Environment

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a memorandum of understanding to provide for the transfer of certain jurisdictional rights over a portion of the Fort Devens Military Reservation in Massachusetts to the Secretary of the Interior for inclusion in the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge. Excludes certain property and facilities from such transfer. Provides for the continuation of the Secretary of the Army's responsibility and liability for environmental cleanup with respect to the area transferred above. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer to the Town of Lancaster, Massachusetts, certain real property at the Reservation.

Endangered Species Act Reform Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Endangered Species Act Reform Amendments of 1992 - Title I: Ensuring the Integrity of the Listing, Critical Habitat Designation, and Consultation Processes - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) with respect to improved data collection and analysis, peer review, equal access to judicial review, recognition of State, local, and international activities, priority for species preservation, critical habitat designation, and consultation processes. Title II: Providing Significance to the Recovery Planning Process - Amends the Act with respect to ensuring the preparation and use of timely, comprehensive, and effective recovery plans. Requires either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested, to report biennially to specified congressional committees on the status of: (1) efforts to develop and implement recovery plans for listed endangered and threatened species; and (2) all species for which such plans have been developed. Title III: Ensuring that the Compliance Procedures and Standards for Private Landowners and Other non-Federal Persons Are Not More Burdensome, Time-Consuming, or Costly than Those Applicable to Federal Agencies - Amends the Act to: (1) make consultation procedures for Federal agencies available to private landowners and other non-Federal agencies available to private landowners and other non-Federal individuals and entities; (2) include permit or license applicants in consultations concerning Federal agency actions; (3) authorize the issuance of general permits for private and other non-Federal activities which have minimal effect on species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (4) facilitate the application for, and processing and issuance of, conservation plans for endangered or threatened species; (5) define the "take prohibition" for application in accordance with the intent of the Congress and in a manner providing more precise guidance to all parties wishing to avoid its violation and possible sanctions; (6) establish special limitations on application of take prohibitions; (7) provide for exemptions from the Act for non-Federal individuals and entities and remove payment requirements associated with obtaining such an exemption; and (8) give non-Federal property owners the option of purchase of their property by, or receipt of compensation for diminished value of their property from, the Federal Government when it requires that the property be managed to protect endangered or threatened species. Title IV: Species Enhancement - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to: (1) enter into cooperative management agreements for governing the administration and management of areas identified as habitats for listed species; (2) provide grants to private property owners for preserving the habitat of threatened or endangered species; and (3) permit activities otherwise prohibited when such actions are carried out by certain organizations for the sole purpose of promoting species conservation and population enhancement. Provides for guidance for the release of experimental populations. Title V: Reauthorization and Other Amendments - Makes technical amendments regarding application of Endangered Species Act prohibitions to threatened species and citizens suits. Reauthorizes the Endangered Species Act of 1973 at increased levels.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the use of selective Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) programs as part of State implementation plans under the Clean Air Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1992

Declares that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should modify regulations that implement the Clean Air Act to permit any State in nonattainment to adopt a State Implementation Plan that relies on a selective inspection and maintenance program. States that such program should focus on how best to locate and repair that proportion of the fleet that causes the majority of pollution. Declares that States should adopt the most cost-effective method of locating and fixing gross polluters. States that EPA regulations under such Act should provide that States that opt for a selective program will receive credits that are no less than the actual pollution reduction achieved by such a program and that they may rely on actual data accumulated during the program in determining the reduction achieved. Declares that such regulations should require States to compile information gained through methods of on-road testing and that an individual panel of experts should evaluate such information to report on emission status and trends and the effectiveness of vehicle emission control activities and make recommendations to correct deficiencies and enhance capabilities of EPA's mobile source emission models.

Solid Waste Transfer Permitting Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1992

Solid Waste Transfer Permitting Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations governing the placement and operation of solid waste transfer stations, including standards governing the proximity of stations to water resources and residential areas and permit requirements. Defines "solid waste transfer station" as any facility where shipments of solid waste are held during the course of transportation for transfer to another facility for disposal or resource recovery.

To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the preparation of economic impact analyses with respect to certain actions to protect endangered species and threatened species, to provide compensation for economic losses incurred under that Act, and to authorize appropriations to carry out that Act through fiscal year 1997.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1992

Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit a Federal official or employee from enforcing or implementing a designation of critical habitat, a protective regulation, or a recovery plan without the preparation and publication of an economic impact analysis. Provides for: (1) the limitation of economic losses resulting from the listing of a species as endangered or threatened; and (2) compensation for loss or diminishment in value. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act.

A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to clarify application of the Act with respect to nitrogen stabilizers.

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 1992

Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to include nitrogen stabilizers in the definition of "pesticide." Defines a "nitrogen stabilizer" as a substance or mixture of substances that is intended, through action upon soil bacteria, to prevent or hinder the process of nitrification, denitrification, ammonia volatization, or urease production. Excludes from such definition any substance that: (1) was not registered pursuant to FIFRA prior to January 1, 1992; and (2) was used in a commercial agronomic use prior to such date, with respect to which after such date, the distributor or seller has made no specific claim relating to the prevention of hindering of the processes described in the definition. Exempts mixtures of nitrogen stabilizers and fertilizer products from registration, reregistration, experimental use permit, suspension, recordkeeping, indemnity, and export requirements if the mixture: (1) is accompanied by labeling required for nitrogen stabilizers; (2) is mixed or combined in accordance with such labeling; and (3) does not contain any active ingredient other than a nitrogen stabilizer.

Ratifizierung des Protokolls zum Antarktis-Vertrag betr. den Umweltschutz; Fehlen von Überwachungsbehörden und Haftungsregelungen (G-SIG: 12053575)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 October 1992

Comprehensive Budget Process Reform Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1992

Comprehensive Budget Process Reform Act of 1992 - Title I: Balanced Budget with Enforcement; Mandatory Consideration of President's Budget - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to revise the Federal and congressional budget processes by establishing a two-year budgeting and appropriations cycle and timetable, beginning in the 103d Congress. Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1 of any odd-numbered year. Title II: Biennial Budget - Devotes the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and to appropriations decisions, retaining current deadlines in most cases. Changes relevant deadlines as follows to conform to the biennial scheme: (1) from April 1 to March 31 for the Senate Budget Committee's report on the concurrent resolution on the budget; (2) from June 15 to September 30 for completion of congressional action on reconciliation legislation; and (3) from June 30 to September 30 for completion of congressional action on appropriations bills. Adds the reporting dates for OMB to report on the surplus/deficit. Devotes each second session to authorization activity, subject to deadlines of: (1) May 15 for the submission of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report to the Budget Committees; (2) OMB surplus/deficit reporting dates; and (3) the last day of the session for completion of congressional action on bills and resolutions authorizing new budget authority for the next biennium. Changes from January 15 to February 15 of each year the date by which the CBO Director must submit to the Congress a report on authorizations. Requires the Director of the CBO to issue four-year projections of congressional budget action. (Current projections are on a five-year basis.) Amends provisions relating to the reconciliation process to: (1) increase from 20 to 100 hours the time of debate permitted in the Senate with respect to reconciliation measures; and (2) make it out of order in both the House and the Senate to consider any reconciliation legislation changing any provision of law other than one relating to new budget or spending authority, revenues, or the public debt limit. Revises the extent of projections to be included in CBO analyses of reported bills. Conforms provisions governing the President's budget to the biennial framework. Directs the heads of Federal executive agencies, the Comptroller General, and the Directors of the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of Technology Assessment, and the Congressional Research Service to provide studies, analyses, reports, and other documentation concerning program administration to assist the standing committees of the House and the Senate having jurisdiction over the programs in question. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to conform to the biennial framework. Title III: Unified Operating and Capital Budget - Amends Federal law to require that the budget the President submits to the Congress be a unified budget comprising an operating budget and a capital budget, each presented separately for total funds, Federal funds, and trust funds. Restricts the capital budget to the major activities, projects, and programs supporting the acquisition, construction, alteration, and rehabilitation of capital assets. Includes all other items in the operating budget. Directs the Comptroller General to review and report to the Congress, as necessary, on the implementation of this Act. Requires the following reports to the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on capital activities and operating activities associated with: (1) roadways and bridges, airports and airway facilities, and mass transportation systems; (2) waste water treatment and related facilities; (3) water resource projects; and (4) public buildings. Requires OMB to promulgate regulations requiring: (1) each department and agency to establish standards to compare the advantages and disadvantages of leasing versus purchasing any proposed real estate or equipment with a cost in excess of $10 million; and (2) the completion of such analysis before any purchase or lease is made. Title IV: Sunset Authority - Subtitle A: Reauthorization of Government Programs - Requires each Government program to be reauthorized at least once during each sunset reauthorization cycle. (Sunset reauthorization cycle means the period of five Congresses beginning with the 103d Congress and with each sixth Congress following the 103d Congress.) Sets forth the procedure in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the consideration of any legislation which authorizes new budget authority. Exempts from the requirements of this Act specified items, such as interest on Federal debts, certain programs related to the administration of the Federal judiciary, and certain payments of refunds of internal revenue collections. Expresses the sense of the Congress that all programs should be considered and reauthorized in program categories which constitute major areas of legislative policy. Provides for such reauthorizations. Subtitle B: Program Inventory - Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, in cooperation with the Director of the Congressional Research Service, to prepare an inventory of Federal programs. Declares that the purpose of such program inventory is to advise and assist the Congress in carrying out reauthorization and reexamination requirements and to link such reauthorization and review process with the budget process. Requires the Comptroller General to submit such program inventory to each House of Congress no late than January 1, 1993. Directs the congressional committees, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Congressional Research Service to review the program inventory and to suggest revisions. Requires that the program inventory be revised at the end of each session of the Congress and that such revisions be reported to each House. Subtitle C: Program Reexamination - Requires each committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to reexamine selected programs or groups of programs over which it has jurisdiction. Sets forth procedures for such review and criteria for selection of program areas for evaluation. Subtitle D: Tax Expenditures - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, after consultation with the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Congress, to prepare an inventory of tax expenditure provisions and to submit a report on such inventory to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House and the Senate Finance Committee by July 1, 1993. Directs the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to prepare a reauthorization schedule for all tax provisions similar to the schedule set out for Federal programs in title I of this Act. Requires the Congress to take final action on the reauthorization schedule for tax provisions before the end of the 103d Congress. Subtitle E: Miscellaneous - Sets forth miscellaneous provisions to carry out the purposes of this Act. Directs the President, with the cooperation of the head of each appropriate agency, to submit to the Congress a Regulatory Duplication and Conflicts Report for all programs scheduled for reauthorization in the next Congress. Requires specified congressional committees to report on a review of the procedures established under this Act by December 31, 1998, and every five years thereafter. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2002. Title V: Enhanced Rescission Authority - Amends the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President line item veto rescission authority if he determines, within ten days of the date of enactment of a law, that such a rescission: (1) would help balance the Federal budget, reduce the Federal budget deficit, or reduce the public debt; (2) will not impair essential Government functions; and (3) will not harm the national interest. Requires the President to notify the Congress of such rescission by a special line item veto message. Requires a message for each item of rescission of budget authority. Makes such rescission effective unless the Congress enacts a resolution of disapproval. Sets forth procedures for congressional review and disapproval of such messages. Title VI: Performance-Based Budgeting - Amends Federal law to include in the Federal budget a performance standards and goals plan for the overall budget. Directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue regulations requiring each Federal department and agency to establish such a plan for each major expenditure category of its budget. Requires OMB to review and adjust such plans and establish an overall performance standards and goals plan for the Federal Government. Requires OMB by December 31 of each odd-numbered year, to report to the President and the Congress on all tax expenditures that reduced revenues by at least $2 billion. Requires each bill or resolution which provides for the authorization of appropriations or for the appropriation of funds to specify performance standards and goals for such authorization or appropriation. Title VII: Incremental-Based Budgeting - Requires the head of each department or agency to submit to OMB at least one budget that sets forth spending at least ten percent lower than the prior biennium's budget. Requires the President, when OMB reports an estimated budget deficit, to recommend to the Congress specific changes in outlays or revenues to eliminate that deficit or recommend waiver of the requirement to eliminate such deficit.

Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act - Establishes a Great Lakes Research Council to: (1) advise and promote the coordination of Federal research activities and ensure greater effectiveness in achieving ecosystem protection of the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; (2) prepare and provide to the Congress and other interested parties a document which includes an assessment of research activities needed to fulfill the goals of the Agreement and of existing Federal expertise in such activities and recommendations for research priorities; (3) identify topics for and participate in workshops and conferences on Great Lakes research issues; (4) make recommendations for the uniform collection of data for enhancing research and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes ecosystem; (5) advise and cooperate in the establishment of a multi-media data base for such ecosystem; and (6) ensure that findings and information regarding such research are disseminated in a timely manner. Authorizes appropriations.

United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Act - Establishes the United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Fund to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate and respond to conditions which present a threat to the land, air, or water resources of the United States-Mexico border region (Border Environmental Zone). Authorizes the Administrator, whenever conditions exist which present a substantial threat to the land, air, or water resources in such region, to declare an environmental emergency. Permits the Governors of the States of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas or the governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe to petition for the declaration of an environmental emergency in such region. Prohibits the Administrator from declaring an emergency if the condition is within the sole jurisdiction of the International Boundary and Water Commission. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a system for information sharing and for early warning to the United States and affected States, political subdivisions, and Indian tribes of environmental problems affecting the Border Environmental Zone. Requires the Administrator to establish a United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Advisory Committee to: (1) monitor and study environmental conditions within the Border Environmental Zone; and (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection in such zone. Directs the Secretary of State, acting through the United States Commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, to conclude agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Mexico for: (1) the correction of border sanitation problems in international streams forming or crossing the boundary between the United States and Mexico; and (2) a joint response through the construction of works, repair of existing infrastructure, and other measures to correct border sanitation emergencies in such streams. Defines such emergencies as situations in which untreated or inadequately treated sewage is discharged into surface waters or streams that form or cross the U.S.--Mexican boundary. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to correct border sanitation emergencies in such streams in the United States. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Mexico to establish a binational advisory committee to: (1) assist EPA and the Mexican environmental agency (SEDUE) in the monitoring and study of environmental conditions within the Zone; (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection within the Zone; and (3) carry out other functions prescribed by EPA and SEDUE. Prohibits the expenditure of U.S. funds for emergency investigation or remediation in Mexico without a cost-sharing agreement unless the Secretary can demonstrate that the expenditure of such funds would be cost-effective and in the U.S. interest. Establishes the United States International Boundary and Water Commission Fund to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

American Jobs Retention Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

American Jobs Retention Act of 1992 - Prohibits the use of funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to finance: (1) the establishment of an export processing zone in a foreign country in which the tariff, commercial, tax, labor, environmental, and safety laws of such country do not apply to such zone; (2) any activity carried on by any foreign business within the United States to encourage U.S. businesses to locate or relocate outside of the United States; or (3) activities of a foreign country that contribute to the violation of laws to protect internationally recognized worker rights, including activities within any export processing zone.

Environmental Education Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

Environmental Education Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a joint program to support instructional equipment and facilities for environmental science and technology. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend title 11 of the United States Code to make nondischargeable claims of governmental units for costs that are incurred to abate hazardous substances and for which the debtor is liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Reponse, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, certain claims under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, and claims under State laws similar in subject matter to such Acts.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 1992

Amends Federal bankruptcy law to preclude from a discharge in bankruptcy any debt for a claim by a governmental entity or other qualified person for removal or remedial action costs for which the debtor is liable under specified environmental protection laws.

A bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide for a loan program for States and political subdivisions of States.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1992

Amends the Endangered Species Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to enter into agreements with States, local governments, or groups of States or local governments to provide interest free loans for the acquisition of habitats for rare or endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to consider the number of species involved when making a habitat agreement determination. Grants the Department of the Interior the right to assume habitat ownership.

A bill to authorize United States participation in the Cascadia Corridor Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 1992

Authorizes the United States to participate in the Cascadia Corridor Commission to be established as a bilateral advisory commission in coordination with the Canadian Government and State, provincial, and local governments in the Cascadia region along Interstate 5/Highway 99 from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) establish a forum to coordinate consideration of regional issues in the Cascadia region; and (2) develop a strategy for environmentally sound economic development in such region and submit such plan to the Congress, the Canadian Parliament, the legislature of British Columbia, and the State legislatures of Oregon and Washington. Requires the strategy to consider environmental management, urban development, transportation, communications, and education. Authorizes appropriations.

Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1992

Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State Governor, if requested by an affected local government or local solid waste planning unit, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal waste in the following landfills or incinerators subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the affected local government: (1) landfills that begin operations after this Act's enactment date; (2) existing landfills that did not receive out-of-State municipal waste in 1991 or are not in compliance with State laws relating to design and locational standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure and corrective action; and (3) existing incinerators that did not receive such waste during 1991, are not in compliance with standards and monitoring requirements under the Clean Air Act, or are not in compliance with State laws relating to facility design and operations. Authorizes State Governors, if requested by an affected local government or local solid waste planning unit, to limit the amount of out-of-State municipal waste received at landfills or incinerators that received shipments of such waste during 1991 or the first six months of 1992. Permits State Governors, effective in 1993, to limit the disposal of such waste at any landfill or incinerator that receives, on an annual basis, shipments totaling more than 100,000 tons of such waste (that represents more than 30 percent of all municipal waste received during such period) by prohibiting the disposal of out-of-State waste in an annual amount greater than 30 percent of all municipal waste received during the later of 1993 or the first year in which more than 100,000 tons of out-of-State waste was received. Authorizes Governors, if requested by an affected local government or local solid waste planning unit, to further limit the disposal of such waste by reducing the 30 percent annual volume limitation to 20 percent in 1998 and 1999 and to ten percent in succeeding years. Authorizes a State to impose a fee on the combustion or disposal of out-of-State waste. Prohibits Governors from exercising authority under this Act if such action would result in the violation of a legally binding contract, with exceptions.

