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101 records in 1998
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 1998
5 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of applicants on housing lists; and the proposals, if any, he has to deal with this. [24057/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 November 1998
4 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position in relation to a request by his Department to have the issue of gazumping analysed by the Law Reform Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24136/98]
Germany · German Bundestag · 13 November 1998
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 1998
33 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps taken to oppose the decision by the United Kingdom Environment Agency to licence and commission a new nuclear plant at Sellafield; the further opposition planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22718/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 November 1998
33 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps taken to oppose the decision by the United Kingdom Environment Agency to licence and commission a new nuclear plant at Sellafield; the further opposition planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22718/98]
Austria · National Council · 5 November 1998
Mündliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Edith Haller an die Bundesministerin für Arbeit, Gesundheit und Soziales betreffend "Karenzgeld für alle" <br><br>In welcher Form werden Sie den vom Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie gemachten Vorschlag eines Karenzgeldes für alle unterstützen?
Austria · National Council · 5 November 1998
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Karl Schweitzer und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Alteisen und Metallschrott im Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz
Austria · National Council · 5 November 1998
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Anna Elisabeth Aumayr und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Wasserüberwachung und Landwirtschaft
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 November 1998
45 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that the environment is not damaged as a result of recently opened mines, in particular the mine at Lisheen and Galmoy in the Laois and Offaly area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21975/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 November 1998
45 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that the environment is not damaged as a result of recently opened mines, in particular the mine at Lisheen and Galmoy in the Laois and Offaly area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21975/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 3 November 1998
1 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the reason it was necessary for a representative of his Department to attend meetings of the taxi forum in view of the fact that the regulation of the taxi industry was passed to local authorities from the Department of the Environment in 1995; and the number of person hours spent by the representative on this task. [17640/98]
Austria · National Council · 28 October 1998
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Inneres betreffend Kälbertransport <i>(Überschreitung der zulässigen Transportzeit)</i>
Austria · National Council · 28 October 1998
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Bergbauförderung
Austria · National Council · 28 October 1998
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Kälbertransport <i>(Überschreitung der zulässigen Transportzeit)</i>
Austria · National Council · 27 October 1998
Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (1411 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Energielenkungsgesetz 1982 geändert wird
Austria · National Council · 27 October 1998
Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (1410 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Erdöl-Bevorratungs- und Meldegesetz 1982 geändert wird
Germany · German Bundestag · 27 October 1998
Joseph Fischer, Bundesminister des Auswärtigen; Otto Schily, Bundesminister des Innern; Dr. Herta Däubler-Gmelin, Bundesministerin der Justiz; Oskar Lafontaine, Bundesminister der Finanzen; Dr. Werner Müller, Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Technologie; Karl-Heinz Funke, Bundesminister für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten; Walter Riester, Bundesminister für Arbeit und Sozialordnung; Rudolf Scharping, Bundesminister der Verteidigung; Dr. Christine Bergmann, Bundesministerin für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend; Andrea Fischer, Bundesministerin für Gesundheit; Franz Müntefering, Bundesminister für Verkehr, Bau- und Wohnungswesen; Jürgen Trittin, Bundesminister für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit; Edelgard Bulmahn, Bundesministerin für Bildung und Forschung; Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, Bundesministerin für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung; Bodo Hombach, Bundesminister für besondere Aufgaben
Austria · Federal Council · 23 October 1998
Anfrage der Bundesräte Dr. Susanne Riess-Passer und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend die Programme der informellen Ministertreffen in Österreich <i>(anläßlich der österreichischen EU-Präsidentschaft)</i>
Austria · Federal Council · 23 October 1998
Anfrage der Bundesräte Dr. Reinhard Eugen Bösch und Genossen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend Versagen des "Staatlichen Krisenmanagements" <i>(bei der Bergwerkskatastrophe)</i> in Lassing
