Environment

Oil Shale Environmental Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

Oil Shale Environmental Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to include oil shale operations on the list of categories of stationary sources of air pollution under the Clean Air Act, and sources of water pollution under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Requires the Administrator to establish within one year Federal standards of performance for such oil shale operations. Requires the Administrator to provide by regulation for the monitoring of the environmental effects of the oil shale operations by persons owning or operating such oil shale operations. Requires the Administrator, after consultation with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, the Secretary of Energy, members of the public, and representatives of the oil shale industry, to issue regulations providing for access to oil shale operations on federally owned land by representatives of Federal, State, and local government. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over citizen suits against the Administrator with regard to non-discretionary acts or duties.

ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS WITH GREECE NINETEENTH COMMISSION REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON THE EXAMINATION OF COMMUNITY SECONDARY LEGISLATION SUPPLEMNTARY EXAMINATION OF THE ACTS RELATING TO THE FOLLOWING FIELDS: - TRANSPORT - ENVIRONMENT AND CONSUMER PROTECTION - TAXATION - ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS - RULES ON COMPETITION - ENERGY (EEC AND ECSC) - RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION (EEC) - ACTS OF THE EAEC (Communication from the Commission to the Council)

European Union · European Commission · 2 April 1979

An act to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982 to carry out cooperative programs with the States for the conservation of anadromous fish, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979

Amends the Anadromous Fish Conservation Act to remove the prohibition against Federal sharing of the cost of maintaining structures, devices, and other facilities constructed by States under a cooperative agreement for research and development in the conservation and enhancement of anadromous fishery resources. Provides that title to land acquired under such Act shall be in cooperating States or other non-Federal interests, instead of in the United States. Extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the purposes of such Act through fiscal year 1983. Stipulates that not more than $1,000,000 or 20 percent of the funds, whichever is greater, appropriated in any one fiscal year shall be obligated in any one State. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Secretary of the Interior acting, through the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, to cooperate with States and other non-Federal interests in conducting studies of: (1) the status of the striped bass population in Atlantic coastal waters; and (2) the factors responsible for the decline in numbers of such fish. Requires the submission to Congress of annual reports on such studies.

A bill to amend title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the period from twenty-four to thirty-six months that funds allotted to a State for construction of treatment works shall remain available for obligation by the State.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the period from 24 to 36 months that funds allotted to a State for construction of treatment works shall remain available for obligation by the State.

A bill to amend the Act of July 2, 1940, as amended, to increase the amount authorized to be appropriated for the Canal Zone Biological Area.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Amends the Act providing for the preservation in its natural state of Barro Colorado Island in the Canal Zone to increase the authorization of appropriations for such purpose.

A bill to exempt the Tellico Dam and Reservoir project in Tennessee from the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exempt the construction and operation of the Tellico Dam and Reservoir project in Tennessee from the provisions of such Act.

