Environment

31 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of local authority housing starts which he expects will be approved for each of the years from 2000 to 2003 under the four year housing programme; his views on whether this allocation is adequate to meet the growing need for local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

31 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of local authority housing starts which he expects will be approved for each of the years from 2000 to 2003 under the four year housing programme; his views on whether this allocation is adequate to meet the growing need for local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/99]

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the consultations, if any, he has had with the National Roads Authority in the context of submissions for the funding of major road investment in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23450/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the consultations, if any, he has had with the National Roads Authority in the context of submissions for the funding of major road investment in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23450/99]

37 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to provide a scheme of grants for the refurbishment or demolition and rebuilding of derelict dwellings in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22202/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

37 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to provide a scheme of grants for the refurbishment or demolition and rebuilding of derelict dwellings in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22202/99]

36 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which he ensures that housing authorities adhere to the letting priorities schemes approved by his Department; and his views on whether it is appropriate that a housing authority does not allocate gross overcrowding points to a family who have to sleep on the living room floor due to the fact there is no space available in the bedrooms. [22200/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

36 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which he ensures that housing authorities adhere to the letting priorities schemes approved by his Department; and his views on whether it is appropriate that a housing authority does not allocate gross overcrowding points to a family who have to sleep on the living room floor due to the fact there is no space available in the bedrooms. [22200/99]

66 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of cases being taken against Ireland by the European Commission arising from non-implementation of EU directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23326/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

66 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of cases being taken against Ireland by the European Commission arising from non-implementation of EU directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23326/99]

35 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the EU environment directives which are the basis of threatened action by the European Commission against Ireland in view of the lack of resolve in implementing these directives; his views on whether EU funding will be blocked due to this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23425/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

35 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the EU environment directives which are the basis of threatened action by the European Commission against Ireland in view of the lack of resolve in implementing these directives; his views on whether EU funding will be blocked due to this action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23425/99]

34 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of persons evicted under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997; his views on the implementing of this Act throughout the local authority housing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23277/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

34 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of persons evicted under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997; his views on the implementing of this Act throughout the local authority housing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23277/99]

33 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he intends to bring forward to address the issue of low voter turnouts at elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

33 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he intends to bring forward to address the issue of low voter turnouts at elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23390/99]

32 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if strategic considerations in relation to settlement patterns have been taken into account in planning major road, water supply and water treatment projects in the preparation of the national development plan. [23453/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

32 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if strategic considerations in relation to settlement patterns have been taken into account in planning major road, water supply and water treatment projects in the preparation of the national development plan. [23453/99]

31 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of local authority housing starts which he expects will be approved for each of the years from 2000 to 2003 under the four year housing programme; his views on whether this allocation is adequate to meet the growing need for local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

31 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of local authority housing starts which he expects will be approved for each of the years from 2000 to 2003 under the four year housing programme; his views on whether this allocation is adequate to meet the growing need for local authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23327/99]

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the consultations, if any, he has had with the National Roads Authority in the context of submissions for the funding of major road investment in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23450/99]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 November 1999

30 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the consultations, if any, he has had with the National Roads Authority in the context of submissions for the funding of major road investment in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23450/99]

Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999

Lake Tahoe Restoration Act - States that the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, in accordance with this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to consult with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and other specified entities. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to develop an environmental restoration priority list for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Sets forth project areas, including: (1) erosion and sediment control; (2) acquisition of environmentally sensitive land; (3) fire risk reduction; (4) cleaning up methyl tertiary butyl ether contamination; and (5) parking and traffic management. Directs the Secretary to make a specified payment to the Agency and the South Tahoe Public Utility District to develop a hydrocarbon contamination cleanup plan. Authorizes appropriations for priority projects. (Sec. 7) Amends Federal law with respect to certain environmental improvement payments to localities in the Basin area to: (1) make public utilities eligible recipients; (2) revise funding provisions, including limiting fund use to projects that are part of the environmental improvement program adopted by the Agency; and (3) authorize appropriations. Prohibits land acquisitions within the Unit from an unwilling private party. (Sec. 9) States that funding under this Act shall be in addition to other funding and shall not be drawn from other National Forest System units. Sets forth matching requirements for Nevada and California. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations.

Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999

Lake Tahoe Restoration Act - States that the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, in accordance with this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to consult with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and other specified entities. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to develop an environmental restoration priority list for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Sets forth project areas, including: (1) erosion and sediment control; (2) acquisition of environmentally sensitive land; (3) fire risk reduction; (4) cleaning up methyl tertiary butyl ether contamination; and (5) parking and traffic management. Directs the Secretary to make a specified payment to the Agency and the South Tahoe Public Utility District to develop a hydrocarbon contamination cleanup plan. Authorizes appropriations for priority projects. (Sec. 7) Amends Federal law with respect to certain environmental improvement payments to localities in the Basin area to: (1) make public utilities eligible recipients; (2) revise funding provisions, including limiting fund use to projects that are part of the environmental improvement program adopted by the Agency; and (3) authorize appropriations. Prohibits land acquisitions within the Unit from an unwilling private party. (Sec. 9) States that funding under this Act shall be in addition to other funding and shall not be drawn from other National Forest System units. Sets forth matching requirements for Nevada and California. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations.

Tijuana River Valley Estuary and Beach Sewage Cleanup Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999

Tijuana River Valley Estuary and Beach Sewage Cleanup Act of 1999 - Authorizes the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, subject to the negotiation and conclusion of a new Treaty Minute pursuant to the Treaty for the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande or the amendment of Treaty Minute 283, to provide for the secondary treatment of effluent from the Advanced Primary Wastewater Treatment Facility (IWTP) in Mexico. Permits the Commission to enter into a fee-for-services contract with the owner of the Mexican Facility (proposed wastewater treatment facility to be constructed within Mexico for treating sewage flows generated within Mexico, which flows impact U.S. and Mexican surface waters, health, and safety) to provide for: (1) secondary treatment of effluent from the IWTP if such treatment is not provided for at a U.S. facility; and (2) primary and secondary treatment of up to 50 million gallons per day of additional sewage from the Tijuana area to ensure that untreated sewage will not flow into the United States through the Tijuana River. Sets forth contract requirements. Requests the Secretary of State to give the highest priority to the negotiation and execution of a new Treaty Minute or a modification of Treaty Minute 283 in order that the other provisions of this Act to address river and ocean pollution in the San Diego U.S.-Mexico border region may be implemented as soon as possible. Requests the Secretary to initiate such negotiations with Mexico. Requires the new or modified Treaty Minute to be subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes appropriations.

Export Enhancement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999

Export Enhancement Act of 1999 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend through FY 2003 the Overseas Private Investment Corporation's (OPIC) authority to issue investment insurance and guarantees. (Sec. 3) Revises certain OPIC requirements to prohibit the OPIC Board of Directors from voting in favor of any proposed action likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented, unless: (1) an environmental impact assessment or initial environmental audit has been completed by the project applicant and made available to the Board of Directors; and (2) such assessment or audit has been made available to the U.S. public, locally affected groups in the host country, and host country nongovernmental organizations. Requires OPIC in conjunction with each Board of Directors' meeting to hold a public hearing in order to afford an opportunity for any person to present views regarding OPIC activities. (Sec. 4) Revises the composition of the OPIC Board of Directors. (Sec. 5) Revises the purposes of the Trade and Development Agency to include, with respect to the promotion of U.S. private sector participation in development projects in developing and middle-income countries, special emphasis on economic sectors with significant U.S. export potential, such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, and environment. Directs the Agency to require corporations and other entities to: (1) share the costs of feasibility studies and other project planning services; and (2) reimburse the Agency those funds it has provided, if the corporation or entity concerned succeeds in project implementation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Requires the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) to: (1) report on actions taken to eliminate the areas of overlap and duplication identified among Federal export promotion activities; (2) coordinate efforts to sponsor or promote any trade show or trade fair; (3) work with all relevant State and national organizations, including the National Governors' Association, that have established trade promotion offices; and (4) report to Congress on actions taken to promote better coordination among State, Federal, and private sector export promotion activities. (Sec. 7) Amends the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 to change the deadline for TPCC annual reports from September 30 to March 30.