Economic Leadership through Environmental Cooperation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1992

Economic Leadership through Environmental Cooperation Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development (AID) to establish a Western Hemisphere Biodiversity Cooperation Program within AID to assist (including by purchase of commercial debts of foreign countries) in the establishment and strengthening of biodiversity management organizations to protect biological diversity and to enhance the economic value of the biological resources of Latin America and the Caribbean. Directs the Administrator of AID to establish a program of Western Hemisphere Biodiversity Cooperation Grants to be awarded to such organizations. Directs the President to: (1) strengthen the leadership role of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee in the area of environmental technology and services exports; and (2) direct the Committee to develop a comprehensive strategy for expanding the U.S. share of the global market for environmental technology and services. Sets forth the responsibilities of the Committee. Requires the Committee to study the feasibility of establishing a Western Hemisphere Environmental Partnership to promote hemispheric technological cooperation on environmental problems.

To authorize United States participation in the Cascadia Corridor Commission.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1992

Authorizes the United States to participate in the Cascadia Corridor Commission to be established as a bilateral advisory commission in coordination with the Canadian Government and State, provincial, and local governments in the Cascadia region along Interstate 5/Highway 99 from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon. Authorizes the Commission to: (1) establish a forum to coordinate consideration of regional issues in the Cascadia region; and (2) develop a strategy for environmentally sound economic development in such region and submit such plan to the Congress, the Canadian Parliament, the legislature of British Columbia, and the State legislatures of Oregon and Washington. Requires the strategy to consider environmental management, urban development, transportation, communications, and education. Authorizes appropriations.

Auflösung der EG-Umwelt-Abteilung (G-SIG: 12053328)

Germany · German Bundestag · 25 September 1992

Save Florida Bay Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1992

Save Florida Bay Act of 1992 - Requires the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to establish and coordinate an interagency committee to develop a program for facilitating the restoration of Florida Bay and to define the roles and responsibilities of each agency in facilitating that restoration. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Chairman should include Florida Bay in the Coastal America program. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to add Florida Bay, Florida, to the list of areas mandated for priority consideration as an estuary of national significance. Mandates a study of Florida Bay problems, including those from Hurricane Andrew. Authorizes appropriations.

National Park System Reformation Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1992

National Park System Reformation Act - Title I: Development of a Comprehensive Plan for the Future of the National Park System - Establishes the National Park System Strategic Planning Commission to develop a long-term plan for the direction of the National Park System (System). Requires the plan to guide the System for the next ten to 20 years and to address criteria for determining inclusion or exclusion of a site within the System. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to terminate National Park Service management at all park areas as recommended by the Commission. Applies the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to all actions of the Secretary during the termination process. Directs the Administrator of General Services to delegate to the Secretary, with respect to excess and surplus real property and facilities located at such park areas, the authority to: (1) dispose of surplus property; and (2) grant certain approvals under the Surplus Property Act of 1944. Directs the Secretary, as part of each annual budget request, to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a schedule of actions to be carried out under this title and an estimate of the total expenditures required and cost savings to be achieved by each closure, along with environmental assessments of such actions. Prohibits the Secretary from establishing new units of the System until the Commission transmits a report to the Congress. Title II: New Area Establishment - Directs the Secretary to submit reports of new area studies to the appropriate congressional committees for purposes of determining the suitability of adding such areas to the System. Designates the following areas for study as potential units: (1) Apollo XI Launch Tower, Florida; (2) Kennecott/McCarthy, Alaska; (3) New Jersey Delaware Bay Wetlands, New Jersey; (4) Nicodemas, Kansas; (5) Oak Hill, Virginia; (6) Susan B. Anthony House, New York; and (7) Virginia City, Montana. Requires the National Park Service to maintain a list of units in order of their numerical priority for potential addition to the System. Repeals provisions of existing law concerning inclusion of additional areas to the System. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Enhanced National Park Service Technical Assistance Program for Protection and Management of Natural, Cultural, and Recreation Sites - Establishes the American Heritage System to better protect natural, cultural, and recreational resources which do not belong in the System. Provides for administration of such sites by State and local governments and private entities with Federal technical assistance. Requires the National Park Service to establish a grant program to conduct studies for potential designations of American Heritage sites. Provides for Federal technical and financial assistance for designated sites for periods of up to ten years.

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the deadline by which permits for discharges for municipal and industrial stormwater discharges are required until October 1, 1994.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 1992

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend to October 1, 1994, the deadline by which: (1) a permit for stormwater discharges is required; and (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue regulations which designate stormwater discharges to be regulated to protect water quality and to establish a program to regulate designated sources.

Convention for the protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic

European Union · EUR-Lex · 22 September 1992

Environmental Aid and Trade Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1992

Environmental Aid and Trade Act of 1992 - Amends the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the Export Enhancement Act of 1988, and the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to: (1) declare U.S. policy to foster the export of U.S. goods and services to control or reduce pollution and to clean up existing pollution problems; and (2) direct the Secretary of State, the Agency for International Development, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the Department of Commerce, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States to implement specified measures to foster such policies, including establishment of Environmental Business Centers and an Environmental Competitor Program Officer in U.S. embassies in countries that are important competitors for U.S. exports of environmental goods and services. Requires the President to establish the Environmental Trade Promotion Working Group as a subcommittee of the Trade Promotion Coordination Committee.

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for assessments of contaminated sediments at areas of concern in the Great Lakes, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 1992

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Great Lakes National Program Office to: (1) conduct five demonstration projects of promising technologies to remedy contaminated sediments at appropriate sites; (2) conduct chemical, physical, and biological assessments of contaminated sediments at each area of concern and make recommendations on technologies to remedy contaminated sediments; and (3) report findings and recommendations to the Congress. Establishes deadlines for the publication and submission to the International Joint Commission of lakewide management plans for Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Great Lakes water quality program through FY 1999. Allocates funds for assessments, demonstration projects, and a program of nutrients and toxics monitoring in the Great Lakes Basin.

NOTICE - COMMON POSITION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COOPERATION PROCEDURE LAID DOWN IN ARTICLE 149 (2) OF THE EEC TREATY: PROPOSAL FOR A Council Regulation on the evaluation and control of the environmental risks of existing substances

European Union · Council of the European Union · 19 September 1992

A resolution to make appointments to the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Special Committee on Aging, and the Select Committee on Indian Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1992

Appoints: (1) Senator Conrad of North Dakota to serve on the Senate Committee on Appropriations for the 102d Congress; and (2) Senator Burdick of North Dakota to serve on the Committee on Environment and Public Works, the Special Committee on Aging, and the Select Committee on Indian Affairs for the 102d Congress.

Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1992

Mineral Exploration and Development Act of 1992 - Title I: Mineral Exploration and Development - Sets forth guidelines for mineral exploration on public domain lands. Declares that holders of mining claims executed under this Act have the exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities (including the right of ingress and egress to conduct such activities. Prescribes rules for mining claim location and use of public land surveys, including the requirement that a copy of the notice of mining claim location be filed with the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary). Restricts such claims to U.S. citizens or corporations only. Provides for administrative adjudication of conflicting claims. Sets forth an annual, graduated rental fee schedule based upon the number of diligence years following location of the claim. Requires the Secretary to deposit all moneys received from rental fees into the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund (established by this Act). Prescribes guidelines under which a claim holder may elect to reduce the amount of the requisite rental fee by the amount of diligent development expenditures made for mining claim mineral activities during the same diligence year to which the rental fee would otherwise apply. Sets a minimum annual rental fee of $2.50 per acre of all land within the boundaries of a mining claim, which shall be all a claim holder need pay in specified circumstances. Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 per violation of mining claim requirements. Prohibits the issuance after February 6, 1991, of patents for vein, lode, placer, and mill site mining claims unless certain administrative requirements are met. Declares that the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and certain provisions of the Act of July 23, 1955, apply to all mining claims located or converted under this Act. Amends Federal law to declare that after the date of enactment of this Act, all mineral materials deposits including block pumice, shall be subject to disposal under the terms of the Materials Act of 1947. (Eliminates the concept of uncommon varieties of mineral materials.) Renames specified Federal laws: (1) the Surface Resources Act of 1955; and (2) the Materials Act of 1947. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. Title II: Environmental Considerations of Mineral Exploration and Development - Prescribes surface management guidelines for mineral activities and reclamation, including a mandatory: (1) plan of operations; (2) mining permit application; (3) reclamation plan; (4) public notice of the proposed plan of operations; (5) approved plan for temporary cessation of activities; and (6) posting of bond and financial assurances by the operator for reclamation purposes. Mandates that: (1) lands subject to mineral activities be restored to a condition capable of supporting the uses they were capable of supporting before surface disturbance (or other beneficial uses); and (2) the surface area disturbed by mineral activities be backfilled, graded and contoured to its natural topography. Requires the Secretary to establish reclamation standards which include certain requirements for: (1) topsoil; (2) stabilization to control erosion and minimize air and water pollution; (3) erosion; (4) hydrologic balance; (5) pit backfilling; (6) revegetation; (7) removal of excess spoil and waste; (8) sealing of drill holes and openings; (9) removal of structures and equipment used during mineral activities; and (10) restoration of fish and wildlife habitat conditions. Requires the Secretary to inspect mineral activities to ensure compliance with statutory directives. Sets forth enforcement guidelines and civil penalties for non-compliance. Authorizes citizen suits to enforce compliance with this Act. Declares that State standards for reclamation, bonding, inspection, water or air quality, which either meet or exceed Federal standards, shall not be construed as being inconsistent with this Act. Permits cooperative agreement between the States and the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from delegating authorities or responsibilities conferred under this Act to any State or its political subdivision. Prescribes guidelines within which the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, in preparing land use plans pursuant to specified statutes, shall designate and publish in the Federal Register those areas deemed unsuitable for all or certain types of mineral activities. Requires withdrawal of unsuitable areas from mineral exploration and development. Specifies standards for suitability reviews, including the determination that mineral activities: (1) would substantially impair water quality or supplies within the area subject to the mining plan or adjacent lands, such as impacts on aquifers and aquifer recharge areas; and (2) would impair the productivity of the land subject to such activities. Requires the Secretary to review all administrative withdrawals for possible revocation and reopening of the lands in question for mining claim location subject to certain conditions. Grants any person with an interest that may be adversely affected by potential mineral activities the right to petition the Secretary for a suitability review. Identifies lands which are not open to the location of mining claims under this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (or other appropriate Secretary) to prevent mineral activities that could have an adverse impact on the resources or values within the boundaries of Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska) and all other National Conservation System units. Title III: Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to establish the Abandoned Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement) for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past minerals (other than cool and fluid minerals) and mineral materials mining within the boundaries of States that have certain lands subject to this Act and the Materials Act of 1947. Sets forth: (1) State eligibility requirements; and (2) Fund allocation and expenditure guidelines for distribution as grants among eligible States. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to implement: (1) minerals policy; and (2) actions to improve availability and analysis of mineral data in Federal land use decision making for National Forest System lands. Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to establish and collect user fees to reimburse the United States for a portion of the expenses incurred in administering this Act. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to promulgate final regulations to implement their respective responsibilities under this Act, and to coordinate the promulgation of such regulations. Sets forth guidelines for a three-year transitional period during which the holder of an unpatented mining or mill site claim may elect to convert it. Deems any claim not converted within such period as forfeited and declared null and void. Declares that any tunnel site located under the general mining laws on or before the effective date of this Act shall not be recognized as valid unless converted according to such guidelines. Sets forth a transitional period for surface management requirements governing new mining claims and preexisting unpatented claims. Prescribes guidelines under which a mining claim may be challenged after the effective date of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) initiate contest proceedings immediately after the enactment of this Act challenging the validity of certain unpatented mining claims (including those for which a patent application has not been filed); and (2) declare null and void those claims determined to be invalid. Directs the Secretary to adjust all rental rates, penalty amounts, and other dollar amounts established in this Act for changes in the purchasing power of the dollar every ten years. Sets a minimum royalty amount of eight percent of the gross income from the production of locatable minerals from any mining claim located under this Act (including mineral concentrates derived from such minerals). Empowers the Secretary to prescribe reporting requirements and conduct audits of all persons holding claims under this Act to ensure compliance with its requirements. Sets forth a royalty receipts disposition schedule. Directs the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations to establish gross income for royalty purposes; and (2) submit an annual report to the Congress on the implementation of this Act.

