Environment

National Reportable Conditions Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

National Reportable Conditions Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Commission on National Reportable Conditions to review state and local regulations to determine the existence of conditions that represent a serious threat to the health of individuals in the United States, compile a list of national reportable conditions to be recommended for certifications, and advise the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, based upon the Commission's recommendations, to: (1) annually certify a list of national reportable conditions (i.e., diseases, conditions, and events that when identified by health practitioners, veterinarians, animal and food production specialists, state and local health professionals, environmental and public utility workers, and laboratory workers must be reported to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)); (2) establish an electronic National Reportable Conditions System, a data repository of records processed by the System, a process to enable commercial entities to transmit reports to a single government entity, and a process for the identification of obstacles or challenges to the achievement of the purposes of this Act (including a research program to identify or create solutions); and (3) award grants to state and local entities to enable them to conduct surveillance and timely reporting activities regarding the submission of reports. Requires the Secretary to establish a process that permits the simultaneous submission of reports to a state or local jurisdiction to achieve compliance with a state or local law.

National Reportable Conditions Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2006

National Reportable Conditions Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Commission on National Reportable Conditions to review state and local regulations to determine the existence of conditions that represent a serious threat to the health of individuals in the United States, compile a list of national reportable conditions to be recommended for certifications, and advise the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, based upon the Commission's recommendations, to: (1) annually certify a list of national reportable conditions (i.e., diseases, conditions, and events that when identified by health practitioners, veterinarians, animal and food production specialists, state and local health professionals, environmental and public utility workers, and laboratory workers must be reported to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)); (2) establish an electronic National Reportable Conditions System, a data repository of records processed by the System, a process to enable commercial entities to transmit reports to a single government entity, and a process for the identification of obstacles or challenges to the achievement of the purposes of this Act (including a research program to identify or create solutions); and (3) award grants to state and local entities to enable them to conduct surveillance and timely reporting activities regarding the submission of reports. Requires the Secretary to establish a process that permits the simultaneous submission of reports to a state or local jurisdiction to achieve compliance with a state or local law.

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2006 - Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the conservation security program; (4) the grassland reserve program; (5) the environmental quality incentives program; (6) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (7) the agricultural management assistance program; and (8) the organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the suburban and community forestry and open space program; (3) an integrated pest management initiative; and (4) a conservation initiative for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Revises: (1) the farmland protection program; (2) funding for the healthy forests reserve program; and (3) the national organic certification and transition cost share program. Makes permanent funding available for: (1) the education grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions; and (2) the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Revises and extends the biorefinery development program. Extends: (1) the energy audit and renewable energy development program; (2) the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program; (3) the Department of Agriculture bioenergy program; (4) biomass research and development; and (5) carbon cycle research. Extends: (1) the community food project grant program; (2) the farm-to-cafeteria program; (3) WIC farmers' market nutrition program; (4) the senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (5) farmers' market promotion program.

North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2006

North Bay Water Reuse Program Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to offer to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities in the North San Pablo Bay watershed located in Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties, California, for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. Directs the Secretary and such an entity to use the design work and environmental evaluations initiated by non-federal entities and the Corps of Engineers in that watershed to the maximum extent practicable. Requires such an agreement to specify the responsibilities of the Secretary and the entity regarding: (1) cost-share requirements; (2) needs assessment and project planning and design; (3) environmental compliance activity; (4) facilities construction; and (5) construction contract administration. Requires that any such project consist of two phases, during which the Secretary and an entity shall complete the planning, design, and construction of: (1) the main treatment and main conveyance system; and (2) the sub-regional distribution systems. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance to an entity in planning, designing, conducting related pre-construction activities for, and constructing a project. Makes the entity responsible for the annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of the project. Requires the entity to develop an operation, maintenance, and replacement plan for the project.

