventional sewage treatment works for municipalities having a population of 3,500 or less, or for the highly dispersed sections of larger municipalities, as defined by the Administrator. Limits such grants for treatment works to the following categories of projects: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost-effective alternative thereof; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Authorizes the Administrator, from sums authorized for each fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1981, to reserve from the allotment for each State for each such fiscal year an amount not to exceed one percent of the sum of the unexpended obligations and the unobligated allotment available to such State as of the first day of such fiscal year, or $400,000, whichever is greater. Repeals the provision under which the Administrator is authorized to pay the Federal share of the cost of advanced construction on publicly owned treatment works in cases where a State allotment has been obligated under specified provisions. Permits the Administrator to retain the authority to pay such eligible obligations in such amounts as the Administrator considers appropriate. Prohibits any grant, other than for facility planning and the preparation of construction plans and specifications, to be made under such Act to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity. Makes the Administrator responsible for determining the size and capacity of the treatment works eligible for a grant under such Act. States that the determination of the priority to be given projects within each State shall be made by that State. Requires each State, in determining such priority, to give highest priority to projects which: (1) demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved; and (2) will directly benefit communities having urban-industrial concentrations.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to include among the circumstances in which a Governor of a State may issue a temporary emergency suspension for a fuel burning stationary source of any part of a State implementation plan for a national primary ambient air quality standard: (1) when such temporary suspension is essential to the State's economic welfare; or (2) when foreign imports of fuel used by such source have reached an excessive level and such imports can be reduced by the emergency suspension, e.g. allowing coal rather than foreign oil to be burned. Increases the maximum period for which such temporary emergency suspensions may be issued by a Governor or by the President to one year (currently four months). Prohibits such suspensions from remaining in effect if in violation of any national ambient air quality standard results.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities relating to air quality, water quality, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, pesticides, radiation, interdisciplinary activities, toxic substances, and energy. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development for program management and support. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to utilize funds authorized under this Act for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications. Permits transfers of funds of up to ten percent between categories of activities authorized under this Act, as well as transfers of more than ten percent if the Congress is notified and the appropriate committees do not object. Requires that at least 15 percent of funds appropriated for each activity be obligated and expended for long-term environmental research and development programs. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of the use of peer review in research planning by means of a pilot project utilizing peer review projects; and (2) report the results of such study, with recommendations, to the Congress and the Science Advisory Board within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the principal research official of the Agency to commission annually several critical reviews of scientific, technical or engineering literature in various fields, using general criteria established and published by the Science Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate straightforward procedures to assure that Agency research programs are of verifiable accuracy. Requires that reports of such research work state whether or not the work was performed and reported in accordance with such procedures. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study on: (1) coordination of Federal environmental research, development, and demonstration; (2) application of such to environmental problems; and (3) improvement of related information dissemination and data system integration. Directs the Science Advisory Board to develop and manage such study in consultation with Agency program offices and an interagency advisory committee and with oversight and review by the National Academy of Sciences. Requires that such study conclude with a report, with recommendations, to be submitted to the President and the Congress 18 months after the enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Quiet Communities Act - Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to retitle such Act the "Quiet Communities Act." Repeals specified provisions of such Act relating to: (1) noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce; (2) labeling; (3) imports; (4) prohibited acts; (5) enforcement; (6) records, reports, and information; (7) railroad noise emission standards; and (8) motor carrier noise emission standards. Replaces a finding that Federal action is necessary to control major noise sources in commerce with a finding that Federal action must promote and assist effective State and local programs. Eliminates an authorization to establish Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and publish data and information (currently criteria) with respect to noise. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (currently authorizes) 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 (currently 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 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. Revises procedures for application of the provisions of this Act by a State requesting Federal jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters. Repeals provisions relating to State permit programs 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.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to designate any area in excess of 5,000 acres and zoned or otherwise officially designated by State and local authorities for industrial use, as a class III area for purposes of provisions relating to nondegradation of air quality.
