Environment

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to promote competitiveness in the motor vehicle aftermarket and to preserve consumer freedom of choice to select parts and service of the consumer's own choosing, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal provisions for: (1) the adoption and enforcement of emission standards for new motor vehicles by States with approved plans for nonattainment areas; and (2) production warranties and parts certification for compliance with emission standards by manufacturers of new cars. Revises provisions relating to: (1) performance warranties for vehicle and engine compliance with emission standards; (2) manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control devices and systems; and (3) prohibited acts involving such devices or systems. Prohibits State or local governments from adopting or enforcing standards applicable to motor vehicle or engine parts for purposes of controlling or regulating motor vehicle emissions.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to provide for further assessment of the validity of the theory concerning depletion of ozone in the stratosphere by halocarbon compounds before proceeding with any further regulation of such compounds, to provide for further research and study, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) continue ozone protection studies and research while increasing actual measurements of stratospheric ozone and improving methods of monitoring potential trends in such measurements; and (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to (a) continue review and research, (b) determine the extent, nature, and causes of changes in stratospheric ozone concentration (with particular attention to the effects of chlorofluorocarbons), (c) investigate unreasonable effects on health and the environment, and (d) report to the Administrator and the Congress. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, to the Congress at the end of a 24-month period. Prohibits the commencement or continuation of rulemaking by the Administrator with respect to regulations for the control in the United States of any chlorofluorocarbon until: (1) the Administrator, the Academy, and the President have submitted specified reports to the Congress; or (2) the Administrator determines that stratospheric ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons at a rate eventually harmful to human health and the environment has actually been detected. Directs the Administrator to withdraw any such rulemaking commenced after January 1, 1981, and before the date of enactment of this Act, and declares that such rulemaking has no force or effect. Requires that such final regulations be submitted to the Congress and only take effect if both Houses of Congress do not adopt a concurrent resolution of disapproval within a specified period. Sets forth procedures relating to such resolutions. Requires that continuing research and monitoring programs be expanded to determine the extent, nature, causes, effects, and associated uncertainties of stratospheric ozone concentration changes. Directs the President, within two years from the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to report to the Congress and the public on efforts to reach international agreements among the major free-world countries producing chlorofluorocarbons as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Prohibits States or local governments from adopting or attempting to enforce any regulations (except ones controlling halocarbon use as an aerosol propellant) respecting the control of chlorofluorocarbons to protect the stratosphere or stratospheric ozone until the Administrator has promulgated such regulations for such control in the United States. Provides that this Act shall not affect the validity of regulations concerning aerosol propellants containing chlorofluorocarbons promulgated by the Administrator before January 1, 1981.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to promote competitiveness in the motor vehicle aftermarket and to preserve consumer freedom of choice to select parts and service of the consumer's own choosing, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal provisions for: (1) the adoption and enforcement of emission standards for new motor vehicles by States with approved plans for nonattainment areas; and (2) production warranties and parts certification for compliance with emission standards by manufacturers of new cars. Revises provisions relating to: (1) performance warranties for vehicle and engine compliance with emission standards; (2) manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control devices and systems; and (3) prohibited acts involving such devices or systems. Prohibits State or local governments from adopting or enforcing standards applicable to motor vehicle or engine parts for purposes of controlling or regulating motor vehicle emissions.

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron and steel producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to promote competitiveness in the motor vehicle aftermarket and to preserve consumer freedom of choice to select parts and service of the consumer's own choosing, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal provisions for: (1) the adoption and enforcement of emission standards for new motor vehicles by States with approved plans for nonattainment areas; and (2) production warranties and parts certification for compliance with emissions standards by manufacturers of new cars. Revises provisions relating to: (1) performance warranties for vehicle and engine compliance with emissions standards, (2) manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emissions control devices and systems; and (3) prohibited acts involving such devices or systems.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to promote competitiveness in the motor vehicle aftermarket and to preserve consumer freedom of choice to select parts and service of the consumer's own choosing, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal provisions for: (1) the adoption and enforcement of emission standards for new motor vehicles by States with approved plans for nonattainment areas; and (2) production warranties and parts certification for compliance with emissions standards by manufacturers of new cars. Revises provisions relating to: (1) performance warranties for vehicle and engine compliance with emissions standards; (2) manufacturer's instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emissions control devices and systems; and (2) prohibited acts involving such devices or systems.