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999

Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2000 - Amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (the Act) to require funding authorized for programs under title I (Indian health, human resources, and development) of the Act to be allocated by service area under a formula developed in consultation with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Empowers the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS) with the administration of Indian health professions scholarships. Requires all recipients of such scholarships awarded after 2001 to meet the active duty service obligation (service with the IHS or related service for Indians) within the service area from which the scholarship was awarded. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make funds available to Indian tribes and tribal organizations to assist such entities in educating Indians to serve as health professionals in Indian communities, as long as such Indians are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a course of study in one of the health professions contemplated by the Act. Requires a written contractual agreement from such recipients to provide service in an Indian health program in the same service area where the entity providing the scholarship is located. Provides Indian health scholarship recipients a preference for IHS employment or authorizes employment by a program of an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization, or other HHS agencies, as available. Adds Indian tribes and tribal organizations as participants in the Community Health Representative Program under the Act, which provides for the training and use of Indians as community health representatives (currently, as community health paraprofessionals). Allows participants completing a term of education under the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program to be employed within an Indian urban organization. Discontinues the annual authorization of appropriations for the Indian Health Scholarship and Loan Repayment Recovery Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse health professionals seeking positions with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations (currently, only those seeking employment with the IHS) for certain recruitment evaluation expenses. Limits to three years demonstration programs to enable Indian tribes, tribal organizations (current law), and urban Indian organizations to recruit, place, and retain Indian health professionals. Requires health professionals from urban Indian organizations to be given an equal opportunity to participate in a demonstration program to enable Indian health professionals to pursue advanced training or research in needed areas of study. Discontinues the annual authorization of appropriations for the Indian Nursing Program. Requires the Secretary to award grants to community colleges for programs which provide education in a health profession for individuals who desire to practice such profession in the IHS or a tribal health program (currently, only on an Indian reservation or tribal clinic). Provides a funding priority for tribally controlled colleges in service areas where they exist. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a retention bonus to any health professional (currently, physician or nurse) employed by or assigned to, and serving in, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations (currently, only in the IHS) who meet specified requirements. Directs the Secretary to develop and operate a National Community Health Aide Program based on the current Community Health Aide Program for Alaska. Authorizes the Secretary to fund pilot programs for tribes and tribal organizations to address the chronic shortages of health professionals. Deems scholarships provided under title I of the Act as "qualified scholarships" and therefore excluded from gross income for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Makes a certain prohibition on the Secretary removing a member of the National Health Service Corps from an Indian health program applicable to health programs operated by urban Indian organizations as well. Requires all service areas served by programs operated by the IHS, tribes, tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations to be designated as Health Professional Shortage areas under the Public Health Service Act. Authorizes appropriations through FY 2012 to carry out title I of the Act. Provides additional authorized uses for funds appropriated under the authority of provisions regarding the Indian Health Care Improvement Fund. Authorizes such funds to be allocated to Indian tribes or tribal organizations. Requires funds provided through the Indian Catastrophic Health Emergency Fund to be administered by service area offices based upon priorities determined by the Indian tribes and tribal organizations within each area. Increases the cost level required to qualify for payments from the Fund. Requires the Secretary to continue to fund through FY 2012 each model diabetes project in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to include funding to establish dialysis programs. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into arrangements with Indian tribes or tribal organizations for the delivery of long-term care and similar services to Indians on a shared- services basis. Directs the Secretary to make funding available for research to further the performance of the health service responsibilities of the IHS, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations and to coordinate the activities of other agencies within HHS to address such research needs. Directs the Secretary to provide mammography and other cancer screening through Indian tribes or tribal organizations (currently, only through the IHS). Requires the Secretary to pay certain patient travel costs through Indian tribes and tribal organizations (currently, only through the IHS). Revises provisions regarding epidemiology centers. Directs the Secretary to provide funding to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (currently, Indian tribes) to develop comprehensive school health education programs for children from preschool through grade 12 in schools (currently, schools on reservations) for the benefit of Indian and urban Indian children. Includes urban Indian preadolescent and adolescent youth within a program for innovative mental and physical disease prevention and health promotion and treatment. Authorizes the Secretary to make funding available to Indian tribes and tribal organizations for the prevention, control, and elimination of communicable and infectious diseases. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the IHS, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations, to provide funding for other health care services and programs not otherwise described in the Act, including hospice care and assisted living, long-term health care, home- and community-based services, public health functions, and traditional health care practices. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, to provide funding to monitor and improve the quality of health care for Indian women of all ages through the planning and delivery of programs administered by the IHS. (Currently, an Office of Indian Women's Health Care has such monitoring duty.) Revises provisions regarding nuclear resource development health hazards to direct the Secretary and the IHS to conduct studies and ongoing monitoring programs to determine trends in health hazards to Indian miners and to Indians on or near Indian reservations and in Indian communities as a result of environmental hazards which may result in chronic or life-threatening health problems. Extends through FY 2012 the designation of Arizona as a contract health service delivery area for purposes of providing health care services to members of federally recognized Arizona Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary to fund a program using the California Rural Indian Health Board as a contract care intermediary to improve the accessibility of health services to California Indians. Allows certain counties in California that are currently excluded from the contract health services delivery area to be included in such area if funding is provided by the IHS for such services in those counties. Requires the IHS to provide funds for health care programs and facilities operated by Indian tribes and tribal organizations under funding agreements entered into under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEA) on the same basis as such funds are provided to programs and facilities operated directly by the IHS. Exempts from State licensing requirements health care professionals employed by Indian tribes and tribal organizations to carry out the above funding agreements if such individuals are licensed in any other State. Allows elderly or disabled Indians receiving emergency medical care or services from a non-IHS provider or in a non-IHS facility 30 days to notify the IHS of such treatment or admission. Extends through FY 2012 the authorization of appropriations for title II (health services) of the Act. Prohibits the closure of any hospital, outpatient health care, inpatient service, or special care facility operated by the IHS if the Secretary has not submitted to Congress at least one year prior to such proposed closure an evaluation of the impact of such closure. Directs the Secretary to establish a health care facility priority system. Directs the Secretary, beginning in the year 2000, to annually transmit to the President a report setting forth the needs of the IHS and all Indian tribes and tribal organizations for inpatient, outpatient, and specialized care facilities. Directs the Secretary to consult and cooperate with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in developing innovative approaches to address unmet needs for the construction of health facilities. Provides authority for the Secretary to use specified appropriated funds for providing sanitation facilities and related services to Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enter into inter-agency agreements with appropriate Federal agencies to provide financial assistance for safe water supply and sanitary sewage disposal facilities under the Act; and (2) establish standards applicable to the planning, design, and construction of water supply and sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal facilities funded under the Act. Makes the Indian family, community, or tribe primarily responsible for establishing, collecting, and using reasonable user fees for operating and maintaining sanitation facilities. Revises the defined water sanitation deficiency levels for facilities serving an Indian individual or community. Exempts construction or renovation of facilities constructed or renovated by funds made available under title III (facilities) of the Act from the Davis-Bacon Act. Authorizes the Secretary to accept any major expansion (currently, only renovation or modernization) by an Indian tribe of any IHS facility or any other Indian health facility operated pursuant to a funding agreement entered into under ISDEA.Revises grant eligibility requirements with respect to the construction, expansion, or modernization of ambulatory care facilities. Authorizes all Federal agencies to transfer land and improvements to the IHS at no cost for the provision of health care services. Makes certain provisions that authorize leases with Indian tribes applicable to tribal organizations as well. Considers such leases as operating leases for purposes of scoring under the Budget Enforcement Act of 1990. Establishes in the Treasury the Health Care Facilities Loan Fund to provide Indian tribes and tribal organizations direct loans, or guarantees for loans, for construction of health care facilities and related facilities and staff quarters. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes Indian tribes and tribal organizations (currently, only Indian tribes) providing health care services pursuant to a funding agreement under the ISDEA to lease permanent structures for providing health care services without obtaining advance approval in appropriations Acts. Directs the Secretary to establish joint venture demonstration projects under which an Indian tribe or tribal organization shall expend tribal, private, or other available funds for the acquisition or construction of a health care facility for a minimum of ten years under a no-cost lease, in exchange for agreement by the IHS to provide the equipment, supplies, and staffing for such facility. Makes an Indian tribe or tribal organization liable for noncompletion of such a project. Adds Alaska Native lands to the definition of "Indian lands" for purposes of giving priority to locating Bureau of Indian Affairs and IHS facilities on such lands. Requires an annual report from the Secretary to the President identifying the backlog of maintenance and repair work required at both IHS and tribal health care facilities. Authorizes an Indian tribe or tribal organization which operates a hospital or other health care facility and the federally owned quarters associated therewith pursuant to a funding agreement under the ISDEA to establish the rental rates charged, and to notify the Secretary of its election to exercise such authority. Requires rental occupants to be notified at least 60 days in advance of a change in rental rates by an Indian tribe or tribal organization. Authorizes such tribe or organization to collect rents directly from Federal employees occupying such quarters, under specified conditions and procedures. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from any source funds for the construction of Indian health care facilities, and to enter into funding agreements with other Federal entities for such purposes. Extends through FY 2012 the authorization of appropriations for title III of the Act. Requires the Secretary, in making payments to IHS service units for services rendered to Indians eligible for benefits under title XIX (Medicaid), to ensure that each such unit receives 100 (currently 80) percent of the amounts to which such facilities are entitled under the Medicaid provisions.Directs the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into funding agreements with, Indian tribes (currently, only tribal organizations) for establishing and administering programs on or near Indian reservations and trust areas and Alaska Native villages to assist Indians to enroll and apply for Medicare, Medicaid, and child health assistance under XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Requires the Secretary to make grants or enter into contracts with urban Indian organizations for the provision of such assistance to urban Indians. Makes permanent (currently a demonstration project) a program under which an Indian tribe or tribal organization may directly bill and receive reimbursement for health care services provided for which payment is made under Medicare, Medicaid, a State's children's insurance health plan approved under title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act, or from any other third-party payor. Applies to urban Indian organizations a certain right to recovery of expenses incurred by the United States, Indian tribes, or tribal organizations in providing health services. Provides for the enforcement of such right of recovery. Authorizes tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to use funding from the Secretary under this Act to purchase managed care coverage for IHS beneficiaries. Directs the Secretary to examine, and report to Congress on, the feasibility of entering into or expanding existing arrangements for the sharing of medical facilities and services between the IHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate Federal agencies. Authorizes the IHS Director to enter into agreements with other Federal agencies to assist in achieving parity in health services for Indians. Makes the IHS and programs operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations the payor of last resort for services provided to persons eligible for services from these programs, notwithstanding contradicting Federal, State, or local law, unless such law explicitly provides otherwise. Makes such entities eligible to receive payment or reimbursement for services provided by such entities from any federally funded health care program, unless there is an explicit prohibition on such payments in the applicable authorizing statute. Authorizes the IHS service unit in Tuba City, Arizona, to enter into a demonstration project with Arizona under which the IHS would provide certain Medicaid services to IHS/Medicaid eligibles in return for payment from the State. Entitles an Indian tribe or tribal organization carrying out programs under the ISDEA, or an urban Indian organization carrying out programs under title V of the Act, to purchase Federal health and life insurance for the employees of such tribe or organization. Requires certain consultation with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations prior to the adoption of any policy or regulation by the Health Care Financing Administration. Authorizes the IHS, an Indian tribe, or tribal organization to apply for a waiver of certain Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance sanctions. Excludes from the definition of "remuneration," for purposes of specified provisions of the Social Security Act, certain exchanges of value between or among the IHS, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations related to the provision of health care services. Prohibits any Indian eligible for services under Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance of the Social Security Act from being charged a deductible or other payment for any service provided by or through the IHS, an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization. Excludes certain income and property from the estate, for purposes of eligibility for services or implementing estate recovery rights under Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance. Prohibits a parent from being responsible for reimbursing the Federal Government or a State for the cost of medical services provided to a child through the IHS, an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization. Provides such entities with a right of recovery from all private and public health plans for the reasonable costs of delivering health services to Indians entitled to receive services. Requires States entering into agreements with one or more managed care organizations to provide services under Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance to enter into such an agreement with the IHS, an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization that can provide services to Indians who may be eligible or required to enroll in such a managed care plan. Authorizes the Secretary to treat the Navajo Nation as a State, for purposes of Medicaid, to provide services to Indians living within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation. Directs the Health Care Financing Administration to establish and fund a National Indian Technical Advisory Group and an Indian Medicaid Advisory Committee. Extends through FY 2012 the authorization of appropriations for title IV (access to health services) of the Act. Authorizes the Secretary, through the IHS, to contract with, or make grants to, an urban Indian organization that provides or arranges for the provision of health care services to urban Indians in more than one urban center. Changes from quarterly to semiannually certain reporting requirements of urban Indian organizations receiving or expending funds pursuant to a grant or contract with respect to health care services provided to urban Indians. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to contractors or other recipients for the lease, purchase, renovation, construction, or expansion of facilities in order to assist them in complying with licensure or certification requirements. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the IHS or the Health Resources and Services Administration, to provide loans to such entities from the Urban Indian Health Care Facilities Revolving Loan Fund (established herein) for the construction, renovation, expansion, or purchase of health care facilities. Redesignates the Branch of Urban Health Programs as the Office of Urban Indian Health. Includes among office responsibilities the provision of technical assistance to urban Indian organizations. Treats the Tulsa Clinic demonstration project as a permanent program within the IHS direct care program and as a service unit in the allocation of resources and coordination of Indian health care. Requires grants or contracts made or entered into by the Secretary for the administration of urban Indian alcohol programs to become effective no later than September 30, 2001.Directs the Secretary to ensure that the IHS, the Health Care Financing Administration, and other operating and staff divisions of HHS consult with urban Indian organizations prior to taking any action, or approving Federal financial assistance for any action, that may affect urban Indians or urban Indian organizations. Deems an urban Indian organization that has entered into a contract or received a grant pursuant to title V (health services for urban Indians) of the Act to be part of the Public Health Service while carrying out such contract or grant for purposes of coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Directs the Secretary to make payments for the construction and operation of at least two residential alcohol treatment centers in each State where there reside urban Indian youth with a need for alcohol and substance abuse treatment services and at which there is a significant shortage of such services. Directs the Secretary to permit an urban Indian organization that has entered into a contract or received a grant under title V of the Act to use existing facilities and equipment and other personal property owned by the Federal Government, including that determined to be excess to the needs of the IHS or the General Services Administration. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to those urban Indian organizations that have entered into a contract or grant under title V of the Act for the provision of services for the prevention, treatment, and control of complications resulting from, diabetes among urban Indians. Authorizes the Secretary, through the IHS, to enter into contracts with, and make grants to, urban Indian organizations for the use of Indians trained as health service providers through the Community Health Representatives Program in the provision of health care, health promotion, and disease prevention services to urban Indians. Extends through FY 2012 the authorization of appropriations for title V and VI (organizational improvements) of the Act. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS, Indian tribes, and tribal and urban Indian organizations, to encourage Indian tribes and tribal organizations to participate in developing area-wide plans for Indian Behavioral Health Services, including plans for treating substance abuse, mental illness, and dysfunctional and self-destructive behavior (suicide, child abuse, and family violence) among Indians. Requires the establishment of a national clearinghouse for such plans and related information. Authorizes technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to develop community behavioral health plans. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to provide a program of comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, treatment, and aftercare for Indian tribes. Requires the development of criteria for the certification of behavioral health service providers and accreditation of service facilities providing such care. Directs (currently, authorizes) the Secretary to make funds available to urban Indian organizations to develop and implement a comprehensive behavioral health program (currently, an alcohol and substance abuse program) of prevention, intervention, treatment, and relapse prevention services that specifically address the spiritual, cultural, historical, social, and child care needs of Indian women, regardless of age. (Currently, such funding is available only to Indian tribes and tribal organizations.) Includes behavioral health services within a current program for acute detoxification and treatment for Indian youth. Authorizes the Secretary to provide specified intermediate behavioral health services to Indian children and adolescents. Requires Indian tribes or tribal organizations (currently, only the Secretary) to develop and implement within each IHS service unit community- based rehabilitation and follow-up services for Indian youth who are having significant behavioral health problems and require long-term treatment, community reintegration, and monitoring after their return to their home community. Provides for the inclusion of family members of such youth in their treatment. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS, Indian tribes, and tribal and urban Indian organizations, to provide programs and services to prevent and treat the abuse of multiple forms of substances, including alcohol, drugs, inhalants, and tobacco, among Indian youth residing in Indian communities, on Indian reservations, and in urban areas and to provide appropriate mental health services to address the incidence of mental illness among such youth. Directs the Secretary, acting through the IHS and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to provide, in each IHS service area, not less than one inpatient mental health care facility for Indians with behavioral health problems. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement (or provide funding to enable Indian tribes and tribal organizations to implement) programs of behavioral health (currently, alcohol and substance abuse) community leadership training and education. Directs the Secretary, acting through Indian tribes and tribal and urban Indian organizations, to establish and operate fetal alcohol disorders programs in order to meet specified health status objectives. (Currently, the Secretary is authorized to make grants to Indian tribes and tribal organizations to establish such programs.) Redesignates a task force established for such purposes as the Fetal Alcohol Disorders Task Force. Includes urban Indian organizations as entities eligible for funding from the Secretary for such programs. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the IHS, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations, to establish programs involving treatment for both victims and perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to provide funding to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations, or make appropriate contracts or grants, for research on the incidence and prevalence of behavioral health problems among Indians served by the IHS or such tribes or organizations. Extends through FY 2012 the authorization of appropriations for title VII (behavioral health programs) of the Act. Requires the President to include in required annual reports to Congress reports on various programs established under this Act. Requires regulations implementing amendments to the Act to be negotiated by a rulemaking committee made up of representatives of the Federal Government, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress a plan explaining the manner and schedule by which the Secretary will implement provisions of the Act, as amended by this Act. Directs the Secretary to provide services and benefits for Indians in Montana in a manner consistent with the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in McNabb for McNabb v. Bowen. Directs the IHS to provide health care services during a moratorium period in which certain service eligibility criteria are being developed. Establishes the National Bipartisan Indian Health Care Entitlement Commission to: (1) establish a Study Committee to study the extent of Indian health services needs; (2) review and analyze the Study Committee's report; and (3) make recommendations to Congress for providing health services for Indians as an entitlement. Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Extends through FY 2012 the authorization of appropriations under title VIII (miscellaneous) of the Act.