Germany · German Bundestag · 3 April 1981
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 1981
Repeals a specified provision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act thereby deleting limits on the use of public treatment works grants for treating, storing, or conveying the flow of industrial users into treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
Abolishes the Environmental Protection Agency. Terminates all functions, activities, and duties of the Agency and prohibits their transfer to any other Federal establishment. Declares that all regulations, orders, rules, determinations, contracts, licenses, and privileges issued, made, granted, or allowed to become effective by the Agency shall cease to have effect. Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conclude the affairs of the Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take into account the economic and technological feasibility of State implementation plans in determining whether to approve such plans.
United States · United States Congress · 26 March 1981
Nuclear Waste Management Policy Act - Title I: Disposal of Transuranic Waste, High-Level Radioactive Waste, and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy to issue guidelines for the recommendation of sites for repositories for the permanent disposal of transuranic waste, high-level radioactive waste, and spent nuclear fuel. Requires the Secretary to identify and recommend to the President at least two sites suitable for site characterization activities to determine their suitability for repositories. Directs the Secretary to notify the State Review Board of any State in which a site is located or the Indian tribe on whose reservation a site is located of such recommendation and to hold public hearings in the vicinity of any recommended site. Requires the President to: (1) review each site recommended; (2) either approve or disapprove the recommendation within 60 days; and (3) transmit such decision to the Secretary and the appropriate State Review Board. Provides that Presidential failure to approve or disapprove a site within the 60-day period or to invoke authority to delay the determination shall be considered an approval. Requires that, prior to the commencement of site characterization activities, the Secretary shall submit to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the appropriate State Review Board or Indian tribe for review: (1) an environmental assessment of the nonradiological impact of such activities; (2) a site characterization plan; and (3) proposals for the form or packaging of the waste and spent fuel which would be emplaced in the repository. Directs the Secretary to conduct tests at sites where site characterization activities are being conducted to provide the data needed for a construction authorization application for a repository and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth restrictions on the use of radioactive materials during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings if a site is determined, after site characterization activities, to meet the requirements applicable to repositories. Directs the Secretary to submit a recommendation for site approval and a site report to the President if the Secretary affirms such determination after the hearings. Directs the President to recommend to Congress a site qualified as an initial repository. Requires recommendation of another site for an initial repository if Congress disapproves the President's first recommendation. Directs the Secretary to submit a license application to the appropriate State Review Board or Indian tribe. Requires the NRC to submit to Congress a status report on such application within two years of its submission by the Secretary. Requires final NRC approval or disapproval of such application within a specified time. Makes a site designation effective 30 days after the President recommends such site to Congress unless an affected State Review Board or Indian tribe submits a petition for disapproval of such site designation. Provides that if such petition is submitted, a site designation shall be effective unless Congress passes a resolution approving such petition. Authorizes a State Review Board to: (1) review activities under this Act to determine the effects of any repository located in the State; (2) represent the State in any NRC proceeding with respect to a repository site in such State; and (3) submit petitions requesting Congress to disapprove repository construction in such State. Directs the Secretary to make grants to the State Review Boards of each State in which a repository site has been approved to support Board activities. Directs the Secretary to consult and cooperate with affected State Review Boards and Indian tribes to resolve the State and tribal concerns regarding the public health and safety, environmental, and economic impacts of any repository. Authorizes the governing body of any affected Indian tribe to: (1) review activities under this Act to determine the effects of a repository located on the reservation; and (2) submit petitions requesting Congress to disapprove repository construction. Directs the Secretary to provide funds to any affected Indian tribe for activities pursuant to this Act. Provides for judicial review of agency actions relating to repository site designation and repository construction and operation pursuant to this Act. Requires Federal officers or agencies to issue or grant a certificate, right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization related to the characterization, construction, or initial operation of any recommended site at the earliest practicable date. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the NRC to promulgate, respectively, general environmental standards and application criteria for construction applications within a specified time. Requires any repository for the disposal of high-level waste and spent fuel to be designed and constructed so that the spent fuel may be retrieved. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to carry out this title. Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress proposing fees to be collected to offset all construction, operation, administrative, and other costs incurred in providing for the management, interim storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes and spent fuel. Makes any person or entity with title to any spent fuel, transuranic waste, or high-level radioactive waste which is subject to interim storage or permanent disposal by the Secretary responsible for transporting such fuel or waste to any interim storage or repository site. Requires the Secretary to submit annually from 1982 through 1987 a nuclear waste management plan to the President and Congress. Title II: Dry Storage Demonstration Program - Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements with commercial nuclear powerplant owners to pay such owners the costs of designing and constructing dry storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel to be located at the sites of the powerplants where the fuel is generated. Directs the NRC to establish licensing requirements for dry storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1981
Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) assume Federal responsibility for the acquisition and interim storage of spent fuel and the disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities; (2) establish a Federal policy for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities; (3) authorize the Secretary of Energy to acquire or construct nuclear waste storage and disposal facilities; and (4) provide for consultation and cooperation between the Federal Government and States and Indian tribes with regard to nuclear waste storage facility and repository siting. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title III: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts providing that the Federal Government will: (1) take title to spent fuel from civilian nuclear powerplants; (2) transport and store such spent fuel in Federal facilities; and (3) dispose of waste products associated with such spent fuel. Provides for a one-time payment by the owner of such spent fuel in an amount adequate to cover the proportionate costs of such transportation, storage, and disposal. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register notice of intent to enter into such contracts and of the one-time payment charged to owners of spent fuel. Directs the Secretary to construct or acquire one or more facilities for interim storage of spent fuel. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts with private industry for the transportation of spent fuel to such facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to use Federal transportation services if private industry is unable or unwilling to provide such transportation at a reasonable cost. Makes funds available for the establishment of such facilities. Directs the Secretary to inform the Governor and the legislature of any State in which a potential facility site or an existing facility is located of the investigation and selection of such site or facility for interim storage of spent fuel. Requires that the Secretary suspend work on such facility upon receipt of objections by the Governor and transmit such objections with recommendations to the President. Directs the Secretary to terminate such work unless, within 90 days after receipt of the Secretary's transmission, the President determines such facility is essential to the national interest. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to provide that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shall have licensing and related regulatory authority over storage facilities for spent fuel from foreign reactors transferred under an arrangement authority under such Act. Title IV: Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste Resulting from Civilian Nuclear Activities - Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress within one year from enactment of this Act a proposal for the construction of one or more safe repositories for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities. Requires the preparation of an environmental assessment on such proposal based on information regarding alternative waste disposal technologies. Makes any facility authorized by Congress subject to the licensing authority of the NRC, but prohibits the NRC from considering any design criteria for such facility other than those required by this Act. Directs the Secretary to make annual impact aid payments to the local governments of areas in Alaska where: (1) such repositories are located and have a substantial impact on the governments; (2) the construction or modification of such repositories is completed after the date of this Act; and (3) in the case of a modification, such modification substantially increases the repository's capacity. Title V: Financial Arrangements - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a separate account for the operation of the storage and disposal program. Permits the Secretary to borrow from the Treasury such amounts as may be provided in appropriation Acts, but not to exceed $300,000,000. Sets forth the terms and repayments of such loans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982. Title VI: State Role in Nuclear Waste Repository Siting - States that this title shall not apply to the transportation, management, or disposal of spent fuel or radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities of the Secretary or Federal research and development activities. Directs the Secretary to establish with each State and Indian tribe affected by repository siting under this Act a cooperative agreement under which the State and Indian tribe shall have the right to participate in a process of consultation and concurrence, based on public health and safety concerns, in all stages of the planning, siting, construction, and operation of a repository. Requires such agreement to provide procedures for resolving objections of the State and Indian tribe at any stage in the repository siting process. Directs the Secretary to inform the Governor, the legislature, and any affected Indian tribe of a State if a repository for the permanent disposal of spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste is to be located in such State. Requires that they be notified at least 90 days prior to formal application by the Secretary to the NRC for a construction permit. Requires the Secretary to suspend work on a repository site upon receipt of objections by the Governor or an Indian tribe within such 90-day period and transmit such objections with recommendations to Congress and the President. Directs the President to inform Congress in writing upon a determination that such repository is essential to the national interest and the concerns of the State and the Indian tribe have been addressed sufficiently. Prohibits the Secretary from continuing work on such site unless both Houses of Congress enact an approval resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (currently authorizes) 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 (currently 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 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. Revises procedures for application of the provisions of this Act by a State requesting Federal jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters. Repeals provisions relating to State permit programs 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.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that the limitation on the use of grants for publicly owned treatment works for treatment, storage, or conveyance of flows of industrial users shall not take effect until November 15, 1984 (rather than 1981).
