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251 records in 1973
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Extends the Solid Waste Disposal Act for one year by authorizing for fiscal year 1974 additional sums in the amount of $238,500,000.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for specified percentages of the amounts paid during the taxable year by the taxpayer to purchase recycled solid waste materials for manufacture by the taxpayer into useful raw materials or salable products. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, by regulation and after a hearing, to disallow such deduction with respect to any solid waste material if the Administrator finds that such deduction is not required to alleviate the depletion of any virgin natural resource. Allows every taxpayer, at his election in lieu of any depreciation deduction, to deduct the amortized basis of any solid waste recycling facility based on a period of 60 months. Provides that the taxpayer may, at any time after making such election, discontinue the amortization deduction with respect to the remainder of the amortization. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189, 190)
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any other regulation, no State shall receive a lesser allocation of water pollution control funds in fiscal year 1973 or fiscal year 1974 than it received in fiscal year 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for specified percentages of the amounts paid during the taxable year by the taxpayer to purchase recycled solid waste materials for manufacture by the taxpayer into useful raw materials or salable products. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, by regulation and after a hearing, to disallow such deduction with respect to any solid waste material if the Administrator finds that such deduction is not required to alleviate the depletion of any virgin natural resource. Allows every taxpayer, at his election in lieu of any depreciation deduction, to deduct the amortized basis of any solid waste recycling facility based on a period of 60 months. Provides that the taxpayer may, at any time after making such election, discontinue the amortization deduction with respect to the remainder of the amortization. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189, 190)
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Oil Pollution Compensation Act - Title I: International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage - Provides that the owner of any ship shall be liable for pollution damage caused by the escape or discharge of oil from his ship. States that such liability, shall apply exclusively to pollution damage (other than preventive measures) caused on the territory, including the territorial sea, of the United States or of any foreign country which is party to the Liability Convention, and to preventive measures, wherever taken, to prevent or minimize such damage. Provides that the owner shall not be liable for pollution damage if he proves that the damage: (1) resulted from an act of war, hostilities, civil war, insurrection or a natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character; (2) was wholly caused by an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by a third party; or (3) was wholly caused by the negligence or wrongful act of any government or other authority responsible for the maintenance of lights or other navigational aids in the exercise of that function. States that if the owner proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered the damage or from the negligence of that person, the owner may be exonerated, to the same extent, from his liability to such person. Allows the owner of a ship to limit his liability under this Act in respect to any one incident to an aggregate amount equal to the dollar equivalent of 2,000 francs for each ton of the ship's tonnage; provides that the aggregate amount of an owner's liability in respect of any one incident shall not exceed the dollar equivalent of 210,000,000 francs. States that if the incident occurred as a result of the actual fault or privity of the owner, he shall not be entitled to avail himself of such limitation provided in this title. Provides that the owner of a ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo shall maintain insurance or other financial security in the sums fixed by applying the limits of liability prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the President to issue a certificate to each ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo attesting that such insurance or other financial securiy has been obtained. Provides a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a violation of this provision. Title II: International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage - Establishes an International Oil Pollution fund for compenstation of oil pollution damage. States that contributions to the fund shall be made by any person who has received more than 150,000 tons of crude oil during the calendar year in the ports or terminal installations of the United States. Provides for contributions to be made to the Fund by specified subsidiaries and commonly controlled entities. Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 for any person who is liable to the fund and fails to make such payment. Authorizes the President to assess and compromise any such penalty. Provides that any person suffering pollution damage arising out of an incident occurring more than one hundred and twenty days after the entry into force of the Convention shall be entitled to compensation from the fund if that person has been unable to obtain full and adequate compensation for the damage under the terms of title I of this Act. States that if the fund proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially either from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered damage or from the negligence of that person, the fund may be exonerated from its obligation to pay compensation to such person. Provides tht the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over actions against the Fund for compensation. Title III: Apportionment of Claims and Subrogation, Exclusive Remedy, Effective Data - Provides for the apportionment of established claims among the assets of the owner's fund and the compensation fund. States that this Act shall be effective upon the date of enactment of this Act or the date of entry into force of the Convention, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Grants the States, under the Clean Air Act the right to enforce their own stringent motor vehicle emission standards.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Grants the States, under the Clean Air Act the right to enforce their own stringent motor vehicle emission standards.