Nuclear Waste Management Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Nuclear Waste Management Act of 1979 - Title I: Definitions; Declarations of Findings and Purposes - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to establish an independent agency to be known as the Nuclear Waste Management Authority which shall have sole responsibility for the decontamination, storage, and disposal of all nuclear wastes as well as surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities, to provide for the conduct by the Secretary of Energy and by the Authority of such basic and applied research as may be necessary for the Authority to exercise its responsibilities, to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate health and safety standards with respect to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances, and to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to license the siting, design, and construction of nuclear waste facilities. Title II: The Nuclear Waste Management Authority - Creates the Nuclear Waste Management Authority as an independent executive agency. Requires the Director of the Authority to establish a plan, together with cost estimates and an analysis of the social and environmental impacts, for the temporary and permanent treatment and disposal of all nuclear wastes, as well as of obsolete, surplus, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites which have resulted from the use of nuclear energy since January 1, 1940. Requires the Director to establish and operate nuclear waste facilities and to establish programs for the treatment and disposal of nuclear wastes. Requires the establishment of fees or user charges for the use of nuclear waste facilities or nuclear treatment and disposal programs. Requires the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to furnish the Director with a complete inventory of all nuclear wastes, nuclear fuels, radioactive materials, and facilities and sites in their possession or in private ownership under their control or license. Requires the Director to report to the President, the Congress, and the International Atomic Energy Agency annually concerning any substantial loss of nuclear fuel or waste. Directs the Board of the authority, in association with specified agencies, to undertake a study to: (1) determine an inventory of existing nuclear waste, radioactive facilities, and radioactive sites; (2) estimate the quantity and types of such wastes, facilities, and sites that will exist on January 1, 2000, and on January 1, 2020; and (3) determine the amount of waste that is anticipated to be generated by the facilities so described. Directs the Board of the Authority to: (1) determine the number of nuclear waste facilities which would be required to be in operation by January 1, 2000, and by January 1, 2020, to store or otherwise permanently dispose of the nuclear wastes, radioactive facilities, and radioactive materials from radioactive sites, and the approximate storage capacity of each such facility; (2) determine the types of technology that should be used at such facilities and the design of such facilities; (3) determine the appropriate construction schedules and estimated cost for constructing and operating such facilities; (4) identify all potential sites for such facilities and rank such sites in order of preference; (5) determine a fee schedule sufficient to cover any costs incurred by the Authority for the storage of nuclear wastes; (6) determine the period of time and establish guidelines specifying procedures applicable to the isolation and transportation of nuclear wastes to such storage facilities; (7) determine whether nuclear fuel should be reprocessed; (8) determine appropriate methods for decommissioning radioactive facilities and sites; (9) determine whether the Federal Government should continue to license utilization , production and reprocessing facilities in the event that disapproval of radioactive waste storage sites creates a shortage of storage capacity; and (10) determine the types of minor changes in the Plan which the Authority could make without congressional consent. Provides for public hearings in each State affected by the proposed facilities. Provides that a Governor may disapprove the Director's selection of any site for a nuclear waste facility located within the Governor's State. Directs the Director to designate such sites as are necessary to process, store, and permanently dispose of the nuclear waste, radioactive facilities, and radioactive materials from radioactive sites which will exist or for which construction or operating licenses have been issued prior to the expiration of four years from the date of enactment of this Act, even if such sites have been disapproved by the appropriate Governor. Allows the Director access at any time to all nuclear wastes, nuclear waste facilities, and surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities. Title III: Research and Development - Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Authority to undertake all research and development necessary for the design of methods for the operation, construction, and decommissioning of nuclear waste facilities, as well as for the transportation, processing, storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes and the decontamination or decommissioning of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Title IV: Powers of the Environmental Protection Agency - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to determine and promulgate such standards as will be necessary to protect the health and safety of humans and other living beings from hazardous exposure to ionizing emissions from radioactive substances and materials. Directs the Agency to determine those conditions under which the migration of nuclear wastes and materials from radioactive facilities and nuclear waste facilities shall constitute a hazard or danger to the health and safety of future generations. Directs the Agency to submit such standards to the President, the Congress, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within one year of enactment of this Act and to report every five years concerning the necessity for revising such standards or the necessity for further research. Title V: Powers of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Stipulates that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall have licensing and related regulatory authority with regard to the operation of existing or future nuclear waste facilities, the transportation, processing, storage, and disposal of nuclear wastes, and the decontamination and decommission of surplus, obsolete, or abandoned radioactive facilities and sites. Directs the Commission every ten years to review licenses granted under this Act to determine whether the original conditions and provisions are sufficient to assure the health and safety of present and future generations in light of the advancement of knowledge since the date of issuance. Title VI: Transfers of Authority - Transfers the functions, powers, authorizations for appropriations, appropriations, and duties of the Department of Energy relating to nuclear wastes and waste facilities to the Authority. Transfers all regulatory and licensing powers and functions of the Environmental Protection Agency with regard to the disposal of nuclear wastes or radioactive materials in any body of water to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Title VII: Authorizations of Appropriations and Reports - Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to provide for the establishment of the Authority and for its continued operation. Requires the Director of the Authority, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to make a report to the President at the end of each fiscal year for submission to the Congress concerning their activities under this Act. Requires that such report include a detailed statement of goals, expenditures, plans and income projected for the ensuing two years. Title VIII: Separability and Consistency with Existing Laws - Stipulates that nothing in the Atomic Energy Act or contained in any other applicable law of the United States shall supervene or take precedence over the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that if any portion of this Act or its application shall be declared invalid the other provisions of this Act or their application shall not be affected.