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Exported Pesticides Title II: Pesticide Residue Monitoring Title III: Pesticide Tolerances Title IV: Pesticide Information Title V: Effective Dates Circle of Poison Prevention Act of 1998 - Title I: Exported Pesticides - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to require pesticide producers operating registered establishments to inform the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of: (1) the types and quantities of pesticides and active ingredients used in producing pesticides for export to a foreign country; and (2) the date of export and quantity of such materials exported to each foreign country to which the producer has exported during the past 365-day period. (Sec. 103) Provides that specified information on exported pesticides shall not be entitled to confidential trade secret treatment. (Sec. 104) Makes it unlawful to export a pesticide or device in violation of FIFRA export requirements. (Sec. 105) Prohibits the exportation of a pesticide or device unless: (1) such materials are prepared and packaged according to the specifications of the foreign purchaser and the legal requirements of the country of use; and (2) the label of the pesticide is written in the official language of the country of use and contains all information required to be included in the labeling for such pesticide in the United States. Prohibits the exportation of a pesticide to a country of use if: (1) the registrations for pesticides containing an active ingredient that is included in such pesticide that account for nearly all of the uses of such ingredient have been canceled; (2) the tolerances for an active ingredient in such pesticide that account for nearly all the uses of such ingredient have been revoked; or (3) an active ingredient of the pesticide is ineligible for reregistration. Prohibits such exports (including pesticides used for agricultural production) unless: (1) the pesticide is registered; or (2) all of the active ingredients in the pesticide are the subject of a food tolerance. Requires exporters, prior to the shipment of certain pesticides, to provide specified information to the Administrator. Prohibits the exportation of any pesticide to a country of use that: (1) has refused consent; or (2) has given conditional consent unless the conditions on which the consent was given are met. Prohibits refusals to consent unless the country certifies that it is not producing or importing and will not produce or import the pesticide or a similar product with the same active ingredient. Waives requirements described above, upon the request of a country of use and subject to certain determinations by the Administrator, to permit the export of pesticides not meeting FIFRA requirements to: (1) prevent or arrest the spread of a communicable disease; or (2) stop or prevent the spread of a pest that is destroying or will destroy quantities of the country's food supply so as to result in widespread famine. Permits the export of pesticides for experimental use in foreign countries if specified conditions are met. Directs the Administrator to submit information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning inspection for pesticide residues in imported foods conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services. Requires the Administrator to notify foreign countries and the International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals whenever regulatory action is taken with respect to a pesticide. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to promote the implementation of improved research and regulatory programs for pest management and strategies for sustainable agriculture and to encourage the adoption of a multilateral convention requiring standard notice and pesticide export control measures; and (2) provide foreign countries with technical assistance to develop pesticide regulatory programs. Permits persons to bring civil actions to secure the imposition of penalties on persons who violate pesticide export requirements. Prohibits civil actions from being initiated on the basis of existing proceedings for criminal violations. (Sec. 106) Requires the Comptroller General to report to the Congress every four years on: (1) the operation and effect of this Act; and (2) how exported pesticides and their containers are used and disposed of and on their impact on the public health and the environment of countries of use. Title II: Pesticide Residue Monitoring - Amends the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 to direct the Food and Drug Administration to summarize the volume of each food product subject to the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act imported into the United States in quantities determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be commercial quantities (currently, products having an entry value exceeding an amount established by the Secretary). Requires the summary to: (1) be made by food product, country of origin, port of entry, pesticides monitored by the Secretary, pesticide residues detected, and the quantity of each pesticide exported from the United States for agricultural use; and (2) indicate the volume of each type of food tested for pesticide residues, arranged by pesticide, food, and country of origin. Title III: Pesticide Tolerances - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Administrator, if a registration under FIFRA for a pesticide to be used on food is canceled or modified to prohibit its use in connection with food, to revoke any tolerance or exemption that permits the presence of the pesticide on the food. Suspends tolerances or exemptions for pesticides used on food if such use is suspended under FIFRA. Authorizes the Administrator, if a residue of a canceled or suspended pesticide will persist in the environment and be present on a food, to establish a tolerance for the pesticide at a level that permits the residue to remain and will protect public health. Requires the Administrator to reduce the tolerance for any suspended or canceled pesticide annually if any decrease in the pesticide's residual environmental contamination or residues on food has occurred. Prohibits the Administrator from establishing or continuing a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue unless the best available, practical method for detecting and measuring the levels of the residue on a food exists. Title IV: Pesticide Information - Prohibits the importation of a raw agricultural commodity into U.S. customs territory unless the commodity importer files with the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury a document identifying each pesticide chemical used in connection with the commodity. Requires such importers, if unreported pesticides are detected in such commodities, to submit residue analyses for such pesticides. Waives reporting requirements for unreported pesticides if the presence of such pesticides is attributable to long-term environmental persistence and does not pose a health risk. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to apply such requirements to importers of meat, poultry, and eggs. (Sec. 402) Amends the Agricultural Act of 1954 to add to the list of annual reporting requirements of agricultural attaches a report on the customary use of pesticides in the production of agricultural commodities in foreign countries. Title V: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1998
Directs the Secretary of the Army to acquire, demolish, and remove structures in the floodway of the Central Passaic River basin (the basin) where excessive damage has occurred in at least two floods. Requires that: (1) the floodway land in the basin be stabilized as part of the ecological restoration program under the Water Resources Development Act of 1990 (WRDA) and, where appropriate, wetlands be created; (2) after the land is vacated, it be held in perpetuity by the most appropriate Federal or State agency, as determined by the Oversight Committee (created by this Act), and be managed as open space; (3) this section be carried out in conformance with New Jersey's Blue Acres Program; and (4) crediting of land acquisition for the non-Federal cost share remain in effect in accordance with WRDA. Directs the Secretary to: (1) acquire, demolish, and remove additional structures, or floodproof structures, to the ten-year floodplain in the floodway of the basin in areas where excessive damage has occurred in at least two floods; (2) floodproof structures in the floodplain of the basin to the 50-year floodplain in areas of high risk, at a 55 percent Federal, 20 percent State, and 25 percent property owner cost share; (3) provide information on techniques to deal with flood management in the remainder of the floodplain to the 100-year protective flood elevation; (4) acquire wetlands in the floodways throughout the Great Piece Meadows of the basin, to supplement the wetlands acquisition authorized under WRDA, and upland transition areas with significant wildlife or other natural values; (5) transfer the wetlands and transition areas to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or an appropriate State agency, which shall manage the wetlands and transition areas in accordance with proper wetlands management principles; (6) acquire strategic land in New Jersey and New York to prevent flooding and to prevent flooding from increasing in the High Mountain area in Wayne, New Jersey, and the urban area of the Molly Ann's Brook project in North Haledon, New Jersey; (7) complete the Passaic River Restoration Project from Little Falls to Newark Bay, New Jersey; and (8) complete the streambank restoration element of the project for flood control, Passaic River Main Stem, New Jersey and New York (the Project), authorized by WRDA, known as the Joseph G. Minish Passaic River Waterfront Park and Historic Area, New Jersey (Minish Park). Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners in the implementation of remedial actions for the combined sewer overflows in the lower Passaic River Basin from Great Falls to Newark Bay. Establishes the Oversight Committee. Finds that the most appropriate solution to flooding in the Passaic River basin is the "preferred alternative" (a qualified acquisition and hazard mitigation plan for the Project). Directs that such alternative be implemented immediately. (Sec. 4) Authorizes appropriations to begin the Federal portion of a buyout of floodway structures authorized by WRDA. Directs that $15 million made available by New Jersey for the Blue Acres portion of the Green Acres Bond Act of 1995, approved by New Jersey voters, constitute the 25 percent non-Federal cost share. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) acquisition of freshwater wetlands, and for floodproofing of structures, in the floodplains within the Passaic River basin; (2) acquisition of land in the Highlands Province to reduce flooding in the Passaic River basin in New Jersey and New York; (3) acquisition of land and the development and redevelopment of parkland along the Passaic River from Little Falls to Newark Bay, Kearny; (4) completion of the Minish Park, at a 100 percent Federal cost share; (5) implementation, each fiscal year, of the preferred alternative and administration of the Oversight Committee; and (6) acquisition of land at High Mountain. Directs that, for the combined sewer project in the lower Passaic River basin, a project budget be established of $85 million, with a $65 million Federal share. Authorizes appropriations for the purpose of making a grant to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for FY 1999 through 2001.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1998