81/213/EEC: Council Decision of 3 March 1981 adopting a sectoral research and development programme in the field of environment (environmental protection and climatology) - indirect and concerted actions - (1981 to 1985)

European Union · EUR-Lex · 3 March 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron and steel producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of receipt of an application for extension of time in the Federal Register and to notify the appropriate State and local officials. Permits the appropriate State or local governments or recognized bargaining agents for employees of the affected industry to bring civil actions to enforce consent decrees entered under this Act. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.

A bill to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to provide for a statute of limitations with respect to judicial review of environmental impact statements.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1981

Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require that actions for judicial review of any final detailed environmental impact statement be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction within a statute of limitations of 180 days after the date on which such final statement is published in the Federal Register.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to temporary emergency suspensions of implementation plan provisions.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act, with regard to State implementation plans for a national primary ambient air quality standard, to authorize the President, as well as a Governor, to issue a temporary emergency suspension of any part of such plan applicable to a fuel burning stationary source. Requires either the President or the Governor to issue such an emergency suspension if either finds that foreign imports of fuels used by such source have reached an excessive level and that such imports can be reduced by the emergency suspension. Requires such suspension to be effective for a maximum of five years, or longer if reasonable; except suspensions violating a national ambient air quality standard are limited to not more than four months. Allows the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in a disapproval order to require a lesser period if the suspension is issued by a Governor. Allows for revocation of a suspension if after four months the fuel burning stationary source in question has not changed to an alternate fuel.

A bill to provide that major stationary sources complying with all applicable emission limitations and standards of performance established pursuant to the Clean Air Act shall not be subject to any more stringent limitations or standards for a period of ten years.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit, for ten-years, the application of a more stringent emission limitation or standard of performance to: (1) any existing major stationary source which comes into compliance with all emission limitations in the applicable implementation plan; or (2) any new or modified major stationary source the construction or modification of which meets all applicable emission limitations and standards of performance. Sets such ten-year period to run from the date of completion of compliance, construction, or modification, or during the period of depreciation or amortization of such facility (for Internal Revenue Code purposes), whichever period ends first. Exempts from the application of this Act any source to which a substantial imminent threat to public health can be attributed, as determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to provide that the voluntary conversion from oil or gas to an alternate fuel by a stationary source shall be treated in the same manner as a conversion ordered under the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 or the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act of 1978.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to provide coequal treatment, under Federal law, for a stationary source voluntarily converting from oil or natural gas to an alternate fuel and a stationary source mandated to convert.

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron and steel producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron and steel producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.

Radioactive Waste Research, Development, and Policy Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 1981