Spent Nuclear Fuel Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Spent Nuclear Fuel Act of 1979 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts to provide for storage and ultimate disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Spent Fuel Storage and Disposal Fund to be used to finance activities relating to the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

A bill to provide for the licensing of Department of Energy Facilities primarily used for the receipt and storage of commercial spent fuel.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Amends the Energy Reorganization Act to provide for the licensing of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel storage facilities.

Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979

Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Purposes, and Definitions - States the findings of Congress that Federal nuclear waste disposal programs have been ineffective due to lack of coordination, lack of a policymaking process, and lack of an organizational mechanism which permits participation and review. 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 such Council to 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. Stipulates that the functions of the Committee shall be to facilitate the coordination of activities of the Federal agencies and departments represented on the Committee with respect to nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel management. Directs the Committee to prepare an annual Nuclear Waste Management Plan for the fiscal years 1981 through 1985. 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 a nuclear waste Repository Development Report when any Federal agency or department has made application for a license or otherwise plans to construct the main shaft of a nuclear waste repository. Requires the Committee to submit the Repository Development Report for a proposed repository to the Congress. Prohibits the undertaking of site preparation work leading to the construction of the main shaft of such repository until such report has been submitted to Congress. Requires that Congress pass a concurrent resolution permitting such construction when the Chairman of a Review Panel convened with respect to such repository formally objects to such Repository Development Report. Directs the Committee to prepare a Repository Loading Report at the earliest feasible time where any Federal agency or department intends to emplace significant quantities of high-level or transuranic contaminated nuclear waste or spent nuclear fuel into a repository. Prohibits any Federal agency or department from emplacing significant quantities of nuclear wastes or spent nuclear fuel into a repository unless the Committee submits to the Congress a Repository Loading Report. Sets forth the parliamentary review procedures to be followed by Congress whenever a Repository Development Report has been submitted. Provides that if Congress has not passed a concurrent resolution in accordance with the prescribed procedures within 60 days of continuous session, such report shall be considered rejected. 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. Provides that a Review Panel established pursuant to this Act shall meet to review current and planned actions of the Federal agencies and departments having membership on the Committee with respect to the siting, construction, and operation of the relevant 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.

Nuclear Waste Management Demonstration Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979

Nuclear Waste Management Demonstration Act of 1979 - Title I: Disposal of Nuclear Wastes at West Valley Project - Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a nuclear waste management demonstration project at the Western New York Nuclear Service Center in West Valley, New York, by: (1) vitrifying the resident high level liquid nuclear wastes; (2) transporting such waste to a Federal repository; and (3) decommissioning and decontaminating the facilities. Grants the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing authority over all activities undertaken in connection with the demonstration project. Provides that the project shall be completed within the ten-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. Provides for annual reports to the appropriate committees of the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to manage the spent fuel stored at the project site. Prohibits additional deposits to such storage. Directs the NRC, after consulting with officials of the State of New York, to submit to Congress within one year a plan to ensure the longterm security of the on-site federally licensed solid waste burial ground. Prohibits the delivery or storage at the service center of any additional radioactive wastes. Provides for annual payments to the town of Ashford and to the West Valley Central School District in Cattaraugus County, New York, beginning in the year the service center's licenses are terminated and continuing until the project is completed. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit to the NRC and to the Secretary recommendations respecting: (1) safety and environmental standards and criteria; (2) areas which should be restricted for safety reasons; and (3) areas which should be decommissioned and decontaminated. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title. Title II: Health Study - Directs the Secretary to monitor and study the health effects to the public resulting from the past operations of the reprocessing facilities at the service center. Directs the Secretary to conduct an epidemiological study to assess the health effects of low-level ionizing radiation on workers and members of the general public living within the vicinity of the service center. Authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out this title.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL COUNCIL MEETING OF 9 APRIL 1979 : GENERAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE TIGHTENING UP OF THE COMMUNITY'S ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY : - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WITHIN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; - EUROPEAN CONVENTIONS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE; - CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES; - WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY.

European Union · European Commission · 22 March 1979

A bill to extend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to authorize the appropriation of $52,550,000 for fiscal year 1980, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1981.

Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1979 - 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 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 Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to exempt from tax a portion of the income of individuals not employed by the Federal Government who live in a State in which Federal employees receive an allowance based on living costs and conditions of environment.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals who are not employed by the Federal Government a tax exclusion for that portion of their personal service income which is equal to the allowance permitted Federal employees in certain States for higher living costs and extreme conditions of environment.