Education Bill of Rights Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to promote certain education initiatives. Requires an applicant LEA, to be eligible for such a grant, to demonstrate that it has developed the following initiatives: (1) a charter school program to allow parents greater choice in selecting the appropriate educational setting for their child; (2) a parental school choice program that allows parents the ability to select a public school located within the LEA; (3) a vocational and academic opportunities program that allows parents to choose a vocational or college preparatory program for their secondary school student child; (4) an early elementary reading program to ensure that all students can read by the third grade; (5) a program to provide a safe and drug-free environment at school; (6) a locally-developed standardized testing program; (7) curriculum development panels composed of teachers and parents; (8) a program to improve or increase the standards for teachers; (9) a merit pay system to reward teachers who meet or exceed performance criteria; and (10) a teaching excellence program to ensure that the most qualified teachers are hired, including teachers with expertise in the workplace. Sets forth a formula for allocation of funds to LEAS that meet such eligibility criteria. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Management Improvements Title II: Improving Federal Debt Collection Practices Title III: Sale of Nontax Debts Owed to United States Title IV: Treatment of High Value Nontax Debts Title V: Federal Payments Government Waste, Fraud, and Error Reduction Act of 1998 - Title I: General Management Improvements - Amends requirements regarding certain Federal agencies' (executive departments as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) audited financial statements, including to: (1) extend the deadline for the preparation and submission of the first of such statements; and (2) provide for submission of such statements to the Congress and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (Director). (Currently, such statements are to be submitted to the Director.) (Sec. 102) Excludes lodging provided under Federal travel and subsistence expense provisions from an exception which prohibits agency heads from requiring employees or members of the uniformed services to occupy quarters on a rental basis. Directs each head of an executive agency to require, with respect to travel by agency employees in the performance of their duties, the use by such employees of travel management centers, authorized travel agents, and electronic reservation and payment systems for the purpose of improving efficiency and economy regarding travel by agency employees. Requires the Administrator of General Services to develop a plan regarding implementation of this requirement and to report to the Congress on such plan and the means by which such agency heads plan to ensure that employees use travel management centers, travel agents, and electronic reservation and payment systems. Directs the Administrator to ensure that employees of executive agencies are not inappropriately charged State and local taxes on travel expenses. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the steps taken and proposed to be taken to carry out such requirement. Title II: Improving Federal Debt Collection Practices - Makes technical amendments to financial management provisions relating to claims of the U.S. Government, including those that permit a State to collect by administrative offset certain payments under the Social Security Act, Black Lung Benefits Act, or railroad retirement laws for past due child support being enforced by a State. Sets forth provisions relating to the collection by private collection contractors through the use of garnishment of any debt owed to the United States, including to prohibit a private collection contractor, in attempting to collect through the use of garnishment any such debt, from being precluded from verifying the debtor's current employer, the location of the payroll office of the debtor's current employer, the period the debtor has been employed by the current employer, and the compensation received by the debtor from such employer. Requires collection contracts to include conditions under which contractors are: (1) subject to penalties for failures to comply with applicable law or for unreasonable or abusive collection practices; or (2) absolved from liability or contract penalties in connection with collecting a debt by actions required by such contracts. Amends provisions relating to contracts for collection services to authorize the Attorney General to make contracts retaining private counsel to furnish legal services in the case of any monetary claim, including claims for civil fines or penalties. (Under current law, such contracts are made only in the case of any claim of indebtedness owed the United States.) (Sec. 202) Bars certain delinquent Federal debtors from being eligible for the award or renewal of any: (1) Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan (other than a disaster loan), loan insurance, or guarantee; or (2) Federal permit or license. (Sec. 203) Prohibits an executive, judicial, or legislative agency head from discharging a nontax debt or terminating collection action on such a debt unless: (1) it has been referred to a private collection contractor, a debt collection center, or to the Attorney General for litigation; (2) it has been sold without recourse; (3) administrative wage garnishment has been undertaken; or (4) there is bankruptcy, death, or disability. Permits the agency head to waive the application of such requirement with respect to any nontax debt, or class of nontax debts, if the waiver is in the best interest of the United States. Title III: Sale of Nontax Debts Owed to United States - Allows an executive, judicial, or legislative agency head to sell, using competitive procedures, any nontax debt owed to the United States that is administered by the agency. Specifies that such sales shall: (1) be for cash or cash and a residuary equity, joint venture, or profit participation, if the proceeds will be greater than the proceeds from a sale solely for cash; (2) be without recourse against the United States, but may include the use of guarantees if authorized by law; and (3) transfer to the purchaser all U.S. rights to demand payment of the debt, other than with respect to a residuary equity, joint venture, or profit participation. (Sec. 302) Sets forth requirements for the sale of certain: (1) delinquent nontax loans; (2) loans; and (3) nontax debts or class of debts. Title IV: Treatment of High Value Nontax Debts - Requires each agency head that administers a program that gives rise to a delinquent high value nontax debt (a nontax debt