United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1973
Removes the requirement, for obtaining a grant for a treatment facility, under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, that an applicant shall have first made provision for the payment to such applicant by the industrial users of the treatment works of that portion of the cost of construction of such treatment works which is allocable to the treatment of such industrial wastes to the extent attributable to the Federal share of the cost of construction. Provides that the grantee shall not retain a part of the revenues derived from the payment of costs by industrial users of waste treatment services to the extent costs are attributable to the Federal share of eligible project costs.
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local officials, to promulgate standards for the control of highway noise levels for highways on any Federal-aid system for which project approval has been secured prior to July 1, 1972. Provides that the Secretary may approve any project on a Federal-aid system to which noise-level standards are made applicable under this Act for the purpose of carrying out such standards, including projects for the acquisition of additional rights-of-way, the construction of physical barriers, and landscaping. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 109(i))
United States · United States Congress · 15 February 1973
Toxic Substances Control Act - Asserts that adequate authority should exist to restrict the distribution and use of chemicals found to be toxic and to be hazardous consumer products. Provides that for any chemical substance produced in commercial quatities, after evaluating, all information available to him, and after referring the matter to a committee of the Toxic Substances Board, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may publish proposed regulations to: (1) restrict or prohibit the use or distribution of the chemical substance as necessary to protect health and the environment; (2) require that any or all persons engaged in the distribution of the substance so regulated give notification to purchasers of the restriction ; and (3) require such other action as necessary to carry out such restrictions including prohibiting or restricting the sale, use, or removal of such substance or product. Provides for objections to the Administrator's regulations by any person who is adversely affected, and allows such person to request a public hearing, which may be held after due notice. Asserts that in acting upon such objections, the Administrator shall issue an order which must be based only on the evidence or record and must set forth detailed findings of fact upon which the order is based. Sepcifies that the order must be based on the Administrator's finding that the regulations are necessary to protect health and the environment and to carry out the purposes of this Act. Provides that in making such a finding the Administrator shall consider all relevant factors including: (1) the effects on human health and the environment of the substance or its byproducts; (2) the benefits to be derived from the use of the substance as compared with the risks; (3) the normal circumstances of use; (4) the degree to which release of the substance or byproducts to the general environment is controlled; and (5) the magnitude of exposure of humans and the environemnt to the substance or its byproducts. Allows a person who is adversely affected to petition for judicial review of the Administrator's orders in the United States Court of Appeals whose judgement is subject to review by the Supreme Court. Provides that an imminent hazard shall be considered to exist when the evidence is sufficient to show that a use or distribution of a chemical substance creates a hazard to human health or the environment (1) that should be corrected immedately to prevent injury to health and (2) that should not be permitted to continue while an administrative hearing or other formal proceeding is being held. Provides that if the Administrator has reason to believe that an imminent hazard exists he may request the Attorney General to petition an appropriate district court of the United States to restrain the uses or distribution of the chemical substance responsible for the hazard. Grants the district court jurisdiction to provide injunctive relief pending the outcome of the proceedings. Asserts that the Administrator shall, after referral to the Toxic Substances Board, for various classes and uses of chemical substances, prescribe by regulation standards for test proctocols, and for the results to be achieved therefrom, to protect health and the environment. Permits the Administrator to require all manufacturers of chemical substances to report to him periodically and give such information as the names and amounts of all substances produced, the chemical structure of such chemicals, and a description of its byproducts. Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency a Toxic Substances Board consisting of scientifically qualified persons, to be appointed by the Administrator. Provides for a team of consultants to work with the Board. Requires the Administrator to refer his proposed regulations of orders to a committee of the Board, which committee will then report its views and findings. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct research and to establish research labs. Authorizes the Administrator to enter any factory, warehouse, or premises where chemical substances are manufactured, processed, or held and to conduct administrative inspections for the purposes of verifying records and reports. Exempts certain data from such inspection. Sets up a procedure for the issuance and execution of administrative warrants. Excludes from the operation of this Act substances which are intended solely for export to any foreign country, except if the Administrator finds that as exported and used, the substance will produce a significant direct or indirect hazard to human health or the environment in the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to bar the entry into the United States of any substance which violates provisions of this Act. Prescribes procedures and standards for maintaining confidentiality with regard to information obtained from any manufacturer or processor. Prescribes criminal penalties for failure to comply with regulations or orders issued by the Administrator, the failure to provide required information, the