Environment

67 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that local authority planning officials are not granting time extensions to planning permissions contrary to the intent of SI 406 of 2010; if he will clarify if local authority planning officials can set aside the specified statutory instrument in certain circumstances notwithstanding compliance with the general aims and intentions of the regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

67 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that local authority planning officials are not granting time extensions to planning permissions contrary to the intent of SI 406 of 2010; if he will clarify if local authority planning officials can set aside the specified statutory instrument in certain circumstances notwithstanding compliance with the general aims and intentions of the regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/11]

66 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to introduce an application procedure for disbursement of grants from the dormant accounts fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13111/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

66 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to introduce an application procedure for disbursement of grants from the dormant accounts fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13111/11]

65 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a report on the future options in relation to the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13094/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

65 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a report on the future options in relation to the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13094/11]

64 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects to meet the various requests for financial assistance from community or voluntary representatives throughout the country in 2011 and in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13187/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

64 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects to meet the various requests for financial assistance from community or voluntary representatives throughout the country in 2011 and in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13187/11]

63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects the RAPID programme to operate in 2011; the likely expenditure under this heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13185/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects the RAPID programme to operate in 2011; the likely expenditure under this heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13185/11]

62 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications for assistance under the CLÁR programme currently on hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13184/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

62 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications for assistance under the CLÁR programme currently on hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13184/11]

61 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects the CLÁR programme to deal with various grant aid applications in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13183/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

61 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects the CLÁR programme to deal with various grant aid applications in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13183/11]

60 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the full extent of the schemes available to him for the promotion of community activities in urban and rural settings in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13182/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2011

60 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the full extent of the schemes available to him for the promotion of community activities in urban and rural settings in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13182/11]

Trash Free Seas Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Trash Free Seas Act of 2011 - Amends the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act to: (1) restate a purpose of such Act to be to address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the marine environment, navigation safety, and the U.S. economy through research, source identification, assessment, reduction, removal, and prevention; and (2) rename the Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program as the Marine Debris Program. Revises Program components to include requiring the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to undertake: (1) marine debris research and assessment and reduction and prevention efforts, with a focus on marine debris posing a threat to living marine resources, the marine environment, navigation safety, or the U.S. economy; (2) efforts to prevent, reduce, and remove the occurrence and impacts of marine debris, including the adverse impacts of derelict fishing gear; and (3) outreach and education of the public on sources of marine debris, threats associated with marine debris, and approaches to identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, remove, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts. Requires the federal information clearinghouse on marine debris to include information on best practices. Defines "marine debris" as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. Requires the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee ro report on progress in meeting the purposes of such Act every two (currently three) years. Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program and clearinghouse through FY2015.

Grazing Improvement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Grazing Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (the Act) to double from 10 to 20 years the period of a term for grazing permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing on public lands or lands within national forests in 16 contiguous western states. Permits the issuance of permits and leases for a period shorter than 20 years (under current law, shorter than 10 years). Directs that grazing permits or leases issued by the Secretary of the Interior respecting lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and grazing permits issued by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) respecting National Forest System lands that expire, are transferred, or are waived after this Act's enactment be renewed or reissued, as appropriate, under the Act, Granger-Thye Act, Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, or California Desert Protection Act of 1994. Excludes the renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned from the requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to prepare an environmental analysis if such decision continues current grazing management of the allotment. Makes provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act applicable to appeals made by grazing permittees regarding grazing permits or leases under the Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974.

Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to: (1) establish a direct loan program for high risk geothermal exploration wells; and (2) give preference to applicants for loans to carry out projects that would explore previously unexplored, underexplored, or unproven geothermal resources in a variety of geologic and geographic settings. Requires data from exploratory wells to be provided to the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior for use in mapping national geothermal resources. Authorizes the Secretary to base the cost share percentage for loans on a sliding scale, with higher federal shares awarded to projects with higher risks. Establishes the Geothermal Investment Fund to carry out such program. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require the (1) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to establish a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; and (2) Secretary to  identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants to state and local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities, utilities, and for-profit companies to promote the development of geothermal heat pumps and the direct use of geothermal energy; (2) give priority to proposals that apply to large buildings, commercial districts, and residential communities; and (3) conduct a national solicitation for grant applications. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to provide that land under an oil and gas lease issued pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act or the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands that is subject to an approved application for a permit to drill and from which oil and gas production is occurring  may be available for leasing, if the lease would serve the public interest, for geothermal drilling in order to provide for the coproduction of geothermal energy with oil and gas.