A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide Federal authority for States to restrict the importation of solid waste.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide Federal authority for States to restrict such importation of solid waste as the State deems necessary to protect public health and safety.

A bill to extend provisions of the Noise Control Act of 1972 for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979

Amends the Noise Control Act of 1972 to extend the authorization for appropriations under such Act through fiscal year 1981.

A bill to extend the Solid Waste Disposal Act for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend the authorization for appropriations under such Act through fiscal year 1981.

Nuclear Waste Policy Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Nuclear Waste Policy Act - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares it to be the purpose of this Act to: (1) assume Federal responsibility for acquisition and storage of spent fuel and the disposal of radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities; (2) establish a Federal policy for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste; (3) authorize the Secretary of Energy to acquire or design and construct facilities for nuclear waste storage and disposal, and finance the construction, operation and maintenance of such facilities; (4) examine alternative technologies for long-term nuclear waste storage and disposal; and (5) improve the process for the siting and licensing of civilian nuclear powerplants. Title II: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel from Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts which shall provide that the Federal Government will: (1) take title to spent fuel from nuclear powerplants; (2) transport and store such spent fuel in Federal facilities; and (3) ultimately dispose of waste products associated with such spent fuel. Provides for a one-time payment by such electric utility in an amount adequate to cover the proportionate costs of such transportation, storage, and disposal. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire one or more facilities for the interim storage of such spent fuel. Authorizes the appropriation of $300,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 for the acquisition or construction of such interim storage facilities. Title III: Long-term Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste Resulting from Civilian Nuclear Activities - Directs the Secretary to transmit to Congress within one year from the date of enactment a proposal for a system of facilities for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste resulting from civilian nuclear activities. Sets forth the scope and formulation of such proposal. Disallows the consideration by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of any alternative to the statutorily approved site selection or the design criteria. Directs the Secretary to continue a program of research, development, and investigation of alternative technology for the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste and to report annually to Congress his findings and recommendations. Title IV: Financial Arrangements - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a separate account to provide for the operation of the storage and disposal program. Permits the Secretary to borrow from the Treasury such amounts as may subsequently be provided in Appropriation Acts, but not to exceed $300,000,000. Provides for the terms and repayment of such borrowings. Title V: Civilian Nuclear Powerplant Siting - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue a site permit for approval of a site for one or more production or utilization facilities or approve any standardized nuclear facility design upon the application of any person, though no application for a construction permit for such a facility or facilities has been filed with the Commission. Provides that a determination made by a State agency having jurisdiction over the siting or licensing of a facility for commercial power generation or by the governing body of a nonregulated electric utility based upon the public need for additional energy or the choice of nuclear fuel over other types shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Commission if such determination was made after public hearings. Amends such Act to require the showing of good cause should the Commission deny the issuance of an operating license upon the finding that such facility has been constructed and will operate in conformity with the application, this Act, and the rules and regulations of the Commission. Amends such Act to permit the Commission to require compliance with design or construction rules or regulatory standards promulgated by the Commission subsequent to the date of docketing of the construction permit application if the Commission finds that such compliance is required substantially to improve public health and safety or the common defense and security. Provides an opportunity for a public hearing thereon. Designates the Commission as the lead agency for consideration of all applications made to the Federal Government for a license for the siting and construction of civilian nuclear powerplants. Title VI: Low Level Waste - Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to Congress, within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, a plan which: (1) defines the disposal capacity needed; (2) evaluates and defines the transportation requirements; (3) evaluates the ability of the Department of Energy to provide interim storage; (4) estimates costs of such storage; and (5) provides for performance of additional research and development work concerning low-level waste facilities. Title VII: Definitions - Defines the terms used in this Act.