sale, distribution, or importation of substances which do not meet requirements established under this Act, and the failure to perform any other action required by this Act. Calls for a study of the feasibility of establishing a standard classification system for chemical substances and a means for storing and obtaining rapid access to information respecting such materials. Leaves unaffected the right of any State or local government to restrict the distribution or use of a chemical substance or to impose requirements of tests and test results for a chemical substance except under specified circumstances. Authorizes necessary appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue, from time to time, United States conservation savings bonds, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in a trust fund. Asserts that conservation savings bonds shall bear such rates of interest; shall be in such form; shall be offered in such amounts, subject to the overall debt limitation; shall be issued in such manner; and shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including any restrictions on their transfer, as the Secretary of the Treasury may from time to time prescribe. Creates within the Treasury of the United States a conservation saving bond trust fund. Provides that all proceeds from the sale of conservation savings bonds shall be deposited in the fund. Directs that amounts in the fund are authorized to be appropriated without fiscal year limitation for expenditures for conservation purposes.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Oil Pollution Compensation Act - Title I: International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage - Provides that the owner of any ship shall be liable for pollution damage caused by the escape or discharge of oil from his ship. States that such liability shall apply exclusively to pollution damage (other than preventive measures) caused on the territory, including the territorial sea, of the United States or of any foreign country which is party to the Liability Convention, and to preventive measures, wherever taken, to prevent or minimize such damage. Provides that the owner shall not be liable for pollution damage if he proves that the damage: (1) resulted from an act of war, hostilities, civil war, insurrection or a natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character; or (2) was wholly caused by an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by a third party; or (3) was wholly caused by the negligence or wrongful act of any government or other authority responsibile for the maintenance of lights or other navigational aids in the exercise of that function. States that if the owner proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially either from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered the damage or from negligence of that person, the owner may be exonerated, to the same extent, from his liability to such person. Allows the owner of a ship to limit his liability under this Act in respect to any one incident to an aggregate amount equal to the dollar equivalent of 2,000 francs for each ton of the ship's tonnage; provided that the aggregate amount of an owner's liability in respect of any one incident shall not exceed the dollar equivalent of 210,000,000 francs. States that if the incident occurred as a result of the actual fault or privity of the owner, he shall not be entitled to avail himself of such limitation provided in this subsection. Provides that the owner of a ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo shall maintain insurance or other financial security in the sums fixed by applying the limits of liability prescribed in this Act. Authorizes the President to issue a certificate to each ship registered in the United States whic is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo attesting that such insurance or other financial security has been obtained. Stipulates that no ship registered in the United States which is capable of carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo, and no other ship, wherever registered, actually carrying more than two thousand tons of oil in bulk as cargo, shall enter or leave a port in the United States, or be permitted to arrive at or leave an offshore terminal in the territorial waters of the United States unless the ship has on board a valid certificate issued by the United States or a foreign country party to the Convention. Provides a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for a violation of this provision. Title II: International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage - Establishes an International Oil Pollution Fund for compensation of oil pollution damage. States that contributions to the Fund shall be made by any person who has received more than 150,000 tons of crude oil during the calendar year in the ports or terminal installations of the United States. Provides for contributions to be made to the Fund by specified subsidiaries and commonly controlled entities. Establishes a civil penalty of $5,000 for any person who is liable to the Fund and fails to make such payment. Authorizes the President to assess and compromise any such penalty. Provides that any person suffering pollution damage arising out of an incident occurring more than one hundred and twenty days after the entry into force of the Convention shall be entitled to compensation from the Fund if that person has been unable to obtain full and adequate compensation for the damage under the terms of title I of this Act. States that if the Fund proves that the pollution damage resulted wholly or partially either from an act or omission done with intent to cause damage by the person who suffered damage or from the negligence of that person, the Fund may be exonerated from its obligation to pay compensation to such person. Provides that the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over actions against the Fund for compensation. Title III: Apportionment of Claims and Subrogation; Exclusive Remedy; Effective Date - Provides for the apportionment of established claims among the assets of the owner's fund and the compensation fund. States that this Act shall be effective upon the date of enactment of this Act or the date of entry into force of the Convention, whichever is later.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Extends the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, for one year. Extends the Clean Air Act, as amended, for one year. Authorizes appropriations for such extensions.