Commission on the Conservation of Biological Resources Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 1992

Commission on the Conservation of Biological Resources Act of 1992 - Establishes the National Commission on the Conservation of Biological Resources to: (1) create a plan for the development of a systematic, ongoing inventory of the biological resources of the United States; (2) identify unprotected biological resources at risk of being lost; (3) identify policies for managing public lands by Federal agencies with responsibility for natural resources; (4) identify mechanisms to coordinate activities with respect to the conservation of biological resources; (5) identify laws and programs needed to ensure conservation and sustainable use of biological resources; (6) identify early warning mechanisms needed to prevent the endangerment of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; (7) identify mechanisms that can be used to help communities bear the economic costs and share the benefits of plans to conserve such resources; (8) make recommendations for increasing public awareness of the importance of conserving such resources; and (9) analyze whether international approaches are conserving biological resources and the need for improving such approaches. Authorizes appropriations.

Office of National Environmental Technologies Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 1992

Office of National Environmental Technologies Act - Establishes the Office of National Environmental Technologies within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) coordinate Federal environmental restoration and protection planning; (2) identify areas that need technical solutions to maintain environmental security, are not receiving product-oriented research necessary to meet those needs, and exhibit the greatest promise for the development of solutions; (3) support the development of technology having future application in environmental restoration and protection; (4) coordinate the exchange of technological information relating to environmental restoration and protection between Federal agencies and the private sector; (5) support continuing research and development of advanced technologies; (6) monitor research and development being conducted on advanced technologies by private industry; and (7) promote continuing development of a technological industrial base in the United States. Establishes an interagency advisory committee to provide information to the Office with respect to the needs and concerns of specified agencies in the field of environmental technologies. Establishes the Industry and Academia Advisory Council to make recommendations regarding general policy for the Office. Permits the EPA Administrator to transfer to the domestic private sector technology developed with the support of the Office if the technology may have potential application in private activities relating to environmental restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to carry out Office functions, subject to certain conditions. Provides for dissemination of the results of Office research. Prohibits the making of a contract or award until the research project in question has passed a merit review. Directs the Administrator, in determining whether to make an award to a joint venture, to consider whether the joint venture has provided for appropriate participation of U.S. small businesses. Exempts from Federal disclosure requirements information obtained on a confidential basis in connection with business operations or trade secrets of a joint venture. Prohibits the disclosure by a Federal employee of intellectual property owned by a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, except in accordance with an agreement between the owner and the Administrator. Entitles the United States to a share of licensing fees and royalty payments made to a joint venture in an amount proportionate to the Federal share of costs incurred. Provides for the return of unspent Federal funds to the Office if it appears that the recipient is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the project. Entitles the United States, upon dissolution of a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, to a share of the residual assets proportionate to the Federal share of costs. Establishes the Environmental Advanced Research Projects Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Administrator to use the Fund to provide financial assistance to industrial and nonprofit research centers, universities, and other entities that serve long-term environmental security needs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on: (1) activities of the Office; (2) the extent to which technologies developed with Office assistance have been used; and (3) the extent to which those technologies have been transferred overseas. Authorizes appropriations.

A resolution to appoint the Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992

Appoints Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York as the Chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Ballona Wetlands Restoration Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992

Ballona Wetlands Restoration Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue regulations for the expedited consideration of permit applications submitted under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at the Ballona Wetlands in Los Angeles, California. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a demonstration program to encourage the full restoration of such wetlands. Provides for mitigation credits to persons who conduct restoration activities. Permits credits to be used for obtaining permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material between Point Conception, California, and the Mexican border. Requires the Administrator to establish a mitigation banking system and authorizes the sale of credits to third parties with the Administrator's approval. Authorizes appropriations.

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act of 1992 - Designates the following lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System): (1) Greater Glacier/Continental Divide Ecosystem; (2) Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; (3) Greater Salmon Ecosystem; (4) Greater Cabinet/Yaak/Selkirk Ecosystem; (5) Sky Island Wilderness; (6) Rattlesnake Wilderness; and (7) Rattlesnake Wilderness Area. Adds specified lands to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Designates: (1) specified wild land areas as Biological Connecting Corridors (Corridors) to protect the life flow of the Northern Rockies Bioregion; and (2) the inventoried roadless areas identified as part of the Corridors as components of the System. Sets forth provisions for the management of those portions of the Corridor which are not designated as components of the System. Exempts specified roads and highways from the provisions of this Act. Requires that roadless lands (including uninventoried roadless lands and areas less than 5,000 acres in size) within the national forests in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming which have been studied for potential inclusion in the System, but have not been designated as such, shall be analyzed on an individual, case-by-case basis with full public involvement. Requires the results of each case-by-case analysis and associated environmental analysis to be submitted to specified congressional committees so that the Congress may decide whether these areas should become components of the System to be managed for other, nonwilderness, multiple uses. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to study the feasibility of: (1) creating a Hells Canyon/Chief Joseph National Park and Preserve; (2) creating a Flathead National Park and Preserve; and (3) designating such areas as units of the National Park System (NPS), including national park and national preserve designations to be administered by the National Park Service. Requires the national park and preserve study areas to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, until the Congress determines otherwise, to maintain their presently existing natural character and potential for inclusion in the NPS. Provides that, until the Congress determines otherwise, no new road construction or reconstruction, timber harvest (except firewood gathering), oil and gas leasing, mining, or other development which impairs the natural and roadless qualities of the study areas shall be allowed. Requires that special consideration be given to preserving scenery, water quality and fisheries habitat, biological diversity, and wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate: (1) segments of specified rivers and creeks in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS); and (2) segments of specified rivers and creeks in Montana and Wyoming for study as potential addition to the NWSRS. Requires that: (1) such designated wild and scenic river areas be administered by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to maintain their presently existing wild and scenic character and potential for inclusion in the NWSRS at their highest level of eligibility; and (2) the streambed and the lands one half mile wide along either side of the streambed of any river or stream included in the study be managed to protect their presently existing suitability for inclusion into the NWSRS as wild rivers. Prohibits new road construction or reconstruction, bridges, dams, timber harvesting, mining, oil and gas leasing, or other developments from being allowed within the one half mile corridor along either side of rivers and streams under study. Establishes the National Wildland Restoration and Recovery System (Recovery System) to: (1) restore National Forest System lands and surrounding areas to their native vegetative cover and species diversity; (2) stabilize slopes and soils to prevent or reduce further erosion; (3) recontour slopes to their original contours; (4) remove barriers to natural fish spawning runs; and (5) generally restore, as much as possible, such lands to their natural condition as existed prior to their entry and development. Authorizes appropriations to establish the National Wildland Recovery Corps (a special unit of the U.S. Forest Service) which shall hire necessary personnel and purchase necessary equipment to carry out its land recovery responsibilities. Designates certain lands within the Lewis and Clark National Forest known as Badger-Two Medicine Area as the Blackfeet Wilderness Area. Declares that the Congress recognizes that the Blackfeet Nation retains treaty rights in this area provided for in the 1896 treaty with the Federal Government. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to review the wilderness area and report to the Congress. Requires that special consideration shall be given to the religious, wilderness, and wildlife uses of the area, taking into account any Federal treaties entered into with the Blackfeet Nation. Withdraws the Badger-Two Medicine Wilderness Area from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the mining laws and disposition under the geothermal and mineral leasing laws. Authorizes appropriations to purchase certain privately owned lands located within the Gallatin Range inventoried roadless area to become part of the Gallatin National Forest. Requires that, upon purchase, the former owners shall relinquish all title, rights, and interests in such lands, including all mineral leases, Federal oil and gas leases, and water rights. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into negotiations with private landowners within the greater boundaries of the Crazy Mountains Wilderness to determine a fair purchase price for the sections of private land located within the established Wilderness boundary. Requires the Secretaries to assure nonexclusive access by native people to Wilderness areas, National Park and Preserve Study areas, Wildland Recovery areas, and Biological Corridors designated by this Act by Native Americans for transitional cultural and religious purposes. Requires the Forest Service to enter into cooperative management agreements with the appropriate Indian tribes to assure protection of religious, burial, and gathering sites, and to work cooperatively on the management of all uses in the protected areas that affect Indian lands and people. Requires the Secretaries to give particular emphasis to the preservation and protection of cultural resources located within the areas.