Judgment of the Court of First Instance (Second Chamber, extended composition) of 13 September 2006.#British Aggregates Association v Commission of the European Communities.#State aid - Environmental tax on aggregates in the United Kingdom - Commission Decision not to raise objections - Action for annulment - Admissibility - Person individually concerned - Selective character - Obligation to state adequate reasons - Diligent and impartial examination.#Case T-210/02.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 13 September 2006

falsche Prioritäten bei der Altreifenverwertung

Austria · National Council · 12 September 2006

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend falsche Prioritäten bei der Altreifenverwertung

"Schmuggel: Geflügelfleisch aus China"

Austria · National Council · 12 September 2006

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Johann Maier, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Schmuggel: Geflügelfleisch aus China

Promoting transparency of natural resource revenues in resource-rich developing countries to help combat corruption, encouraging democracy and accountable government in such countries, and ensuring energy security through a more stable operating environment in such countries.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2006

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. government should: (1) support and participate in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and assist African countries in implementing EITI or in adopting resource revenue transparency policies; (2) work with the international community to develop a monitoring process for nonmining natural resources, such as timber; (3) require natural resource extraction companies to disclose natural resource revenue payments on a country-by-country basis; (4) consider a government's substantive efforts or failure to ensure revenue transparency for critical natural resource sectors when determining eligibility for U.S. trade preference programs; (5) support disclosure of resource revenues and ex-ante disclosure of foreign investment contracts underpinning extractive sector projects, making such disclosures a condition of support for financing by the United States Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank of the United States; and (6) work with international financial institutions to require resource revenue and contract transparency as a condition for lending or assistance to resource-rich developing countries.

Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a hazardous waste electronic manifest system that may be used by a hazardous waste generator or transporter, an owner or operator of a hazardous waste treatment, storage, recycling, or disposal facility, or any other entity that is required to use a manifest to comply with any federal or state requirement to track the shipment, transportation, and receipt of hazardous waste or other material that is shipped from the generation site to an off-site facility for treatment, storage, disposal, or recycling. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) impose service fees on users to pay for developing, operating, maintaining, and upgrading the system; and (2) deposit the fees into the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund (established by this Act). Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Governing Board; and (2) carry out this Act in each state unless the state program is fully authorized to do so.

Clean Air Attainment Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 September 2006

Clean Air Attainment Enforcement Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to declare that if a state in which a covered (nonattainment) area is located does not submit a required implementation plan (for achieving and maintaining national ambient air quality standards), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) shall not have discretion to select whether highway and emission offset sanctions will be imposed on the covered area; and (2) shall impose such sanctions, with a specified exception regarding the emission offset requirements. Requires implementation plan revisions relating to the attainment plans for serious, severe, and extreme areas to require each major stationary source located in a covered area that emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or NOx (oxides of nitrogen) to pay the Administrator a fee as a penalty for the failure to attain the standard for ozone by the attainment date. Requires the Administrator: (1) upon approval of a state implementation plan, to annually determine whether a covered area is making sufficient progress to achieve attainment; (2) to impose on each major stationary source located in the covered area a penalty for failure to meet a national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone; and (3) to suspend the imposition of such penalties if a covered area is making sufficient progress for the current calendar year. Requires such fees and actions by the Administrator with respect to implementation plan revision requirements for major stationary sources that emit PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers).

Emergency Wildfire and Farm Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2006

Emergency Wildfire and Farm Relief Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified additional funds for emergency measures under: (1) the emergency conservation program, with a set-aside for wildfire control in Montana; (2) the environmental quality incentives program, with a set-aside for wildfire control in Montana; and (3) the livestock assistance grant program, with eligibility for counties adversely impacted by wildfires. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest; (2) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses; (3) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses (including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and anthrax); (4) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (5) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005; and (6) bovine tuberculosis indemnification. Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for: (1) state grants to promote agriculture; and (2) grants for value of production. Requires a recipient state to give priority for livestock and specialty crops. Directs the Secretary to make supplemental economic loss payments to: (1) producers on a farm who received a crop year 2005 direct payment; and (2) dairy producers eligible to receive a 2005 national dairy market loss payment. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to: (1) carry out emergency measures under the emergency watershed protection program; and (2) hire additional state and county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.

Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters to Community institutions and bodies

European Union · EUR-Lex · 6 September 2006

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2006

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage and implement the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, and to enter into an agreement with Arizona, California, and Nevada providing for the use of water from the Lower Colorado River for habitat creation and maintenance, in accordance with the Habitat Conservation Plan, Biological Assessment and Biological and Conference Opinion, Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, Funding and Management Agreement, Implementing Agreement. Permits any party to an agreement entered into with the United States pursuant to the Program to commence a civil action in U.S. district court to enforce the agreement or to declare the rights and obligations of the parties under the program documents. Grants the district court jurisdiction over any such action.

Erhöhte Strahlenbelastungen am 12. September 1986 in Geesthacht und Auftreten einer erheblichen Zahl von Leukämiefällen bei Kindern seit 1990 (G-SIG: 16010998)

Germany · German Bundestag · 5 September 2006

Strahlenbelastung am KKW Geesthacht seit 1986, meldepflichtige Zwischenfälle, Zusammenhang mit Leukämiefällen <p> </p>

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Establishing an Environment Strategy for the Mediterranean {SEC(2006)1082}

European Union · European Commission · 5 September 2006

aufgelassenes Gipsbergwerk in Maria Enzersdorf/NÖ

Austria · Federal Council · 24 August 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Elisabeth Kerschbaum, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Arbeit betreffend aufgelassenes Gipsbergwerk in Maria Enzersdorf/NÖ <i>(Finanzierung der Sanierung)</i>

Herstellung perfluorierter organischer Tenside sowie mögliche langfristige Gefährdung für Mensch und Umwelt (G-SIG: 16050823)

Germany · German Bundestag · 11 August 2006

Unterschiedliche Aussagen von BMVBS und Bundesregierung zum Ausbau des Elbe-Lübeck-Kanals und Auswirkungen der Baumaßnahmen auf die Umwelt(G-SIG: 16050833)

Germany · German Bundestag · 11 August 2006

Umstrukturierung von Umwelt- und Naturschutzbehörden; Auswirkungen auf den Vollzug des Umweltrechts (G-SIG: 16040899)

Germany · German Bundestag · 4 August 2006

Ökostromabwicklungsstelle

Austria · Federal Council · 3 August 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Elisabeth Kerschbaum, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Arbeit betreffend Ökostromabwicklungsstelle

Reclamation Facility Title Transfer Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Reclamation Facility Title Transfer Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to: (1) establish criteria for the transfer of title to reclamation facilities from the United States to project beneficiaries (or an entity approved by such beneficiaries); and (2) recommend facilities that may be appropriate for transfer in accordance with such criteria. Requires that such criteria include: (1) requirements that beneficiaries be willing to have title transferred to them, be capable of assuming facility operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation, and be willing to assume liability for such facilities; (2) a requirement for an assessment by the Secretary of effects of the transfer on the government's ability to carry out its Indian tribal trust responsibility, costs savings to the United States, legal and environmental considerations, adverse impacts on stakeholders, and the beneficiaries' interest in owning the facility, ability to meet financial obligations, and willingness and ability to fulfill legal obligations; (3) procedures for soliciting stakeholder involvement and for involving appropriate federal, state, and local entities in evaluating and carrying out the transfer; (4) a requirement that the Secretary prepare a comprehensive list of items that need to be accomplished before the transfer; and (5) procedures to allow the Secretary to address real property and cultural and historic preservation issues in a more efficient manner. Directs the Secretary to incorporate any existing applicable criteria.

Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Improvement Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Improvement Act of 2006 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for hazard mitigation activities in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, except that: (1) the President may contribute up to 90% of the cost of hazard mitigation measures; (2) the assistance shall be available for at least five years; and (3) the total contributions for a major disaster shall not exceed 15% of the estimated aggregate amount of grants to be made under that Act for such hurricanes. Deems an enhanced mitigation plan of Louisiana or Mississippi to have been approved when the President declared a major disaster relating to such hurricanes if such a plan is approved within 180 days after enactment of this Act. Allows funds made available for hazard mitigation for Louisiana in excess of $500 million to be made available for: (1) the design and construction of hurricane and flood protection projects and coastal restoration projects to reduce storm surge in any area in the state in which a major disaster relating to such hurricanes was declared by the President; (2) the construction and improvement of federal-aid highways or state highways within such area that the governor determines to be integral for the evacuation of southern Louisiana in response to a disaster; and (3) carrying out any coordinated effort authorized by the governor relating to environment or land use management, economic development, the acquisition or disposition of property, property management, or urban homesteading.

Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2006 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Interagency Working Group to expand and accelerate genetics and genomics research and translate such research into clinical and public health applications; (2) expand and accelerate research and programs to collect genetic and genomic data that will advance the field of genomics and personalized medicine; (3) develop a plan for a national biobanking research initiative; (4) expand efforts to increase knowledge about the interaction between genetics and the environment and about ways in which molecular genetic screening, diagnostics, and treatments may be used to improve the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority populations; (5) increase recruitment and retention of trainees in genetics and genomics; (6) ensure the adequacy of genetics and genomics training for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of adults and children for both rare and common disorders; (7) improve the safety, efficacy, and availability of information about genetic tests; and (8) improve the oversight and regulation of genetic tests. Provides for the recruitment of health professionals from diverse backgrounds in the genomics workforce and improvement in the quality of genomics training. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a tax credit for qualified research expenses for the development of a qualified companion diagnostic test designed to provide information to increase the safety or effectiveness of a drug. Provides for the expansion of adverse event reporting systems to encompass reports of adverse events resulting from genetic testing.

Tax Relief and Minimum Wage Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Tax Relief and Minimum Wage Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2007 various provisions relating to business investment and economic development, education, research, health care, environmental remediation, and investment in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. Revises the system of tax incentives for investment in New York Liberty Zone property. Modifies tax administration provisions relating to awards for whistleblowers, frivolous tax filings, authority of the Internal Revenue Service to disclose tax return information, and refund rules for aviation kerosene. Authorizes the issuance of tax-exempt zone academy bonds and rural renaissance bonds. Allows expensing of mine safety equipment and a tax credit for mine rescue team training costs. Allows a taxpayer election to deduct certain gain from timber sales. Suspends until 2008 the disallowance of the tax deduction for business travel expenses of a spouse. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage rate. Applies such increased wage rate to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to: (1) reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (AMR Fund) through FY2021; (2) reduce rates of reclamation fees payable by mine operators to the AMR Fund; and (3) revise allocations of payments to states for reclamation of abandoned mines. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to liability of mine operators for payment of health care premiums of retired miners.

Cyanide Safety Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2006

Cyanide Safety Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to require any person who sells or otherwise transfers, at a retail level, hydrogen cyanide and its salts, to: (1) obtain a license for such sale from the Secretary; and (2) record such sale or transfer, including the identity and address of the recipient and the intended use. Directs the Secretary and the Attorney General to conduct a study of the manufacturing and distribution process of cyanide to determine actions to safeguard the public from its wrongful use, particularly by terrorists, including a determination as to the feasibility and desirability of establishing a central registry of all lot specifications of cyanide to provide quick access to investigative and law enforcement agencies.

Rural Employment and Forest Restoration Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Rural Employment and Forest Restoration Act of 2006 - Requires each Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administrative unit containing land managed under the Northwest Forest Plan to plan and implement projects to enhance the forest health of land managed by such administrative unit. Requires the resources of such administrative units to be prioritized so that the projects described in this Act are planned for treatment, and treatment has begun of significant acreage, before planning other projects. Sets forth priorities for such projects. Prohibits such administrative units from planning, advertising, contracting or implementing any harvest of timber in an old growth stand, except for noncommercial use or noncommercial purposes in an emergency situation. Directs the Forest Service and BLM to: (1) consider how they plan, package, and offer contracts and sales to restore young managed stands to achieve maximum employment in rural areas; and (2) in awarding a federal contract for projects to enhance the forest health of land managed by such administrative units and in evaluating bids and proposals, consider local contractors who provide employment or training for workers in an economically disadvantaged rural area. Allows such administrative units to prepare programmatic environmental documentation pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to study the significant environmental effects of the major federal actions contemplated in projects authorized by this Act.