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Water Pollution Control Trust Fund Act - Title I: Water Pollution Control Trust Fund - Establishes in the U. S. Treasury a Water Pollution Control Trust Fund. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to make expenditures in the amount of $4,000,000,000 for each fiscal year. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to make an annual report to Congress on the financial condition and the results of operation of the Trust Fund during the preceding fiscal year. States that it shall be the duty of the Secretary to invest such portions of the Trust Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals in interest-bearing obligations of the United States, or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States. Provides that amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available for making expenditures to meet obligations of the U. S. under Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Construction of waste treatment facilities). Title II: Internal Revenue Code Amendment - Imposes on the income of every individual, estate, trust, and corporation a tax surcharge equal to 3 percent of the adjusted tax. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe and publish tables reflecting the amount of tax to be deducted and withheld in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (Amends 26 U. S. C.51)
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Extends the Clean Air Act for one year by authorizing for fiscal year 1974 additional sums totalling $450,000,000.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Extends the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, for one year.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any other regulation, no State shall receive a lesser allocation of water pollution control funds in fiscal year 1973 or fiscal year 1974 than it received in fiscal year 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1973
Establishes a Committee on Environment in the House of Representatives, consisting of 25 members. Provides that such Committee shall deal with all measures relating to the quality of the physical environment of the United States and its possessions, including: (1) water quality; (2) air quality; (3) weather modification; (4) waste disposal and management; (5) pesticides and herbicides; and (6) acoustic problems.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall not, at any time after June 30, 1975: (1) make any grant in a State in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (2) approve any State permit program in accordance with the Act; or (3) grant any extension of time for achievement of air quality standards in accordance with the Clean Air Act, unless at the time of submission by such State of a permit program, or at the time of the grant application or at the time of a request for extension of time for compliance with air quality standards, that State has in effect an environmental protection permit program approved by the Administrator in accordance with this Act. Lists criteria for the approval of State environmental protection permit programs, terms of such approval and procedures for revocation. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to any unit of local government within a State which as a result of actions taken to implement the State environmental protection permit program has suffered a loss of property tax revenues. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants, upon such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate for the development and revision of a statewide environmental protection permit program. Provides that each department, agency and instrumentality of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government shall comply with state and local requirements respecting environmental protection. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Extends the Environmental Education Act for three years until July l, 1976. Authorizes appropriations of $l0,000,000 for fiscal year 1974; $20,000,000 for fiscal year l975; and $30,000,000 for fiscal year l976 to carry out the objectives of that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the General Services Administration to insure the procurement and use by the Federal Government of products manufactrued from recycled materials. Requires the Secretary and Administrator to make an annual report to the Congress with regard to Federal departments and agencies progress in carrying out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Requires the use of at least 50 percent recycled paper in the printing of the Congressional Record. (Adds 44 U.S.C. 911)
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Provides, under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, for an investigation and study by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare of the decomposability and destructibility of materials. Requires the Secretary to report the results of such investigation to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to require the development and utilization of new and improved methods of waste disposal and pollution control. Directs the Administrator to assist small business concerns to effect conversions required to meet Federal or State pollution control standards.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the General Services Administration to insure the procurement and use by the Federal Government of products manufactrued from recycled materials. Requires the Secretary and Administrator to make an annual report to the Congress with regard to Federal departments and agencies progress in carrying out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 February 1973
Permits the use of highway funds for any transportation improvements necessary to avoid air pollution dangerous to public health, and to prohibit highway projects which may create air pollution dangerous to public health. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 103)