Designating the week beginning October 18, 1992, as "National Radon Action Week".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 1992

Designates the week beginning October 18, 1992, as National Radon Action Week.

Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1992

Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1992 - Title I: Amendment to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to set forth U.S. policy with respect to the protection of Antarctica. Revises provisions concerning prohibited acts to make it unlawful for any person (currently, U.S. citizen) to: (1) engage in any taking or harmful interference in Antarctica; (2) introduce into Antarctica any nonnative species; (3) enter any Antarctic specially protected area; or (4) discharge, dispose of, or introduce any waste or pollutant within Antarctica, except as permitted by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Exempts from such prohibition any act committed under emergency circumstances that involves the safety of human life or of ships, aircraft, or equipment or facilities of high value or the protection of the environment. Revises requirements for the issuance of permits authorizing takings or harmful interferences or introductions of nonnative species in Antarctica. Authorizes permits to be issued to provide for unavoidable consequences of scientific activities or of the construction and operation of scientific support facilities. Adds to the list of permit requirements that such permits ensure that no more native mammals, birds, or plants are taken than are necessary to provide specimens for scientific or cultural uses. Adds to the list of requirements for permits authorizing the taking of specially protected species that such takings involve nonlethal techniques, where appropriate. Allows permits for entry into any Antarctic specially protected area to be issued only in accordance with a specified management plan. Provides that permits authorizing the importation of nonnative species shall: (1) not be issued unless allowed under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty of October 1991; (2) require such species to be removed from Antarctica and disposed of in a specified manner; (3) not permit the importation of dogs or living birds; and (4) require that precautions be taken to prevent the introduction of microorganisms not present in native fauna and flora. Sets forth restrictions on the importation of animal food products into Antarctica. Requires certain regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State to apply to any person's (currently, U.S. citizen's) advance notification of expeditions to, and within, Antarctica. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require nongovernmental activities in Antarctica for which the United States is required to give advance notice under the Antarctic Treaty to provide for prompt response actions to emergencies and to comply with contingency plans. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to implement the environmental impact assessment provisions of the Protocol with respect to nongovernmental activities in Antarctica. Directs the Secretary to designate the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection. Increases the ceiling on civil penalties and expands the scope of criminal penalties for specified violations of the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. Authorizes civil actions with respect to violations. Title II: Prohibition of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities; Repeal of Antarctic Protection Act - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide the legislative authority necessary to implement the provisions of the Protocol relating to Antarctic mineral resource activity by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) engage in, provide assistance to, or knowingly finance any Antarctic mineral resource activity; (2) violate any provision of this title; (3) ship, sell, purchase, import, export, or have control of any Antarctic mineral resource which the person knows was recovered as the result of Antarctic mineral resource activity, without regard to the citizenship of the person that engaged in the activity; (4) refuse to permit any authorized U.S. employee to board a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft subject to this title for conducting any serarch or inspection in connection with enforcement; or (5) interfere with any search or resist a lawful arrest or detention or interfere with such an arrest or detention. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title. Sets forth enforcement procedures and provisions concerning forfeitures and searches and seizures. Declares that this title shall prevail over any inconsistent provision of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. Repeals the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Authorizes appropriations.

To establish a moratorium on the application of certain drinking water regulations to small and medium-sized drinking water systems, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 1992

Establishes an 18-month moratorium on the application of the following regulations to public water systems serving fewer than 10,500 individuals: (1) national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper; (2) Phase II drinking water regulations for 26 synthetic organic chemicals and seven inorganic chemicals; and (3) Phase V drinking water regulations for 18 synthetic organic chemicals and five inorganic chemicals. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on potential barriers faced by small- and medium-sized public water systems in complying with such regulations. Provides for application of such regulations to systems subject to the moratorium if necessary to protect human health.

projet de loi autorisant l'approbation du protocole au traité sur l'Antarctique relatif à la protection de l'environnement

France · Senate · 20 August 1992

Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of State to appoint a U.S. officer or employee as the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection (Committee) under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Treaty) (done at Madrid in October 1991). Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) conduct an activity within Antarctica in a manner inconsistent with the Protocol; (2) engage in, finance, or knowingly provide assistance to any Antarctica mineral resource activity; (3) introduce a prohibited product within Antarctica (defined as polychlorinated biphenyls, nonsterile soils, polystyrene or similar packaging, pesticides, and other designated products); (4) conduct open burning, operate a landfill at a U.S. coastal facility, or operate an incinerator after December 31, 1994; (5) bring a dog into Antarctica; (6) use leaded fuel at a U.S. facility within Antarctica or in any vessel or aircraft subject to U.S. jurisdiction; (7) transport passengers to, from, or within Antarctica by a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction unless the owner or operator is required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships; (8) discharge untreated sewage into Antarctic waters or onto Antarctic ice shelves; (9) engage in specified activities without a permit; (10) violate any terms of this Act; (11) ship, sell, purchase, import, export, or have control of a native bird, mammal, plant, invertebrate, or mineral resource which the person knows was taken in violation of this Act; (12) refuse to permit an authorized U.S. employee to board a U.S. vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction for conducting any search or inspection in connection with enforcement; or (13) interfere with any search or resist a lawful arrest or detention or interfere with such an arrest or detention. Waives the prohibition on activities conducted without a permit under emergency circumstances to prevent the loss of human life or involving the safety of a ship or aircraft. Prohibits the following activities in Antarctica, except in accordance with a permit: (1) the conduct of an expedition of more than ten persons to, from, or within Antarctica; (2) the operation of U.S. facilities within Antarctica, including the construction or decommissioning of a U.S. base, building, or airfield; (3) taking within Antarctica a native mammal, bird, or plant in such quantities that their local distribution or abundance would be significantly affected; (4) taking within Antarctica a specially protected species; (5) introducing an animal or plant not indigenous to Antarctica; (6) entering a specially protected area; or (7) operating an incinerator on or prior to December 31, 1994. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, to issue general permits for any category of such activities if the activities are similar in nature and will cause no more than a minor environmental impact when performed cumulatively. Establishes a specific procedure for permit applications requesting authority to undertake actions with respect to: (1) native marine mammals covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972; (2) endangered or threatened species; (3) native birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; or (4) the discharge of treated sewage into Antarctic waters or onto Antarctic ice shelves. Prohibits the issuance of a permit unless there is sufficient information to assess possible environmental impacts and if required, an environmental impact statement (EIS) has been prepared and circulated to Treaty parties and to the Committee. Provides that permits which authorize any taking may only be issued for providing specimens for scientific study or institutions or for the unavoidable consequences of scientific research activities and shall ensure that only small numbers are taken, the variety of the species and balance of the ecological systems are maintained, and the taking is determined by peer review to further a bona fide scientific purpose. Authorizes permits for takings of specially protected species to be issued only if: (1) there is a compelling scientific purpose as determined by peer review of the proposed permit; (2) the actions authorized will not jeopardize any existing natural ecological systems or the survival or recovery of the species; and (3) nonlethal techniques are used, if appropriate. Requires permits which authorize the introduction of any nonindigenous animal or plant to be issued only for animals and plants to be used in a laboratory and requires the removal of such plants or animals from Antarctica prior to the expiration of the permit, unless they pose no risk to native mammals, birds, or plants. Authorizes the issuance of a permit that allows the entry into any specially protected area only if: (1) there is a compelling scientific purpose for the entry; and (2) the actions will not jeopardize the natural ecological system and are in accordance with any management plan. Authorizes permits for the operation of U.S. facilities within Antarctica to be issued for five-year periods. Provides for annual inspections of such facilities and permit renewals, as appropriate. Requires permits which authorize the construction or operation of incinerators to: (1) ensure that emissions are reduced to the maximum extent practicable; (2) restrict the material which may be incinerated to food and food-contaminated waste; and (3) prohibit the operation of incinerators after 1994 unless the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, reports to the Congress that there is no alternative for the disposal of food. Requires permits which authorize the disposal of sewage within Antarctica to minimize environmental impacts. Provides that permits which authorize expeditions of ten or more passengers to, from, or within Antarctica may be: (1) effective for up to three years; and (2) issued only if consistent with the Protocol and this Act and allow observers on vessels to monitor compliance. Permits judicial review of permit issuance decisions. Authorizes permit modification, suspension, or revocation. Provides for permit application fees. Requires Federal agencies planning to conduct activities in Antarctica to determine whether such activities will have more than a minor or transitory impact on the environment. Authorizes such activities if the agency monitors them to assess and verify the minor or transitory impact. Directs Federal agencies, if activities will have more than a minor or transitory environmental impact, to prepare an EIS. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to issue regulations establishing procedures for the environmental assessment of nongovernmental activities in Antarctica. Provides for review of an EIS by the Treaty parties and the Committee prior to permission for an activity to proceed. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to develop a plan for monitoring activities within Antarctica that have more than a minor or transitory environmental impact. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to conduct a program for monitoring the health of the waters of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean as part of a global ocean observing system. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, to develop requirements for contingency plans for response to incidents with adverse environmental impacts in Antarctica. Requires the Secretary of State to circulate to all Treaty parties all inspection and compliance reports and all actions taken to ensure compliance with the Protocol and to bring to the attention of the other parties all known incidents of noncompliance with the Protocol by the nationals of those parties. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth enforcement procedures and establishes authorities for searches and seizures and forfeitures. Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply Annex IV of the Protocol to all ships of U.S. registry and all ships under U.S. jurisdiction. Applies Protocol requirements to ships currently excluded from the requirements of such Act. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer the Protocol. Directs the Secretary to ensure that such ships, before entering Antarctica, have: (1) sufficient capacity to retain all oil, noxious liquid substances, and garbage; and (2) concluded arrangements to discharge such substances at reception facilities outside of Antarctica. Makes enforcement and inspection provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships applicable to violations of the Protocol. Repeals the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 and the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Sets forth procedures with respect to acceptance of amendments to the Protocol. Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities should remain in effect permanently or indefinitely; (2) the Secretary of State should enter into negotiations with other Treaty parties to conclude an agreement on procedures for liability for damage arising from activities in Antarctica; and (3) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, should ensure that the results of all investigations relating to geological processes and structures are made available to the public.