Raritan Bay Stewardship Initiative of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Raritan Bay Stewardship Initiative of 2006 - States as the purpose of this Act the establishment of the Raritan Bay Stewardship Initiative to identify, protect, and enhance sites within the Raritan Bay ecosystem with significant ecological, educational, open space, public access, or recreational value through a bi-state network of sites. Establishes the Raritan Bay Stewardship Initiative Region within New York and New Jersey. Establishes the Raritan Bay Stewardship Advisory Committee, which shall: (1) identify 20 initial Raritan Bay stewardship sites; (2) seek to ensure an equal distribution of funds between New York and New Jersey for the initial sites (authorizes site owners to apply to have the sites identified as stewardship sites); (3) identify additional recreation areas and natural areas with ecological value as potential stewardship sites; (4) publish a list of sites that further the purposes of this Act; (5) apply an adaptive management framework to the process of updating the list; and (6) report annually for FY2007-FY2014 on recommended sites and recommended grants for securing and improving sites. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review the Committee's recommendations, approve stewardship sites, award grants, and report periodically on the Initiative. States that nothing in this Act requires private property owners located within the Region to participate in the Initiative.

Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2006

Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore the unified estate and gift tax exclusion after 2009, phase in an increase of such exclusion to $5 million in 2015, and lower the estate tax rate. Extends through 2007 various tax provisions relating to business investment and economic development, education, research, health care, environmental remediation, and investment in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. Revises the system of tax incentives for investment in New York Liberty Zone property. Modifies tax administration provisions relating to awards for whistleblowers, frivolous tax filings, authority of the Internal Revenue Service to disclose tax return information, and refund rules for aviation kerosene. Authorizes the issuance of tax-exempt zone academy bonds and rural renaissance bonds. Allows expensing of mine safety equipment and a tax credit for mine rescue team training costs. Allows a taxpayer election to deduct certain gain from timber sales. Suspends until 2008 the disallowance of the tax deduction for business travel expenses of a spouse. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to: (1) reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (AMR Fund) through FY2021; (2) reduce rates of reclamation fees payable by mine operators to the AMR Fund; and (3) revise allocations of payments to states for reclamation of abandoned mines. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to liability of mine operators for payment of health care premiums of retired miners. Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage rate.

Maßnahmen gegen die Feinstaubbelastung im Rheintal und Walgau

Austria · Federal Council · 27 July 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Jürgen Weiss, Edgar Mayer, Ing. Reinhold Einwallner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Maßnahmen gegen die Feinstaubbelastung im Rheintal und Walgau

Ausstieg aus der Atomenergie und Forcierung des Ökostromausbaus

Austria · Federal Council · 27 July 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Jürgen Weiss, Edgar Mayer, Ing. Reinhold Einwallner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Ausstieg aus der Atomenergie und Forcierung des Ökostromausbaus

Unterstützung der Initiative "Global Marshall Plan"

Austria · Federal Council · 27 July 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Jürgen Weiss, Edgar Mayer, Ing. Reinhold Einwallner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für auswärtige Angelegenheiten betreffend Unterstützung der Initiative "Global Marshall Plan" <i>(durch die Bundesregierung für eine ökosziale</i> <i>Marktwirtschaft)</i>

Solidargemeinschaft zur Versicherungsdeckung von Schäden aus Elementarereignissen

Austria · Federal Council · 27 July 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Jürgen Weiss, Edgar Mayer, Ing. Reinhold Einwallner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Solidargemeinschaft zur Versicherungsdeckung von Schäden aus Elementarereignissen

Healthy School Bus Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

Healthy School Bus Act of 2006 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study air quality inside school buses and develop strategies for improving such air quality. Authorizes appropriations for activities to improve air quality inside school buses, including expansion of the Clean School Bus USA program. Expresses the sense of Congress that schools should assign school buses that pollute less to the longest routes and adopt and implement policies to decrease school bus idling.

