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Bill· HRH.R. 1827 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) of any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 162 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt the following categories of discharges of dredged or fill material from permit requirements and procedures established by the Act: (1) agricultural ranching, or silvicultural activities related to the production of food, fiber, or forest products; (2) soil and water conservation activities; (3) work related to federally-authorized emergency programs; and (4) activities related to federally-assisted projects provided an environmental statement was prepared in connection with approval for the project.
Bill· HRH.R. 1656 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Packaging Conservation Act - Amends the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to authorize regulations designated to reduce oversized and excessive packaging of consumer commodities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1647 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
National Environmental Policy Institute Act - Amends the National Environmental Policy Act to authorize the creation of the National Environmental Policy Institute as a nonprofit corporation. Lists the duties of the Institute, including (1) development and analysis of long-term environmental policy alternatives; (2) disclosure of advice and information to Congress and to the public; and (3) identification of areas where additional research is required. Establishes procedures governing the operation of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1978 through 1982. Requires annual auditing of the accounts of the Institute. Directs the Institute to submit an annual report of its activities to the President and the Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 1614 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 11 January 1977
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Findings and Purposes with Respect to Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - Declares that the national interest will be served by a policy of increased domestic production of the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish policies and procedures for management of the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf, while minimizing or eliminating adverse impacts of such development. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise bidding and leasing procedures under the Act. Requires that the Secretary of the Interior provide Governors of affected coastal States with the opportunity to jointly lease lands. Establishes procedures for geological and geophysical exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires submission of exploration plans to the Secretary of the Interior for approval. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically revise an oil and gas leasing program consistent with the purpose of this Act. Stipulates that the Secretary shall be responsible for preparing any environmental impact statements as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Establishes procedures for review of the leasing program by affected States, localities, and regions. Authorizes the establishment of Regional Outer Continental Shelf Advisory Boards. Stipulates that Board recommendations on proposed leasing activities for such region shall be binding upon the Secretary unless inconsistent with national security or the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study areas included in lease sales in order to develop baseline information concerning the potential impact of the proposed oil and gas development on the coastal environment. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate safety regulations for oil and gas development operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs the National Academy of Engineering to study the adequacy of existing safety regulations and submit its findings to Congress and the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce applicable safety, environmental, and occupational safety and health regulations relating to development of the Outer Continental Shelf. Allows citizen suits by persons adversely affected by actions under this Act. Imposes civil penalties of not more than $10,000 per day for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties in fines of not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than ten years for knowing and willful violations of this Act. Reserves the right of the United States to purchase a specified percentage of the oil and gas produced by leases or permits issued pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish procedures for equitable distribution of oil from such leases to small refiners. Imposes restrictions on employment of certain former Interior Department officials by entities subject to regulation under this Act for a period of two years after termination of employment with the Interior Department. Title III: Offshore Oil Spill Pollution Fund - Establishes an Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund within the Department of Transportation. Prohibits discharges of oil from offshore facilities or vessels in harmful quantities. Imposes criminal penalties for failure to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of such discharges. Imposes strict liability upon owners and operators of offshore facilities up to specified limits for damages form from discharges of oil from such facilities. Stipulates that no liability shall be imposed for discharges caused by acts of war or third parties. Imposes a fee not to exceed three cents per barrel on oil produced from the Outer Continental Shelf in order to maintain the Fund at a level of not less than $100,000,000 nor more than $200,000,000. Requires that owners and operators of offshore facilities maintain evidence of financial responsibility. Establishes procedures for settlement of claims for compensation for damages caused by discharges of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this title: $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review use of shut-in oil and gas wells or flaring natural gas on leases issued under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Directs the Federal Power Commission to allow natural gas companies engaged in development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf to transport such natural gas to its service areas for distribution. Requires disclosure of known financial interests in those persons subject to regulation under the Act by officers or employees of the Interior Department.