Gulf Coast Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Gulf Coast Restoration Act - Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, which shall: (1) consult with, and provide recommendations to, the Chair of the Task Force regarding approval of State Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Plans submitted by the governors of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, providing for restoration activities the Gulf Coast ecosystem adversely impacted by the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010; (2) coordinate scientific and other research associated with restoration of such ecosystem; and (3) submit an annual report to Congress that summarizes the Plans approved by the Chair. Establishes in the Treasury the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Fund. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into the Fund sums equal to not less than 80% of any amounts collected by the United States as penalties, settlements, or fines under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) in relation to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment. Makes the Fund available for the conservation, protection, and restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem in accordance with approved Plans. Requires the governors of such states to: (1) submit a Plan to the Chair by July 1, 2012; and (2) solicit local input and provide for public participation in the development of the Plan. Requires the Chair to disburse amounts from such Fund to such a state for which the Chair has approved a Plan only for: (1) projects and activities for the conservation, protection, or restoration of coastal areas, including wetlands; (2) mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources; (3) planning assistance and the administrative costs of complying with this Act; and/or (4) implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan.

National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders through research focused on prevention, treatment, services, and cures. Requires the Secretary to: (1) act as the primary federal official with responsibility for overseeing all NIH research on autism spectrum disorders; (2) review and approve or reject the autism spectrum disorder research strategic plan developed by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee and be responsible for implementation of any approved plan; (3) receive directly from the President and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) all funds available for autism spectrum disorder activities of NIH; (4) allocate such funds in accordance with the strategic plan; (5) allocate amounts within 30 days after receipt, to the extent practicable; (6) plan and evaluate NIH research and other activities related to autism spectrum disorders; (7) maintain communications with all relevant federal departments to ensure the timely transmission of information concerning autism spectrum disorders; and (8) carry out this Act in consultations with the heads of NIH agencies and their advisory councils, and the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Authorizes the Secretary to reallocate up to 3% of funds allocated for NIH autism spectrum disorder activities as needs change and opportunities arise. Expands authorized research for centers of excellence for autism spectrum disorders to include translational research. Requires the Director of NIH to provide for a program under which biomaterials for induced pluripotent stem cells and biosamples relevant to environmental exposures that are of use in research on autism spectrum disorders are donated, collected, preserved, and made available for such research.

Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act of 2010 [ sic ] - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide competitive grants to eligible higher education institutions and research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for green infrastructure. Defines "green infrastructure" as a stormwater management technique that preserves, restores, enhances, or mimics natural hydrology. Establishes the duties of each center, including: (1) researching green infrastructure; (2) developing manuals and establishing industry standards on best management practices relating to state, tribal, local, and commercial green infrastructure; (3) providing information about its research and manuals to the national electronic clearinghouse center; (4) providing technical assistance and training on green infrastructure; and (5) evaluating regulatory and policy issues relating to green infrastructure. Requires one of the centers to be designated as the national electronic clearinghouse center, which shall, in addition to its other duties, operate a website and a public database on green infrastructure. Requires the Administrator to provide competitive grants to eligible entities that manage stormwater, water resources, or waste water resources to: (1) plan and design and install green infrastructure projects; (2) develop standards and revisions to local zoning, building, or other local codes necessary to accommodate such projects; (3) develop fee structures to provide financial support for green infrastructure; (4) develop training and educational materials regarding green infrastructure; (5) develop and implement a green infrastructure portfolio standard program; (6) protect or restore interconnected networks of natural areas that protect water quality; (7) monitor and evaluate the environmental, economic, or social benefits of green infrastructure; and (8) implement a best practices standard for a green infrastructure program. Requires the Administrator to give priority to applications from: (1) a community that has combined storm and sanitary sewers in its collection system or is low-income or disadvantaged; or (2) an eligible entity that will use at least 10% of the grant for a low-income or disadvantaged community. Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure that EPA's Office of Water, Office of Enforcement and Compliance, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Policy promote the use of green infrastructure in, and coordinate the integration of green infrastructure into, permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; (2) direct each EPA regional office to promote and integrate the use of green infrastructure within the region; (3) promote information-sharing with state, tribal, and local governments, tribal communities, the private sector, and the public regarding green infrastructure approaches for reducing water pollution, protecting water resources, complying with regulatory requirements, and achieving other environmental, public health, and community goals; and (4) establish voluntary, measurable goals, to be known as the green infrastructure portfolio standard, to increase the percentage of annual water managed by eligible entities that use green infrastructure.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to define next generation biofuel, and to allow States the option of not participating in the corn ethanol portions of the renewable fuel standard due to conflicts with agricultural, economic, energy, and environmental goals.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program by: (1) requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States, on an annual average basis, contains at least the applicable volume of "next generation biofuel" (currently "cellulosic biofuel"); and (2) replacing the term "cellulosic biofuel" with "next generation biofuel." Defines "next generation biofuel" to mean: (1) renewable fuel that is derived from any cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, or algae that is derived from renewable biomass; or (2) nonethanol renewable fuel that is derived from renewable biomass. Directs the Administrator to allow states that enact a law that elects to not participate in the applicable volume of renewable to not so participate, other than the applicable volumes of renewable fuel required for advanced biofuel, next generation biofuel, and biomass-based diesel.