Radioactive Waste Research, Development, and Policy Act - Title I: Repositories for Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Energy to prepare a mission plan for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste which shall include: (1) information on research and development needs for repository siting and construction; (2) an evaluation of any financial, political, or institutional problems; (3) a determination of the need to proceed with unlicensed research and development repositories or intermediate scale repositories, or both; (4) a comparison of the different geologic media under consideration for depository sites; (5) site selection criteria; (6) site recommendations for site characterization activities to determine suitablity for intermediate scale or permanent repositories; (7) recommendations for the form, packaging, and transportation of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; (8) an estimate of the total repository capacity required for the safe disposal of all such waste and fuel generated through the year 2000 if no commercial reprocessing of spent fuel occurs; (9) a cost estimate of such plan; and (10) information on possible adverse impacts from such plan and alleviation of such impacts. Requires the Secretary to submit such plan to the State Planning Council on Radioactive Waste Management and the Interagency Review Group, both established by this Act, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for comments. Directs the Secretary to submit such plan to appropriate Congressional committees by March 1, 1982. States that such plan shall take effect unless disapproved by either House of Congress within 60 days. Requires, in the event of Congressional disapproval, submission of a revised plan. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress every two years on the implementation of an approved plan. Authorizes the Secretary to designate sites for unlicensed research and development repositories if such repositories are needed to gather data on the suitability of emplacement of radioactive waste or spent fuel in various geologic media. Requires consultation with the NRC and State review boards (State entities composed of representatives of local governments affected by repositories and of the general public in a State) prior to repository construction. Directs the Secretary to assess the environmental impacts of any site designation. Directs the Secretary to determine whether or not to develop intermediate scale repositories for storage of radioactive waste and spent fuel. Sets forth design requirements for such repositories. Requires submission of the mission plan and a subsequent site characterization report to the State review board of any State in which a proposed research and development, intermediate scale, or permanent repository site is located and to the tribal governing body of any Indian tribe on whose reservation a proposed repository site is located. Directs the Secretary to designate sites after: (1) completion of required environmental impact statements; (2) completion of engineering design plans for the repositories and of waste forms and packaging technologies; and (3) submission of a preliminary license application to the NRC. Permits any State review board or Indian tribal governing body to file written objections to a site designation within 30 days after such designation is made. Establishes an Independent Review and Arbitration Board to review objections filed by a State or Indian tribe and recommend remedial action if necessary. States that Board determinations are not subject to judicial review. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for a construction license for each designated site once such designations are in effect. Requires the Federal Government to take title to any radioactive waste or spent fuel when it is delivered to a repository for storage. Requires Federal cooperation with States and Indian tribes in providing information on repository siting, design, construction, and operation and resolving public health and safety, environmental, and economic concerns. Directs the Secretary to make annual payments in lieu of property taxes to the States for any Federal property within their jurisdiction used for a repository. Requires the Secretary to assess annually the economic, environmental, social, and other impacts caused by repositories to determine the need, if any, for impact aid payments to a State or Indian tribe. Establishes in the Treasury a fund to finance site characterization activities, construction and operation of repositories, and impact aid payments. Prohibits the use of such funds to carry out research and development activities under the mission plan. Requires the Secretary to calculate and collect a fee from persons or entities who hold title to radioactive waste or spent fuel in interim storage for their disposal costs. Sets forth a schedule for the promulgation of standards by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the environment from radioactive materials in repositories and criteria by the NRC to apply to repository construction license applications. Establishes an Interagency Review Group to: (1) improve interagency coordination of radioactive waste management policies; (2) assist in developing the mission plan; and (3) review such plan and submit written comments on it to Congress. Establishes a State Planning Council on Radioactive Waste Management to: (1) advise the Secretary and other Federal agencies on radioactive waste management; (2) review the mission plan; (3) provide advice on repository siting; and (4) provide advice on the roles of State and local governments, State review boards, and Indian tribal governing bodies in the development of research and development repositories and in the licensing process for intermediate scale and permanent repositories. Requires the Council to report annually to the Secretary and appropriate Congressional committees on its activities. Title II: Spent Fuel Policies - States that the primary responsibility for the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel lies with the private sector. Directs the NRC to develop licensing procedures to permit the commercial reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Prohibits Federal subsidization of such commercial reprocessing. States that Federal policy shall be to continue research and development of commercial reprocessing and reprocessing technologies that will not result in nuclear proliferation. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program, in cooperation with the private sector, for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuel at sites adjacent to nuclear powerplants. Directs the NRC to recommend to Congress ways to shorten the time required for licensing of facilities for the storage of spent nuclear fuels in pools.

Ozone Depletion Validation Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1981

Ozone Depletion Validation Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to continue ozone protection studies and research while increasing actual measurements of stratosphere ozone and improving methods of monitoring potential trends in such measurements. Directs the Administrator to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) continue review and research; (2) determine the extent, nature, and causes of changes in stratospheric ozone concentration (with particular attention to the effects of chlorofluorocarbons); (3) investigate unreasonable effects on health and the environment; and (4) report all findings and associated uncertainties. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing further regulations for the control in the United States of any chlorofluorocarbon: (1) until an international agreement or agreements among major free-world producing countries of chlorofluorocarbons are reached as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken; or (2) until depletion of the stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbons at a rate determined to be eventually harmful to human health and the environment is actually detected. Provides that any such final regulation not take effect until at least 90 days after its promulgation and not until the expiration of the period provided for adoption of a resolution of disapproval. Requires that continuing research and monitoring programs be expanded to determine the extent, nature, causes, effects, and associated uncertainties of stratospheric ozone concentration changes. Directs the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to report, within two years and annually thereafter until such time as the theory of ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons has been validated, all findings concerning actual or potential alteration of the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, its causes, and associated implications and uncertainties. Requires that such report be made to the Administrator and to the Congress, with copies available to the public. Directs the President, within two years from the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to report to the Congress and the public on efforts to reach international agreements among the major free-world producing countries of chlorofluorocarbons as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Prohibits States or local governments from adopting or attempting to enforce any regulation (except ones controlling halocarbon use as an aerosol propellant) respecting the control of chlorofluorocarbons to protect the stratosphere or stratospheric ozone until the Administrator has promulgated such regulations for such control in the United States. Provides that this Act shall not affect: (1) the validity of regulations concerning aerosol propellants containing chlorofluorocarbons promulgated by the Administrator before the effective date of this Act; or (2) the Administrator's obligation to comply with other applicable requirements in adopting regulations for the control of chlorofluorocarbons consistent with international agreements or after actual detection of eventually harmful depletion. Requires that such final regulations be submitted to the Congress and only take effect if both Houses of Congress do not adopt a concurrent resolution of disapproval within a specified period. Sets forth procedures and other provisions relating to such resolutions.