Bill· SS. 121 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Prohibits the discharge of oil in harmful quantities (as determined by the President under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act), and assesses a civil fine of up to $10,000 against the owner, operator, or licensee of the discharging vessel or facility. Prescribes criminal penalties for the failure of persons in charge of a vessel to notify the appropriate agency of the United States Government of such discharge. Directs the President to act to remove discharged oil unless he determines that such removal will be done properly and expeditiously by the owner or operator of the vessel, onshore or offshore facility, or deepwater port, from which the discharge occurs. Stipulates that all costs, including administrative, incurred by the President, Secretary, or any other person, of cleanup and other actions to minimize damages resulting from a discharge shall be borne by the owner and operator or licensee of the operation from which the discharge occurred up to $150 per gross ton of the responsible vessel. Imposes strict liability on owners and operators of vessels at onshore and offshore facilities and deepwater ports, for damages caused by oil spills, unless it can be shown that such discharge was caused by an act of war. Limits the liability of owners or operators of onshore and offshore facilities and licenses of deepwater ports to the following amounts: (1) $50,000,000, in the case of an onshore facility; (2) $50,000,000, in the case of an offshore facility; and (3) $100,000,000, in the case of a deepwater port. Establishes in the Department of Transportation an agency to be known as the Federal Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Administration to establish and maintain the Federal Oil Pollution Compensation Fund and to act as trustee of the natural resources of the marine environment. Authorizes disbursement of monies from the Fund for payment of damage not actually compensated under this Act, cleanup costs, and research into methods to prevent, contain, and remove discharges. Stipulates monies shall be deposited into the Fund through the levy and collection by the Administration of a 5-cent-per-barrel fee imposed on the owner of oil when the oil is transferred between: (1) a vessel and an onshore or offshore facility; (2) offshore or onshore facilities; or (3) a vessel and a deepwater port. Requires each owner or operator of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility and each licensee to establish and maintain under rules and regulations prescribed by the Administrator, evidence of financial responsibility based on the tonnage of the vessel, the capacity of the facility or deepwater port, and other relevant factors. Directs the Administrator to prescribe and from time to time to revise regulations for the filing, processing, settlement, and adjudication of claims for cleanup costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil. Sets forth procedures for public access to information concerning any communication, document, report, or information transmitted between any official of the Federal Government and any person concerning liability and compensation for damage resulting from the discharge of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this Act: $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1977; $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 per year for fiscal years 1979 and 1980.
Bill· SS. 57 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the appropriation of $350,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, to carry out the general purposes of the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $148,800,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for specified research, development, and demonstration programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $75,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to State and interstate programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for educational and training programs under the Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $5,000,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for grants to States and localities for waste treatment facilities. Specifies a formula for allotment of such funds to States. Revises procedures for allocation of grants for areawide waste treatment management programs. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1977 and 1978 for such grants. Authorizes the appropriation of $150,000,000 per fiscal year for fiscal years 1976, 1977, and 1978, for grants to States for clean lakes programs as authorized by the Act.