Agriculture Fire Assistance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

Agriculture Fire Assistance Act of 2006 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance: (1) to agricultural producers who incurred fire-caused losses in 2006 for livestock indemnity payments and feed assistance; (2) for the emergency conservation and watershed protection programs, with priority given to producers who incurred fire-caused losses in 2006; and (3) for environmental quality incentive payments to producers who incurred fire-caused losses in 2006.

HeLP America Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention America Act or the HeLP America Act - Sets forth provisions regarding healthy eating in schools, including: (1) limiting foods of minimal nutritional value sold in schools; and (2) providing for healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants. Healthy Workforce Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to: (1) allow a wellness program credit for employers; (2) remove the reduction in the highest tax rate applicable for taxable years after 2000; and (3) exclude from an employee's income the fees paid by an employer to an athletic or fitness facility on the employee's behalf. Provides for grants to promote individual and community health and to prevent the incidence of chronic disease. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) regulate tobacco products (through the Food and Drug Administration); and (2) establish the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Sets forth tobacco product standards and registration, recordkeeping, reporting, manufacturer and importer user fee, labeling, advertising, and marketing requirements. Requires vending machines and certain restaurants to provide nutritional information about each food offered, including the number of calories. Amends the Social Security Act to provide coverage for certain counseling and screening services. Requires the Secretary to encourage a state program to utilize school-based health centers to deliver primary care to children eligible for federal medical assistance. Establishes the HeLP (Healthy Lifestyles and Prevention) America Trust Fund to fund smoking cessation efforts and other efforts required by this Act. Requires the Secretary to conduct research on obesity prevention, treatment, and control.

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2006 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings. Requires the Office Director to: (1) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (2) carry out public outreach; (3) develop and recommend a high-performance green building research plan; (4) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of high-performance green buildings; and (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities. Requires the Director to identify incentives to encourage the use of green buildings and related technology in federal government operations. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to: (1) revise applicable acquisition regulations; and (2) issue guidance to federal procurement executives on renegotiating proposed facilities design, existing facilities renovations, and leased facilities improvements. Requires the Director to consult with the Committee to assist in the implementation of the Environmental Stewardship Scorecard announced at the White House Summit on federal sustainable buildings in 2006. Requires the Office to carry out specified demonstration projects at federal buildings and universities to contribute to its research goals.

American Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

American Energy Independence Act - Establishes the National Commission on Energy Independence to review U.S. energy policy. Amends federal transportation law to provide: (1) phased increases in fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles; and (2) a national tire efficiency program for passenger cars and light trucks. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish Energy Star Program requirements, and an Energy Star rating program for solar water heating devices. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prescribe standards for household appliances in standby mode. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction; (2) extend the timeframe for placing into service production facilities for renewable electric energy; and (3) establish a tax credit for telecommuting. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to prescribe: (1) a federal renewable portfolio standard; and (2) special rules for net metering. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish an investment tax credit for the construction of new electricity transmission lines to carry electricity from renewable energy resources. Authorizes loan guarantees for biorefineries and renewable energy production facilities. Directs the President to take measures to ensure decreased electricity consumption for federal nondefense related activities. Requires design phases for future federal buildings to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating standard. Prescribes guidelines governing the fuel economy of the federal fleet of vehicles. Requires executive agency motor purchases to include high-efficiency vehicles, or hybrid electric vehicles. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations for basic research at the Department of Energy (DOE). Amends the Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act to prescribe organization guidelines for mathematics, science, and engineering education programs. Authorizes DOE research grants for early career scientists and engineers to pursue independent research. Establishes: (1) the Advanced Research Projects Authority-Energy; and (2) the Acceleration Fund for Research and Development of Energy Technologies. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) designate transit-oriented development corridors in urbanized areas; and (2) award transit grants for transit facilities, bicycle transportation, and pedestrian walkways in a transit-oriented development corridor. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to increase and extend weatherization assistance. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish a grants program, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees for commercialization of new: (1) renewable energy technologies; (2) technologies for energy generation from fossil fuels that incorporate carbon sequestration; and (3) energy efficiency technologies.