A bill to authorize appropriation for the operations of the Office of Environmental Quality and the Council on Environmental Quality during fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984.

United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1981

Amends the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970 to extend, through fiscal year 1984, the authorization of appropriations for the Office of Environmental Quality and the Council on Environmental Quality.

Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981

Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to bring the existing Department of Energy research, development, and demonstration program for high level radioactive waste disposal into compliance with this Act. Directs the Secretary to identify at least two geographically distributed demonstration facility sites, located in different geologic media, in the continental United States. Requires the Secretary to establish at each site a technology demonstration facility for research and development. Sets forth design requirements and construction dates for such facilities. Prohibits the conversion of such facilities into permanent disposal facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish waste solidification facilities designed to provide a waste form resistant to the release of radionuclides and to reduce the health hazard of such wastes. Requires that such wastes and facilities be ready for placement in completed demonstration facilities. Requires consultation and coordination with States in which demonstration facility sites are located on the Department's plans for such facilities. Directs the Secretary to transmit a comprehensive management plan to specified Congressional committees. Requires submission of a description of such plan as in effect each year to the Congress. Directs the Secretary to provide funds by contract to initiate and maintain the activities under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Marine Artificial Reef Development Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 1981

Marine Artificial Reef Development Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Marine Fisheries Service, to make grants to certain States enumerated in the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to develop marine artificial reefs in the territorial waters and the fishery conservation zones of such States to enhance commercial and sport fishing. Requires each fishery management council established under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to establish a fishery management plan for each habitat established under this Act in the council's region. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1985.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to provide for further assessment of the validity of the theory concerning depletion of ozone in the stratosphere by halocarbon compounds before proceeding with any further regulation of such compounds, to provide for needed further research and study, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) continue ozone protection studies and research while increasing actual measurements of stratospheric ozone and improving methods of monitoring potential trends in such measurements; and (2) contract with the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to (a) continue review and research, (b) determine the extent, nature, and causes of changes in stratospheric ozone concentration (with particular attention to the effects of chlorofluorocarbons), (c) investigate unreasonable effects on health and the environment, and (d) report to the Administrator and the Congress. Directs the Administrator to report, with recommendations, to the Congress at the end of a 24-month period. Prohibits the commencement or continuation of rulemaking by the Administrator with respect to regulations for the control in the United States of any chlorofluorocarbon until: (1) the Administrator, the Academy, and the President have submitted specified reports to the Congress; or (2) the Administrator determines that stratospheric ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons at a rate eventually harmful to human health and the environment has actually been detected. Directs the Administrator to withdraw any such rulemaking commenced after January 1, 1981, and before the date of enactment of this Act, and declares that such rulemaking has no force or effect. Requires that such final regulations be submitted to the Congress and only take effect if both Houses of Congress do not adopt a concurrent resolution of disapproval within a specified period. Sets forth procedures relating to such resolutions. Requires that continuing research and monitoring programs be expanded to determine the extent, nature, causes, effects, and associated uncertainties of stratospheric ozone concentration changes. Directs the President, within two years from the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to report to the Congress and the public on efforts to reach international agreements among the major free-world countries producing chlorofluorocarbons as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Prohibits States or local governments from adopting or attempting to enforce any regulations (except ones controlling halocarbon use as an aerosol propellant) respecting the control of chlorofluorocarbons to protect the stratosphere or stratospheric ozone until the Administrator has promulgated such regulations for such control in the United States. Provides that this Act shall not affect the validity of regulations concerning aerosol propellants containing chlorofluorocarbons promulgated by the Administrator before January 1, 1981.

Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE concerning the limit values for discharges of cadmium into the aquatic environment and quality objectives for cadmium in the aquatic environment (submitted to the council by the commission)

European Union · European Commission · 12 February 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron and steel producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.