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1981
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1982 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Environmental Protection Agency (Agency) for specified environmental research, development, and demonstration activities relating to air and water quality, water supply, solid and hazardous wastes, pesticides, radiation, interdisciplinary activities, toxic substances, and energy. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982 to the Agency's Office of Research and Development for program management and support. Authorizes the Administrator of the Agency to utilize funds authorized under this Act for appropriate scientific and professional review of research and development grant, contract, and cooperative agreement applications. Permits transfers of funds of up to ten percent between categories of activities authorized under this Act, as well as transfers of more than ten percent if the Congress is notified and the appropriate committees do not object. Requires that at least 15 percent of funds appropriated for each activity be obligated and expended for long-term environmental research and development programs. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of the use of peer review in research planning by means of a pilot project utilizing peer review projects; and (2) report the results of such study, with recommendations, to the Congress and the Science Advisory Board within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the principal research official of the Agency to commission annually several critical reviews of scientific, technical or engineering literature in various fields, using general criteria established and published by the Science Advisory Board. Directs the Administrator, within 180 days of enactment of this Act, to develop and promulgate straightforward procedures to assure that Agency research programs are of verifiable accuracy. Requires that reports of such research work state whether or not the work was performed and reported in accordance with such procedures.
Germany · German Bundestag · 19 March 1981
Immissionsschutzpolitik der Bundesregierung und der EG, Entwicklung schädlicher Umwelteinwirkungen durch Luftverunreinigung und Lärm sowie deren Erforschung, Erfahrungen mit dem Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz
United States · United States Congress · 17 March 1981
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the President, acting through the Secretary of State, to enter into negotiations with countries contiguous to the United States to: (1) prevent and control air pollution in U.S. border areas; and (2) reduce or eliminate air pollution which originates in such other countries and affects any U.S. area. Declares it to be the sense of the Congress that such goals should be achieved as soon as feasible through treaties or other appropriated international agreements and diplomatic actions. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to determine the percentage of air pollutants in border areas resulting from foreign sources and to eliminate such percentage in determining compliance with ambient air quality standards by such region.
Germany · German Bundestag · 13 March 1981
Germany · German Bundestag · 13 March 1981
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in containers unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value on brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Preempts inconsistent State and local law. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress at specified intervals on the impact of this Act on: (1) conservation of energy and material resources; (2) resource recovery and the reduction of solid waste and litter; and (3) the economy. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor on assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 12 March 1981
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Preempts State or local laws which the Administrator determines are inconsistent with this Act. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress at specified intervals on the impact of this Act on: (1) conservation of energy and material resources; (2) resource recovery and the reduction of solid waste and litter; and (3) the economy. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor on assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act. Sets forth effective dates for various provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 11 March 1981
National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1981 - Establishes a National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation, managed by a Board of Governors including the Secretary of Agriculture and six Presidential appointees, which shall: (1) encourage, through financial assistance and other means, the adoption and maintenance of soil and water conservation practices and systems on non-public lands; and (2) direct studies and forums aimed at demonstrating the benefits of using newly approved conservation techniques. Directs the Board to make available cost-sharing or loan funds from the Endowment to landowners for up to 90 percent of the cost of adopting or maintaining conservation practices or systems. Authorizes the Board to coordinate Endowment programs with existing Federal programs, other public agency programs, or private groups, using facilities and personnel of the Department of Agriculture. Exempts the Endowment and any contributions to it from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits the use of contributions for general administrative costs. Limits obligations and expenditures. Limits eligibility for financial assistance to natural resource conservation measures recommended by a county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee or by a soil conservation district board. Requires such measures to meet Federal, State or local government technical standards. Requires the Board to submit biennial reports to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1992.