To repeal the fiscal year 2000 prohibition on the use of Department of Defense funds to pay environmental fines and penalties imposed against the Department.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1999

Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 which prohibits the use of Department of Defense (DOD) funds to pay environmental fines and penalties imposed against DOD unless such payment has been specifically authorized by law.

Small Community Assistance Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Small Community Assistance Act of 1999 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a small community advisory committee or reconstitute an existing small community advisory committee. Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a plan to increase the involvement of small communities in the regulatory review processes conducted under the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, and title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Directs each EPA regional office to establish a Small Town Ombudsman Office to serve as an advocate for small communities and a facilitator for addressing small community concerns and programs. Requires the Offices to establish a regular, ongoing consultation process with small communities to involve them in the process of implementing, creating, and informing the public about environmental regulations, guidance, and policies and provide other appropriate assistance. Directs the Offices to survey small communities every five years to provide information for use in regulatory planning, development, and outreach. Requires the Administrator to distribute to small communities a guide to Federal environmental requirements for small communities. Directs the Administrator to implement a plan for periodically obtaining feedback from small communities on the effectiveness of EPA in involving such communities in regulatory development and implementation and reaching out to such communities to provide educational and other assistance. Authorizes appropriations.

Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Establishes the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, for the conservation and enhancement of wetlands, general wildlife management, protection and enhancement of endangered species, promotion of compatible fish and wildlife-oriented recreational activities, and promotion of increased stewardship of natural resources through environmental education, interpretation, and other outreach methods. Permits the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to use such additional statutory authority as the Secretary deems appropriate for conservation and development of wildlife and natural resources, water supplies, and water control structures, outdoor recreational activities, and interpretive education. Directs the Secretary to seek to acquire specified lands and interests on Cat Island and adjacent water areas for inclusion in such Refuge. Authorizes appropriations.

Long Island Sound Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Long Island Sound Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the office established to assist the Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study (Management Conference) to assist in efforts to establish a system for trading nitrogen credits within the process for granting watershed general permits. Authorizes States, in making assistance available for the upgrading of wastewater treatment facilities under provisions regarding the Long Island Sound, to give priority to a distressed community. Provides for negative interest rates on loans made to such communities for implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Long Island Sound (Plan). Extends through FY 2003 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) carrying out the Management Conference; and (2) making grants for projects and studies to implement the Plan. Increases the maximum amount available for such grants.

Regulatory Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Regulatory Improvement Act of 2000 - Requires a Federal agency, when it publishes a notice of proposed rule making for a major rule, to: (1) prepare and place in the rule making file an initial regulatory impact analysis; and (2) include a summary of such analysis in the notice of proposed rule making. Requires that, when the Director of the Office of Management and Budget has designated a rule as a major rule, or when an agency has published an interim final major rule, such agency shall: (1) promptly prepare and place in the rule making file an initial regulatory impact analysis; (2) publish in the Federal Register a summary of such analysis; and (3) give interested parties the same opportunity to comment as if the initial regulatory impact analysis had been issued with the notice of proposed rule making. Requires an agency publishing a final major rule to prepare and place in the rule making file a final regulatory impact analysis which shall reflect any changes made to the proposed rule or its cost-benefit analysis or risk assessment, as well as agency consideration of comments from interested parties as provided above. Mandates a comparative risk study by the Director of the extent and severity of significant risks to human health, safety, or the environment. Requires the President to periodically report to Congress recommending legislation to reduce such risks.

Children's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Children's Health Research and Prevention Amendments of 1999 - Title I: Revision and Extension of Programs - Subtitle A: Pediatric Research Initiative - Pediatric Research Initiative Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act (the Act) to mandate establishment, in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of a Pediatric Research Initiative. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) (Secretary) to make available within the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development enhanced support for extramural activities relating to the training and career development of pediatric researchers. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Other Programs - Extends through FY 2003 programs under the Act for: (1) immunizations; (2) screenings, referrals, and education regarding lead poisoning; and (3) the prevention and control of injuries, including traumatic brain injury. Title II: Children's Health Research and Prevention Activities - Subtitle A: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment Regarding Hearing Loss in Infants - Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 1999 - Mandates grants or cooperative agreements to: (1) develop statewide newborn and infant hearing screening, evaluation, and intervention programs and systems; and (2) provide technical assistance to State agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to newborn and infant hearing screening, evaluation, and intervention programs and systems. Requires NIH to continue a program of research and development on the efficacy of new screening techniques and technology. Mandates Federal coordination and collaboration with State and local agencies, consumer groups, national medical, health, and education specialty organizations, deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and their families, qualified professional personnel, and related commercial industries. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Autism - Chapter 1: Surveillance and Research Regarding Prevalence and Pattern of Autism - Autism Statistics, Surveillance, Research, and Epidemiology Act of 1999 (ASSURE) - Authorizes grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities. Mandates establishment, through grants or cooperative agreements, of three to five centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology to collect and analyze autism information. Requires that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) serve as the coordinating agency for autism and pervasive development disabilities surveillance through the establishment of a clearinghouse for data generated from the monitoring programs created under this chapter. Mandates establishment of an Advisory Committee for Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology Research. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: Expansion, Intensification, and Coordination of Activities of Department of Health and Human Services With Respect to Autism - Advancement in Pediatric Autism Research Act of 1999 - Directs the NIH Director to expand, intensify, and coordinate the activities of NIH with respect to autism. Requires such Director, among other things, to make awards of grants or contracts to public or nonprofit entities for centers of excellence regarding research on autism. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make awards of grants and cooperative agreements for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on autism and pervasive developmental disabilities. Directs the Secretary to establish no less than three regional centers of excellence in autism and pervasive developmental disabilities epidemiology to collect and analyze information on the number, incidence, correlates, and causes of autism and related developmental disabilities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a clearinghouse within the CDCP for the collection and storage of such data; and (2) coordinate the Federal response to requests for assistance regarding potential or alleged autism or developmental disability clusters. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to provide information and education on autism to health professionals and the general public. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish an Autism Coordinating Committee to coordinate HHS efforts concerning autism. Subtitle C: Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness - Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act - Directs the Secretary to provide coordination and assistance to regional poison control centers for the establishment of a nationwide toll-free telephone number to be used to access such centers. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates a national media campaign to educate the public about poison prevention and the availability of local poison control resources and to conduct advertising campaigns concerning the nationwide toll-free number. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates grants for certified regional poison control centers to achieve financial stability and to prevent, and provide treatment recommendations for, poisoning. Mandates other grant uses. Sets forth center certification requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle D: Birth Defects Prevention Activities - Chapter 1: Folic Acid - Folic Acid Promotion and Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary to carry out a program, directly or through grants or contracts, for professional and public education and training, research, and epidemiological activities regarding folic acid and birth defects. Authorizes appropriations. Chapter 2: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities - Establishes a National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available date on birth defects; (2) conduct applied epidemiological research on prevention of such defects; and (3) provide birth defect prevention information and education to the public. Transfers to such Center all activities, budgets, and personnel of the National Center for Environmental Health that relate to birth defects, folic acid, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, child development, newborn screening, autism, fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, pediatric genetics, and disability prevention. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle E: Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research - Safe Motherhood Monitoring and Prevention Research Act - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a national monitoring and surveillance program to identify and promote the investigation of deaths and severe complications that occur during pregnancy; (2) expand the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to provide surveillance and collect data in each State; and (3) expand the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program to provide technical support, financial assistance, or the time-limited assignment of senior epidemiologists to maternal and child health programs in each State. Authorizes appropriations. Permits the Secretary to carry out specified activities to promote safe motherhood. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle F: Pregnant Mothers and Infants Health Promotion - Pregnant Mothers and Infants Health Protection Act - Requires the Secretary to: (1) collect, analyze, and make available data on prenatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage; (2) conduct applied epidemiological research on the prevention of prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage; (3) support, conduct, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational and cessation programs; and (4) provide information and education to the public on the prevention and implications of prenatal and postnatal smoking and alcohol and illegal drug usage. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Utilization of Preventive Health Services - Directs the Secretary to make grants to public or nonprofit entities to establish and operate regional centers for identifying particular populations of patients and to facilitate the appropriate utilization of preventive health services by such patients. Requires the Secretary to give priority to various populations of infants, young children, and their mothers. Requires the evaluation of strategies developed through grant funding. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle H: Research and Development Regarding Fragile X - Fragile X Research Breakthrough Act of 1999 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) expand, intensify, and coordinate the Institute's activities respecting research on the mental retardation disease known as fragile X; and (2) make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or private nonprofit entities for the development and operation of at least three centers for fragile X research. Requires each center to conduct basic and clinical research, which may include clinical trials of new or improved diagnostic methods and drugs or other treatment approaches. Allows such centers to use grant funds to provide fees to individuals serving as subjects in clinical trials. Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of the centers' activities, including the exchange of information. Requires each center to use the facilities of a single institution, or be formed from a consortium of cooperating institutions. Allows support to be provided to a center for up to five years, with authorized extensions. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to enter into contracts with qualified health professionals who agree to conduct fragile X research in return for repayment (up to $35,000 for each year of service) of such health professionals' educational loans. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle I: Children and Epilepsy - Directs the Secretary, through grants to or contracts with public or nonprofit private entities, to develop and implement public health surveillance, education, research, and intervention strategies to improve the lives of persons with epilepsy, with a particular emphasis on children. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments for carrying out demonstration projects to improve access to health and other services regarding seizures to encourage early detection and treatment in children and others residing in medically underserved areas. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle J: Asthma Treatment Services for Children - Children's Asthma Relief Act of 1999 - Directs the Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to establish an asthma treatment grants program providing comprehensive asthma services for children and other individuals. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to encourage States to implement plans to carry out activities to assist children with asthma in accordance with the guidelines of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (Institute). Provides that if a State child health plan under title XXI (Children's Health Insurance) of the Social Security Act provides for such activities to the Secretary's satisfaction, the Secretary shall make a grant to assist the State in carrying them out. Sets forth certain matching funds requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Act to include, within the preventive health and health services block grant, any system for reducing asthma and asthma-related illnesses, especially with regard to children, through urban cockroach pest management in public facilities through a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. Requires the Institute Director to: (1) identify all Federal programs carrying out asthma-related activities; (2) develop a Federal plan for responding to asthma; and (3) submit recommendations to Congress on ways to strengthen and improve Federal coordination of such activities. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the CDCP Director to: (1) conduct local asthma surveillance activities to collect data on the prevalence and severity of asthma and the quality of asthma management; and (2) compile and publish annually data on the prevalence of children suffering from asthma in each State and the childhood mortality rate associated with asthma nationally and in each State. Subtitle K: Juvenile Arthritis and Related Conditions - Requires the Directors of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases to expand and intensify their respective programs of research and related activities concerning juvenile arthritis and related conditions. Requires the NIH Director, through a grant, cooperative agreement, or contract, to establish an information resource center on arthritis and related conditions. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle L: Childhood Skeletal Malignancies - Directs the Secretary to: (1) study environmental and other risk factors for childhood skeletal cancers; (2) carry out projects to improve outcomes among children with such cancers and related secondary conditions; and (3) ensure that such activities are coordinated with other Public Health Service activities focused on childhood cancers and limb loss. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle M: Reducing Burden of Diabetes Among Children and Youth - Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a system to collect data on juvenile diabetes, including its incidence and prevalence, and to establish a national database for such data; (2) conduct or support long-term epidemiological studies concerning juvenile diabetes; (3) implement a national public health effort to address type 2 diabetes in youth; (4) support regional clinical centers for the cure of juvenile diabetes; and (5) implement a national effort to develop a vaccine for type 1 diabetes. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle N: Miscellaneous Provisions - Requires the NIH Director to report to Congress concerning research activities with respect to rare diseases in children.