A bill to establish a task force to identify ocean sites and the nature of radioactive wastes which were dumped into the ocean prior to 1970 and to prepare a comprehensive plan for monitoring and assessing the impacts which such wastes have had on the environment and the public health.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981

Establishes the Interagency Task Force on Ocean Dumping of Radioactive Wastes (the task force). Directs the task force to: (1) prepare an inventory of ocean sites at which radioactive wastes were dumped between 1945 and 1970; (2) make a preliminary assessment of the adverse effects of such wastes on the environment and public health; and (3) develop a comprehensive plan for continuous monitoring of such wastes in order to assess short-and long-term adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Empowers the task force to issue subpoenas for any evidence relating to any incident of ocean dumping of radioactive waste. Requires any Federal agencies which engaged in or authorized such dumping to furnish information upon written request of the task force. Requires the task force to report to Congress by October 1, 1982, on the activities required by this Act. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set up a preliminary monitoring program on those ocean sites at which radioactive wastes which cause significant adverse impacts on the environment and public health were dumped before 1970. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that the limitation on the use of grants for publicly owned treatment works for treatment, storage, or conveyance of flows of industrial users shall not take effect until November 15, 1984.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that the limitation on the use of grants for publicly owned treatment works for treatment, storage, or conveyance of flows of industrial users shall not take effect until November 15, 1984 (rather than 1981).

A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide for financial assistance to municipalities for the closing of open dumps under the Solid Waste Disposal Act and for the construction and operation of sanitary landfills in compliance with the provisions of that Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1981

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide assistance to municipalities to be used for the closing of open dumps (in accordance with specified requirements relating to the upgrading of open dumps and to plan provisions for such upgrading) and for the construction of sanitary landfills which meet specified criteria. Requires applicants for such financial assistance to comply with specified provisions of such Act.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to revise a required provision for State implementation plans. Permits the construction or modification of a major stationary source in a nonattainment area, if, at the time of application for a permit, this will result in the reduction of emissions of such pollutant from an existing stationary source. Allows such construction or modification even if the emissions from such facility will cause or contribute to concentrations of any pollutant for which a national ambient air quality standard is exceeded in such area.

Sludge Management Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 1981

Sludge Management Act of 1981 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the environmental, health, and economic effects of subsurface landfilling sludge on soils and ground water, and alternate methods of sludge disposal. Directs the Administrator to develop guidelines for sludge disposal and landspreading in order to protect the public health and welfare. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States and localities of up to 40 percent of the cost of removal of sludge from waters and shorelines. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Protection Agency Task Force on sludge removal. Authorizes the establishment of programs of training, demonstration, and surveys relating to the restoration of water quality where degraded by sludge. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit grants for treatment works unless the applicant demonstrates that adequate, confined sludge disposal methods will be provided.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1981

Authorizes the Committee on Environment and Public Works from March 1, 1981, through February 28, 1982, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) utilize the services of department or agency personnel on a reimbursable basis. Sets forth the limit on expenses by the committee during such period.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to encourage owners of coal-fired powerplants to utilize new technologies for pollution control and to establish an emissions charges and rebate plan.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981

