Environment

547 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to Donegal County Council for the provision of social housing, SI cottages and in meeting contractual commitments entered into by the council. [23116/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

547 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to Donegal County Council for the provision of social housing, SI cottages and in meeting contractual commitments entered into by the council. [23116/11]

546 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform the planning process to address a situation that persons and organisations are able to continually apply for retention in connection with developments built without or in breach of planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

546 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform the planning process to address a situation that persons and organisations are able to continually apply for retention in connection with developments built without or in breach of planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23080/11]

545 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1464 of the 29 September 2010, the position regarding the review of Part J of the building regulations; if and when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23052/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

545 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1464 of the 29 September 2010, the position regarding the review of Part J of the building regulations; if and when this report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23052/11]

544 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23014/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

544 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23014/11]

543 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if matching funding requirements will be reduced for community groups and private organisations seeking funding assistance from partnership organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23010/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

543 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if matching funding requirements will be reduced for community groups and private organisations seeking funding assistance from partnership organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23010/11]

541 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on addressing the regulations which relate to community and voluntary fora and place a burden of fees for auditors and accountants on such fora; his further views that this sector does good work and provides a service to communities across the State and that existing legislation places a burden on these organisations which might hamper their ability to fulfil their role. [22984/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

541 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on addressing the regulations which relate to community and voluntary fora and place a burden of fees for auditors and accountants on such fora; his further views that this sector does good work and provides a service to communities across the State and that existing legislation places a burden on these organisations which might hamper their ability to fulfil their role. [22984/11]

572 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 14 May 2011, the position regarding his review of the fees charged for registration as an architect. [23460/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

572 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 14 May 2011, the position regarding his review of the fees charged for registration as an architect. [23460/11]

554 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide a technical assessment for architects, similar to that already provided for the grandfather surveyors under the Building Control Act 2007. [23223/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

554 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide a technical assessment for architects, similar to that already provided for the grandfather surveyors under the Building Control Act 2007. [23223/11]

550 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects as laid out under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. [23205/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

550 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects as laid out under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. [23205/11]

540 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22977/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

540 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22977/11]

538 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate the delay in the Castlegregory reservoir project in County Kerry; the timeframe for the completion of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22972/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

538 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will investigate the delay in the Castlegregory reservoir project in County Kerry; the timeframe for the completion of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22972/11]

548 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23120/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

548 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23120/11]

537 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households in the Ballyfermot and Drimnagh LEAs, Dublin, that will be exempt form paying the new household charge. [22940/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

537 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of households in the Ballyfermot and Drimnagh LEAs, Dublin, that will be exempt form paying the new household charge. [22940/11]

536 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the new property tax will apply to second homes in view of the fact that there is already a payment being made to the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22902/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

536 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the new property tax will apply to second homes in view of the fact that there is already a payment being made to the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22902/11]

535 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers being prevented from removing gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22896/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

535 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farmers being prevented from removing gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22896/11]

539 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will comment on a matter (details supplied) regarding littering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

539 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will comment on a matter (details supplied) regarding littering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/11]

534 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied) regarding the introduction of a refundable deposit on bottles and containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

534 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to a matter (details supplied) regarding the introduction of a refundable deposit on bottles and containers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/11]

533 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the source of funding that is available for community services and community organisations which were previously funded by Pobal through national lottery and dormant account funds; if there are funding streams available for organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

533 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the source of funding that is available for community services and community organisations which were previously funded by Pobal through national lottery and dormant account funds; if there are funding streams available for organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/11]

581 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which legislation is likely to be introduced which will set performance standards for existing septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems and the introduction of an inspection and monitoring system for such systems. [23616/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

581 Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which legislation is likely to be introduced which will set performance standards for existing septic tanks and other on-site waste water treatment systems and the introduction of an inspection and monitoring system for such systems. [23616/11]

532 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the expected cost to farmers and householders with septic tanks, to comply with the directive relating to ground water quality; if he will clarify the guidelines and timescale of the requirements to comply with this directive on water quality. [22827/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