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Solid Waste Management Act - Establishes the Solid Waste Management Commission within the executive branch of the Federal Government, to be composed of five members broadly representative of industry and of the technical and scientific disciplines involved in solid waste management. Provides that the Commission shall recommend to the Congress which products or materials require disposal taxes, at what stage in the manufacturing or processing of the product the tax shall be levied, the unit on which the tax is based, and the amount of tax per unit. Requires that disposal or processing of the product and that such tax be uniform throughout the United States. Provides for a disposal bond system for products requiring a deposit system to insure proper disposal of such product after use. Provides that any disposal bond system so prescribed shall provide adequate protection of the financial interest of consumers in any deposits made by them. Establishes a Solid Waste Management Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States. Establishes a Federal Solid Waste Disposal Corporation. Provides that the Corporation carry out a program of research and development with respect to improved waste disposal techniques and equipment, and a program of construction and operation of facilities utilizing such techniques and equipment. Authorizes the Corporation to develop with State and local governments a coordinated nation-wide system of solid waste processing centers.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Provides that, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any other regulation, no State shall receive a lesser allocation of water pollution control funds in fiscal year 1973 or fiscal year 1974 than it received in fiscal year 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 6 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments or grants of other aid to agricultural producers, including tenants and sharecroppers, in an aggregate amount equal to the sums appropriated therefor during the year with respect to which such payments or grants are made for agricultural conservation programs. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h (b))
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the rural environmental assistance program pursuant to the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h(b))
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Provides that no State shall receive a lesser allocation of water pollution control funds in fiscal years 1973 or 1974 than it received in fiscal year 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Exempts from the income tax under the Internal Revenue Code 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. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 124)
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Provides that the Secretary of Transportation, upon the joint request of a State Governor and the local governments concerned, shall withdraw his approval for any route or portion thereof designated or selected as part of the Federal-aid primary system, the Federal-aid secondary system, or the Interstate System within an urbanized area where he determines that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified that the air quality region which contains such urbanized area will fail to achieve, by July 1, 1975, levels of air quality in accordance with the Clean Air Act. Provides that amounts appropriated to a State for projects on routes or portions thereof for which approval has been withdrawn in accordance with this Act shall be transferred to and added to the amounts apportioned to such State under the Federal-aid urban system for the account of the urbanized area from which the withdrawal of the routes or portions thereof was made. (Amends 23 U.S.C. 103) Provides for emergency assistance for transportation system improvements in those air quality regions within a State which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has certified necessary will fail to achieve, by July 1, 1975, levels of air quality. Makes ten percent of the funds appropriated for expenditure upon the Federal-aid systems available for such assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
States that all moneys received from the sales, bonuses, royalties, and rentals from surface mining operations in, on or upon the public lands shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States, and 90 percent thereof shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury as soon as practicable after December 31 and June 30 of each year to the State within the boundaries of which the leased lands or deposits are or were located. States that such money shall be used by the State for the necessary reconditioning or restoration of land or water that has been affected by exploration or mineral development, mining, or onsite processing operations and waste disposal in ways which will prevent or control damage to the environment and, thereafter, for the construction or maintenance of public roads or support of public schools or other public educational institutions, as the legislature of the State may direct. Provides that all moneys received under the provisions of this Act not otherwise disposed of this Act shall be credited to miscellaneous receipts.
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the rural environmental assistance program pursuant to the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h(b))
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Natural and Human Resources Restoration and Conservation Act - Provides that the Congress reaffirms that the national policy of full employment declared in the Employment Act of 1946 continues to be a fundamentally sound and socially enlighten national policy, and that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to use all practicable means consistent with its needs and obligations and other essential considerations of national policy, with the assistance and cooperation of industry, agriculture, labor, and State and local governments, to coordinate and utilize all its plans, functions, and resources for the purpose of creating and maintaining, in a manner calculated to foster and promote free competitive enterprise and the general welfare, conditions under which there will be afforded useful employment opportunities, including self-employment, for those able, willing and seeking to work, and to promote maximum employment, production and purchasing power. Establishes the National Environmental Services Corps. Makes the Secretary of the Interior responsible for management and administration of the Corp program. Directs the Secretary in carrying out his duties to consult with the heads of other agencies and departments of the Federal Government and directs all agencies of the Federal Government to cooperate with and to assist the Secretary in the development and