Cleaner Buses for Cleaner Cities Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Cleaner Buses for Cleaner Cities Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the provision of grants or other financial assistance under Federal highway or mass transportation provisions or under the Urban Mass Transportation Act to any State or local government or other entity if such government or entity has acquired, in the prior fiscal year, a diesel-fueled bus to be used in any ozone, particulate, or carbon monoxide nonattainment area. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to grants for safety.

To amend the Clean Air Act to modify the application of certain provisions regarding the inclusion of entire metropolitan statistical areas within nonattainment areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Amends the Clean Air Act to revise procedures regarding the inclusion of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) or consolidated MSAs in nonattainment areas. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to require each State to revise the boundaries of all nonattainment areas that included such MSAs before this Act's enactment to exclude all counties within such MSAs that are not in violation of the national ambient air quality standard concerned (as determined by air quality monitoring and not by computer modeling).

United States-Mexico Border Sewage Cleanup Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

United States-Mexico Border Sewage Cleanup Act of 1999 - Authorizes the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, subject to the negotiation and conclusion of a new Treaty Minute pursuant to the Treaty for the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande or the amendment of Treaty Minute 283, to provide for the secondary treatment of effluent from the Advanced Primary Wastewater Treatment Facility (IWTP) in Mexico. Permits the Commission to enter into a fee-for-services contract with the owner of the Mexican Facility (proposed wastewater treatment facility to be constructed within Mexico for treating sewage flows generated within Mexico, which flows impact U.S. and Mexican surface waters, health, and safety). Sets forth contract requirements. Requests the Secretary of State to give the highest priority to the negotiation and execution of a new Treaty Minute or a modification of Treaty Minute 283 in order that the other provisions of this Act to address river and ocean pollution in the San Diego U.S.-Mexico border region may be implemented as soon as possible. Requests the Secretary to initiate such negotiations with Mexico. Limits the amount of grants that may be made for the construction of certain treatment works in San Diego, California, pursuant to the Water Quality Act of 1987. Makes such limitation inapplicable if the Governments of the United States and Mexico enter into a new Treaty Minute or a renegotiation of Treaty Minute 283 pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Water Regulation Improvement Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 10 November 1999

Water Regulation Improvement Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require permits for discharges from municipal storm sewers to: (1) recognize the responsibility of governmental entities to carry out specified control measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants; and (2) absolve local governmental entities of liability in cases where such an entity relies on a co-permittee or another governmental entity to comply with any requirement to implement a control measure in which the co-permittee or other entity assumes responsibility but fails to implement the measure. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, for certain stormwater discharges for which permits are not required, from requiring a local governmental entity to obtain a permit for any stormwater discharge associated with an above-ground vegetated drainage ditch or a drainage way owned or operated in connection with a road or street under its jurisdiction. Provides that such discharges and those regulated as being associated with industrial activity or with significant violation of a water quality standard or significant contributions of pollutants shall not include stormwater discharges associated with: (1) a construction activity that disturbs no more than five acres of land; or (2) a routine maintenance activity associated with a road, street, or vegetated road ditch or drainage way.

Downtown Equity Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999

Downtown Equity Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to require the head of each Federal agency, in locating and relocating Federal facilities, to give first priority to central business areas, except when such location would: (1) materially compromise the agency's mission; or (2) not be economically prudent. Directs the Administrator of General Services to study and report to Congress on the feasibility of establishing a system for: (1) assessing the costs of locating Federal facilities in rural areas as compared to urban areas, in central business areas of rural areas as compared to rural areas outside central business areas, and in central business areas of urban areas as compared to urban areas outside central business areas; (2) adjusting the absolute comparable costs to correct for the inherent differences in property values between rural areas and urban areas; and (3) assessing the impacts on land use, air quality and other environmental factors, and to historic preservation, in the location of Federal facilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 and 2002.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to permit the Governor of a State to waive the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline, to encourage development of voluntary standards to prevent and control releases of methyl tertiary butyl ether from underground storage tanks, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999

Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize a State Governor, upon notification of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to waive oxygen content requirements for reformulated gasoline sold or dispensed in the State. Considers gasoline that complies with all other requirements for reformulated gasoline other than those regarding oxygen content to be reformulated gasoline. Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on whether voluntary standards to prevent and control releases of methyl tertiary butyl ether from underground storage tanks are necessary. Authorizes the Administrator to work with members of affected industries to develop such standards.

A resolution making certain majority appointments to certain Senate committees for the 106th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999

Designates named Senators to majority membership on the Senate Committee on: (1) Finance; (2) Foreign Relations; (3) Environment and Public Works; and (4) Ethics.

School Environment Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1999

School Environment Protection Act of 1999 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory System to develop and update uniform standards and criteria for implementing integrated pest management systems in schools. Directs local educational agencies (LEAs) of school districts to develop and implement systems in schools in compliance with this Act. Permits LEAs to continue to implement existing State systems that meet this Act's standards and criteria. Applies this Act's requirements to pesticide application in school buildings and on school grounds. Requires schools to prohibit: (1) the application of a pesticide when a school or school ground is occupied or in use; or (2) the use of an area or room treated by a pesticide, other than a least toxic pesticide, during the 24-hour period beginning at the end of the treatment. Requires the Administrator to establish a National School Integrated Pest Management Advisory Board. Directs the Board, among other duties, to: (1) review pesticides used in schools for their acute toxicity and chronic effects; and (2) recommend a list of least toxic pesticides. Authorizes the Board to recommend restrictions on pesticide use in schools. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a list of least toxic pesticides that may be used in schools; (2) publish pesticide restrictions in the Federal Register; and (3) issue findings on whether use of registered pesticides in schools may endanger children's health. Directs the Administrator to appoint an official for school pest management within the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs to coordinate integrated pest management systems in schools. Requires LEAs to: (1) designate contact persons for carrying out such systems; (2) maintain all pesticide use data for each school in the district and make such data publicly available; and (3) include notice of such systems in forms of universal notification at the beginning of each school year. Permits the use of a pesticide only if the pesticide has been disclosed in such notice. Prescribes procedures to be followed if a pest cannot be controlled after having used an integrated pest management system and least toxic pesticides, including prior notification of parents, guardians, and staff members of the use of a pesticide and posting of signs. Prescribes alternative procedures in emergency situations. Provides for public comments, through school board meetings, on integrated pest management systems. Establishes a complaint procedure to remedy violations of this Act. Prescribes civil penalties for violations. Establishes the Integrated Pest Management Trust Fund to carry out education, training, propagation, and development activities under integrated pest management systems of schools to remedy the harmful effect of actions taken by persons who paid civil penalties. Describes remedies for employees alleging violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to provide grants to LEAs to develop systems under this Act. Prohibits, no later than six years after this Act's enactment, the use of any pesticide other than a least toxic pesticide in schools unless the Administrator has met the requirements of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1999

Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999 - Requires: (1) Governors of each State receiving monies from the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund (established under this Act) to report on June 15 of each year to the Secretaries of the Interior or of Agriculture, as appropriate, accounting for the money received for the previous fiscal year, including the funded projects and activities; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to report annually to Congress on monies the Departments of the Interior and of Agriculture have spent out of the Fund, including a summary of such Governors' reports. (Sec. 5) Establishes the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund (CRAF). Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into CRAF certain Outer Continental Shelf revenues, undisbursed amounts under title I of this Act, and certain interest earned on CRAF investments. Transfers all amounts deposited into the CRAF as follows: (1) to the Secretary of the Interior for payment of $1 billion to States for impact assistance and coastal conservation, $125 million for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978, $100 million for the National Historic Preservation Act, and $50 million to develop and implement Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Agreements; (2) to the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture for payment of $200 million for Federal and Indian land restoration; (3) to the Secretary of Agriculture $100 million to carry out the conservation easement program under this Act; (4) to the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the amount of $900 million; and (5) to the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund (FAWRF) established under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in the amount of $350 million. Provides that any shortfalls less than $2.825 billion in a fiscal year, after FY 2000, proportionally reduce such sums for that fiscal year. (Sec. 6) Limits the amount available for administrative expenses to two percent. Provides that nothing in this Act shall affect the prohibition contained in the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (as amended by this Act) that bars the use of funds transferred to the FAWRF by this Act for administrative or execution of program expenses. (Sec. 7) Declares that receipts and disbursements of funds shall be off-budget. (Sec. 9) Prohibits a State or local government from receiving funds under this Act during any fiscal year: (1) when its expenditures of non-Federal funds for recurrent expenditures for programs for which such funding is provided will be less than its expenditures were for such programs during the preceding fiscal year; or (2) for a program unless the Secretary of the Interior is satisfied that such a grant will be used to supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of State, local, or other non-Federal funds available for such program. Exempts a State or local government from such prohibition if the Secretary determines that a reduction in expenditures is attributable to a non-selective reduction in the expenditures in the programs of all executive branch agencies of such entity. Treats all funds received by a State or local government under this Act as Federal funds for purposes of compliance with provisions in effect under other law requiring that non-Federal funds be used to provide a portion of the funding for any program or project. (Sec. 10) Prohibits: (1) the taking of private property in whole or in part, without just compensation; and (2) Federal agencies, using funds appropriated by this Act, from applying any regulation on any lands until the lands or water or an interest therein is acquired, unless authorized to do so by another Act of Congress. (Sec. 11) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to design a standardized sign and, where appropriate, require its installation at sites receiving funds under this Act. Title I: Impact Assistance and Coastal Conservation - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to allocate such transferred CRAF payments to coastal States for impact assistance and coastal conservation only if such States have: (1) a Secretary-approved Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plan; (2) agreed to provide specified reports; and (3) certain necessary fiscal control and fund accounting procedures. (Sec. 101) Sets forth the formula for allocating such funds to coastal States and coastal political subdivisions. (Sec. 102) Requires the development and submission of a Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plan by each coastal State seeking to receive grants under this title (and in the case of a producing State, the Governor) to incorporate the plans of the coastal political subdivisions into the Statewide plan for transmittal to the Secretary of the Interior for approval or disapproval before the disbursement of CRAF funds. Specifies authorized uses of the CRAF funds. Title II: Land and Water Conservation Fund Revitalization - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to provide that all CRAF funds transferred to the Land and Water Conservation Fund shall be covered into the Fund. (Sec. 203) Makes $900 million available each fiscal year after FY 2001 for expenditure without further appropriation, to be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent for Federal purposes; and (2) 50 percent for State grants. (Sec. 205) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of the Federal portion of such funds for any land or water interest acquisition except those specified and approved by Congress in the appropriate appropriations Act. Prescribes: (1) a procedure for preparing and transmitting to Congress of a list of proposed Federal acquisitions; and (2) notification to specified officials of affected areas with respect to such proposed acquisitions. (Sec. 206) Revises the formula used to allocate amounts made available for State purposes from the Fund each fiscal year. Makes all federally recognized Indian tribes, or in the case of Alaska, Native Corporations eligible to receive shares of such apportionment in accordance with a competitive grant program established by the Secretary of the Interior. Requires each State, with an exception, to make available as grants to local governments at least 50 percent of its annual apportionment or an equivalent amount made available from other sources. (Sec. 207) Revises the requirement that a State have a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan as a prerequisite to consideration by the Secretary of the Interior of financial assistance for acquisition or development projects. Allows each State to define its own priorities and criteria for selection of outdoor conservation and recreation acquisition and development projects eligible for grants under this Act if the priorities and criteria defined are consistent with the purposes of this Act, the State provides for public involvement in this process, and publishes an accurate and current State Action Agenda for Community Conservation and Recreation, within five years after enactment of this Act, indicating the needs it has identified and the priorities and criteria it has established. Allows an existing Comprehensive State Plan to remain in effect until the appropriate State adopts a State Action Agenda. (Sec. 209) Requires the Secretary to approve, subject to certain conditions, the conversion of property (other than for public outdoor recreation use) acquired or developed with assistance under the Act only if the State demonstrates no prudent or feasible alternative exists. Exempts from such requirement those properties that no longer meet the criteria within the State Plan or Agenda as an outdoor conservation and recreation facility due to changes in demographics, or that must be abandoned because of environmental contamination which endangers public health and safety. (Sec. 210) Provides that nothing in this title shall affect any State or Federal water law or an interstate compact governing water, alter any allocations of water rights, or create any new water rights. Title III: Wildlife Conservation and Restoration - Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (FAWRA) to require CRAF funds transferred for FAWRA purposes to be deposited in a new subaccount in the FAWRF, to be made available without further appropriation, for apportionment in each fiscal year for State wildlife conservation and restoration programs. (Sec. 304) Sets forth requirements for: (1) apportionment of such subaccount funds; (2) applications for approval of, and development grants for, State wildlife conservation and restoration programs; and (3) coordination. Prohibits such funds from being used for expenses incurred in the administration and execution of programs. Limits to ten percent the use of such funds for wildlife-associated recreation. (Sec. 305) Allows the subaccount funds to be used for a wildlife conservation education program. Exempts education efforts, projects, or programs that promote or encourage opposition to the regulated taking of wildlife. (Sec. 306) Prohibits a State from receiving FAWRA matching funds if it diverts any funds from wildlife conservation purposes. Title IV: Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program Amendments - Amends the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 to make transferred CRAF funds available to the Secretary of the Interior, without further appropriation, to assist local governments in improving their park and recreation systems. Sets forth limits on the use of such funds. (Sec. 404) Provides for the development of new recreation areas and facilities (including the acquisition of lands for such development) under the urban park and recreation recovery program. (Sec. 406) Revises requirements for: (1) Federal assistance grant eligibility; (2) matching grants to local governments for rehabilitation, development, acquisition, and innovation purposes; (3) local park and recreation recovery action programs; (4) State action incentives; and (5) conversion of recreation property for any other purposes other than public recreation purposes. (Sec. 411) Repeals sunset provisions and congressional reporting requirements with respect to: (1) the impact of the urban park and recreation recovery program; and (2) the annual achievements of the innovation grant program. Title V: Historic Preservation Fund - Amends the National Historic Preservation Act to provide that amounts transferred from the CRAF each fiscal year shall be deposited into the Historic Preservation Fund to be available without further appropriation to carry out the Act. (Sec. 501) Requires at least one half of the funds obligated or expended each fiscal year under this Act to be used for preservation projects on historic properties (giving priority to the preservation of endangered historic properties). (Sec. 502) Authorizes a State to provide financial assistance to the management entity for any national heritage area or national heritage corridor to support cooperative historic preservation planning and development. Title VI: Federal and Indian Lands Restoration - Makes CRAF funds transferred to the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture available to be used as a dedicated source of funding for a coordinated program on Federal and Indian lands to restore degraded lands, protect resources that are threatened with degradation, and protect public health and safety. Allocates: (1) 60 percent to the Secretary of the Interior for lands within the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, and public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management; (2) 30 percent to the Secretary of Agriculture for lands within the National Forest System; and (3) ten percent to the Secretary of the Interior for competitive grants to qualified Indian tribes (giving priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health). (Sec. 603) Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) each establish priority lists for the use of funds (giving priority to projects based upon the protection of significant resources, the severity of damages or threats to resources, and the protection of public health or safety); and (2) jointly establish a coordinated program for tracking the progress of activities carried out with amounts made available by this title and determining the extent to which demonstrable results are being achieved. Title VII: Conservation Easements and Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Subtitle A: Conservation Easements - Provides that CRAF funds transferred to the Secretary under title V of this Act in a fiscal year shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriations, to carry out this subtitle. (Sec. 704) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and carry out a Conservation Easement Program for making grants to State or local governments, Indian tribes, and certain private organizations to provide the Federal share of up to 50 percent of the total cost of purchasing permanent conservation easements in lands with prime, unique, or other productive uses. Subtitle B: Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery - Makes CRAF funds transferred from the CRAF for this title in a fiscal year available to the Secretary of the Interior without further appropriations, in that fiscal year, to provide financial assistance to persons for development and implementation of Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Agreements entered into under this title. Requires the Secretary to give priority to the development and implementation of Agreements that: (1) implement actions identified under recovery plans approved by the Secretary; (2) have the greatest potential for contributing to the recovery of an endangered or threatened species; and (3) require use of the assistance on land owned by a small landowner or on a family farm by its owner or operator. (Sec. 713) Prohibits the Secretary from providing financial assistance for any action that is required by a permit or an incidental take statement issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or that is otherwise required under Federal law. (Sec. 714) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such Agreements and sets forth Agreement requirements, including: (1) requiring activities not otherwise mandated by law that contribute to species recovery; and (2) specifying species recovery goals. Requires the Secretary to review Agreements in compliance, periodically monitor the implementation of each Agreement, and disburse financial assistance to implement the Agreement.

Erklärung der Bundesregierung zu den Ergebnissen der "5. Vertragsstaatenkonferenz der Klimarahmenkonvention in Bonn" (G-SIG: 14000743)

Germany · German Bundestag · 5 November 1999

In Kraft setzen des Protokolls von Kioto im Jahr 2002, Begrenzung der Emissionen aus dem Flugverkehr, Verantwortung der Industrieländer, Einbeziehung der Entwicklungsländer in das Kioto-Protokoll, Finanzierung der Klimarahmenkonvention, Senkung der CO2-Emissionen bis 2005 um 25 v.H. sowie der anderen Treibhausgase bis 2008/2012 um 21 v.H., nachhaltige Energiepolitik und Verzicht auf Kernenergienutzung, stärkere Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien, ökologisch-soziale Steuerreform, verstärkte Bemühung um Energieeinsparung, Bedeutung der Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung, zukünftige Maßnahmen zum Klimaschutz

Superfund Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 3 November 1999

Superfund Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1999 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to reauthorize, for FY 2000 through 2004, amounts to be made available from the Hazardous Substance Superfund for: (1) the applied research, development, and demonstration for alternative and innovative technologies and training program; (2) hazardous substance research and training; and (3) university hazardous substance research centers. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements to arrange for the use of other sites appropriate for carrying out hazardous substances research, testing, evaluation, development, and demonstration projects.

A resolution making changes to Senate committees for the 106th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1999

Appoints Senator Bob Smith as chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2000