Oil Transportation by Vessel Liability Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Oil Transportation by Vessel Liability Act - Makes the owner and operator of a vessel (other than a public vessel) liable for all damages, cleanup costs, and interest resulting from such vessel. Limits the liability of such owner or operator unless: (1) there is gross or willful negligence or violations; or (2) there is a lack of cooperation. Sets forth specified defenses to such liability. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report periodically to Congress concerning the desirability of adjusting the liability limitations. Prohibits any agreement transferring liability from the vessel owner or operator. Sets forth the damages due to oil discharges for which claims may be made. Makes the President or authorized State representative public trustees of the natural resources. Permits claims by foreigners or foreign nations. Establishes an Oil Cargo Liability Fund in the U.S. Treasury to be liable for all damages and cleanup costs not otherwise compensated by the owner or operator. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to invest moneys in the Fund in U.S. interest-bearing special obligations. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury if the money in the Fund is insufficient to pay any claim. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to report annually concerning such Fund. Establishes an Oil Cargo Liability Fund Fee to be levied on each barrel of crude oil. Provides civil penalties for failures to pay such fee. Permits any person or the Fund which pays any claimant compensation under this Act to be subrogated to all rights and causes of action of such claimant. Directs the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary, to recover any compensation paid by the Fund. Sets forth the procedures to be followed in filing and pursuing a claim under this Act. Requires vessel owners and operators to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility acceptable to the Secretary. Authorizes the Attorney General to act on behalf of any group presenting claims. Gives the public access to information concerning liability and compensation for oil discharge damages or cleanup costs. Sets forth penalties for violating the provisions concerning evidence of financial responsibility. Permits States to impose additional requirements, taxes, or liability for damages and cleanup costs with specified exceptions. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978, the Intervention on the High Seas Act, the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act: (1) to repeal any separate liability provisions for oil discharge from vessels under such Acts; and (2) to provide coverage under the Oil Cargo Liability Fund.

A bill to extend for three fiscal years the authorizations for appropriations under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to extend the authorizations for appropriations under such Act through fiscal year 1982.

A bill to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Abolishes the Environmental Protection Agency. Terminates all functions, activities, and powers of such Agency. Directs that all regulations, orders, rules, determinations, contracts, licenses, certificates, and privileges allowed to become effective by such Agency shall cease to have effect.

A bill to modify the Mississippi River project at Davenport, Iowa.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Modifies the flood control project for Davenport, Iowa, to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to take measures to preserve Nahant Marsh.

Colorado Radium Pollution Control Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Colorado Radium Pollution Control Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to designate sites at which radium pollution has occurred within the State of Colorado. 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. 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 responsible shall reimburse the United States for the amount expended under this Act on such action.

Small Town Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Small Town Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act of 1979 - Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (Safety of Public Water Systems) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to enable small public water systems to meet primary and interim drinking water regulations which are prescribed under such Act.

Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that a consumer or retailer who files an appropriate action in State or Federal court shall be entitled to collect from a retailer or distributor who wrongly withholds prompt payment of the refund value of a beverage container under the provisions of this Act: (1) the amount of the refund value; (2) the amount of any damages resulting in failure to make payment; (3) court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees; and (4) $10.00 for each beverage container for which the retailer or distributor failed to make payment. Imposes civil fines on such retailer or distributor who fails to make payment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor and report to Congress on: (1) the rate of reuse and recycling of beverage containers; (2) any additional net costs incurred by retailers as a result of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress annually on: (1) the impact of this Act on conservation, recycling of waste products, and the economy; and (2) the potential role of refundable beverage container redemption centers. Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance and information to States, distributors, retailers, consumers, and to manufacturers of beverage containers as necessary to carry out this Act. Directs the Administrator to consult with the Secretary of Labor assisting individuals whose employment may be adversely affected by this Act.

A bill to provide for a formal process of State participation and concurrence regarding the management and storage of radioactive materials.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to notify the Governor and other State officials, or the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe, of its intent to explore a site for a radioactive waste storage and disposal facility to be selected within such State or tribal lands. Directs the Chairman to establish a Federal and State Radioactive Materials Management Commission upon the request of such Governor or Tribal Council, to allow for State or Tribal participation and to obtain concurrence with the Department of Energy regarding site selection and construction of such facilities. Prohibits any Federal agency from proceeding with any such project without resolution of any objections of a State or Tribal Council.

A bill to extend certain provisions of title XIV of the Public Health Service Act for two years.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends title XIV of the Public Health Service Act (Safety of Public Water Systems) to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1981 for: (1) research, technical assistance, information, and training of personnel with respect to providing safe drinking water; and (2) grants to States to carry out public water system supervision programs and underground water source protection programs.