Law· SS. 9 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments - Title I: Findings and Purposes with Respect to Managing the Resources of the Outer Continental Shelf - Declares that the national interest will be served by a policy of increased domestic production of the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. Declares it the purpose of this Act to establish policies and procedures for management of the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf, while minimizing or eliminating adverse impacts of such development. Title II: Amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to revise bidding and leasing procedures under the Act. Requires that the Secretary of the Interior provide Governors of affected coastal states with the opportunity to jointly lease lands. Establishes procedures for geological and geophysical exploration in the Outer Continental Shelf. Requires submission of exploration plans to the Secretary of the Interior for approval. Directs the Secretary to prepare and periodically revise an oil and gas leasing program consistent with the purpose of this Act. Stipulates that the Secretary shall be responsible for preparing any environmental impact statements as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Establishes procedures for review of the leasing program by affected States, localities, and regions. Authorizes the establishment of Regional Outer Continental Shelf Advisory Boards. Stipulates that Board recommendations on proposed leasing activities for such region shall be binding upon the Secretary unless inconsistent with national security or the national interest. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study areas included in lease sales in order to develop baseline information concerning the potential impact of the proposed oil and gas development on the coastal environment. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate safety regulations for oil and gas development operations on the Outer Continental Shelf. Directs the National Academy of Engineering to study the adequacy of existing safety regulations and submit its findings to Congress and the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to enforce applicable safety, environmental, and occupational safety and health regulations relating to development of the Outer Continental Shelf. Allows citizen suits by persons adversely affected by actions under this Act. Imposes civil penalties of not more than $10,000 per day for failure to comply with the provisions of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties in fines of not more than $100,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than ten years for knowing and willful violations of this Act. Reserves the right of the United States to purchase a specified percentage of the oil and gas produced by leases or permits issued pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to establish procedures for equitable distribution of oil from such leases to small refiners. Imposes restrictions on employment of certain former Interior Department officials by entities subject to regulation under this Act for a period of two years after termination of employment with the Interior Department. Title III: Offshore Oil Spill Pollution Fund - Establishes an Offshore Oil Pollution Compensation Fund within the Department of Transportation. Prohibits discharges of oil from offshore facilities or vessels in harmful quantities. Imposes criminal penalties for failure to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of such discharges. Imposes strict liability upon owners and operators of offshore facilities up to specified limits for damages resulting from discharges of oil from such facilities. Stipulates that no liability shall be imposed for discharges caused by acts of war or third parties. Imposes a fee not to exceed three cents per barrel on oil produced from the Outer Continental Shelf in order to maintain the Fund at a level of not less than $100,000,000 nor more than $200,000,000. Requires that owners and operators of offshore facilities maintain evidence of financial responsibility. Establishes procedures for settlement of claims for compensation for damages caused by discharges of oil. Authorizes the appropriation of the following sums for the administration of this title: $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1977; $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1978; and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1979. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to review use of shut-in oil and gas wells or flaring natural gas on leases issued under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Directs the Federal Power Commission to allow natural gas companies engaged in development activities on the Outer Continental Shelf to transport such natural gas to its service areas for distribution. Requires disclosure of known financial interests in those subject to regulation under the Act by officers or employees of the Interior Department.
Bill· HRH.R. 1567 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 January 1977
Amends the Clean Air Act to suspend emission controls on motor vehicles until June 30, 1977, or 60 days after the President determines there is no significant shortage of petroleum fuels, whichever is later. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate specified air quality control regions as areas of significant automobile-related air pollution. Lists air quality control regions which may be so designated by the Administrator without subsequent legislative authorization. Stipulates that emission controls shall not be suspended with respect to vehicles registered to residents of designated regions. Directs the States to submit plans to implement the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that failure to submit an adequate plan or failure to take adequate enforcement action shall result in loss of entitlement to Federal funds under the Clean Air Act or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Prohibits the Administrator and the States from enforcing motor vehicles emissions control standards in areas outside designated regions during the suspension period. Imposes criminal penalties for willful and deliberate violations of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that, after the expiration of this Act, motor vehicles registered in areas outside designated regions shall not be required to be retrofitted nor to comply with emission standards issued pursuant to the Act as long as such vehicles remain registered in such areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 1248 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to accept certification by State water pollution control facilities of responsibility for treatment projects within such State. Authorizes financial assistance to State programs so certified in an amount not to exceed two percent of the Federal allotment for waste treatment works projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 1234 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Natural Environmental Policy Act to require the filing of supplemental environmental impact statements with respect to individual Outer Continental Shelf leases prior to preproduction exploration and development and prior to commencement of production activities.