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1999

Hr3194-dgst-00 ................ Hr3064-48-02 10/27/99 Conf. Rept. 106-419 Abd ............ H.R.3064 (Major Legislation) SPONSOR: Rep Istook, Ernest J., Jr. (introduced 10/13/99) SUMMARY: (REVISED AS OF 10/15/99 -- Passed Senate, amended) District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2000 - Title I: Fiscal Year 2000 Appropriations - Makes appropriations for the District of Columbia for FY 2000, including amounts for the Federal payments: (1) for District of Columbia Resident Tuition Support; (2) for incentives for adoption of children; (3) to the Citizens Complaint Review Board; (4) to the Department of Human Services; (5) to the District of Columbia Corrections Trustee Operations; (6) to the District of Columbia Courts; (7) for Defender Services in District of Columbia Courts; (9) to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia; (10) to the Children's National Medical Center; and (11) for the Metropolitan Police Department. Appropriates specified sums out of the District's general fund (and other funds, in some cases) for the current fiscal year for: (1) governmental direction and support; (2) economic development and regulation; (3) public safety and justice; (4) the public education system; (5) human support services; (6) public works; (7) receivership programs; (8) workforce investments; (9) a reserve to be established by the Chief Financial Officer of the District and the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (Authority); (10) the Authority itself; (11) repayment of certain loans and interest; (12) repayment of General Fund Recovery Debt; (13) payment of interest on short-term borrowing; (14) lease payments in accordance with the Certificates of Participation involving the land site underlying the building located at One Judiciary Square; and (15) optical and dental insurance payments. Directs the Chief Financial Officer to: (1) finance projects totaling $20 million in local funds (Productivity Bank) that result in cost savings or additional revenues by an amount equal to such financing; (2) make reductions totaling $20 million in local funds to be allocated to projects funded through the Productivity Bank that produce such cost savings or additional revenues; and (3) make reductions of specified amounts for general supply schedule savings and for management reform savings, in local funds to one or more of the appropriation headings in this Act. Requires quarterly reports by the Mayor on such financial activities to specified congressional committees. Appropriates specified sums for: (1) the Water and Sewer Authority and the Washington Aqueduct; (2) the Lottery and Charitable Games Enterprise Fund; (3) the Sports and Entertainment Commission; (4) the D.C. Health and Hospitals Public Benefit Corporation; (5) the D.C. Retirement Board; (6) the Correctional Industries Fund; (7) the Washington Convention Center Enterprise Fund; and (8) capital outlay (including rescissions). Sets forth authorizations as well as limitations and prohibitions on the uses of appropriations under this Act, and directives to the Mayor, the Council, and the Board of Education identical with or similar to those in the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 1999. (Sec. 130) Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for abortions except where the mother's life would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of rape or incest. (Sec. 131) Bars the use of funds made available by this Act to implement or enforce: (1) the District of Columbia Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992 (also known as the District Domestic Partner Act); or (2) any system of registration of unmarried, cohabiting couples for purposes of extending them benefits on the same basis as such benefits are extended to legally married couples. (Sec. 142) Requires recipients of funds under this Act to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, such funds should be used to purchase only American-made equipment and products. Declares a person ineligible to receive any contract made with funds provided under this Act if the person has been judicially determined to have intentionally affixed a "Made in America" label to a product that is not U.S.-made. (Sec. 147) Prohibits the use of funds contained in this Act to transfer or confine inmates classified above the medium security level, as defined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons classification instrument, to the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center located in Youngstown, Ohio. (Sec. 149) Requires the Chief Financial Officer, by November 1, 1999, or within 30 calendar days after the enactment of this Act, to submit to the appropriate congressional committees, the Mayor, and the Authority, a revised appropriated funds operating budget for all District government agencies for such fiscal year that is in the total amount of the approved appropriation and that realigns budgeted data for personal services and other-than-personal-services, respectively, with anticipated actual expenditures. (Sec. 150) Prohibits the use of funds contained in this Act for: (1) any program of distributing sterile needles or syringes for the hypodermic injection of any illegal drug, or for any payment to any individual or entity who carries out such program; or (2) rental payments under a lease for the use of real property by the District government, or to enter a lease, or purchase or manage real property for the District, unless specified conditions are met. (Sec. 152) Terminates such conditioned prohibition on the use of funds contained in this Act to lease, purchase, or manage real property for the District if the District enacts legislation to reform the practices and procedures governing such activities and disposition of its surplus real property. (Sec. 153) Amends the Student Loan Marketing Association Reorganization Act of 1996 to provide funding for public charter school construction and repair in the District. Sets aside a specified amount for use as a credit enhancement fund for such schools. (Sec. 154) Requires the Mayor, the Authority, and the Superintendent of Schools to implement a process to dispose of excess public school real property within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 155) Amends the District of Columbia School Reform Act of 1995 to: (1) extend the Act indefinitely; and (2) grant sibling preference to applicants seeking enrollment in public charter schools in the District. (Sec. 157) Transfers from the Authority to the District a specified sum for: (1) severance payments to individuals separated from employment during FY 2000; (2) expanded contracting authority of the Mayor; and (3) the implementation of a system of managed competition among public and private providers of goods and services by and on behalf of the District. (Sec. 158) Requires the Authority, working with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Director of the National Park Service, to carry out a project to complete all design requirements and all requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act for construction of expanded lane capacity for the Fourteenth Street Bridge. Transfers a specified limited amount to the Authority from the District's dedicated highway fund for the project. (Sec. 159) Requires the Mayor to carry out, through the Army Corps of Engineers, an Anacostia River environmental cleanup program. (Sec. 160) Amends the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act of 1996 (the Act) to: (1) prohibit payment of administrative costs from the Crime Victims Compensation Fund; and (2) limit the use of such Fund to compensation and attorneys' fees awarded under the Act. Provides that: (1) the Fund shall be maintained as a separate Fund in the Treasury; (2) all amounts deposited to the credit of the Fund are appropriated without fiscal year limitation to make payments as authorized under the Act; and (3) the Fund shall also consist of any other fines, fees, penalties, or assessments that the Court determines necessary to carry out the purposes of the Fund. Transfers any unobligated balance existing in the Fund in excess of $250,000 as of the end of each fiscal year (beginning with FY 2000) to miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury within 30 days after the end of the fiscal year. Ratifies any payments made from or deposits made to the Fund on or after April 9, 1997, to the extent such payments and deposits are authorized under the Act. (Sec. 161) Prohibits the use of funds contained in this Act 60 days after its enactment to pay the salary of any chief financial officer of any District government office who has not filed a certification with the Mayor and the Chief Financial Officer of the District that the officer understands the duties and restrictions applicable as a result of this Act or its amendments. (Sec. 162) Requires the proposed FY 2001 budget of the District government to specify potential adjustments that might become necessary in the event that the management savings achieved by the District during the year do not meet the level of management savings projected. (Sec. 163) Requires any document showing the budget for a District government office that contains specified labels categorizing activities to include descriptions of the types of activities covered and a detailed breakdown of the amount allocated for each one. (Sec. 164) Provides that, in using the funds made available for improvements to specified Federal properties in the Southwest Waterfront of the District, any District government entity may place orders for engineering and construction and related services with the Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a reimbursable and, if applicable, contractual basis. Transfers to the Mayor from the Authority a specified amount from the escrow account held by the Authority for the District's infrastructure needs to be used by the Mayor for such improvements. Requires the Mayor to submit quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on the status of the improvements until they are completed. (Sec. 165) Expresses the sense of Congress that the District should not impose or take into consideration any height, square footage, set-back, or other construction or zoning requirements in authorizing the issuance of industrial revenue bonds for a project of the American National Red Cross at 2025 E Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., because this project is subject to approval of the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. (Sec. 166) Amends the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 (the Act) to permit the District of Columbia Offender Supervision, Defender, and Courts Services Agency to carry out sex offender registration functions in the District. Authorizes the Pretrial Services, Parole, Adult Probation and Offender Supervision Trustee appointed under the Act to exercise, during the Agency's transition to full operation, the powers and functions of the Agency relating to sex offender registration, but only upon the Trustee's certification that the Trustee is able to assume such powers and functions. Vests such authority in the Metropolitan Police Department until the Trustee makes such certification. (Sec. 167) Prohibits the use of funds contained in this Act to enact or carry out any law, rule, or regulation to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act or any tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) derivative. Provides that the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative of 1998, also known as Initiative 59, approved by the electors of the District on November 3, 1998, shall not take effect. (Sec. 168) Transfers to the District from the Authority a specified amount for the Mayor to provide offsets against local taxes for a commercial revitalization program to be available in enterprise zones and low and moderate income areas in the District, provided that the Mayor uses Federal commercial revitalization proposals introduced in Congress as a guideline. (Sec. 169) Amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to transfer to the Mayor the Authority's duty with respect to annually developing and submitting to specified congressional committees a performance accountability plan for the District government, and annually reporting to such committees on the performance of the government's activities. (Sec. 170) Declares the sense of Congress that, in considering the District of Columbia's FY 2001 budget, the Congress will take into consideration progress or lack of progress in addressing specified issues, including crime, access to drug abuse treatment, management of parolees and pretrial violent offenders, education, improvement in basic city services, application for and management of Federal grants, and indicators of child well-being. (Sec. 171) Urges the Mayor, before using Federal Medicaid payments to Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH) to serve a small number of childless adults, to consider the recommendations of the Health Care Development Commission. (Sec. 172) Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the law enforcement, court, prison, probation, parole, and other components of the criminal justice system of the District of Columbia in order to identify the components most in need of additional resources, including financial, personal, and management resources. (Sec. 173) Declares that nothing in this Act bars the District of Columbia Corporation Counsel from reviewing or commenting on briefs in private lawsuits, or from consulting with officials of the District government regarding such lawsuits. (Sec. 174) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to implement the notice of decision approved by the National Capital Regional Director, dated April 7, 1999, including issuance of right-of-way permits at market rates within seven days after enactment of this Act, subject to judicial review. Declares that any Federal agency receiving an application to locate a wireless communications antenna on Federal property in the District of Columbia or surrounding area over which the Federal agency exercises control shall take final action on the application, including action on the issuance of right-of-way permits at market rates. (Sec. 175) Amends the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (the Act) to provide that out of funds appropriated to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development block grants a specified amount shall be available as a grant for the Special Olympics in Anchorage, Alaska, to develop the Ben Boeke Arena and Hilltop Ski Area. Increases the amount made available for grants for the Economic Development Initiative for making individual grants for targeted economic investments. Deems the statement of the managers of the committee of conference accompanying the Act to be amended under the heading "Community Development Block Grants" to include specified targeted economic development initiatives. Makes specified funds made available for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to redevelop the Sun Co. - LTV Steel Site in Hazelwood, Pennsylvania, available to the Department of Economic Development in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, for the development of a technology based project in the county. Amends the Act and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development's authority through FY 2000 with respect to mortgage risk-sharing agreements and housing finance agency pilot demonstration programs. Amends the Act and the Public and Assisted Housing Drug Elimination Act of 1990 to revise the definition of "federally-assisted low-income housing" to exclude housing assisted under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. Provides that such amendment shall be construed to have taken effect on October 21, 1998. Title II: Tax Reduction - Commends the District of Columbia for its action to reduce taxes. Ratifies the Service Improvement and Fiscal Year 2000 Budget Support Act of 1999.

Recreational Waters Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 November 1999

Recreational Waters Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to review the capabilities of existing marine sanitation technology and publish revised standards for marine sanitation devices pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Provides that such standards shall require a baseline effluent water quality for fecal coliform of up to ten milliliters per 100 milliliters and a reduction in biological oxygen demand of at least 50 percent. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to condition a State's authority to prohibit the discharge of sewage from all vessels on a State certification that effluent from marine sanitation devices is impairing water quality and such a prohibition will result in measurable improvements in water quality. Makes such prohibition inapplicable to vessels that operate a type I or II marine sanitation device that meets the revised standards pursuant to this Act.

Kontaminierung von Mais durch Heizölabgase

Austria · National Council · 29 October 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Frauenangelegenheiten und Verbraucherschutz betreffend Kontaminierung von Mais durch Heizölabgase

Kosten der Rettungs- und Bergearbeiten - Tragödie von Lassing

Austria · National Council · 29 October 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Günther Kräuter, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Kosten der Rettungs- und Bergearbeiten im Zusammenhang mit der Tragödie von Lassing

Kontaminierung von Mais durch Heizölabgase

Austria · National Council · 29 October 1999

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Kontaminierung von Mais durch Heizölabgase

Bundes-Tierschutzgesetz

Austria · National Council · 29 October 1999

Antrag der Abgeordneten MMag. Dr. Madeleine Petrovic, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz zum Schutz der Tiere (Bundes-Tierschutzgesetz - TSchG)

Umweltschutz und Senkung der Lohnnebenkosten durch Umsetzung einer ökosozialen Steuerreform

Austria · National Council · 29 October 1999

Antrag der Abgeordneten Dr. Van der Bellen Alexander, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Umweltschutz und Senkung der Lohnnebenkosten durch Umsetzung einer ökosozialen Steuerreform

National Health Museum Site Selection Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 October 1999

National Health Museum Site Selection Act - Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey specified property to the National Health Museum, Inc. (the Museum), to provide a site for the construction and operation of a new building to serve as the National Health Museum. Prohibits any part of the property from being used for lobbying activities for 50 years. Requires the Museum to provide written notification to the Administrator of the date on which it will accept conveyance of the property. Sets forth provisions regarding the purchase price for the property, including requiring the Administrator to report it to the appropriate congressional committees and requiring that such amount be paid into, administered, and expended as part of the Federal Buildings Fund. Requires the Administrator, as a condition of such conveyance, to receive satisfactory assurances that: (1) the Museum will establish, operate, and maintain a satellite museum on Ellis Island, New Jersey, for the same purposes and subject to the same limitations as the National Health Museum; (2) such activities will be carried out in consultation with appropriate State and Federal departments and agencies and in conjunction with other redevelopment activities on Ellis Island; and (3) the Museum will commence construction of, or renovations of existing facilities for, such satellite museum. Provides for reversion of the property to the United States and repayment of the purchase price to the Museum if, during specified periods: (1) the Museum does not commence construction on the property, other than for a reason not within the Museum's control; (2) the property is used for a purpose other than construction and operation of the Museum; (3) the Museum does not commence construction or renovation of facilities for the satellite museum other than for a reason not within the Museum's control; or (4) the Museum ceases to be a tax- exempt nonprofit corporation. Permits the Museum to: (1) demolish or renovate any existing or future improvement on the property; (2) build, own, operate, and maintain new improvements on the property; (3) finance and mortgage the property on customary terms and conditions; and (4) manage the property. Requires the United States to cooperate with the Museum on any zoning or other matter relating to the development or improvement of the property, or the demolition of any improvement. Requires the costs of remediation of any environmental hazards existing on the property, including all asbestos-containing materials, to be borne by the United States. Requires the Museum to submit annual reports on the National Health Museum's status to the Administrator and appropriate congressional committees.

Common Sense Protections for Endangered Species Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 1999