Long Island Sound Comprehensive Improvement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Long Island Sound Comprehensive Improvement Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the Long Island Sound to: (1) consolidate certain ongoing studies; and (2) develop a comprehensive long-range plan of improvement for the Sound that includes provisions for the control of water quality, commercial and recreational navigation, storm protection, water pollution control and remediation, beach erosion control and recreation, technical data and modeling support for the Management Conferences of the Long Island Sound Study (Study), and other areas of concern. Requires the Secretary, with respect to the Sound and its principal tributaries, to: (1) develop a three-dimensional mathematical model; and (2) construct, operate, and maintain in the State of New York a large-scale hydraulic model and, in association with that model, construct a center for public education. Directs that the models and center be available, in conjunction with any research, investigation, or study conducted by the entity concerning the Sound, for use by: (1) any Federal agency; (2) the governments of New York and Connecticut; and (3) the Study. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a reconnaissance-level plan to implement this Act, including an inventory of ongoing related studies, an examination of known water resource problems and needs, an implementation plan for locating and constructing the hydraulic model, and a framework for participation by States and the public in the investigation; and (2) report to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study, with respect to the Sound, to: (1) fully explore water resources problems; and (2) develop alternative plans that include an assessment of costs, benefits, and environmental impacts. Specifies that: (1) the principal focus of the study shall be the development of cost-effectiveness criteria against which to evaluate identified solutions to water resources problems of the Sound; and (2) the study shall fully evaluate the environmental consequences and future costs of refraining from taking any Federal action. Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a feasibility report that includes the findings of the study. Requires that the full cost of developing and preparing the reconnaissance plan and report be paid by the Federal Government. Sets the Federal share of developing and preparing the feasibility report at 50 percent. Directs that 50 percent of such costs be paid from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations.

Environment and Public Works Fair Share Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Environment and Public Works Fair Share Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act to require the Federal formula used to allocate funds to States under such Act to use the population figures from the latest available estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce for each State (currently, from the latest decennial census). Requires the Federal formula used for grants to States for interstate highway systems, Federal-aid urban highways, and highway safety programs to include the population figures from the latest available estimates prepared by the Department of Commerce (currently, from the latest decennial census).

Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue the Water Quality Program established under the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act. Requires the Administrator and the Governor of Florida to establish a Steering Committee to set guidance and policy for the implementation of the Program. Directs the Administrator to establish a Florida Keys Liaison Office in Florida to: (1) assist in the implementation of the Program and to support local, State, and Federal agencies in implementing specific action plans to carry out the Program; (2) coordinate the actions of the EPA with other Federal agencies and State and local authorities in developing strategies to protect and improve water quality in the Florida Keys; (3) make information related to the water quality in the Keys available to the public; and (4) report biennially to the Congress on the Program. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to State agencies, local governments, and nonprofit, private organizations for projects or studies to implement the Program. Provides for establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee to assist in the design and prioritization of grants and programs for scientific research and monitoring. Authorizes appropriations.

To provide for standards for the cleanup of domestic nuclear energy industry facilities and other radiologically contaminated sites.

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate standards to protect public health, safety, and the environment from the hazards of radiologically contaminated sites. Authorizes appropriations.