Title I: New Emission Control Technology - Amends the Clean Air Act to allow persons proposing to own or operate coal-fired powerplants to request from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency one or more waivers of specified air pollution control requirements for such plant to encourage the use of an innovative technological system or systems of continuous emission reduction. Authorizes the Administrator with the consent of the Governor of the State in which the plant is to be located, to grant such waivers, if the Administrator determines, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, that: (1) the proposed systems have not been adequately demonstrated, will operate effectively, and are reasonably likely to achieve, in comparison with presently available technology, either significantly greater continuous emission reduction or significantly lower cost with the same or greater continuous emission reduction; (2) the owner or operator of the proposed plant has demonstrated that plant emissions will not prevent attainment and maintenance of any national ambient air quality standards or violate specified requirements, increments, or ceilings; and (3) granting such waiver will not exceed the number of waivers necessary to ascertain whether a proposed technological system will achieve specified conditions. Sets forth the Administrator's considerations for making such determinations. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct tests or to require tests and reports to be made by the owner or operator. Requires the owner or operator to make prompt reports of the emission of any unregulated pollutant from a system if such pollutant was not emitted, or was emitted in significantly lesser amounts without the use of such system. Sets forth terms and conditions on which, and time periods for which, such waivers shall be granted. Authorizes waivers requiring a minimum level of continuous emission reduction and fee charges to be assessed in cases where a system has failed to achieve the required level of continuous emission reduction and correction is impracticable. Sets forth formulas to determine such charges. Prohibits any charge being imposed which requires the owner or operator to pay, together with costs of operation and construction, higher costs because of use of innovative rather than existing technology. Title II: Emissions Charges and Rebate Plan - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement, in selected air quality control regions, plans which will assess the effectiveness of using economic incentives to achieve national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards in regions where such standards are not being achieved. Requires that each plan: (1) be developed under regulations promulgated by the Administrator after notice and opportunity for public hearing within the region covered by the plan; (2) be implemented only if each State involved approves; and (3) supercede inconsistent provisions of State implementation plans. Prohibits the Administrator from approving a plan which is not designed to bring about compliance with the ambient air quality standards in the region which is the subject of the plan and which does not specify an overall emission reduction schedule. Requires that each plan: (1) apply to a particular industry or industries or sources responsible for a particular pollutant; (2) specify an initial fee to be paid by the owner or operator of each source covered by the plan to be assessed per-unit of emissions; (3) establish a year-to-year overall emission reduction schedule for all plan participants; (4) provide for automatic annual percentage increases (to be adjusted, if necessary, by the Administrator) in fees if actual emissions exceed scheduled emissions; and (5) be annually reviewed by the Administrator to ascertain whether the emission reduction schedule is sufficient to achieve national primary or secondary ambient air quality standards not later than the date provided under such Act. Requires that regulations provide for annual fee imposition and rebate payment according to a schedule prescribed by the Administrator to encourage rapid plan compliance. Requires that the aggregate amount of rebates paid from the revolving fund for any calendar year to plan participants equal the aggregate amount of fees paid into the fund during the calendar year by all plan participants. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of the amount of rebate paid to each participant; (2) requirements for monitoring and reporting of emissions; and (3) nonpayment penalties of 20 percent of the aggregate amount of fee owed, plus interest. Establishes a revolving fund in the Treasury in to which fees shall be paid and from which rebates shall be made. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Authorizes the Administrator to commence civil actions to recover fees, interest, or nonpayment penalties for which any person is liable under this Act.

New Jersey Radium Pollution Control Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981

New Jersey Radium Pollution Control Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate sites at which radium pollution has occurred within the State of New Jersey. Provides that such determination shall be final and not subject to judicial review. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative arrangement with the State to assess radiation levels at such sites and to carry out remedial action to limit the exposure of the public to such radiation. Sets forth requirements for such arrangement. Directs the State to acquire disposal sites for the radium removed from pollution sites unless the Secretary determines otherwise. Specifies that such acquisition is not required if the disposal site is located on land controlled by the Secretary. Directs the State to transfer ownership and custody of the disposal sites and radium removed from the pollution sites to the United States after the completion of all remedial work. Sets forth requirements for such transfer. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land and interest in lands when necessary for the safe, environmentally sound, permanent disposal of such radium. Specifies that the United States shall pay 90 percent of the costs of carrying out this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Provides that this Act should not be construed to impose liability on the United States for injury to any person associated with radium subject to this Act, nor does this Act affect the legal responsibility of any person with respect to such radium. Permits the Secretary, the State, or any other interested party to bring an action to determine the legal responsibility of any person to undertake remedial action with respect to any radium in the State. Directs that any person found to be so responsible shall reimburse the United States for the amount expended under this Act on such action.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring motor vehicle inspection and maintenance before January 1, 1986, and to provide for the separate testing of new motor vehicles to insure that such vehicles comply with emission standards before the time of their sale by the manufacturer, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles before January 1, 1986. Authorizes the Administrator to require separate testing of each new motor vehicle for compliance with emission standards before sale by the manufacturer.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring motor vehicle inspection and maintenance until such time as each new motor vehicle is required to be separately tested for compliance with emission standards, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.

A bill to provide that certain industrial parks shall be classified as class III areas for purposes of part C of title I of the Clean Air Act.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to classify as a class III area, for purposes of provisions relating to air quality nondegradation, any area of more than 5,000 acres zoned as an industrial park, if a State determines that such classification will enhance industrial and employment expansion.

Airport Noise Curfew Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 1981

Airport Noise Curfew Act - Establishes an Airport Noise Curfew Commission to study and make recommendations to Congress regarding the establishment of curfews on nonmilitary aircraft operations over populated areas during normal sleeping hours. Directs the Commission to submit its findings within six months and terminates the Commission at such time. Directs the Administrator of General Services to provide the Commission such administrative support services as the Commission may request. Grants the Commission subpoena power in carrying out its investigations.