Project Delivery Improvement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Project Delivery Improvement Act of 2011 - Authorizes a state to select without competitive bidding or the approval of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) one or more proprietary, patented, or experimental products for use in a federal-aid highway project. Declares that state use of such products shall not affect the eligibility of the state or highway project to receive federal funding. Repeals certain parkland preservation requirements prohibiting the Secretary from approving a transportation program or project requiring the use of public park lands unless there is no feasible alternative to the use of such land. Makes the lead agency responsible for determining the purpose of and need for a project. Decreases from 180 days to 90 days after publication in the Federal Register of a notice that a permit, license, or approval for a highway or public transportation capital project is final the deadline for filing a claim seeking judicial review of the permit, license, or approval. Places the burden of proof of the claim on the claimant. Authorizes a state to designate a highway project as a categorical exclusion (that does not involve significant environmental impact). Revises U.S. policy on public lands and wildlife and waterfowl refuges to exclude historic sites. Authorizes the Secretary to approve a transportation program or project (other than a park road or parkway project) requiring the use of a park, recreation area, or wildlife and waterfowl refuge only if the Governor of the state (or mayor or chief executive of the city, county, or borough with management responsibility for or ownership of the area) agrees that such project is the preferred alternative.

Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act of 2011 - States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the government of Cuba, the Cuban Communist Party, or any of their instrumentalities the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. security and other interests, threaten Florida's marine environment and the environment of the submerged lands off Cuba's coast, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that, on or after January 10, 2005, has made or makes an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands; or (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of such person. Exempts on a case-by-case basis entries: (1) for medical reasons or property-related litigation, or (2) where a transition government is in place. Directs the President to impose two or more specified export, procurement, financial institution, loan, or Export-Import Bank sanctions if the President determines that a person has made, on or after January 10, 2005, an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that in the aggregate equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to the enhancement of Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands or has made an investment of any amount of money that contributes to such an enhancement and has trafficked in confiscated U.S. property. Makes it illegal for a U.S. person to facilitate Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually respecting the impact of the development of Cuba's petroleum resources on the environment and natural resources of Cuba's submerged lands and Florida's marine environment.

Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from: (1) promulgating a revised or new water quality standard for a pollutant when the Administrator has approved a state water quality standard for such pollutant unless the state concurs with the Administrator's determination that the revised or new standard is necessary to meet the requirements of such Act; (2) taking action to supersede a state's determination that a discharge will comply with effluent limitations, water quality standards, controls on the discharge of pollutants, and toxic and pretreatment effluent standards under such Act; (3) withdrawing approval of a state program under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), limiting federal financial assistance for a state NPDES program, or objecting to the issuance of a NPDES permit by a state on the basis that the Administrator disagrees with the state regarding the implementation of an approved water quality standard or the implementation of any federal guidance that directs the interpretation of such standard; and (4) prohibiting the specification of any defined area as a disposal site for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters and denying or restricting the use of such area as a disposal site in a permit if the state where the discharge originates does not concur with the Administrator's determination that the discharge will result in an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds, and fishery areas. Shortens the period in which the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service must submit comments with respect to a general dredge and fill permit application. Requires the Administrator and other agencies to submit comments on an application for a general permit or a permit to discharge into navigable waters at specified disposal sites within 30 days (or 60 days if additional time is requested) after the date of receipt of such application.

Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require any air quality impact of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sources to be measured or modeled and determined solely with respect to the impacts in the corresponding onshore area. Provides that: (1) emissions from any vessel servicing or associated with an OCS source, including emissions while at the OCS source or in route to or from the OCS source within 25 miles of the OCS source, shall be considered direct emissions from the OCS source (current law) but shall not be subject to any emission control requirement applicable to such source; and (2) an OCS source, for platform or drill ship exploration, is established when drilling commences at a location and ceases to exist when drilling activity ends at such location or is temporarily interrupted because the platform or drill ship relocates. Requires: (1) final agency action on a permit application for platform or drill ship exploration for an OCS source under such Act to be taken no later than six months after the filing of such  application; (2) such final agency action to be considered to be nationally applicable under judicial review; and (3) judicial review of such action to be without additional administrative review or adjudication. Prohibits: (1) the Environmental Appeals Board of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from having any authority to consider any matter regarding the consideration, issuance, or denial of such permit;  and (2) extending any administrative stay of the effectiveness of such permit beyond six months after the date of filing of such application.

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Fort McClellan Health Registry Act - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain a special record to be known as the Fort McClellan Health Registry containing the name of each individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, was stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, during the period beginning on January 1, 1935, and ending on May 20, 1999, and who: (1) applies for care or services from the VA; (2) files a claim for compensation on the basis of any disability which may be associated with such service; (3) dies and is survived by a spouse, child, or parent who files a claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of such service; (4) requests a health examination from the VA; or (5) receives such health examination and requests inclusion in the Registry. Requires the Secretary, upon request, to provide such health examination, as well as consultation and counseling with respect to examination results. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify individuals in the Registry of significant developments in research on the health consequences of potential exposure to a toxic substance or environmental hazard related to service at Fort McClellan; and (2) carry out appropriate outreach activities with respect to such health examinations, consultation, and counseling.

American Alternative Fuels Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

American Alternative Fuels Act of 2011 - Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement that any federal agency procurement contract for an alternative or synthetic fuel, including those from nonconventional petroleum sources, for any mobility-related use (except research or testing) specify that lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the fuel must, on an ongoing basis, be less than or equal to such emissions from equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) require the Secretary of Energy to report to certain congressional committees the reasons for any delayed approval of an application for a loan guarantee for a substitute natural gas, chemical feedstock, or liquid transportation fuel project; and (2) make certain substitute natural gas production facilities eligible for loan guarantees. Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as an algae-based fuel incentive when calculating the applicable volume of renewable fuel for each calendar year, to consider each gallon of renewable biomass produced from algae to be equal to three gallons of renewable fuel if the algae-based fuel was produced using carbon dioxide captured in a manner that prevented its uncontrolled release into the atmosphere during a separate energy production process. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for alternative fuels, subject to certain requirements. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the permitting authority, when establishing the best available control technology for a major emitting facility that is an electric generating facility located in a region in which demand for electricity has increased significantly due to the volume of electric vehicles, to take into account the extent to which emissions of a pollutant have been reduced as a result of the increased use of such vehicles.

Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act of 2011 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make competitive grants to eligible higher education institutions and research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for green infrastructure. Defines "green infrastructure" as a stormwater management technique that preserves, restores, enhances, or mimics natural hydrology. Establishes the duties of each center, including: (1) researching green infrastructure; (2) developing manuals and setting industry standards on best management practices relating to state, local, and commercial green infrastructure; (3) providing information about its research and manuals to the national electronic clearinghouse center; (4) providing technical assistance and training on green infrastructure; and (5) evaluating regulatory and policy issues about green infrastructure. Requires one of the centers to be designated as the national electronic clearinghouse center, which shall, in addition to its other duties, operate a website and a public database on green infrastructure. Requires the Administrator to make competitive grants to eligible entities that manage stormwater, water resources, or waste water resources to: (1) plan and design and install green infrastructure projects; (2) develop standards and revisions to local zoning, building, or other local codes necessary to accommodate such projects; (3) develop fee structures to provide financial support for green infrastructure; (4) develop training and educational materials about green infrastructure; (5) develop and implement a green infrastructure portfolio standard program; (6) monitor and evaluate the environmental, economic, or social benefits of green infrastructure; and (7) implement a best practices standard for a green infrastructure program. Requires the Administrator to give priority to applications from: (1) a community that has combined storm and sanitary sewers in its collection system or is low-income or disadvantaged; or (2) an eligible entity that will use 10% of the grant for a low-income or disadvantaged community. Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure that EPA's Office of Water, the Office of Enforcement and Compliance, the Office of Research and Development, and the Office of Policy promote the use of green infrastructure and coordinate the integration of green infrastructure into permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; (2) direct each EPA regional office to promote and integrate the use of green infrastructure within the region; (3) create a green infrastructure compliance assistance center; and (4) establish measurable goals, to be known as the green infrastructure portfolio standard, to increase the percentage of annual water managed by eligible entities that uses green infrastructure.

Fuel Feedstock Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Fuel Feedstock Freedom Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to revise the renewable fuel program by: (1) requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States, on an annual average basis, contains at least the applicable volume of "next generation biofuel" (currently "cellulosic biofuel"); and (2) replacing the term "cellulosic biofuel" with "next generation biofuel." Defines "next generation biofuel" to mean: (1) renewable fuel that is derived from any cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, or algae that is derived from renewable biomass; or (2) nonethanol renewable fuel that is derived from renewable biomass. Directs the Administrator to allow states that enact a law that elects to not participate in the applicable volume of renewable to not so participate, other than the applicable volumes of renewable fuel required for advanced biofuel, next generation biofuel, and biomass-based diesel.

National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Autism Spectrum Disorders Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve the lives of persons with autism spectrum disorders through research focused on prevention, treatment, services, and cures. Requires the Secretary to: (1) act as the primary federal official with responsibility for overseeing all NIH research on autism spectrum disorders; (2) approve the autism spectrum disorder research strategic plan developed by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee and be responsible for its implementation; (3) receive directly from the President and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) all funds available for autism spectrum disorder activities of NIH; (4) allocate such funds in accordance with the strategic plan; (5) allocate amounts within 30 days after receipt, to the extent practicable; (6) have authority to reallocate up to 3% of the total amount allocated as needs change and opportunities arise; (7) plan and evaluate NIH research and other activities related to autism spectrum disorders; (8) maintain communications with all relevant federal departments and agencies to ensure the timely transmission of information concerning autism spectrum disorders; and (9) carry out this Act in consultations with the heads of NIH agencies and their advisory councils and the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Terminates such provisions seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. Expands authorized research for centers of excellence for autism spectrum disorders to include translational research. Requires the Director of NIH to provide for a program under which biosamples relevant to environmental exposures that are of use in research on autism spectrum disorders are donated, collected, preserved, and made available for such research.

Regierungserklärung zum G-8-Gipfel am 26./27. Mai 2011 in Deauville

Germany · German Bundestag · 26 May 2011

Erklärung durch die Bundeskanzlerin, Dr. Angela Merkel:<br /> Beratung der Lage der Weltwirtschaft auf dem bevorstehenden Wirtschaftsgipfel, Überwindung der Weltwirtschaftskrise, Konsolidierungsstrategien, Aufhebung des Stillstands der Doha-Runde der WTO, deutsches Wirtschaftswachstum, Chancen und Risiken des Internet, politischer Wandel in der arabischen Welt, Unterstützung durch die G-8-Staaten, VN-Resolution gegen Gewalttaten in Syrien, Situation in Ägypten und Tunesien, Partnerschaft für Beschäftigung, Fokussierung der G-8-Länder auf die Entwicklungspolitik, Erreichung der Millenniumsentwicklungsziele, Eigenverantwortung der Entwicklungsländer, Leitprinzipien der deutschen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit, Lage in Japan nach der Nuklearkatastrophe, Abschaltung deutscher Kernkraftwerke, Bericht der Ethikkommission, Sicherheit kerntechnischer Anlagen, erneuerbare Energien als Säule der Energieversorgung, Strategien für das Low Carbon Development, Vereinbarung von Cancun, neues VN-Klimaabkommen, Nahostkonflikt, Vorschlag der USA zur sofortigen Wiederaufnahme der Friedensverhandlungen, Ziel einer Zwei-Staaten-Lösung