having an outstanding value that exceeds $1 million) to submit an annual report to the Congress that lists each such debt. (Sec. 402) Requires the Inspector General of each agency to: (1) review such annual report to the Congress and make such recommendations as necessary to improve the agency's performance; (2) periodically review and report to the Congress on the agency's nontax debt collection management practices; and (3) as part of such reviews, examine agency efforts to reduce the aggregate amount of high value nontax debts that are resolved in whole or in part by compromise, default, or bankruptcy. (Sec. 403) Requires an agency head authorized to collect a delinquent high value nontax debt to promptly seek seizure and forfeiture of assets pledged to the United States in any transaction giving rise to such a debt. Directs an agency, upon determining that seizure or forfeiture is not appropriate, to include a justification for such determination in the annual report. Title V: Federal Payments - Includes within requirements of the Director's regulations regarding Federal payments that a required payment date may be waived to provide for early payment in cases where an agency will implement an electronic payment technology which improves agency cash management and business practice. Permits an executive agency head, subject to an agreement between the agency head and the applicable financial institution, to accept an electronic payment, including debit and credit cards, to satisfy a nontax debt owed to the agency.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1998
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to promptly convey to the town of Pahrump, Nevada, specified parcels of public land located in Pahrump. Subjects any such conveyance to the condition that the town use the interests conveyed solely for the purpose of development and operation of a public recreation complex. States that before the conveyance, actions required with respect to the conveyance under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the National Historic Preservation Act, and other applicable Federal laws must be completed at no cost to the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 20 October 1998
Government Regulatory Improvement and Performance Act of 1998 - Declares that: (1) Federal agencies should promulgate only such regulations as are required by law, necessary to interpret the law, or necessary to protect and promote or improve the health and safety of the public, the environment, or the well-being of the American people; and (2) in deciding whether and how to regulate, agencies should assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives, including the alternative of not regulating. Sets forth principles of regulation to ensure that the agencies' regulatory programs are consistent with such philosophy, including that each agency: (1) identify the problem that it intends to address by regulation, assess its significance, and if possible conduct a risk analysis; (2) identify and assess available alternatives to direct regulation; (3) wherever feasible, seek views of appropriate State, local, and tribal officials before imposing requirements that might significantly or uniquely affect those governmental entities. (Sec. 3) Directs the Office of Management and Budget to carry out coordinated review of agency rulemaking. Designates its Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) as the repository of expertise concerning regulatory issues. (Sec. 4) Directs the OIRA Administrator, early in each year's planning cycle, to convene a meeting of the regulatory policy advisers to the President and agency heads to seek a common understanding of priorities and to coordinate regulatory efforts for the upcoming year. Requires each agency to prepare: (1) a unified regulatory agenda of all regulations under development or review; and (2) a regulatory plan of the most important significant regulatory actions that the agency reasonably expects to issue in that fiscal year or thereafter. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene and chair a regulatory working group, which shall meet at least quarterly, to assist agencies in identifying and analyzing important regulatory issues; (2) meet quarterly, along with agency heads, with representatives of State, local, and tribal governments to identify exiting and proposed regulations that may uniquely or significantly affect those governmental entities; and (3) convene periodic conferences with representatives of businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and the public to discuss regulatory issues. (Sec. 5) Requires that: (1) each agency submit to OIRA a program under which the agency will periodically review its existing significant regulations; and (2) any significant regulations selected for review be included in the agency's annual plan, and the agency identify any legislative mandates that require the agency to promulgate or continue to impose unnecessary or outdated regulations. (Sec. 5) Requires each agency to: (1) submit to the OIRA a program under which the agency will periodically review its existing significant regulations for possible modification or elimination; (2) provide the public with meaningful participation in the regulatory process and a meaningful opportunity to comment on any proposed regulation, generally including a comment period of not less than 60 days; and (2) explore and, where appropriate, use consensual mechanisms for developing regulations, including negotiated rulemaking. Directs: (1) each agency head to designate a Regulatory Policy Office; (2) each agency to develop its regulatory actions in a timely fashion and adhere to specified procedures; (3) each agency to provide the OIRA with a list of its planned regulatory actions, including significant regulatory actions; and (4) the Administrator to provide meaningful guidance and oversight. (Sec. 8) Prohibits an agency from publishing a regulation until the Administrator has waived review of the action, completed such review, or the review period has passed, whichever occurs first.