Marine Artificial Reef Development Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Marine Artificial Reef Development Act of 1981 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Marine Fisheries Service, to make grants to certain States enumerated in the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to develop marine artificial reefs in the territorial waters and the fishery conservation zones of such States. Requires each fishery management council established under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 to establish a fishery management plan for each habitat established under this Act in such council's region. Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1981-1985.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to delete the limitation on the use of public treatment works grants for treating, storing, or conveying the flow of industrial users into treatment works.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Repeals a specified provision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act thereby deleting limits on the use of public treatment works grants for treating, storing, or conveying the flow of industrial users into treatment works.

Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1981 - Requires the Secretary of Energy, before investigating any site for construction of a radioactive waste storage facility, to notify each chamber of the concerned State legislature and publish notice of such investigation in the Federal Register. Requires notice to State legislatures of decisions on and contracts for the construction of such facilities. Allows a 120-day period for disapproval of construction by the affected State's legislature or by statewide referendum.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring motor vehicle inspection and maintenance until such time as each new motor vehicle is required to be separately tested for compliance with emission standards before its sale by the manufacturer, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles, unless the Administrator establishes separate inspection and testing of each new motor vehicle before the vehicle is sold by the manufacturer.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to require certain areas to be designated as class III for purposes of the provisions of that Act relating to nondegradation of air quality, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to designate any area in excess of 5,000 acres and zoned for industrial use as a class III area for purposes of provisions relating to nondegradation of air quality.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act concerning local pretreatment programs for introduction of pollutants into publicly owned treatment works.

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 1981

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to permit, under specified conditions, owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works not to enforce pretreatment standards developed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

A bill to amend sections 169 and 103 of the Internal revenue Code with respect to tax treatment of pollution control facilities.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 1981

Title I: Tax Treatment of Industrial Development Bonds Issued to Finance Pollution Control of Waste Disposal Facilities - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "air or water pollution control facilities," for purposes of the income tax exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds, to include depreciable equipment which is installed to control pollution through specified process changes in such pollution control facilities. Requires such equipment to meet Federal or State certification requirements in order to qualify for preferential tax treatment. Disallows an income tax exclusion for that portion of the bond proceeds which exceed the amount by which the acquisition and construction costs exceed the net profit reasonably expected to be derived through the recovery of wastes or by the operation of the pollution control facility over its useful life. Places specified dollar limits on the face amounts of obligations issued for air or water pollution control facilities at any new manufacturing or processing plant. Defines "hazardous waste or solid waste disposal facilities," for purposes of the exclusion of interest on industrial development bonds, to include depreciable property installed solely to comply with hazardous or solid waste management requirements imposed by the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Title II: Current Expensing of Amounts Paid or Incurred in Connection with the Construction or Erection of Pollution Control Facilities - Allows a taxpayer to elect to treat amounts paid or incurred in connection with the acquisition or construction of a certified pollution control facility as a currently deductible expense (amortizable over a period of 60 months under existing law). Revises the definition of "certified pollution control facility" to include treatment facilities made operational after January 1, 1976.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to the prevention and control of air pollution in border areas of the United States and countries contiguous to the United States, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the President to enter into treaties or other agreements with countries contiguous to the United States for the purpose of air pollution control in border areas. Directs the Secretary of State to take appropriate diplomatic actions to reduce or eliminate air pollution adversely affecting any area of the United States and originating in another country. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to determine the percentage of air pollutants in border areas resulting from foreign sources and to eliminate such percentage in determining compliance with ambient air quality standards by such region.

A bill to provide that ionization smoke detectors containing any radioactive isotope shall be considered banned hazardous substances subject to the prohibitions of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981

Provides that any ionization smoke detector containing any radioactive isotope shall be considered a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide grants for the costs of operation and maintenance of waste treatment works.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 1981

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize grants to any State, municipal, intermunicipal, or interstate agency to assist in paying the cost of operating and maintaining a publicly owned treatment works if: (1) such works were constructed with a grant made under such Act; (2) such works provide at least secondary treatment; (3) the cost of providing such secondary treatment in any fiscal year is more than twice the cost incurred during the last fiscal year the applicant provided such area with primary treatment only; and (4) such cost is due in whole or in part to the implementation of any international agreement. Authorizes appropriations to cover such costs for fiscal years 1982 and 1983.

Truth in Mileage Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 1981

Truth in Mileage Act of 1981 - Amends the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to base its automobile fuel economy tests upon actual road testing. Sets forth criminal penalties for EPA employees who knowingly falsify the results of such tests.