Emergency Jobless Benefits and Transitional Employment Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Emergency Jobless Benefits and Transitional Employment Act of 1992 - Title I: Modifications to Unemployment Compensation Programs - Subtitle A: Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program - Amends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-164, as amended) to increase the number of weeks for which emergency unemployment compensation program benefits are payable (by an additional 13 weeks for individuals who received such benefits before July 5, 1992). Makes similar adjustments to the program of benefits for railroad workers. Modifies eligibility requirements under such Act. Sets forth a special rule under which an individual's unemployment benefits under such Act will not be denied or reduced because of qualified services under the transitional employment program (established under title III of this Act) which the individual performs on a part-time basis while participating in a job search assistance program (established by the State employment service or pursuant to the Job Training Partnership Act). Revises financing provisions under such Act to include amendments made by this Act. Subtitle B: Reemployment Assistance Programs - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to Federal unemployment tax (also known as the Federal Unemployment Tax Act or FUTA) to allow the employer-taxpayer to take as an additional credit against the FUTA tax the amount contributed into a reemployment assistance fund maintained under a State law certified by the Secretary of Labor. Limits the total credit allowed to a taxpayer to not more than 12 percent of the FUTA tax against which such credits are taken. Provides for approval of such State law by the Secretary if: (1) it establishes a reemployment assistance program for eligible workers; (2) the program is funded by requiring additional contributions from employers subject to State unemployment compensation law; and (3) such additional contributions are deposited in a special fund used solely for such assistance to such workers (including administration costs). Defines reemployment assistance as any of the following: (1) counseling and testing services; (2) intensive job search assistance; (3) job search vouchers; (4) retraining assistance; (5) retraining vouchers; (6) job search and relocation allowances; (7) self-employment assistance; (8) cash allowances to individuals participating in training; and (9) wage subsidies. Defines eligible workers as any individual receiving unemployment compensation under State law during any benefit year if such individual: (1) has received compensation during such benefit year for at least four consecutive weeks; and (2) had at least 78 weeks of employment at wages of $30 or more a week during the three-year period ending on the last day of the base period for such benefit year. Makes specified certification procedures applicable. Sets forth a transitional rule for 1993. Amends the Social Security Act to require establishment of a program to evaluate State reemployment assistance programs and make such evaluation results available to the States and the public. Authorizes appropriations for such evaluation. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Amends the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 to increase the amount of the Federal reimbursement to States for extended unemployment compensation benefits. Modifies the rate of the Federal unemployment tax (FUTA). Title II: Modifications to Trade Adjustment Assistance Program - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to expand workers' group eligibility under the trade adjustment assistance program. Title III: Elementary and Secondary School Facility Repair and Renovation Employment Activities - Part A: General Purpose and Authority - Establishes one-year program to employ unemployed individuals in repair or rehabilitation of elementary and secondary school facilities. Makes an individual eligible to participate in a program or activity under this title only if that individual: (1) has exhausted all rights to unemployment compensation under Federal and State law; (2) is currently receiving emergency unemployment compensation; or (3) is eligible for activities under dislocated worker provisions of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Limits such individual eligibility to 26 weeks. Sets forth equal employment opportunity requirements for programs under this title. Sets forth requirements for: (1) eligible administrative entities and eligible jurisdictions; and (2) limitations on use of funds (requiring at least 75 percent for participant wages and benefits, and including an exception for training and related support costs). Part B: Elementary and Secondary School Facility Improvement Jobs - Provides for public school facility repair, renovation, or rehabilitation projects employing eligible participants. Requires the eligible administrative entity to use program funds to contract with one or more eligible local educational agencies in an eligible jurisdiction to carry out such projects. Requires use of such funds, to the maximum extent feasible, for quick-start projects or activities on which on-site labor can begin within 30 days of receipt of funds. Authorizes the use of project funds, with respect to public school facilities, to: (1) bring such facilities into conformance with laws relating to individuals with disabilities, environmental protection, or health and safety; (2) repair, renovate, or rehabilitate (including electrical rewiring for new technology); (3) convert presently unused structures into adult training centers; (4) remodel or renovate for energy efficiency; or (5) detect, remove, or otherwise contain asbestos in facilities used by students. Sets forth program requirements for Indian tribal school facilities projects. Sets forth requirements for allotment of funds by the Secretary of Labor to eligible jurisdictions. Requires quarterly reports by eligible administrative entities. Requires the eligible administrative entity to give priority to projects and activities designed by the local administrative entity on the basis of specified factors. Requires coordination of employment opportunities established with funds under this title with other Federal, State, and local activities. Part C: General Provisions - Sets forth general requirements for programs under this title, including: (1) nondiscrimination provisions; (2) use of funds only for supplementary activities; (3) prohibition on substitution for other government programs; (4) resident participation in services (with an exception for homeless individuals who cannot prove residence in the jurisdiction); and (5) prohibition on political activities. Requires minimum or prevailing hourly wage rates with: (1) a maximum average rate limitation; (2) permission for wage supplementation from sources other than this title; and (3) part-time, flex-time, work-sharing allowed (if customarily offered by the employer and if customary benefits are provided). Requires program maintenance of individual work records. Requires recipient expenditure of allotted funds during the one year from the date of payment. Sets forth reallotment provisions. Requires Selective Service System compliance by individual participants. Applies to funds under this title specified program abuse regulations promulgated by the Secretary under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act as in effect on April 1, 1981. Sets forth program labor standards, including: (1) appropriate working conditions; (2) applicable health, safety, and disability regulations; (3) comparable benefits and conditions as other employees doing the same type of work; and (4) prohibition of retirement contributions. Provides for protection of existing workers, including prohibitions against: (1) displacement; (2) impairment of contracts and agreements; (3) filling of laid-off positions; and (4) promotional infringement. Requires transmission of quarterly compliance reports by the program funding recipient to any labor organization representing government employees engaged in work similar to that performed by employees whose wages are subsidized under this title. Requires such reports to include analyses if job reductions of unsubsidized employees reach specified levels for specified periods. Sets forth compliant procedures. Prohibits the use of program funds to assist, promote, or deter union organizing. Requires that a concerned area labor organization be given an opportunity to comment on a proposed project under this title. Sets forth conditions under which Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements are applicable to projects under this title. Sets forth fiscal controls and sanctions, including General Accounting Office review, repayment requirements, emergency actions, discrimination and additional remedies, recordkeeping, and investigations. Provides for judicial review. Sets forth requirements relating to use of data and computations by the Secretary of Labor for purposes of this title. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Jobs Program - Amends the Social Security Act to increase the Federal matching rate and State expenditures to be matched under the JOBS program (for recipients under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children).

American Health Security Plan Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

American Health Security Plan of 1992 - Title I: Eligibility and Enrollment - Entitles every U.S. resident citizen, national, and lawful resident alien to health care services and long-term care services under this Act. Requires each State program to provide for a mechanism for enrollment and issuance of an identification and processing card. Provides for portability, including mandating use of a uniform claims form. Title II: Benefits - Subtitle A: Health Care Services - Includes as covered services: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital care; (2) diagnostic and screening tests; (3) services furnished by health care professionals, including medically necessary dental care; (4) preventive care; (5) prescription drugs, biologicals, and devices; (6) substance abuse services; (7) outpatient mental health services; (8) hospice care; (9) habilitation and rehabilitation; (10) home medical equipment and prosthetic devices; and (11) approved experimental treatment. Prohibits States from limiting the amount, duration, or scope of services except as provided in this Act. Excludes cosmetic surgery and certain inpatient amenities. Requires: (1) the Federal Health Board established by this Act to provide, subject to certain requirements, for copayments and out-of-pocket limits; and (2) the Federal Health Priorities Council established by this Act to study: (1) whether out-of-pocket limits should be modified to take into account family size and composition; (2) whether co-payments effectively contain costs and whether they are an administrative burden on providers; (3) the effects of the continuation of duplicative private insurance on the quality, access, and cost of the public insurance program; and (4) whether cost sharing should be different for individuals who engage in practices deemed to increase the likelihood of service use. Subtitle B: Long-Term Care Services - Requires that the Board set standards for eligibility, long-term care services coverage, income protection, and case management. Requires that long-term care include at least home- and community-based services, nursing home care, hospice care, home medical equipment, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Requires the Board to establish an income-related cost sharing schedule. Requires reduction of cost sharing to ensure that the income and assets of the individual using long-term care services under this Act are sufficient to: (1) cover all items needed in addition to those provided by the long-term care facility; (2) maintain the individual's primary residence; and (3) maintain the individual's independence once the individual no longer needs long-term care services. Requires a reduction in cost sharing to ensure that the income of the spouse, dependent, parent, or guardian of the individual using long-term care services is not reduced below certain levels. Provides for the appointment of a Long-Term Care Services Assessment Commission to make recommendations annually regarding specified aspects of long-term care under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle C: Modification of Services - Requires annual recommendations by the Priorities Council regarding changes in services under this Act. Authorizes the Board to promulgate regulations for implementing the Council's recommendations. Gives the regulations the force of law unless Congress disapproves. Title III: Federal and State Administration - Subtitle A: Federal Administration - Establishes the Federal Health Board to administer this Act and take other actions, including establishing national minimum quality standards, establishing uniform reporting requirements, developing a uniform claims form, and reviewing and approving interstate consortia minimizing fragmented care, and combating fraud and abuse. Requires the Board to appoint the Federal Health Advisory Council. Establishes the Federal Health Priorities Council to conduct hearings and studies and make recommendations on how health care dollars should be allocated in the context of a publicly funded national health insurance plan. Authorizes appropriations for the Board, the Advisory Council, and the Priorities Council. Subtitle B: State Administration - Provides for Board review and approval of State programs. Includes in requirements for State programs: (1) financing of services through a designated fund; (2) designation of a single nonprofit State agency to administer the program; (3) establishment of boards to negotiate with hospitals and practitioners; and (4) freedom of individuals to choose providers. Allows States to contract with fiscal intermediaries, in a process of competitive bidding, to administer the State program. Provides for waivers for States to: (1) implement alternative and innovative provider reimbursement, cost sharing, and administration; and (2) provide services through a capitation method. Allows any group of States to establish a regional consortium in lieu of State programs. Provides for congressional disapproval of the consortium agreement. Mandates grants to and cooperative agreements with States for programs, research, and treatment relating to environmental health and health promotion and disease prevention. Mandates grants to States or regional consortia for the establishment and initial operation of the State or regional plan. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Financing - Subtitle A: Health Budgets - Requires the Board to establish an annual or biennial budget for Federal and State expenditures under this Act. Requires computation of national average per capita costs, adjustments for risk groups, and adjustments for specified factors in each State. Provides for determination by the Board of the Federal and State shares of expenditures, subject to congressional disapproval. Entitles each State with an approved State program to a Federal contribution of the Federal share plus that State's total projected expenditures for services under this Act. Prohibits a State, either by intention or as an unstated consequence of budget allocations, from restricting timely access to medically necessary and appropriate services under this Act or permitting queues to form that have the potential to be life threatening. Subtitle B: Payments to Providers - Provides for State payments to hospitals and other health care and long-term care institutions for the areas of operating, capital, and health training expenses. Sets forth principles for guiding State reimbursement negotiation boards in each such area. Requires the State practitioner reimbursement negotiation board to negotiate with the State organizations representing each of the practitioner disciplines to derive a relative value scale fee schedule fulfilling specified principles. Sets forth principles for negotiating reimbursement rates for nonphysician providers. Declares payment by a State program to be payment in full. Subtitle C: Revenues - Requires the Board to develop a mechanism for determining and collecting a premium from individuals and employers. Requires the Board, subject to congressional disapproval, to collect premiums from individuals and employers according to certain requirements, including that the premiums from: (1) individuals be income-based and progressive; and (2) employers be based on each employer's ability to pay. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "accident or health insurance," for purposes of provisions relating to exclusions from gross income, to mean an approved State program under this Act. Removes provisions relating to amounts paid to highly compensated individuals under a discriminatory self-insured medical expense reimbursement plan. Prohibits trade or business expense deductions for employer group health plan expenses unless the plan is an approved State plan under this Act. Removes provisions: (1) limiting deductions for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals to 25 percent of those costs; and (2) terminating, on a specified date, the allowance of any deductions for such costs for self-employed individuals. Modifies definitions under provisions allowing individual medical expense deductions, including defining "medical care" to mean premiums and cost-sharing under this Act. Terminates, after 1998, the child health insurance credit. Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Health Care Trust Fund. Appropriates to the Fund premiums under this Act and additional revenues received as a result of amendments made by this subtitle. Transfers to the Fund all remaining amounts in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Authorizes and appropriates: (1) amounts equal to appropriations under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act and under provisions of Federal law relating to the Civilian Health and Medical Plan of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) and relating to health insurance for Federal officials and employees; (2) additional sums as required to cover administrative expenses and grants; (3) payments to each State for the Federal share of expenditures under this Act; and (4) sums as determined by the Board to be necessary to cover contingencies. Declares that the receipts and disbursements of the Fund shall not be included in the totals of the U.S. budget and exempts them from any general budget limitation. Makes each State responsible for establishing a financing program for the implementation of the State program. Title V: Congressional Consideration - Sets forth rules, changeable as any other rule of the House of Representatives or the Senate, regarding congressional disapproval resolutions under this Act. Title VI: Private Options - Declares that this Act does not prohibit private insurance coverage supplementing the services covered under this Act. Allows private insurance coverage for services covered under this Act, subject to limitations, including: (1) prohibiting private coverage for the cost-sharing requirements for health care services and other non-long-term care services covered under this Act; (2) requiring issuers of private insurance to inform purchasers of any duplication in coverage; and (3) requiring the Comptroller General to review private insurance industry practices and make recommendations to the Congress regarding prevention of fraud and abuse in the sale of duplicative or supplemental private insurance. Declares that the purchase of any private insurance does not relieve the purchaser of the payment of premiums under this Act. Title VII: Expansion of Outcomes Research and Delivery of Services in Underserved Areas - Amends provisions of the Social Security Act relating to health care outcomes research to authorize appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to carry out provisions of the Public Health Service Act relating to the National Health Service Corps. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to local communities for programs to finance the health-related education of residents of such communities, provided such residents agree to practice in a health-related field in that community for at least four years after graduation. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants to expand the availability of comprehensive primary health services in medically underserved areas. Allows community and migrant health centers in existence at enactment of this Act to use any increase in revenue resulting from the increase in the number of insured patients treated for the expansion of the amounts and types of services furnished, to serve additional patients or areas, or to promote the recruitment, training, or retention of personnel. Authorizes appropriations. Title VIII: Malpractice Reform - Requires the Board to make grants to States for the development and implementation of medical malpractice reforms meeting specified criteria. Authorizes appropriations. Title IX: Effective Dates; Terminations; Transition; Relation to ERISA - Repeals: (1) titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act; (2) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code relating to hospital insurance; (3) certain provisions of Federal law relating to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS); and (4) specified provisions of Federal law relating to health benefits for Federal officials and employees. Requires the Board to recommend to the Congress amendment or repeal of any other Federal program inconsistent with or duplicative of the principles of this Act. Supersedes, to the extent they are inconsistent with this Act, the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Brownsville Wetlands Policy Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Brownsville Wetlands Policy Act of 1992 - Authorizes the establishment of a wetlands policy center to be maintained by the Port of Brownsville, Texas, and a consortium of institutions of higher education in the Brownsville Navigation District. Requires the primary mission of the Center to be to utilize the unique wetlands property at the Port to focus on wetland matters. Establishes a Board of Directors to oversee the management and financial affairs of the Center. Directs the Comptroller General and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to report annually to the Congress on the programs, activities, and accomplishments of the Center. Requires the Director to make grants to the Center. Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits funds appropriated pursuant to this Act from being used to relocate any of the administrative operations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from the Center for Environmental Studies and Services Building on the campus of Corpus Christi State University to the Center established by this Act.