532 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the expected cost to farmers and householders with septic tanks, to comply with the directive relating to ground water quality; if he will clarify the guidelines and timescale of the requirements to comply with this directive on water quality. [22827/11]

542 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if field drainage for agriculture of fields subject to occasional flooding which have previously been periodically drained will remain an exempted development under the draft Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations Bill 2011; if so, if this will be clarified in the draft regulations; and if not, the reason such a draconian change is required to comply with the judgment in Case C-66/06, Commission v Ireland and having regard to the said judgment. [22989/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

542 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if field drainage for agriculture of fields subject to occasional flooding which have previously been periodically drained will remain an exempted development under the draft Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations Bill 2011; if so, if this will be clarified in the draft regulations; and if not, the reason such a draconian change is required to comply with the judgment in Case C-66/06, Commission v Ireland and having regard to the said judgment. [22989/11]

531 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that farmers will not have to go through a long process of having to seek and obtain planning permission and also through the expense of carrying out an environmental impact assessment for land reclamation works, drainage works, ditch removals and so on as proposed by the EU Commission. [22824/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

531 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that farmers will not have to go through a long process of having to seek and obtain planning permission and also through the expense of carrying out an environmental impact assessment for land reclamation works, drainage works, ditch removals and so on as proposed by the EU Commission. [22824/11]

530 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application by Mayo County Council for funding for a social housing scheme at Glenamoy in circumstances where planning permission has been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22817/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

530 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application by Mayo County Council for funding for a social housing scheme at Glenamoy in circumstances where planning permission has been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22817/11]

559 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount his Department has spent on taxis for staff and for others in each of the past four years. [23297/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

559 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount his Department has spent on taxis for staff and for others in each of the past four years. [23297/11]

529 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that was spent on taxis by his Department in the past year; the amount of money that has been provided for in the next year for taxi services for his Department; the times that taxis can be used by staff members; the terms under which staff members can use taxis; the amount that was used by staff members; the amount that was used by outsiders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

529 Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that was spent on taxis by his Department in the past year; the amount of money that has been provided for in the next year for taxi services for his Department; the times that taxis can be used by staff members; the terms under which staff members can use taxis; the amount that was used by staff members; the amount that was used by outsiders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22723/11]

528 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Respond Housing Association has delayed responding to persons (details supplied) with tenancy agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22704/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

528 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason Respond Housing Association has delayed responding to persons (details supplied) with tenancy agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22704/11]

574 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will comment on the difficulty facing businesses in paying rates; if any changes to the way rates are calculated will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23510/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

574 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will comment on the difficulty facing businesses in paying rates; if any changes to the way rates are calculated will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23510/11]

527 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the current mechanism for setting commercial rates to bring in a more equitable system. [22685/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

527 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the current mechanism for setting commercial rates to bring in a more equitable system. [22685/11]

526 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views regarding a submission (details supplied); his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22652/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

526 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views regarding a submission (details supplied); his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22652/11]

525 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the annual home energy grant, payable through local authorities, can be spent in a local authority house that has been vacated due to a transfer or death of a tenant; and his plans to extend this scheme to existing tenants. [23780/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

525 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the annual home energy grant, payable through local authorities, can be spent in a local authority house that has been vacated due to a transfer or death of a tenant; and his plans to extend this scheme to existing tenants. [23780/11]

524 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate the criteria that will be used to determine the amount of property tax to be paid when the measure comes into effect. [23715/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

524 Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate the criteria that will be used to determine the amount of property tax to be paid when the measure comes into effect. [23715/11]

523 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the housing options available to persons with a mental illness. [23611/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

523 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the housing options available to persons with a mental illness. [23611/11]

522 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to offer a voluntary redundancy scheme to employees of local authorities. [23271/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

522 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to offer a voluntary redundancy scheme to employees of local authorities. [23271/11]

521 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the motor taxation rates in order that the rate is based on the actual emissions from a car rather than the original manufacturer’s figures to take account of cases when persons have converted petrol or diesel engines in vehicles to run on liquid petroleum gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