Family Farm Energy Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2006

Family Farm Energy Relief Act of 2006 - Repeals provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 relating to: (1) the expensing of equipment used in refining of liquid fuels and accelerated depreciation of natural gas distribution and gathering lines; (2) the pass through of tax deductions for environmental compliance costs; (3) the small refiner exception to limitations on the oil depletion tax deduction; and (4) the two-year amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain farmers actively engaged in farming: (1) a tax credit for 10% of farm diesel fuel expenses through 2009; (2) an increased agri-biodiesel producer tax credit; and (3) a small biodiesel producer tax credit.

Konzeptentwurf des Bundesministeriums für Finanzen zur Erhöhung der Abgaben für Wasserkraftwerke

Austria · Federal Council · 25 July 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Helmut Wiesenegg, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Konzeptentwurf des Bundesministeriums für Finanzen zur Erhöhung der Abgaben für Wasserkraftwerke

Lanzenkirchner Werkskanal und das Verhalten der damit befassten Behörden

Austria · Federal Council · 25 July 2006

Anfrage der Bundesräte Elisabeth Kerschbaum, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Lanzenkirchner Werkskanal und das Verhalten der damit befassten Behörden

To amend the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to provide funds for training in tribal leadership, management, and policy, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environment and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations for training in tribal leadership, management, and policy.

To authorize temporary emergency extensions to certain exemptions to the requirements with respect to polychlorinated biphenyls under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to: (1) authorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend temporary emergency exemptions to requirements concerning polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for 30 days for the purpose of authorizing their safe, effective, and efficient shipment into the United States for disposal, treatment, or storage; and (2) require any person granted such an exemption to report to Congress on the status of foreign-manufactured PCBs generated by or under the control of that person outside of the United States.

New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2006

New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone Act of 2006 - Designates the New York/New Jersey Bight as the New Jersey/New York Clean Ocean Zone. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, and all states from issuing a permit for ocean dumping, or establishing any new disposal site in the Zone, including under specified provisions of existing law. Terminates all existing disposal site designations, subject to exception. States that the discharge of a pollutant into the Zone from a point source constructed or put into use after enactment of this Act is prohibited under specified provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Prohibits permit issuance for such discharge. Prohibits a state or federal permit issued for the discharge of a pollutant into the Zone from being renewed, reissued, or modified to allow any increase of discharge capacity of any point source or to contain any effluent limitation less stringent than comparable effluent limitations in the permit. Prohibits the permanent extraction of any nonrenewable natural resource from the Zone for commercial or industrial use, except for the primary purpose of maintaining or establishing navigation channels. Prohibits the creation, licensing, leasing, easement granting, or right-of-way granting of certain facilities involving nonrenewable energy, including deepwater ports and pipelines. Prohibits categorically excluding leases, easements, or rights-of-way for renewable energy facilities from specified provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prohibits underwater research or exploration in the Zone unless it meets certain requirements.

Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer the 181 Area and the 181 South Area for oil and gas leasing, notwithstanding their omission from the Outer Continental Shelf leasing program. Subjects the following areas to a moratorium upon oil and gas leasing (or any related activity): (1) any area east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) any area in the Eastern Planning Area that is within 125 miles of the Florida coastline; or (3) specified areas within the Central Planning Area and within 100 miles of the Florida coastline. Reserves to the United States the right to designate national defense areas on the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs the Secretary to permit any person who has entered into an oil or gas lease with the Secretary in any area described in this Act, as of the date of enactment of this Act, to exchange the lease for a bonus or royalty credit that may only be used in the Gulf of Mexico. Prescribes requirements for: (1) disposition of qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues from the 181 Area, the 181 South Area, and the 2002-2007 planning areas of the Gulf of Mexico; (2) allocation among Gulf producing states and coastal political subdivisions; (3) historical lease sites; and (4) payments to coastal political subdivisions. Sets forth the authorized uses of amounts received by Gulf producing states and coastal political subdivisions, including for certain environmental protection projects and activities. Sets limitations upon the amount of distributed qualified Outer Continental Shelf Revenues.