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 26 May 2011.#European Commission v Kingdom of Belgium.#Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations - Environment -Directive 92/43/EEC - Article 6(3) - Special areas of conservation - Appropriate assessment of the implications of a plan or project which is likely to have a significant effect on a protected site - Exemption from assessment of plans or projects which are subject to a declaratory scheme - Incorrect transposition.#Case C-538/09.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 26 May 2011

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 26 May 2011.#Stichting Natuur en Milieu and Others v College van Gedeputeerde Staten van Groningen (C-165/09) and College van Gedeputeerde Staten van Zuid-Holland (C-166/09 and C-167/09).#References for a preliminary ruling: Raad van State - Netherlands.#Environment - Directive 2008/1/EC - Permit for the construction and operation of a power station - Directive 2001/81/EC - National emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants - Power of the Member States during the transitional period - Direct effect.#Joined cases C-165/09 to C-167/09.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 26 May 2011

Brief van de staatssecretaris van Infrastructuur en Milieu over de overschrijding van de luchtkwaliteitsnormen

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 26 May 2011

Brief van de staatssecretaris van Infrastructuur en Milieu over de overschrijding van de luchtkwaliteitsnormen

138 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the condition of electro-sensitivity; if he has any plans to introduce legislation to stop telephone companies receiving exemptions when applying for planning for masts; if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who suffers severely from this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12991/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

138 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the condition of electro-sensitivity; if he has any plans to introduce legislation to stop telephone companies receiving exemptions when applying for planning for masts; if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who suffers severely from this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12991/11]

137 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the implementation of the non-principal private residence or second home levy wherein two such properties side by side as one, a single letting paying one levy and the other in multiple units such as bed-sits allegedly liable for the multiples of the levy; and the action he proposes to take in that context. [12988/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

137 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the implementation of the non-principal private residence or second home levy wherein two such properties side by side as one, a single letting paying one levy and the other in multiple units such as bed-sits allegedly liable for the multiples of the levy; and the action he proposes to take in that context. [12988/11]

136 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of written submissions, if any, he received from the County and City Managers Association in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the dates on which the submissions were received; the main matters covered in the submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12960/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

136 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of written submissions, if any, he received from the County and City Managers Association in 2008, 2009 and 2010; the dates on which the submissions were received; the main matters covered in the submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12960/11]

135 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the type of assistance and the level of funding, if any, the Local Government Management Services Board provides each year to the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland, the Association of County and City Councils, the Local Authority Members Association and the County and City Managers Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12959/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

135 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the type of assistance and the level of funding, if any, the Local Government Management Services Board provides each year to the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland, the Association of County and City Councils, the Local Authority Members Association and the County and City Managers Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12959/11]

134 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any regeneration project has encountered problems with pyrite; if so, the locations of same; if the problem has been rectified; the cost of same and the budget from which it was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12948/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

134 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any regeneration project has encountered problems with pyrite; if so, the locations of same; if the problem has been rectified; the cost of same and the budget from which it was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12948/11]

133 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of the number of homes affected by pyrite, he will co-ordinate a response involving HomeBond and the insurance industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12947/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

133 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of the number of homes affected by pyrite, he will co-ordinate a response involving HomeBond and the insurance industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12947/11]

132 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria that will be used to prioritise water and sewerage schemes in County Carlow in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

132 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the criteria that will be used to prioritise water and sewerage schemes in County Carlow in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/11]

131 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if vehicle owners are making declarations of non-use of vehicles after the time of supposed non-use has elapsed and in some cases when they in fact used the vehicle during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