A bill to provide for a formal process of State participation and concurrence regarding the management and storage of radioactive materials.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to notify the Governor and other State officials, or the Tribal Council of any affected Indian tribe, of its intent to explore a site for a radioactive waste storage and disposal facility to be selected within such State or tribal lands. Directs the Chairman to establish a Federal and State Radioactive Materials Management Commission, upon the request of such Governor or Tribal Council, to allow for State or Tribal participation and to obtain concurrence with the Department of Energy regarding site selection and construction of such facilities. Prohibits any Federal agency from proceeding with any such project without resolution of any objections of a State or Tribal Council.

A bill to amend the authorization for the Tenkiller Ferry Lake project, Arkansas River, Oklahoma.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Amends the Flood Control Act to direct the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to construct water treatment facilities and a regional conveyance system of water from Tenkiller Ferry Lake, Oklahoma. Requires non-Federal public entities which use such facilities to repay the costs of such facilities.

A bill to amend the authorization for the Kaw Lake project, Arkansas River, Oklahoma.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Amends the Flood Control Act of 1962 to direct the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to construct water treatment facilities and a regional conveyance system of water from Kaw Lake, Oklahoma. Requires non-Federal public entities which use such facilities to repay the costs of such facilities.

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1980

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979

Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1980 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities for fiscal year 1980. Specifies amounts authorized for programs concerning air quality, water quality, water supply, pesticides, solid waste, toxic substances, radiation, energy, program management and support, and interdisciplinary activities. Designates a portion of funds appropriated to EPA for program management and support for use for a study of non-nuclear hazardous waste disposal. Prohibits transfer of funds, above a specified amount, without prior written approval by the appropriate Congressional committees or the lapse of 30 legislative days after the transmittal to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate of a written report containing a full and complete statement concerning the nature and reason of the transfer. Prohibits the transfer of energy-related environmental protection projects from EPA to the Department of Energy and prohibits actions taken through administrative or budgetary means to diminish EPA's ability to initiate such projects. Directs the Administrator to establish a separately identifiable long-term environmental research and development program to be funded by a percentage of funds appropriated under this Act. Authorizes funds for grants concerning long-term environmental research programs at universities and other research institutions. Authorizes funds to implement the air quality study authorized by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977. Authorizes funds for grants to public agencies for projects demonstrating new or improved methods or technologies for providing public drinking water and for projects investigating and demonstrating health and conservation implications of reclamation, recycling and use of wastewater for drinking. Authorizes appropriations for use by the National Bureau of Standards for research in the area of environmental measurement and for development of specifications for recovered materials. Requires the Administrator to make available to the appropriate Congressional committees all reports relevant to the agency's program of research, development, and demonstration. Authorizes the Administrator to allow outside groups or individuals to use special EPA research and test facilities.

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

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize grants to any State, municipality, or intermunicipal or interstate agency for up to 25 percent of the annual costs of operation and maintenance of publicly owned treatment works.

A joint resolution to authorize the President to proclaim the last Friday of April each year as "National Arbor Day".

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the last Friday in April of each year as "National Arbor Day."

A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations contained in such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979

Amends the Toxic Substance Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through fiscal year 1980.

A bill to provide for the licensing of Department of Energy facilities primarily used for the receipt and storage of commercial spent fuel.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979

Amends the Energy Reorganization Act to provide for the licensing of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel storage facilities.

Vorkommen von Tritiumrückständen in der Umwelt sowie Tritiummessungen an Kadavern (G-SIG: 00049473)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 March 1979

Spent Nuclear Fuel Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979

Spent Nuclear Fuel Act of 1979 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts to provide for storage and ultimate disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Spent Fuel Storage and Disposal Fund to be used to finance activities relating to the storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

A bill to amend the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal year 1980.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979

Amends the National Ocean Pollution Research and Development and Monitoring Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to carry out the provisions of such Act for fiscal year 1980.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1979

Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.

Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1979

Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 - Title I: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a single system of measuring noise and the impact of noise on individuals to be used to measure noise at airports and their surrounding areas and to establish land uses for such areas which are compatible with such noise levels. Allows airport operators to submit noise impact maps to the Secretary setting forth the noncompatible uses in each area of the map, a description of the projected aircraft operations during 1985, and the ways in which such operations will affect such map. Requires the revision of such maps when changes in airports operations would create any new noncompatible use in areas surrounding an airport. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to qualified airports for noise compatibility planning. Defines "noise compatibility planning" as the preparation of noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs under this Act. Sets forth limitations regarding the amounts which may be obligated through such grant program. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1980 and thereafter to carry out such grant program. Stipulates that noise compatibility programs be filed with the Secretary. Sets forth factors under which the Secretary may disapprove noise compatibility programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of an approved program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to operators of airports for projects to carry out a noise compatibility program developed prior to the enactment of this Act or the promulgation of its implementing regulations under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate up to $75,000,000 out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal year 1980 to carry out approved noise compatibility programs. Requires the Secretary to prepare noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs for specified airports near the District of Columbia. Limits suits for damages resulting from airport noise by individuals acquiring property in an area surrounding an airport for which a noise impact map has been submitted. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the effectiveness of airport noise compatibility planning and programs which were funded pursuant to this Act. Title II: Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to increase specified appropriations authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1980. Increases the Federal share for specified airport development projects under such Act. Requires the approval of local authorities before the Secretary may approve any airport development project involving the construction of any runway where any general aviation airport is located astride two counties within a single State. Title III: Directs the Secretary to require foreign aircraft operating in the United States to meet specified noise standards if the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) does not adopt noise standards which are the same as or substantially similar to the noise standards prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations issued by the Secretary which were in effect on January 1, 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to provide waivers from the noise regulations in effect on January 1, 1977, where the operator has made a good faith effort to comply with such regulations for such a period as the Secretary determines to be reasonable to permit compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a waiver for the operation of aircraft which do not meet such noise standards beyond January 1, 1985, if the operator has a plan or contract for the replacement of such aircraft by a specified date. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board to require aircraft operators to impose a specified noise abatement surcharge on domestic or international flights which shall be retained and utilized by an aircraft operator until its fleet is in compliance with applicable Federal noise abatement regulations. Authorizes the Board to modify such surcharge under specified circumstances. Terminates all noise abatement charges 60 months after the enactment of this Act. Title IV: Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the implementation of collision avoidance systems in the national air traffic control system.

A bill to modify the Davenport, Iowa Local Flood Protection Project.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979

Modifies the flood control project for Davenport, Iowa, to authorize the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to take measures to preserve Nahant Marsh.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to permit a State legislature to contest the redesignation under such Act of an area within such State by an Indian tribe, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1979

Amends the Clean Air Act to permit a State legislature to contest the redesignation of an air quality control region within such State by an Indian tribe by requesting intervention by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

A joint resolution to authorize the President to proclaim annually the last Friday of April as "National Arbor Day.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the last Friday in April of each year as "National Arbor Day."

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1979

Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.

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 · 21 February 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize grants to any State, municipality, 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.

A bill to amend the Flammable Fabrics Act to prohibit the manufacture for sale in commerce of articles of interior furnishing intended for use in any public facility unless such articles conform with requirements established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission designed to make such articles fire-resistant.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1979

Amends the Flammable Fabrics Act to prohibit the manufacture or importation for sale in commerce of articles of interior furnishing intended for use in any public facility unless such articles are made fire-resistant to a specified extent. Directs the Consumer Products Safety Commission to establish requirements for such purpose.

MEMORANDUM ESTABLISHMENT OF A FOURTH ECSC RESEARCH PROGRAMME ON THE "TECHNICAL CONTROL OF NUISANCES AND POLLUTION AT THE PLACE OF WORK AND IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF IRON AND STEEL WORKS"

European Union · European Commission · 16 February 1979

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to authorize assistance to States for purposes of reducing asbestos levels in the interior of school buildings.

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979

Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the States and local school systems for the reduction of asbestos levels in the interior air of school buildings. Stipulates that such grants shall be for 75 to 90 percent of actual costs.

Consumer Quality Safe Drinking Water Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1979

Consumer Quality Safe Drinking Water Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to any State, municipality, or interstate or intermunicipal agency for the purchase, construction, or modification of drinking water treatment facilities which are part of an eligible water system. Defines an "eligible water system" to mean any water system which is publicly owned and which serves 60,000 or fewer individuals. Permits the Administrator to make such grants only if such grant: (1) is necessary to enable an eligible water system to meet a national primary drinking water standard; (2) takes into account such areawide and regional planning for the provision of drinking water as the Administrator deems appropriate; (3) conforms to all applicable State and local laws; and (4) is designed to meet the present, and reasonably anticipated, needs to be served by the system. Authorizes grants for up to 75 percent of the total cost of purchase, construction, or modification of any facility.