administration of the Corps program. Authorizes appropriations of $250,000,000 annually for the establishment and administration of the permanent Corps program and such as are necessary to enlarge the Corps and meet employment conditions. Provides for national, regional and subregional offices. Authorizes the Corps to expand: (1) by 100,000 Corps members when the Secretary determines that the rate of national umemployment (seasonally adjusted) equals or exceeds four and one-half percent for three consecutive months prior to such determination; (2) by 50,000 Corps members for each increment of one-half of one percent by which the Secretary determines that the average rate of national umemployment (seasonally adjusted) for three consecutive months prior to any such determination exceeds the rate specified in clause (1); and(3) without regard to the determination required by clauses (1) and (2), by up to 200,000 Corps members of work in regions of "substantial umemployment", "persistent unemployment", "concentrated unemployment or underemployment" in the Department of Labor's monthly Bulletin on "Area Trends in Employment and Unemployment". Requires the funds made available to the Secretary for the employment of Corps members shall, insofar as possible, be apportioned on an equitable basis among States and within each State among local areas, including Indian Reservations and to the extent practicable, such funds and employment opportunities shall be apportioned on the basis of: (1) relative number of unemployed; (2) severity of unemployment in each area; and (3) relative need of the area for intensified management, development and conservation of lands under Federal jurisdiction. Directs the Secretaty, after Consultation with the heads of other Federal land and resource management agencies, to: (1) determine the area under Federal jurisdiction which are appropriate for carrying out programs using employees of the Corps; (2) determine the rates of pay, hours and other conditions of employment in the Corps; (3) provide for such transportation, lodging, subsistence, and other services and equipment as he may deem necessary or appropriate for the needs of members of the Corp in their duties; (4) promulgate regulations to insure the safety, health, and welfare of the Corps members; and (5) advise every participant in the Corps programs, prior to entering upon employment, of his rights and benefits in connection with such employment. Provides that in expanding the Corps to meet national resource and environmental management goals and to provide new employment opportunities, the Secretary shall first determine that the Corps program: (1) will result in an increase in employment opportunities over those which would otherwise be available; (2) will not result in the displacement of currently employed workers (including partial displacement such as reduction in the hours of non-overtime work or wages or employment benefits); (3) will not impair existing contracts for services or result in the substitution of Federal or other funds in connection with work that would otherwise be performed; and (4) will not substitute Corps jobs for existing federally assisted jobs. Permits any person who is unemployed and who wants and is available for work and who is physically able to perform the available jobs to be eligible for employment in the Nation Environmental Services Corps. Provides that any person who is underemployed in that their present employment is not providing sufficient income to enable such persons and their families to be self-supporting with welfare assistance shall also be eligible for employment in the Corps. Provides that in the administration of this Act the Secretary shall make every effort to provide training and other assistance to tempory members of the Corp provided employment, which will enable them to obtain permanent private or public employment and that when the rate of national or area umemployment declines below the standards the Secretary shall make maximum effort to locate permanent employment or training opportunities not supported under this Act for each Corps member temporarily employed under this Act, and shall gradually phase out the temporary Corps program on an area-by-area basis as is warranted by improved local employment opportunities and the accomplishment of the resource and environmental improvement program on Federal lands in that area. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe necessary regulation and requires an annual report to Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for a rural environmental assistance program in an aggregate amount not less than the sums appropriated therefor during the year with respect to which such payments or grants are made. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 590h)
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1973
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to transmit to the Secretary of the Interior information as to how, in the use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides, injury to fish and wildlife can be prevented or minimized. Authorizes appropriations of $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976, in order to carry out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1973
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants under the Farm and Rural Development Act in the amounts specified in appropriations Acts, not to exceed $100,000,000 in any fiscal year, to associations to finance specific projects for works for the development, storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas. Requires the Secretary to make grants in the amounts specified in appropriations Acts, not to exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year, to public bodies or such other agencies as the Secretary may determine have authority to prepare official comprehensive plans for the development of water or sewer systems in rural areas which do not have funds available for immediate undertaking of the preparation of such plan. (Amends 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2), 1926(a)(6))
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1973
Clear Glass Container Act - States as a finding of the Congress the existence of a specific danger by bodily harm to those who attempt to sort by color glass containers for recycling. Prohibits the manufacture for sale or introduction into interstate commerce of containers of glass unless such container is returnable, or made of clear glass meeting regulation standards prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, or is determined by the Administrator to be made of a colored glass necessary to protect its contents. Defines terms used in this Act. Provides for penalties for violations of this Act of a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