United States · United States Congress · 15 October 1998
Clean Power Plant and Modernization Act of 1998 - Requires fossil fuel-fired generating units (units) that commence operation on or before ten years after this Act's enactment date to achieve and maintain a combustion heat rate efficiency of at least 45 percent (based on the higher heating value of the fuel). Sets such percentage at 50 percent for units commencing operation more than ten years after such date, unless granted a waiver. Authorizes units that commence operation more than ten years after this Act's enactment to apply to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for waivers of the heat rate efficiency standard. Grants such a waiver only if the unit owner or operator: (1) demonstrates that the technology to meet such standard is not commercially available; (2) demonstrates that, despite best technical efforts and willingness to make the financial commitment, the standard is not achievable; and (3) enters into an agreement with the Administrator to offset by a factor of 1.5 to 1, the emission reductions that the unit does not achieve because of the failure to achieve such standard. Requires units receiving waivers to achieve the 45 percent standard. (Sec. 5) Requires units, not later than ten years after this Act's enactment and regardless of the date of construction or commencement of operation, to operate in compliance with new source review requirements under the Clean Air Act (the Act). Establishes specified emission limitations for mercury, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides from units based on the respective efficiency standards. Requires units to obtain permits under the Act that require compliance with such standards and limitations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate fuel sampling and emission monitoring techniques for use by units in calculating mercury emission reductions. Provides for the submission of pollutant-specific reports by owners or operators. Makes facility-specific emission data available to the public. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to ensure that mercury that is captured or recovered is disposed of in a manner that ensures that hazards are not transferred from one environmental medium to another and that there is no release of mercury into the environment. (Sec. 6) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accelerated depreciation and cost recovery for certain investor-owned units. (Sec. 7) Provides for annual grants for capital expenditures for new publicly owned units in compliance with this Act in amounts equal to the depreciation deduction that would be realized by similarly-situated investor-owned units over the applicable time period. (Sec. 8) Establishes the Clean Air Trust Fund in the Treasury. Appropriates carbon dioxide emission taxes (established by this Act) to the Fund. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for additional expenditures resulting from activities under this Act. (Sec. 9) Imposes a tax of $50 per ton of carbon dioxide emitted by units with a generating capacity of five or more megawatts. Phases in such tax gradually from 2003 through 2009. (Sec. 10) Makes certain facilities that use solar power to produce electricity eligible for the renewable energy tax credit. (Sec. 11) Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to crediting permanent reductions in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions in future climate change implementation programs. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretary of Energy to fund research and development programs and commercial demonstration projects and partnerships to demonstrate the commercial viability and environmental benefits of electric power generation from biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind technologies. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the implementation of this Act and on provisions of certain energy statutes that conflict with this Act. Provides for recommendations from the Secretary, the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Administrator for legislative or administrative measures to harmonize and streamline such statutes. (Sec. 14) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) assistance to coal industry workers terminated from employment, and to communities adversely affected, as a result of reduced coal consumption by the electric power generation industry; and (2) development of a carbon sequestration strategy to offset growth in U.S. carbon dioxide emissions and for carrying out methods of biologically sequestering carbon dioxide.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1998
Northwest Salmon Recovery Act of 1998 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a unified plan for salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest region whose goal is to restore sustainable naturally reproducing salmon populations to support tribal and nontribal harvest, cultural, and economic practices. (Sec. 4) Requires such plan to address: (1) treaty, trust, and Endangered Species Act responsibilities; (2) specified statutory requirements governing fish mitigation and enhancement; (3) water quality standards under the Clean Water Act; and (4) the United States-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty commitments. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretaries of Energy and of the Treasury to establish an accounting system for the Bonneville Power Administration that meets prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, Energy, Commerce, and the Army to implement a specified Memorandum of Agreement and Annex adopted in 1996, including procedures for effective regional involvement and accountability in the expenditure of moneys from the Administration's fund. Prescribes administrative procedures applicable to such Memorandum of Agreement and to the unified plan. Repeals the mandate to the Northwest Planning Council to appoint an Independent Scientific Review Panel. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Natural Resources Recovery Fund for fish and wildlife restoration in the Pacific Northwest region, and for conservation and renewable energy projects. Directs the Administrator to assess specified fees and charges to ensure that the repayment costs of Washington Public Power Supply System debt is repaid and allocated to all Administration customers. Provides that such fees and charges shall be in addition to: (1) rates for power sales by the Administration; and (2) Administration transmission rates. (Sec. 7) Requires that all rates and charges received for the sale of electric energy by the Administration to its electric energy customers recover all federally incurred costs for electric energy generation and marketing, including meeting certain statutory responsibilities. (Sec. 8) Places the transmission of electric energy by the Administration within the purview of the Federal Power Act, and grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction over transmission rates, terms, and conditions. Requires rates charged by the Administration for electric energy transmission to be sufficient to recover all costs for compliance with specified statutory responsibilities. Prescribes procedures for cost recovery adjustments by the Administration.
United States · United States Congress · 14 October 1998
Constructive Learning Environment Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants for up to five years to local educational agencies (LEAs) to: (1) provide a sufficient number of teachers and facilities to accommodate students who are disruptive in the classroom; and (2) train teachers to effectively educate such students. Gives priority to LEAs that: (1) serve a high number of low-income students, determined by the number of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act; or (2) are located in rural areas. Authorizes appropriations.
European Union · European Commission · 14 October 1998
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
104 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19149/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
100 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19140/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
90 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19137/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
83 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19144/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
80 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19143/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
79 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19141/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
73 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19135/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
72 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19136/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
70 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received the report of the Dublin Taxi Forum; if so, his views on the implementation of the recommendations made in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19360/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
60 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19133/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
58 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to amend the taxi licensing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19277/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
55 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19147/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
53 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19139/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
50 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19145/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
47 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19134/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
44 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19138/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
43 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the date for the publication of a report on the implications of transferring the administration of rent and mortgage interests supplement under the social welfare assistance scheme to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14463/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
42 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the next meeting of the Dublin Taxi Forum will take place; whether he has met recently with representatives from the taxi unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14946/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
41 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a difference of opinion between his Department and the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) in relation to proposed terms for fixed price tendering; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that these differences could seriously delay work on many important infrastructural projects funded through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19142/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
40 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of persons who currently hold a provisional driving licence and who are entitled to drive unaccompanied; the number of persons in this category for each of the years from 1995 to 1997; the number within this category who have failed a driving test during that period; if he will change the policy towards this category of persons in view of the appalling statistics concerning road deaths and accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/98]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 October 1998
39 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to change the national road speed limits to further assist the campaign to reduce road deaths and injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19266/98]