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to exchange certain lands with the District of Columbia and to regulate advertising and related commercial activities in the National Park System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Requires the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to transfer specified lands to the District of Columbia in exchange for certain District lands to be administered as part of the National Park System (System). Requires the Secretary to transmit to the District a final environmental impact statement and all appropriate supporting documentation concerning the use of lands transferred to the District. Prohibits advertising, commercial notices, and similar commercial activities in the System except where the Director of the National Park System finds that the advertising or commercial notice: (1) is desirable and necessary for the convenience and guidance of park visitors; (2) is for a product, service, or facility available within such park area; or (3) is contained in a publication primarily to familiarize visitors with a park program, activity, or resource, and any such advertising or commercial notice is for a locally available product, service, or facility. Declares that nothing contained in this Act is intended to curtail the display, sale, or distribution of newspapers, magazines, theater programs, and similar printed material under the terms of a properly executed concessions permit, contract, or a cooperating association memorandum of agreement. Authorizes appropriate and limited public acknowledgment of a donor or sponsor's contribution to a specific program, activity, or event in a National Park area on a case-by-case basis to such individual only if the program, activity, or event furthers the purpose of the park area and the recognition is determined to be appropriate. Prohibits the advertising, commercial notice, or acknowledgment from: (1) including specific information about the suitability or quality of a particular product, service, or facility; or (2) stating or implying National Park Service endorsement of a product, service, or facility. Permits organized activities or special events in a National Park area if there is a meaningful association between such area and the activity or event. Prohibits the organized activity or special event from: (1) harming the area's resources or values; (2) posing a risk of damage to any property or illness or injury to any person; (3) unduly interfering with normal park operations or visitor use; or (4) resulting in significant conflict with other uses.

To provide for a water purchase contract by Kirby Ditch Irrigation District and by Bluff Irrigation District in the State of Wyoming.

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) offer annually to the Kirby Ditch and Bluff Irrigation Districts, Wyoming, an option to purchase specified amounts of storage in the Boysen Dam and Reservoir, Boysen Unit Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, Wyoming, as a firm water supply; and (2) waive land classification, toxicity studies, soils analysis, and any requirements relating to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in carrying out such provision.

National Environmental Business Foundation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

National Environmental Business Foundation Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Agency for International Development to establish the National Environmental Business Foundation. Requires the Foundation to: (1) analyze opportunities for U.S. businesses, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations to assist participating developing countries in implementing their environmental laws and sustainable development programs; (2) prepare analyses of such countries' environmental laws and programs; (3) identify environmental sectors in which such countries need environmental education and training; (4) support joint environmental and sustainable development programs; (5) support regional centers of excellence in the United States to focus assistance to such countries on environmental and sustainable development programs; (6) promote the development of the U.S. environmental technology industry; (7) work to eliminate trade barriers to the export of such technology; and (8) work with the multilateral development banks, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and the Export-Import Bank to encourage such institutions to provide financing for the acquisition by such countries of U.S. environmental technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for contributions by developing countries as a condition of participation in Foundation programs. Directs the Foundation's Board of Governors to designate between four and ten regional centers of excellence to encourage the provision of U.S. environmental technology, environmental education and training, and other environmental assistance to developing countries. Requires at least half of such centers to be located with a national sea grant college designated under the National Sea Grant College and Program Act.

Ocean Dumping Ban Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

Ocean Dumping Ban Improvement Act - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the construction or operation of any facility for the land-based management alternative of sewage sludge before the issuance: (1) by State or local authorities of a valid permit for the facility; and (2) of a final environmental impact statement for the facility pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Bars the building of such a facility within a two-mile radius of a residential neighborhood. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish guidance to assist States and local governments in siting such facilities that: (1) are protective of human health and the environment; and (2) consider the cumulative impact of the siting of multiple facilities on the health and well-being of nearby residents and local property values. Makes the prohibition on building such facilities within a two-mile radius of a residential neighborhood effective January 1, 1992, and applicable to facilities for which construction is completed after such date.

International Finance Effectiveness Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 12 August 1992

International Finance Effectiveness Act of 1992 - Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to encourage the IMF to adopt procedures for the publication of economic reviews of the major industrialized nations and other commentary, as appropriate. Expresses the sense of the Congress that procedures should be instituted to review the activities of the IMF and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) for purposes of coordinating the international economic activities of international financial institutions at the Board, management, and staff levels. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the IMF to: (1) advocate specified actions concerning poverty alleviation and policy framework papers; and (2) urge renewal of debt and debt service reduction programs. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the debt incurred by the former Soviet Union held by commercial banks outside the states obligated on such debt and the prospects for repayment of such debt. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the IMF to encourage environmental considerations in IMF programs. Requires the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director of the IMF to support the development of programs that recognize the importance of social issues, including certain actions concerning child survival and basic education issues. Directs the Secretary, in the annual report of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies, to report on: (1) the progress made by the Director in implementing such programs; and (2) any votes cast in opposition to such programs. Requires the U.S. Executive Director of the IMF to urge the IMF to: (1) develop an economic methodology to measure the level of military spending by borrowing countries; (2) provide the Executive Board with annual reports estimating the level of such spending by each borrowing country; and (3) include in every article IV consultation with the borrowing country an analysis of the level of military spending and whether such spending is consistent with the achievement of sustainable, long-term economic growth. Requires the U.S. Executive Directors of the IMF and the World Bank to oppose loans to a borrowing country unless the IMF has certified that military spending by such country is consistent with sustainable, long-term economic growth. Waives such restriction if the Secretary determines that the country is confronted with a military threat which justifies such level of military spending, the country has made commitments to reduce the level of such spending to a level consistent with such growth, or the country faces exceptional short-term liquidity needs which require bridge financing but not long-term development lending.