521 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the motor taxation rates in order that the rate is based on the actual emissions from a car rather than the original manufacturer’s figures to take account of cases when persons have converted petrol or diesel engines in vehicles to run on liquid petroleum gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23082/11]

520 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total revenue generated on a year by year basis from the non principal private residence charge on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22934/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

520 Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total revenue generated on a year by year basis from the non principal private residence charge on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22934/11]

519 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he sponsored a motion before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 12 July 2011, which was approved, for the introduction of a levy on the incineration of waste when on that same day amendments were made by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on Committee Stage of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 to eliminate such a levy from the legislation and it was announced that no such levy will be imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22670/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 September 2011

519 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he sponsored a motion before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 12 July 2011, which was approved, for the introduction of a levy on the incineration of waste when on that same day amendments were made by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on Committee Stage of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011 to eliminate such a levy from the legislation and it was announced that no such levy will be imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22670/11]

Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2011

Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to make grants to states for the modernization, renovation, or repair of public schools, including early learning facilities and charter schools, to make them safe, healthy, high-performing, and technologically up-to-date. Allocates grant funds among states on the basis of the relative portion of school improvement funds provided to local educational agencies (LEAs) in each state under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Reserves 2% of the grant funds for assistance to outlying areas and Indian schools. Reserves 5% of the grant funds for LEAs serving geographic areas: (1) with significant economic distress, (2) recovering from a natural disaster, or (3) containing a military installation selected for closure. Requires states to reallocate such grant funds to LEAs on the basis of each LEA's share of school improvement funds received by LEAs in the state for the previous fiscal year. Allows LEAs to give priority to projects involving the abatement, removal, or interim control of asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, mold, mildew, lead-based hazards, or a proven carcinogen. Requires the iron and steel used in projects funded under this Act to have been produced in the United States, subject to specified exceptions. Directs LEA grantees to use their grants for public school modernization, renovation, repairs, construction, or maintenance that meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System standards, Energy Star standards, Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) criteria, Green Building Initiative environmental design and rating standards (Green Globes), or equivalent standards adopted by the entities that have jurisdiction over such LEAs. Requires the Secretary to work with grant recipients to promote appropriate opportunities for individuals enrolled in YouthBuild, Job Corps, junior or community college, or preapprenticeship programs to gain employment experience on projects funded under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) grants to institutions of higher education to provide an additional 250,000 part-time work-study jobs; (2) creation of an additional 100,000 Public Lands Corps positions; (3) the retention, rehiring, and hiring of 300,000 education jobs; (4) grants to state, local, and Indian tribal governments to hire and rehire overall an additional 40,000 career law enforcement officers; and (5) the hiring and rehiring of an additional 12,000 firefighters. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to eligible health care and long-term care (LTC) providers to hire and retain 40,000 health care and LTC professionals. Authorizes appropriations for state and local government units to establish a Community Corps to create an additional 750,000 jobs for unemployed individuals to carry out specified activities. Amends the Head Start Act to authorize appropriations to employ an additional 100,000 full-time infant and toddler Head Start specialists.

Motie Thieme over naleving van milieu- en natuurbeschermingswetten

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 September 2011

Motie Thieme over naleving van milieu- en natuurbeschermingswetten

Order of the General Court (Eighth Chamber) of 13 September 2011.#Centre d’étude et de valorisation des algues SA (CEVA) v European Commission.#Action for annulment - Specific programme for research and technological development on energy, environment and sustainable development - Protop project - Subsidy contract - Demand for recovery of payments made on account pursuant to a contract for the financing of research - Sub-contracting - Enforcement order - Act not subject to review - Inadmissibility.#Case T-224/09.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 13 September 2011

Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act - Amends title IV part B (Child and Family Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program. Revises requirements for child visitations by caseworkers. Extends through FY2016: (1) the Safe and Stable Families Program, and (2) specified reservations of funds for monthly caseworker visits and regional partnership grants. Revises requirements for grants to assist children affected by methamphetamine or other substance abuse to: (1) remove the specification of methamphetamine, and (2) apply the grant program generally to children affected by substance abuse. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to renew a five-year grant for up to an additional two years. Revises requirements for the court improvement program to require grants to the highest state courts to serve the purpose of increasing and improving engagement of the entire family in court processes relating to child welfare, family preservation, family reunification, and adoption. Requires such a court to submit one application, rather than separate applications, for more than one grant. Specifies mandatory allocations of funds for such grants. Directs the Secretary, in order to improve data matching, to designate nonproprietary and interoperable standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported. Requires state case review systems to assure that each child in foster care under state responsibility who has attained age 16 receives gratis: (1) a copy of any consumer report pertaining to the child each year until the child is discharged from care, and (2) assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report. Renews through FY2014 the authority of the Secretary to authorize states to conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely to promote the objectives of part B or SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Repeals the requirement for state project applications to consider certain types of proposals. Replaces such requirement with specified conditions for state eligibility to conduct a new demonstration project. Authorizes a state to elect to establish a program to: (1) permit part E foster care maintenance payments to a long-term therapeutic family treatment center on behalf of a child residing in the center, or (2) identify and address domestic violence that endangers children and results in the placement of children in foster care. Defines a long-term therapeutic family treatment center as a state-licensed or -certified program that: (1) enables parents and their children to live together in a safe environment for at least six months; and (2) provides substance abuse treatment services, children's early intervention services, family counseling, medical care,and related services. Sets forth child welfare improvement policies.

Regulatory Time-Out Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Regulatory Time-Out Act of 2011 - Suspends the effective date of certain covered regulations for one-year beginning on the enactment of this Act.  Defines a "covered regulation" as a final regulation that did not take effect before September 1, 2011, that increases costs on businesses in a manner that will have an adverse effect on job creation, job retention, productivity, competitiveness, or the efficient functioning of the economy, and that is likely to: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (3) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action by another agency; (4) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients; or (5) raise novel legal or policy issues. Allows agency heads to exempt covered regulations that: (1) are necessary due to an imminent threat to human health or safety or any other emergency; (2) are necessary to enforce criminal laws, (3) foster private sector job creation; (4) encourage economic growth; (5) reduce regulatory burdens; (6) pertain to a military or foreign affairs function; or (7) are limited to interpreting, implementing, or administering the Internal Revenue Code.

Regulation Moratorium and Jobs Preservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Regulation Moratorium and Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 - Prohibits any federal agency from taking any significant regulatory action until the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a monthly unemployment rate equal to or less than 7.7%.   Defines as "significant" any regulatory action that is likely to: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, small entities, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with another agency's action; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition if the President notifies Congress that a waiver is necessary on the basis of national security or a national emergency.  Allows judicial review of all claims under this Act.

America's Energy Independence Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

America's Energy Independence Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing the final rule entitled "Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals" (commonly referred to as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule) or any successor or substantially similar rule before the end of 2021. Requires the Administrator to: (1) continue to implement the Clean Air Interstate Rule and the rule establishing federal implementation plans for such Rule through the end of 2021, and (2) not promulgate any modification to either such rule.

To expand homeland security at public water systems and treatment works by allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to include these facilities in the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards program.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Amends the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 to repeal provisions prohibiting the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from applying regulations establishing risk-based performance standards for the security of chemical facilities and requiring vulnerability assessments and the development and implementation of site security plans to public water systems or treatment works. Directs the President to delegate to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to apply such regulations to such systems and works. Requires the Secretary to provide technical assistance regarding compliance with such regulations to any facility or works operator.

Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2011

Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act - Amends title IV part B (Child and Family Services) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to extend through FY2016 the authorization of appropriations for the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program. Revises requirements for child visitations by caseworkers. Extends through FY2016: (1) the Safe and Stable Families Program, and (2) specified reservations of funds for monthly caseworker visits and regional partnership grants. Revises requirements for grants to assist children affected by methamphetamine or other substance abuse to: (1) remove the specification of methamphetamine, and (2) apply the grant program generally to children affected by substance abuse. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to renew a five-year grant for up to an additional two years. Revises requirements for the court improvement program to require grants to the highest state courts to serve the purpose of increasing and improving engagement of the entire family in court processes relating to child welfare, family preservation, family reunification, and adoption. Requires such a court to submit one application, rather than separate applications, for more than one grant. Specifies mandatory allocations of funds for such grants. Directs the Secretary, in order to improve data matching, to designate nonproprietary and interoperable standard data elements for any category of information required to be reported. Requires state case review systems to assure that each child in foster care under state responsibility who has attained age 16 receives gratis: (1) a copy of any consumer report pertaining to the child each year until the child is discharged from care, and (2) assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report. Renews through FY2014 the authority of the Secretary to authorize states to conduct child welfare program demonstration projects likely to promote the objectives of part B or SSA title IV part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Repeals the requirement for state project applications to consider certain types of proposals. Replaces such requirement with specified conditions for state eligibility to conduct a new demonstration project. Authorizes a state to elect to establish a program to: (1) permit part E foster care maintenance payments to a long-term therapeutic family treatment center on behalf of a child residing in the center, or (2) identify and address domestic violence that endangers children and results in the placement of children in foster care. Defines a long-term therapeutic family treatment center as a state-licensed or -certified program that: (1) enables parents and their children to live together in a safe environment for at least six months; and (2) provides substance abuse treatment services, children's early intervention services, family counseling, medical care, and related services. Sets forth child welfare improvement policies.

EPA Student Nondiscrimination Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2011

EPA Student Nondiscrimination Act - Prohibits student programs administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from establishing any requirement that an applicant possess any experience that constitutes an endorsement of a particular political position with regard to environmental protection. Prohibits funds from being used to provide financial compensation for: (1) the Student Diversity Internship Program Environmental Justice Eco-Ambassador Focus, or (2) student programs administered by EPA related to the study of greenhouse gas emissions. Requires the EPA Administrator to report on policies, procedures, and actions taken within the last three years in recruiting and hiring applicants for all EPA student programs, including: (1) efforts to recruit student advocates, (2) policies and procedures related to the review of student applications, (3) efforts to consider applicants with policy views or experience that were counter to stated agency goals, and (4) policies to ensure that applicants for such programs will be recruited and reviewed in accordance with this Act.

Judgment of the General Court (Third Chamber) of 9 September 2011.#Liga para Protecção da Natureza (LPN) v European Commission.#Access to documents - Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 - Refusal of access - Documents concerning proceedings for failure to fulfil obligations concerning a dam project on the river Sabor - Exception concerning the protection of the objectives of inspections, investigations and audits - Environmental information - Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 - Obligation to carry out a specific and individual examination - Overriding public interest.#Case T-29/08.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 9 September 2011

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 8 September 2011.#European Air Transport SA v Collège d'Environnement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale and Région de Bruxelles-Capitale.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Conseil d'État - Belgium.#Air transport - Directive 2002/30/EC - Noise-related operating restrictions at Community airports - Noise level limits that must be observed when overflying built-up areas near an airport.#Case C-120/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 8 September 2011

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2011

Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to exempt nuisance dust from the CAA and excludes nuisance dust from references in the CAA to particulate matter, except with respect to geographic areas where such dust is not regulated under state, tribal, or local law to the extent the Administrator finds that: (1) nuisance dust (or any subcategory of nuisance dust) causes substantial adverse public health and welfare effects at ambient concentrations; and (2) the benefits of applying CAA standards and other requirements to such dust outweigh the costs. Defines "nuisance dust" as particulate matter: (1) generated from natural sources, unpaved roads, agricultural activities, earth moving, or other activities typically conducted in rural areas; or (2) consisting primarily of soil, other natural or biological materials, windblown dust, or some combination of such materials. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from  proposing, finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any regulation revising the national primary ambient air quality standard or the national secondary ambient air quality standard applicable to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 2.5 micrometers under the CAA for one year.

A joint resolution disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the mitigation by States of cross-border air pollution under the Clean Air Act.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2011

Disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on July 11, 2011, entitled "Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals," relating to the mitigation by states of cross-border air pollution under the Clean Air Act.