Common Sense Protections for Endangered Species Act - Title I: Improving Scientific Integrity of Listing Decisions and Procedures - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the Secretary of Commerce or the Interior, as appropriate: (1) to accord greater weight and preference to empirical data rather than extrapolations developed through modeling, when making determinations as to whether a species is endangered or threatened; and (2) consider the future conservation benefits to be provided to the species under species conservation plans or management or conservation agreements in making such determinations. Directs the Secretary to promulgate scientifically valid standards for rendering taxonomic determinations of species and subspecies. Requires such standards to provide that to be eligible for determination as a subspecies under the Act, a subspecies must be reproductively isolated from other subspecific population units and constitute an important component in the evolutionary legacy of the species. Expands provisions which allow petitions for proposed additions to, or removals from, endangered or threatened lists to authorize petitions for changing a species status from a previous determination with respect to such lists. Sets forth minimum requirements for information to be provided by petitions, including: (1) descriptions of available data on the historical and current range, population, and distribution of the species; (2) scientific evidence that the species population is declining or has declined from historic population levels; (3) appraisals of available data on the threats to the species or the causes of its decline; (4) an identification of information contained in the petition that has been peer-reviewed or field-tested; and (5) the reason that the petitioned action is warranted. Sets forth requirements for notification of State Governors and affected tribes to solicit advice as to whether the petitioned action is warranted. Provides for peer review of any determination that an action is warranted if it is in direct conflict with information submitted by a Governor or tribe. Permits any person to intervene as a matter of right in suits under judicial review upon demonstrating that a determination to list a species will have a direct economic effect on the person. Prohibits the Secretary from making a determination that a species is threatened or endangered in a State if a Governor or a tribe provides scientific evidence that a determination is not warranted, unless the Secretary shows by a preponderance of scientific evidence that the information submitted by the State or tribe is incorrect. Requires a public meeting to be held in each State that would be affected by a proposed regulation regarding endangered or threatened species, at the request of any person. Limits the total number of meetings to five. Requires proposed regulations to implement endangered or threatened species determinations to be based on peer-reviewed scientific information that has been, to the maximum extent feasible, verified by field testing. Directs the Secretary, concurrently with a determination that a species warrants listing, to publish an analysis of the economic, social, and other public health, safety, and welfare effects the listing may have. (Sec. 102) Replaces provisions regarding recovery plans with those setting forth requirements for scientific peer review of proposed actions to list a species, remove a species from the list, designate, or revise the designation of, critical habitat, propose alternatives, or establish mitigation obligations. (Sec. 103) Makes data or information considered by the Secretary in making the determination to list subject to the Freedom of Information Act unless the Secretary determines that the information must be kept confidential. Bars the Secretary from publicly disclosing the location of particular private property as habitat for an endangered or threatened species unless the property owner is notified first and consents or the information is otherwise public. Title II: Complying With All Federal Laws and Missions - Authorizes Federal agencies implementing land use or land and resource management plans to authorize, fund, or carry out a site-specific ongoing or previously scheduled action prior to completing consultation with the Secretary if no consultation is required or the Secretary issues a biological opinion and the action satisfies relevant requirements. Requires Federal agencies, upon determining that duties under other Federal laws conflict with those under the ESA, to request the President to resolve the conflict. Authorizes Federal agencies to proceed with proposed actions if consultation is not concluded and the Secretary fails to provide a required statement by the applicable deadline. Provides for the participation of persons who have sought authorization or funding subject to consultation in consultation proceedings. Bars permit or license applicants subject to consultation requirements regarding endangered or threatened species from being subject to new or additional requirements for the specific protection of any species beyond those identified in the Secretary's original statement. (Sec. 202) Permits consultation to be waived by a Federal agency, in response to a natural event or other emergency, for the repair or maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, hazardous liquid pipeline, flood control facility, or electrical distribution transmission or substation facility if the repair or maintenance is necessary to address an imminent threat to human lives or a significant threat to the environment. (Sec. 203) Replaces provisions regarding the Endangered Species Committee (established for the purpose of granting exemptions to consultation requirements) with those authorizing the Secretary to grant exemptions for reasons of national security and the President to grant exemptions for major disaster areas, subject to certain conditions. Eliminates specified requirements for exemptions and judicial review under consultation provisions. Title III: Permitting and Enforcement - Describes conditions under which an activity of a non-Federal person is not a taking of a species, including if it: (1) addresses a critical threat to public health or safety or a natural event; or (2) is incidental to carrying out an otherwise lawful activity such as maintenance, use, or repair of pipelines, flood control facilities, fire breaks, transmission and distribution lines, specified water facilities, and roads and rights-of-way or certain emergency repair. (Sec. 302) Revises provisions regarding citizen suits to permit civil suits by injured parties to enjoin the United States if the violation poses immediate and irreparable harm to a threatened or endangered species. (Current law authorizes suits to enjoin any person alleged to be in violation of the Act.) (Sec. 303) Revises provisions regarding incidental take permits, adding deadlines and administrative requirements for the Secretary on permit actions. Provides that no additional measures to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is the subject of such a permit shall be required of a permittee that is in compliance with the permit. Bars any additional restrictions on land or water under the permit without the permittee's consent. Prohibits the Secretary from requiring, as a condition of an incidental take permit, that a permittee for a public project take any measures to minimize or mitigate impacts of a taking: (1) if the costs of implementing such measures will exceed ten percent of the total project costs; or (2) for any activity that occurred prior to the date of permit issuance. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into "safe harbor" agreements with non-Federal persons to benefit the conservation of endangered or threatened species by creating, restoring, or improving habitat or by maintaining currently unoccupied habitat; and (2) provide a grant of up to $10,000 to any individual private landowner to assist the landowner in carrying out such an agreement. Title IV: Recovery Planning - Requires the Secretary, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, to develop and implement plans for the conservation and recovery of endangered and threatened species unless a plan will not promote the conservation of the species or an existing plan or strategy for conservation already serves as the functional equivalent of such plan. Gives priority to plans that: (1) address significant and immediate threats to the survival of a species, have the greatest likelihood of achieving species recovery, and will benefit species that are more taxonomically distinct; (2) address multiple species that are dependent on the same habitat as the endangered or threatened species; (3) reduce conflicts with construction, development projects, jobs, agriculture, private property, or other economic activities; and (4) reduce conflicts with military training and operations. Establishes deadlines for the publication of draft and final recovery plans. Sets forth requirements for: (1) recovery teams appointed to develop recovery plans; and (2) recovery plans, including objective, measurable benchmarks to determine whether progress is being made toward the biological recovery goal recommended by the team. Establishes deadlines for the Secretary's review of existing and future plans. Provides for revision of plans if new information indicates that recovery goals will not achieve conservation and recovery. Revises provisions regarding designations of critical habitat. Authorizes the Secretary to designate critical habitat concurrently with the determination that a species is endangered or threatened if such designation is essential to avoid imminent extinction. Sets forth conditions under which States may develop recovery plans. Requires the Secretary to establish the Office of Species Recovery in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to: (1) provide support services to recovery teams to develop recovery plans; (2) seek the recovery of all endangered or threatened species; (3) make all determinations to remove a species from a list; and (4) assist in the designation of critical habitat. Title V: Miscellaneous - Authorizes appropriations to the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture to carry out the ESA.

Good Samaritan Abandoned or Inactive Mine Waste Remediation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1999

Good Samaritan Abandoned or Inactive Mine Waste Remediation Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, with the concurrence of the applicable State or Indian tribe, to issue an abandoned or inactive mined land waste remediation permit to a remediating party (the United States, States, Indian tribes, or municipalities) for discharges associated with remediation activity at abandoned or inactive mined land that modifies otherwise applicable requirements under provisions regarding the national effluent discharge elimination system and effluent limitations. Authorizes remediating parties to apply for such permits at abandoned or inactive mined land from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants to U.S. waters. Prohibits such a party from applying for a permit if the party owns the land unless the land was purchased for the express purpose of remediating pollutant discharges related to past mining activities to improve water quality. Sets forth application requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to issue a permit if: (1) relative to the resources available to the remediating party for the proposed activity, such party has made a reasonable effort to identify current land owners, lessees, and claimants and other persons whose activities may have contributed to the discharge of pollutants; (2) no identifiable owner or operator exists; and (3) the applicant's remediation plan demonstrates that it will result in improved water quality to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes enforcement actions against parties who fail to comply with permit conditions. Provides for permit termination under certain conditions and absolves parties whose permits are terminated from enforcement liability for any remaining discharges. Makes remediation plans under permits issued under this Act eligible for certain grants. Terminates the Administrator's authority to issue permits under this Act ten years after this Act's enactment.

Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Extension of Expired and Expiring Provisions Title II: Revenue Offset Provisions Subtitle A: General Provisions Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investment Trusts Title III: Budget Provision Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999 - Title I: Extension of Expired and Expiring Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2000: (1) treatment of the tentative minimum tax for individuals as zero (and postponement of the reduction in child tax credit for taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax); (2) the exclusion from an employee's gross income of employer-provided educational assistance; (3) the research and experimentation credit; (4) exclusions from subpart F income (pro rata income of controlled foreign corporations taxable to U.S. shareholders) of exempt insurance income and active financing income; (5) the suspension of the net income limitation on percentage depletion from marginal oil and gas wells; and (6) the work opportunity tax credit and the welfare-to-work tax credit. (Sec. 102) Repeals the denial of exclusion from an employee's gross income (thus excluding from such gross income) any employer-provided assistance for graduate education leading to a law, business, medical, or other advanced academic or professional degree. (Sec. 103) Revises the credit for increasing research expenses to increase by specified percentages the components of the alternative incremental research credit. Extends the research credit to research in Puerto Rico or any U.S. possession. (Sec. 107) Extends through December 31, 2000 and amends the tax credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources to: (1) redefine wind and closed-loop biomass facilities; (2) extend the credit to landfill gas and poultry waste facilities; and (3) deny use at the same time of both this credit and the credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source with respect to any fuel produced from the same facility. (Sec. 108) Revises the deduction for the costs of brownfields environmental remediation to repeal the limitation of a qualified contaminated site to sites within a targeted area (any population census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent, and less than 2,000 people). (Sec. 109) Increases from $10.50 to $13.50 for the period June 30, 1999, through December 31, 2000, the amount of rum excise tax covered over to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Requires the treasury of Puerto Rico, during such period, to make a certain transfer to the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust Fund. (Sec. 110) Amends the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, as amended by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, to delay until January 1, 2001, the requirement that registered motor fuels terminals offer dyed fuel as a condition of registration. (Sec. 111) Amends the Code to extend through June 30, 2000, the date by which certain gasification facilities must be placed in service in order to qualify for the production credit for fuels produced from nonconventional sources. Title II: Revenue Offset Provisions - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Code, with respect to the individual estimated tax safe harbor, to revise the 1999 through 2004 scale of the applicable percentage of a preceding year's tax for an individual whose adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000. (Sec. 202) Reduces the foreign tax credit carryback by one year (the second preceding year), and increases the carryover to seven years. (Sec. 203) Excludes from the meaning of capital assets (for capital gains and losses purposes): (1) any commodities derivative financial instrument held by a commodities derivatives dealer, unless it is established to the Secretary of the Treasury's satisfaction that such instrument has no connection to the activities of such dealer as a dealer; (2) any hedging transaction clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into (or such other time as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe); or (3) supplies of a type regularly used or consumed by the taxpayer in the ordinary course of a trade or business of the taxpayer. (Sec. 204) Imposes a tax on any conjugate vaccine against streptococcus pneumoniae sold by its manufacturer, producer, or importer. Amends the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Modification Act to repeal as of their original effective dates: (1) inclusion of vaccines against rotavirus gastroenteritis as taxable vaccines; and (2) specified limitations on payments from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund. Directs the Comptroller General to report to specified congressional committees on the operation of the Trust Fund and its adequacy to meet future claims. (Sec. 205) Requires any organization a significant trade or business of which is the lending of money to report to IRS any cancellation of indebtedness income. (Sec. 206) Revises the exemption from specified tax treatment of welfare benefit funds (prefunding limits) of any welfare benefit fund which is part of a ten or more employer plan. Limits such exemption to such funds whose only benefits are medical benefits, disability benefits, or group term life insurance benefits which do not provide directly or indirectly for any cash surrender value or other money that can be paid, assigned, borrowed, or pledged for collateral for a loan. Revises the meaning of disqualified benefit which would trigger a certain tax on a welfare benefit fund to set forth a special rule for ten or more employer plans exempted from prefunding limits. Treats as a disqualified benefit subject to such tax any portion of a welfare benefit fund under a ten or more employer plan which is attributable to prefunding limit-exempted contributions if such portion is used for a purpose other than that for which the contributions were made. (Sec. 207) Increases from ten percent to 15 percent of a nonperiodic distribution the withholding rate for nonperiodic distributions from deferred compensation plans. (Sec. 208) Declares that if a taxpayer has gain from a constructive ownership transaction with respect to any financial asset and such gain would otherwise be treated as a long-term capital gain: (1) such gain shall be treated as ordinary income to the extent that it exceeds the net underlying long-term capital gain; and (2) to the extent such gain is then treated as a long-term capital gain, the determination of the applicable capital gain rate (or rates) shall be determined on the basis of the respective rate (or rates) that would have been applicable to the net underlying long-term capital gain. Increases the tax on any gain thus treated as ordinary income by the amount of interest assessable for underpayment of tax, determined with respect to each prior taxable year during any portion of which the constructive ownership transaction was open. Denies any credit against such increase in tax. (Sec. 209) Extends through FY 2009 specified treatment of qualified transfers of excess pension assets to retiree health accounts. Prescribes minimum employer cost requirements for plans transferring assets during the five-year cost maintenance period following a qualified transfer. (Sec. 210) Prohibits accrual method taxpayers from using the installment method of accounting for installment sales. Revises the special nondealer rules for pledges of installment obligations to declare that a payment on an installment obligation shall be treated as directly secured by an interest in an installment obligation to the extent an arrangement allows the taxpayer to satisfy all or a portion of the indebtedness with the installment obligation. (Sec. 211) Revises special rules which allow users of the accrual method not to accrue payments for personal services which (on the basis of experience) will not be collected, to limit such services to those performed in the fields of health, law, engineering, architecture, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, or consulting. (Sec. 212) Disallows any charitable contribution deduction for transfers to or for the use of a charitable remainder trust if in connection with such transfer: (1) the trust directly or indirectly pays, or has previously paid, any premium on any personal benefit contract with respect to the transferor (split-dollar arrangement); or (2) there is an understanding or expectation that any person will directly or indirectly pay any such premium. Defines personal benefit contract as any life insurance, annuity, or endowment contract in which any direct or indirect beneficiary is the transferor, any member of the transferor's family, or any other person designated by the transferor (except an organization which may receive a deductible charitable contribution). Excepts from treatment as indirect beneficiaries: (1) certain organizations which incur obligations under charitable gift annuity contracts; and (2) persons entitled to payments under certain charitable remainder trusts or unitrusts. Imposes an excise tax in the amount of any premiums paid in connection with such transfers. (Sec. 213) Sets forth a special rule for the assumption of liabilities with respect to determining the basis of property in corporate organizations and reorganizations in which neither gain nor loss is recognized, with the purpose of preventing a duplication of loss through assumption of liabilities giving rise to a deduction. Declares that if, after application of other basis-determining requirements to exchanges of stock and securities, the basis of nonrecognition property exceeds its fair market value, then such basis shall be reduced (but not below such fair market value) by the amount of any liability of the taxpayer assumed in exchange for such property, where such assumption (because payment of the liability would give rise to a deduction, or would be a payment to a retiring partner or a deceased partner's successor in interest) is exempted from requirements that it be treated as money received by the taxpayer. Waives such reduction of basis if the trade or business giving rise to the liability is transferred to the person assuming the liability as part of the exchange. (Sec. 214) Revises treatment and basis allocation rules for transfers of intangibles in certain nonrecognition transactions. Declares that a transfer of an interest in intangible property (such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, franchises, methods, and similar items) shall be treated in such nonrecognition transactions as a transfer of property even if the transfer is of less than all of the substantial rights of the transferor in the property. Requires allocation of the transferor's basis immediately before the transfer among the rights the transferor retains and the rights transferred on the basis of their respective fair market values. States that such treatment shall not apply to a transfer of intangible property developed by the transferor or any related person if such development was pursuant to an arrangement with the transferee. Applies these same rules to partnerships. (Sec. 215) Sets forth a rule for distributions by a partnership to a corporate partner of stock in another corporation. Requires reduction by the specified excess amount in the basis of property held by a distributed corporation where: (1) a corporation (corporate partner) receives a distribution from a partnership of stock in another corporation (distributed corporation); (2) the corporate partner has control of the distributed corporation immediately after the distribution or at any time thereafter; and (3) the partnership's adjusted basis in such stock immediately before the distribution exceeded the corporate partner's adjusted basis in such stock immediately after the distribution. Exempts from such requirement any distribution of stock in the distributed corporation if: (1) the corporate partner does not have control of such corporation immediately after such distribution; and (2) the corporate partner establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that such distribution was not part of a plan or arrangement to acquire control of the distributed corporation. Provides that, if the amount of any such reduction exceeds the aggregate adjusted bases of the property of the distributed corporation: (1) such excess shall be recognized by the corporate partner as long-term capital gain; and (2) the corporate partner's adjusted basis in the stock of the distributed corporation shall be increased by such excess. Requires reduction of the basis of any stock in a controlled corporation which is property held by a distributed corporation with respect to these requirements. (Sec. 216) Requires any employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) holding employer securities consisting of stock in an S corporation to provide that no portion of the assets of the plan attributable to (or allocable in lieu of) such employer securities may, during a nonallocation year, accrue (or be allocated directly or indirectly under any qualified plan of the employer) for the benefit of any disqualified person. Defines a nonallocation year as any ESOP plan year if, at any time during it such plan holds employer securities consisting of stock in an S corporation, and disqualified persons own at least 50 percent of the number of shares of stock in that corporation. Prescribes attribution rules. Imposes an excise tax for violations of such prohibition. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Real Estate Investment Trusts - Amends the Code with respect the real estate investment trusts (REITs). Modifies the asset diversification test for a REIT to: (1) allow up to 20 percent of total assets at the close of each quarter to be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries; and (2) disregard in calculating the permissible 25 percent of total assets represented by securities any straight debt meeting specified requirements. (Sec. 222) Excludes from impermissible tenant service income (thus including as rents from real property meeting the requirements of a REIT) any amount received or accrued by the REIT for services furnished or rendered, or management or operation provided, through a taxable REIT subsidiary. Sets forth a special rule including in rents from real property, if specified rental and lodging facility requirements are met, any amounts paid to a REIT by a taxable REIT subsidiary. (Sec. 223) Defines taxable REIT subsidiary. (Sec. 224) Disqualifies for the corporate deduction for interest on indebtedness any interest paid or accrued (directly or indirectly) by a taxable REIT subsidiary to the REIT (earnings stripping). (Sec. 225) Imposes on a REIT a tax equal to 100 percent of redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, and excess interest. (Sec. 231) Sets forth a special foreclosure rule for health care properties acquired by a REIT as the result of the termination of a lease of such property (other than a termination by reason of a default, or the imminence of a default, on the lease). Requires disregard of income derived or received by a REIT from an independent contractor to the extent it is attributable to: (1) any lease of property in effect on the date the REIT acquired the qualified health care property; or (2) any lease of property entered into after such date if a lease of such property from the trust was in effect on such date, and under the terms of the new lease, the REIT receives a substantially similar or lesser benefit in comparison to the first kind of lease. (Sec. 241) Reduces from 95 percent to 90 percent of REIT income and of the excess of the net income from foreclosure property over the tax on foreclosure property specified components of the formula for determination of the amount of dividend deductions which help establish the taxability of REIT income. Reduces from 95 percent to 90 percent of REIT gross income a specified component of the formula for determining the amount of tax imposed on a REIT for failure to meet certain requirements. (Sec. 251) Requires that only persons who own, directly or indirectly, more than five percent of a certain class of stock regularly traded on an established securities market be taken into account as owning any of the stock of such class for purposes of the 35-percent ownership rule determining whether a person is (under 35- percent ownership) or is not (over 35-percent ownership) an independent contractor for purposes of determining rents from real property, and of the special rules for foreclosure property, with respect to REIT taxation. (Sec. 261) Declares that any distribution by a regulated investment company (RIC) made in order to comply with certain tax requirements shall be treated as made from the earliest earnings and profits accumulated in any taxable year to which certain other requirements did not apply (non-RIC year) rather than the most recently accumulated earnings and profits. (Sec. 271) Revises rules for calculating the annualized estimated income installment for a corporation where such installment would be lower than a prescribed amount. Declares that any dividend received from a closely held REIT by any person which owns ten percent or more (by vote or value) of the stock or beneficial interests in the REIT shall be taken into account in computing annualized income installments in a manner similar to the manner under which partnership income inclusions are taken into account. Defines closely held REIT as one with respect to which five or fewer persons own 50 percent or more (by vote or value) of the stock or beneficial interests in the REIT. (Sec. 281) Requires a REIT not to be a controlled entity. Defines controlled entity as one in which, at any time during the taxable year, one person (other than a qualified entity): (1) in the case of a corporation, owns stock possessing at least 50 percent of the total voting power of the corporation's stock, or having a value equal to at least 50 percent of the total value of the corporation's stock; or (2) in the case of a trust, owns beneficial interests in the trust which would meet requirements for a corporation if such interests were stock. Provides that a REIT is not a controlled entity, but is instead a qualified entity, even if it meets the criteria for a controlled entity, but the person owning the stock or beneficial interests is either itself a REIT, or a partnership in which one REIT owns at least 50 percent of the capital and profits interests in the partnership. Excludes from the meaning of controlled entity an incubator REIT meeting specified stock, mortgage asset, and investment capital criteria. Title III: Budget Provision - Declares that any net deficit increase or net surplus increase resulting from the enactment of this Act shall not be counted for the pay-as-you-go automatic offsetting sequestration requirements of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).

To provide funding for the Portsmouth and Paducah, Tennessee, gaseous diffusion plants.

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 1999

Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to expend specified funds from the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation for payment of decontamination and decommissioning costs, and for remedial action costs. (Sec. 2) Mandates allocation of such funds to each decontamination and decommissioning program of the gaseous diffusion plants in Portsmouth, Ohio, Paducah, Kentucky, and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, proportional to the total number of Separative Work Units processed at each site. Sets forth procedural guidelines for possible termination by the United States Enrichment Corporation of its lease with the Department of Energy (DOE). Instructs the Secretary to transmit a decontamination and decommissioning program for the Portsmouth, Ohio, and Paducah, Kentucky, gaseous diffusion plants after the date a decision has been made to close all or part of one of the gaseous diffusion plants. (Sec. 3) Directs DOE to establish a Portsmouth and Paducah Operations Office to manage environmental restoration, nuclear energy, and uranium enrichment program activities. Mandates that the President's Budget request for FY2001 and for each fiscal year thereafter include funding for such Office as a separate line item from the Oak Ridge Operations Office budget. (Sec. 4) Sets forth closure requirements to minimize social and economic impacts relating to partial or total closures of the Portsmouth, Ohio, and Paducah, Kentucky, gaseous diffusion plants.

Common Position (EC) No 42/1999 of 22 October 1999 adopted by the Council, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, with a view to adopting a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the financial instrument for the environment (LIFE)

European Union · Council of the European Union · 22 October 1999

Ombudsman Reauthorization Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1999

Ombudsman Reauthorization Act of 1999 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend the termination date for the Office of Ombudsman to the date ten years after this Act's enactment. (Current law provides for termination four years after November 8, 1984.) Requires the Ombudsman to report to Congress on the status of health and environmental concerns addressed by cases brought before the Ombudsman and recommend improvements to the hazardous waste programs for which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry are responsible. Directs the EPA Administrator to facilitate the structuring of the Office to conform to the structure reflected in the Model Ombudsman Statute of the American Bar Association.

Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 1999

Coral Reef Protection Act of 1999 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide: (1) financial assistance for projects that provide for the restoration or conservation of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems; and (2) technical assistance to any State or Federal agency with coral reef jurisdiction. (Sec. 7) Authorizes: (1) the conducting of activities that conserve coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems or that further public awareness and education; and (2) joint projects with any Federal, State, or local authority or financial assistance to any person for such activities. (Sec. 8) Prohibits a vessel that is otherwise qualified to be documented as a vessel of the United States from being documented if the owner has abandoned any vessel on a reef subject to U.S. jurisdiction and the vessel remains on the reef or was removed using funds under this Act or any other Act having environmental protection as its purpose, unless the owner has reimbursed the United States for the environmental damage and removal expenses. (Sec. 9) Makes any person who injures or creates a threat of injury to any coral, coral reef, or coral reef ecosystem jointly and severally liable to the United States for response costs and damages, related seizure, forfeiture, or storage costs, and related interests. Provides for vessel liability in rem and for related maritime liens on vessels. Declares that specified provisions relating to limitations on the liability of vessel owners, masters, and others do not limit the liability of any person or vessel under this title (sic). Authorizes the Secretary to undertake or authorize all necessary actions to prevent or minimize injury (or threat of injury) to any coral, coral reef, or coral reef ecosystem. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action against any person or vessel that may be liable under this section. Sets forth defenses and a time limit for commencing actions. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a foundation under which the foundation may use amounts available to carry out this section to build and support public-private partnerships that support research, management, or education regarding coral reef and reef ecosystem conservation and furthering this Act's purposes. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Léger delivered on 21 October 1999. # Entreprenørforeningens Affalds/Miljøsektion (FFAD) v Københavns Kommune. # Reference for a preliminary ruling: Østre Landsret - Denmark. # Article 90 of the EC Treaty (now Article 86 EC) in conjunction with Articles 34 of the EC Treaty (now, after amendment, Article 29 EC) and 86 of the EC Treaty (now Article 82 EC) - Directive 75/442/EEC - Regulation (EEC) No 259/93 - Special or exclusive right to collect building waste - Environmental protection. # Case C-209/98.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 October 1999