United States · United States Congress · 30 January 1973
Establishes a Committee on Environment in the House of Representatives, consisting of 25 members. Provides that such Committee shall deal with all measures relating to the quality of the physical environment of the United States and its possessions, including: (1) water quality; (2) air quality; (3) weather modification; (4) waste disposal and management; (5) pesticides and herbicides; and (6) acoustic problems.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Provides for a Federal moratorium on drilling operations in a portion of the Outer Continental Shelf in the Santa Barbara Channel pending the ability to control and prevent pollution by oil discharges and to improve the state of the art with respect to oil production from the submerged lands.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Santa Barbara Channel Moratorium and Ecological Preserve Act - Provides for a Federal ecological preserve in a portion of the Outer Continental Shelf in the Santa Barbara Channel. Provides for a moratorium on drilling operations pending the ability to control and prevent pollution by oil discharges. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into negotiations to pay damages to existing lessees in the area. Establishes the Santa Barbara Channel Account from which payments shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that these lessees can sue for such damages in the Court of Claims, and directs the court to decide whether such termination to protect other resources of the shelf was an inherent part of the lease and therefore not compensable. Terminates permanently in an orderly and safe manner all drilling operations in the area.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Federal Procurement and Environmental Enhancement Act - Declares that all Federal departments, independent agencies and other instrumentalities of the United States using appropriated funds shall not contribute to environmental pollution by contracting for goods, materials and services with those persons in violation of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Clean Air Act. Requires the establishment of contract regulations by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that such regulations shall be included in all Federal procurement contracts. Exempts the Department of Defense from this Act if the Secretary of Defense after public hearing determines that such exemption is necessary for national defense. Provides that the termination, continuance, and exemption procedures of (2), (3) and (4) above apply with respect to contracts directly related to a pollution action.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Declares various Congressional findings relating to the insufficiency of existing Federal and State laws to protect persons from the harmful effects of pollution. Provides that any person who is engaged in any activity which affects interstate commerce and who is responsible for any pollution of air, water, land, or public trust of the United States shall be subject to declaratory or other equitable relief in a class action brought by any person representing the interest of a group or class of persons similarly situated, for the protection from unreasonable pollution. Grants the appropriate United States district courts jurisdiction to such class actions without regard to the amount in controversy. Provides that when the plaintiff has made a prima facie showing that the defendant's activity may result in unreasonable pollution, the defendant shall have the burden of establishing: (1) that there is no feasible alternative and that the activity is required for the public health and welfare and (2) that the social and economic benefits of the activity outweigh the social and economic costs. Provides for the appointment by the Court of a master to take testimony and make a report to the Court in the action.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue permits for the deposit of refuse in navigable waters within prescribed limits. Provides for the deposit of debris of mines or stamp works within harbor lines established by the Administrator. (Amends 33 U.S.C. 407, 407a)
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Authorizes the Adminstrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Interior in consultation with the Secretary of the Army to establish standards applicable to the deposit or discharge into the ocean, coastal, and other waters of the United States of all industrial wastes and other materials harmful to the wildlife (resources) or ecology of these waters. Requires any person before depositing or discharging such materials to present sufficient evidence that such materials will not endanger the natural environment and ecology of these waters. Requires such adopted standards to be adopted and enforced by Federal and State agencies, etc. that issue licenses or permits for any activity in the coastal waters. Requires State standards with repsect to the activity covered by a promulgated Federal standard must be more stringent than the Federal standard and provide adequate procedures for enforcement. Requires Federal and State agencies, etc. and other specified individuals to maintain records, make reports, and provide such information the Administrator may require to establish standards and to determine compliance with such standards. Gives U.S. district courts jurisdiction to restrain violations of this Act. Makes violators of any standard (civilly) liable for not more than $10,000 nor less than $5,000 for each violation, and each day shall be considered a separate offense in cases of continuing violations. Terminates all licenses, permits, and authorizations issued by any U.S. employee under authority of any other provision of law upon the effective date of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Detergent Pollution Control Act - Enumerates various congressional findings and declarations relating to pollution and synthetic detergents. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish standards of water eutrophication ability, biodegradability, toxicity, and of effects on the public health and welfare which must be met by all synthetic detergents. Provides that the Secretary shall, on or before June 30, 1974, prescribe and publish in the Federal Register, such standards and rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the policy of this Act. Provides that any detergent which after June 30, 1975 does not conform with the standards, rules and regulations prescribed under this Act shall be liable to be proceeded against on libel of information and condemned in any district in the United States within the jurisdiction of which such detergent is found. Provides that any person who violates such rules and regulations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be subject for the first offense to a fine of not more than $5,000 and for any subsequent offense to a fine of not more than $20,000. Provides Federal assistance for the development and manufacture of detergents that are free of phosphorus and directs the Secretary to inventory and report existing technology on substitutes for polyphosphates in detergents, and other technology relating to the development of pollution free detergents. Makes it unlawful after June 30, 1975, for any person to import into the United States or manufacture in the U.S. any detergent formulation not in compliance with the standards established by this Act or containing phosphorus. Provides that any detergent condemned under this Act, shall after entry of a decree, be disposed of by destruction or sale as the court may, in accordance with the provisions of this subsection, direct and the proceeds thereof, if sold, less the legal costs and charges, shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver to the Secretary, upon his request, samples of detergents which are being imported or offered for import into the United States, giving notice thereof to the owner or consignee, who may appear before the Secretary and have the right to introduce testimony. Provides that pending decisions as to the admission of a detergent being imported or offered for import, the Secretary of the Treasury may authorize delivery of such detergent to the owner or consignee upon the execution by him of a good and sufficient bond providing for the payment of such liquidated damages in the event of default as may be required pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Clean Air Amendments - Provides that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall commence an immediate inquiry into the availability of low-polluting fuels used for nonautomotive industrial and domestic purposes. Directs the Administrator to report the results of his inquiry to Congress by June 30, 1974. Specifies that the report shall contain accurate and detailed information regarding: (1) the location and ownership of low-polluting fuels, both foreign and domestic; (2) the costs of transporting these fuels; (3) the factors which may inhibit the exploitation and availability of these fuels; (4) the sums of money which have been expended since January 1, 1960, and the results obtained by persons in the fuels industry and persons using large quantities of fuels to reduce air contaminants and to develop pollution control devices for facilities using fuels; and (5) the Administrator's recommendations concerning the legislative, administrative and executive steps necessary to achieve a coordinated national fuels policy. Authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for carrying out such provisions. Directs the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register a list of categories of stationary sources, which are buildings or installations emitting any substantial amounts of an air polluting agent so as to endanger the public health or welfare. Directs the Administrator to subject those sources and any new sources to performance standards. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing a procedure for certification of compliance with any promulgated standard of performance. Asserts that such procedure shall include: (1) provisions for preconstruction review of the locations and design of any new source; (2) provisions for performance tests after commencement of operation of any new source; (3) methods to identify and abate violations of such standards of performance; and (4) methods to insure that any certified new source shall not prevent implementation of national ambient air quality standards promulgated under these provisions. Allows States to develop and submit to the Administrator a procedure for certification and provides that, if such State procedure is equal to the requirements set forth in these provisions, certification authority may be delegated to the States. Makes it unlawful for: (1) any owner or operator to operate any new source without certification; (2) any owner or operator of any certified new source to operate such source in violation of any standard of performance applicable to such source; or (3) any owner or operator to fail or refuse to permit access to, or copying of, records or to fail to make reports, or to fail to install monitoring equipment or methods, or provide information required under these provisions. Grants the United States district courts jurisdiction over actions to restrain violations. Requires the Administrator to commence the testing of all types of propulsion systems for motor vehicles other than the internal combustion engine to determine which has the most satisfactory emission characteristics. Provides that if the Administrator determines that a propulsion system other than the internal combustion engine has emission characteristics superior to the internal combustion enegine, he will set standards based on such characteristics. Allows the States to enforce more stringent emission standards for motor vehicles or for the use of fuel additives than are set forth by the Administrator. Empowers the Administrator to bring suit to abate any severe air pollution and to submit a plan for abatement as part of the suit.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1973
Increases the penalty for wrongful deposit of refuse into harbors or navigable waters of a fine of between $10,000 and $25,000 for each day's violation. Permits persons to file civil suits against violators if the Attorney General does not institute a civil or criminal action with 60 days after notice of such pollution. Imposes civil and criminal penalties upon a master or pilot towing any vessel loaded with deposits of debris from mines or stamp works. (Amends 33 U.S.C. 411)