131 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if vehicle owners are making declarations of non-use of vehicles after the time of supposed non-use has elapsed and in some cases when they in fact used the vehicle during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/11]

130 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the facility to declare non-use of vehicles for taxation purposes is used; and the amount of revenue lost from the practice. [12865/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

130 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the facility to declare non-use of vehicles for taxation purposes is used; and the amount of revenue lost from the practice. [12865/11]

129 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the final report of the Mahon tribunal will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13013/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

129 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the final report of the Mahon tribunal will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13013/11]

120 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to an issue arising regarding persons with stamp 4 for five years or less being deemed ineligible for claiming rent allowance as they have become precluded from joining local authority social housing lists; if she has been in contact with the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Justice and Equality on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12998/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

120 Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to an issue arising regarding persons with stamp 4 for five years or less being deemed ineligible for claiming rent allowance as they have become precluded from joining local authority social housing lists; if she has been in contact with the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Justice and Equality on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12998/11]

31 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when 2010 agri environment options scheme payments will be made; and when will he get agreement on the proposal made to EU Commission last year to increase the natura agri environment options scheme payment from €75 per hectare to €150 per hectare. [12826/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 25 May 2011

31 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when 2010 agri environment options scheme payments will be made; and when will he get agreement on the proposal made to EU Commission last year to increase the natura agri environment options scheme payment from €75 per hectare to €150 per hectare. [12826/11]

Cocopah Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2011

Cocopah Lands Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to take certain land in Yuma County, Arizona, into trust for the Cocopah Indian Tribe, if the Tribe transfers title of the land to the Secretary and there are no recognized environmental problems with, or adverse legal claims to, the land. Considers such land to be part of the Tribe's initial reservation. Designates Yuma County, Arizona, as the Tribe's service area for the delivery of federal services to enrolled Tribe members. Prohibits using the trust land for gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Strafanzeige wegen Unterdrückung der UVP zu Ausbauten des Flughafens Wien

Austria · National Council · 24 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Justiz betreffend Strafanzeige wegen Unterdrückung der UVP <i>(Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung)</i> zu Ausbauten des Flughafens Wien <i>(-Schwechat)</i>

Ex-post-"Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung" für gesetzwidrig ohne UVP abgeführte Ausbauten am Flughafen Wien-Schwechat

Austria · National Council · 24 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Dr. Gabriela Moser, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an die Bundesministerin für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie betreffend Ex-post-"Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung" für gesetzwidrig ohne UVP <i>(Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung)</i> abgeführte Ausbauten am Flughafen Wien-Schwechat

Zoonose "Q-Fieber", ausgelöst durch Coxiella burnetii - und der aktuelle Fall in Kärnten

Austria · National Council · 24 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Harald Jannach, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend das Zoonose "Q-Fieber", ausgelöst durch <i>(das Bakterium)</i> Coxiella burnetii - und der aktuelle Fall in Kärnten

Zoonose "Q-Fieber", ausgelöst durch Coxiella burnetii - und der aktuelle Fall in Kärnten

Austria · National Council · 24 May 2011

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Harald Jannach, Kolleginnen und Kollegen an den Bundesminister für Gesundheit betreffend das Zoonose "Q-Fieber", ausgelöst durch <i>(das Bakterium)</i> Coxiella burnetii - und der aktuelle Fall in Kärnten

333 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12813/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 May 2011

333 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12813/11]

310 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12292/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 May 2011

310 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive their agri-environment options scheme payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12292/11]

309 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be seriously financially penalised if they are prevented from making an application for the agri-environment options scheme in view of the fact that their REP scheme 3 will be terminated on 4 June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12290/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 May 2011

309 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be seriously financially penalised if they are prevented from making an application for the agri-environment options scheme in view of the fact that their REP scheme 3 will be terminated on 4 June 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12290/11]

255 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 19 April 2011, the status of his reply to the correspondence referred to therein. [12846/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 May 2011

255 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 19 April 2011, the status of his reply to the correspondence referred to therein. [12846/11]

254 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grants will be made available to homeowners in the next two to three years to install water harvesting tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12811/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 May 2011

254 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grants will be made available to homeowners in the next two to three years to install water harvesting tanks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12811/11]