Förderung internationaler Forschungsprogramme zum Umweltschutz (G-SIG: 09040572)

Germany · German Bundestag · 16 January 1981

Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1981

Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1981 - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - States the findings of Congress that Federal nuclear waste disposal programs have been ineffective. Title II: Establishment, Membership, and Functions of Nuclear Waste Management Planning Council - Establishes a Nuclear Waste Management Planning Council as an independent instrumentality of the Executive branch, the functions of which shall include: (1) providing representatives to the Nuclear Waste Coordinating Committee; (2) advising Federal agencies and departments having membership on the Committee; and (3) providing views on the annual Nuclear Waste Management Plan to the President. Title III: Establishment, Membership, and Functions of Nuclear Waste Coordinating Committee - Establishes a Nuclear Waste Coordinating Committee as an independent instrumentality in the Executive branch. Charges the Committee with coordinating Federal activities with respect to nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel management and preparing an annual Nuclear Waste Management Plan for fiscal years 1983 through 1987. Requires the Committee to notify the Governor of any State in which the Committee has decided to undertake a study. Requires the Committee to prepare for submission to Congress a nuclear waste Repository Development Report when any Federal agency has made application for a license to construct the main shaft of a nuclear waste repository. Prohibits the undertaking of site preparation work until such Report has been submitted. Requires that Congress pass a concurrent resolution permitting such construction when the Chairman of a State Review Panel (see title IV) formally objects to such Report. Provides that such Report shall be considered rejected unless Congress passes a concurrent resolution of approval within 60 days of continuous session. Prohibits any Federal agency from emplacing significant quantities of nuclear waste into a repository unless the Committee submits to Congress, at the earliest feasible time, a Repository Loading Report. Title IV: Establishment, Membership, and Functions of Nuclear Waste Repository Review Panels - Authorizes the Governor of any State receiving notification of the intention of the Committee to prepare a Repository Development Report to establish a Nuclear Waste Repository Review Panel to facilitate State and local participation in the planning and development of such repository. Requires a Panel to review regularly current and planned federal actions with respect to the siting, construction, and operation of the proposed nuclear waste repository. Authorizes the Chairman of the Panel to submit to the Committee formal objections which state that the Repository Development Report does not adequately provide for the protection of State and local interests.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that compliance orders shall include cost-benefit analyses.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1981

Amends the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that compliance orders include an analysis of the benefits which will result from compliance with the application requirements as compared with the cost of such compliance.

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend the date for compliance with emission limitation requirements by owners or operators of a stationary source in an iron- and steel-producing operation if: (1) the compliance date extension is necessary to allow the applicant to make capital investments in its operations to improve efficiency and productivity; (2) the funds freed by such extension will be used within two years for additional capital investments in the applicant's operations; (3) the Administrator and the applicant agree to a phased compliance program for each of the applicant's stationary sources; (4) the applicant has sufficient funds to comply with such program; (5) the applicant is in compliance with any existing Federal decrees applicable to its operations; and (6) the compliance date extension will not result in the degradation of air quality during the extension term. Prohibits the imposition of a noncompliance penalty under the Clean Air Act upon an owner or operator with a compliance date extension provided their stationary source remains in compliance with all the requirements of such extension. Makes available to the public all information obtained by the Administrator under this Act, subject to a specified exception. States that revision of a State implementation plan is not required because a compliance date extension has been granted if such plan would have met Clean Air Act requirements prior to the granting of such extension.

A bill to amend certain provisions of title 28, United States Code, relating to venue, and to provide for special venue provisions in cases relating to the environment.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 1981

Amends the venue provisions of Federal law with respect to environmental litigation. Defines an "action of a local environmental nature" as one which: (1) arises under Federal law pertaining to wildlife, public lands, water rights, or environmental quality; and (2) primarily affects local or regional interests in a judicial district or contiguous districts other than the district in which the action was originally filed. Requires the plaintiff, in any action which may be of a local environmental nature and is brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to forward a copy of the complaint to up to five State attorneys general. Requires a court, upon its own motion or the motion of a party or intervenor, to transfer an action of a local environmental nature to a judicial district where such action might have been brought, unless a party shows: (1) substantial hardship or injustice would result; or (2) the impact of the action is substantially national rather than local in effect or scope. Stipulates that such a transfer is not required if an action of a local environmental nature has a significant impact in the district in which it was originally filed.