United States · United States Congress · 10 March 1981
Oil Spill Liability and Compensation Act of 1981 - Title I: Oil Spill Liability and Compensation - Subjects the owner or operator of a vessel or facility to liability for oil discharged in violation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (unless the discharge was caused as an act of God, war, or by a third party). Causes such owners and operators to be liable for: (1) all actual costs of removal incurred by the United States or a State under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, or the Deepwater Port Act of 1974; (2) any removal costs incurred by any person, as removal is defined under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (3) specified damages for economic loss or loss of natural resources resulting from such a discharge. Limits such liability, but stipulates than an owner or operator shall be liable for all damages and removal costs in the case of: (1) willful misconduct or negligence; (2) violation of applicable safety, construction, or operating standards or regulations; (within the knowledge or privity of the owner or operator); or (3) a refusal to provide reasonable cooperation and assistance requested by a responsible official. Provides that owners or operators subject to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act shall bear all costs of removal. Authorizes the President to establish additional limitations on liability for certain facilities; and, from time to time, to increase established limitations to reflect specified factors. Provides for third party liability. Directs that money in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (established in title II of this Act) be used for, among other things: (1) payment of removal costs; and (2) related research. Sets forth procedures for asserting claims against the Fund. Requires any claimant, prior to asserting a claim, to present the claim to the owner, operator, or guarantor of the vessel or facility from which the oil was discharged. Directs the President to: (1) prescribe forms and procedures for filing claims; and (2) attempt to arrange a settlement. Authorizes the President to establish and to pay a claim or to submit a claim to a Board of Arbitrators. Permits a claimant, dissatisfied with an award, to appeal to the Board of Arbitrators. Requires the owner and operator of any offshore vessel and/or facility to establish and maintain stated levels of financial responsibility sufficient to satisfy claims. Title II: Trust Fund Establishment and Collections - Establishes the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. Provides that the Fund shall consist of: (1) amounts derived from an additional petroleum tax of 1.3 cents per barrel, imposed by an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code; (2) amounts recovered under title I of this Act; (3) penalties imposed under title I of this Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other unobligated funds available under such Act; (4) all assets of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Liability Fund; (5) all assets of the Deepwater Port Liability Fund; and (6) all assets of the Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund established under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978. Establishes a minimum amount of $30,000,000 to be maintained in the Trust Fund. Establishes the order in which unpaid claims are to be paid. Limits the liability of the United States to the amount in the Trust Fund. Provides for Trust Fund borrowing, as repayable advances, from the General Fund of the Treasury. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Sets forth effective dates and conforming amendments. Directs the President, in cooperation with the Comptroller General, to study possible incentives for safer operation of vessels and facilities to prevent oil discharges, and to report to the Congress by July 1, 1983.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1981
Repeals a specified provision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act thereby deleting limits on the use of public treatment works grants for treating, storing, or conveying the flow of industrial users into treatment works.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1981
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the payment of claims resulting from a certain discharge of pentachlorophenol into the Mississippi River Gulf outlet. Authorizes appropriations up to $10,000,000 for such purpose for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares the purpose of this Act to be to: (1) assume Federal responsibility for the acquisition and interim storage of spent fuel and the disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities; (2) establish a Federal policy for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities; (3) authorize the Secretary of Energy to acquire or construct nuclear waste storage and disposal facilities; (4) examine alternative nuclear waste disposal technologies; and (5) provide for consultation and cooperation between the Federal Government and States and Indian tribes with regard to nuclear waste storage facility and repository siting. Title II: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Title III: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts providing that the Federal Government will: (1) take title to spent fuel from civilian nuclear powerplants; (2) transport and store such spent fuel in Federal facilities; and (3) dispose of waste products associated with such spent fuel. Provides for a one-time payment by the owner of such spent fuel in an amount adequate to cover the proportionate costs of such transportation, storage, and disposal. Directs the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register notice of intent to enter into such contracts and of the one-time payment charged to owners of spent fuel. Directs the Secretary to construct or acquire one or more facilities for interim storage of spent fuel. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts with private industry for the transportation of spent fuel to such facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to use Federal transportation services if private industry is unable or unwilling to provide such transportation at a reasonable cost. Makes funds available for the establishment of such facilities. Directs the Secretary to inform the Governor and the legislature of any State in which a potential facility site or an existing facility is located of the investigation and selection of such site or facility for interim storage of spent fuel. Requires that the Secretary suspend work on such facility upon receipt of objections by the Governor and transmit such objections with recommendations to the President. Directs the Secretary to terminate such work unless, within 90 days after receipt of the Secretary's transmission, the President determines such facility is essential to the national interest. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to provide that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) shall have licensing and related regulatory authority over storage facilities for spent fuel under specified circumstances. Title IV: Disposal of High- Level Radioactive Waste Resulting from Civilian Nuclear Activities - Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress within one year from enactment of this Act a proposal for the construction of one or more safe repositories for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities. Requires the preparation of an environmental assessment on such proposal based on information regarding alternative waste disposal technologies. Makes any facility authorized by Congress subject to the licensing authority of the NRC, but prohibits the NRC from considering any design criteria for such facility other than those required by this Act. Directs the Secretary to make annual impact aid payments to the local governments of areas in Alaska where: (1) such repositories are located and have a substantial impact on the governments; (2) the construction or modification of such repositories is completed after the date of this Act; and (3) a modification substantially increases the repository's capacity. Directs the Secretary to continue a program of research, development, and investigation of alternative technologies for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities, atomic energy defense activities, and Federal research and development activities and report annually to Congress on such programs. Title V: Financial Arrangements - Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a separate account for the operation of the storage and disposal program. Permits the Secretary to borrow from the Treasury such amounts as may be provided in appropriation Acts, but not to exceed $300,000,000. Sets forth the terms and repayments of such loans. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1982. Title VI: State Role in Nuclear Waste Repository Siting - States that this title shall not apply to the transportation, management, or disposal of spent fuel or radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities of the Secretary or Federal research and development activities. Directs the Secretary to establish with each State and Indian tribe affected by repository siting under this Act a cooperative agreement under which the State and Indian tribe shall have the right to participate in a process of consultation and concurrence, based on public health and safety concerns, in all stages of the planning, siting, construction, and operation of a repository. Requires such agreement to provide procedures for resolving objections of the State and Indian tribe at any stage in the repository siting process. Directs the Secretary to inform the Governor, the legislature, and any affected Indian tribe of a State if a repository for the permanent disposal of spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste is to be located in such State. Requires that they be notified at least 90 days prior to formal application by the Secretary to the NRC for a construction permit. Requires the Secretary to suspend work on a repository site upon receipt of objections by the Governor or an Indian tribe within such 90-day period and transmit such objections with recommendations to Congress and the President. Directs the President to inform Congress in writing upon a determination that such repository is essential to the national interest and the concerns of the State and the Indian tribe have been addressed sufficiently. Authorizes the Secretary to continue work on such site on the sixtieth day after submission of such statement unless one House of Congress enacts a disapproval resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1981
Export of Hazardous Wastes Control Act of 1981 - Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to permit the export of hazardous wastes from the United States only pursuant to a validated export license. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue a license only: (1) after consultation with specified Federal officials; and (2) if the Secretary is satisfied that the importing country's government has been fully informed about, and agrees to, the shipment. Makes such conditions applicable to all exports of hazardous wastes. Directs the Secretary to list annually for Congress: (1) hazardous wastes for which validated export licenses are required; (2) the number and type of applications received for the export of such wastes; and (3) hazardous wastes for which export licenses were granted.