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2006

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth provisions concerning global warming pollution emissions. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) set milestones to reduce the aggregate net levels of emissions (authorizes EPA to establish market-based programs to achieve such reduction); (2) require each fleet of automobiles sold by a manufacturer beginning in model year 2016 to meet emission standards; (3) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the potential contribution of the non-highway portion of the transportation sector towards meeting the emission reduction goal; (4) require that electric generation units meet an emission standard that is not higher than the emission rate of a new combined cycle natural gas generating unit; and (5) establish a low-carbon generation trading program. Requires covered generators to provide a minimum percentage of the base quantity of electricity produced for sale from low-carbon generation. Requires EPA to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for geological disposal deployment projects; and (2) carry out a global climate change standards and processes research program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that federal funds for clean, low-carbon energy research, development, and deployment should be increased by at least 100% each year for 10 years. Directs: (1) EPA to promulgate requirements concerning the energy efficiency and peak load reduction of electricity suppliers and to establish a renewable energy credit program; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emissions through biological sequestration activities; and (3) major stationary sources to report to EPA on emissions of global warming pollutants. Requires the President to establish the Task Force on International Clean, Low Carbon Energy Cooperation. Authorizes the President to adjust, suspend, or waive any regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act in a national emergency. Requires EPA to require that gasoline contain the applicable volume of low-carbon renewable fuel. Directs EPA to require manufacturers to meet standards for new motor vehicles or engines. Requires executive agency automobiles to be as fuel-efficient as practicable. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to report on the effects of U.S. failure to adopt measures that require or result in a reduction in total emissions in accordance with the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require securities issuers to inform investors of risks relating to global warming; and (3) the SEC to clarify that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the Framework are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Directs federal agency environmental impact statements or analyses to evaluate the effects on, and impact of, global warming.

A bill to study and promote the use of energy efficient computer servers in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Energy Star program, to analyze and report to Congress on the growth and energy consumption of computer data centers by the federal government and private enterprise. Expresses the sense of Congress that it is in the United States' best interest for purchasers of computer servers to give high priority to energy efficiency as a factor in determining best value and performance for purchases of servers.

Agricultural Protection and Prosperity Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2006

Agricultural Protection and Prosperity Act of 2006 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to: (1) include the definition of &quot;manure&quot;; and (2) exclude manure from the meaning of &quot;hazardous substance&quot; or &quot;pollutant or contaminant&quot; under that Act. Provides that such exclusion shall not: (1) impose liability under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 with respect to manure; (2) affect any provision of the Air Quality Agreement entered into between the Administrator and operators of animal feeding operations; or (3) affect the applicability of any other environmental law as it relates to the definition of manure or the responsibilities or liabilities of any person regarding the treatment, storage, or disposal of manure. Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to exempt releases associated with manure (as defined under CERCLA) from the emergency notification requirements under that Act.

MARPOL Annex VI Implementation Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006

MARPOL Annex VI Implementation Act of 2006 - Applies (with regard to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973) federal law relating to the prevention of pollution from ships to certain foreign ships. Allows the head of a federal department or agency to apply those provisions of federal law to one or more classes of public vessels operated under the authority of that department or agency. Limits to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on behalf of the United States, issuance of an Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate in accordance with Annex VI to the Convention and the International Maritime Organization's Technical Code on Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines. Gives a certificate issued by a country that is a party to the MARPOL Protocol (the Protocol of 1978 relating to and including the Convention) the same validity as a certificate issued by the Secretary (Secretary) of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating or by the Administrator. Requires ports and terminals to ensure the availability of reception facilities for receiving ozone depleting substances, equipment containing such substances, and exhaust gas cleaning residues. Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consulting with the Secretary, to act for the United States on Annex VI amendments.

To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to authorize funding for brownfields revitalization activities and State response programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2006

Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to: (1) require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inspector General's report to Congress on the management of the brownfields program to be submitted every four years; and (2) extend the authorization of appropriations for such program and for state response programs through FY2012.

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy and amending Directive 2000/60/EC {COM(2006) 398 final} {SEC(2006) 947}

European Union · European Commission · 17 July 2006