Bill· HRH.R. 1214 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Title I: General Provisions - Expresses the intent and findings of Congress that alternative energy sources for public and private consumption are necessary to reduce dependence on petroleum, natural gas, and nuclear and hydroelectric generations as a power source. Sets the objective of establishing a cooperative effort to recover potential energy sources and other valuable materials from discarded material. Title II: Office of Discarded Materials; Authorities of the Administrator - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish within the Agency an Office of Discarded Materials to carry out administrative functions under this Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Stipulates that the Administrator shall have exclusive supervisory authority over litigation commenced under this Act. Requires that the concurrence of the Administrator be obtained with respect to any aspect of proceedings before the Supreme Court where the Attorney General acts as the Administrator's representative. Directs the Administrator to collect information on discarded materials for dissemination to the public. Requires the establishment of resource recovery panels to assist State and local programs. Directs the Administrator to undertake studies and reports on discarded mining wastes and sludge material. Authorizes Federal grants to public and private applicants to assist in the purchase of discarded tire shredders. Authorizes appropriations for such programs and studies. Requires annual reports to Congress by the Administrator on activities of the Office of Discarded Materials. Title III: Hazardous Waste Management - Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for identifying hazardous waste materials. Establishes procedures for the development of standards to seasonably protect human health from hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to establish a permit program to regulate the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Establishes requirements for application for such permits. Directs the Administrator to establish standards for State hazardous waste programs. Establishes procedures for authorization and withdrawal of authorization by the Administrator for the operation of State programs. Requires the operators of facilities regulated by this Act to allow authorized officials duly designated by the Administrator access to records relating to hazardous waste, and to enter and inspect facilities at any reasonable time upon the furnishing of a written statement as to the reason for the inspection by the authorized official. Establishes procedures for Federal enforcement of hazardous waste regulations. Title IV: State or Regional Discarded Materials Plans - Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines for State or regional discarded materials management plans. Lists factors to be considered by the Administrator in developing such guidelines. Establishes minimum requirements for approval of plans by the Administrator. Authorizes technical assistance to States and localities for the development and implementation of such plans. Requires that such plans provide for the elimination of ocean dumping after 1981. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for classification of facilities as sanitary landfills. Stipulates that each State or regional plan shall require disposal of all discarded material in a sanitary landfill. Authorizes the Administrator to offer financial and technical assistance to States and localities for the removal of sludge and other wastes from waters and shorelines. Directs the Administrator to establish a task force to provide such technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981 for grants for the removal of such sludge or waste. Authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1979,$40,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1981 for grants to States for the development and implementation of State plans. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees from the United States Resource Recovery Corporation to local governments and other persons only with respect to facilities located in States or regions having an approved plan. Title V: Duties of the Secretary of Commerce in Resource Conservation and Recovery. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish accurate specifications for recovered materials and to promote the development of resource recovery technology. Title VI: United States Resource Recovery Corporation - Creates a nonprofit United States Resource Recovery Corporation to stimulate the construction of new resource recovery facilities by reducing a portion of the operating risk inherent in traditional methods of capital formation for such facilities. Authorizes the Corporation to provide financial assistance to eligible facilities for up to 50 percent of the initial project cost. Limits the amount of financial assistance which may be outstanding at any time to a total of $2,500,000,000. Authorizes the appropriation of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1979 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, for administrative expenses incurred by the Corporation. Title VII: Federal Responsibilities - Requires Federal procurement agencies to maximize use of resource recovery and energy efficient methods in Federal procurement practices. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish guidelines for procurement agencies with recommended practices designed to encourage energy conservation and resource recovery. Title VIII: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who seek to enforce legally protected rights under this Act. Authorizes citizen suits in Federal district courts for alleged violations of provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1092 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to declare that each person has a fundamental and inalienable right to a healthful environment. Stipulates that persons engaged in activities affecting interstate commerce who are responsible for air pollution, water pollution, or the creation of any unreasonable noise, shall be subject to liability in class actions brought in United States district courts. Stipulates that district courts shall have jurisdiction of such class actions without regard to the amount in controversy. Declares that the remedies provided by this Act are in addition to any other remedies available under existing Federal and State law.
Bill· HRH.R. 994 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Pollution Control Facility Loan Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make loans to any applicant to aid in financing any project within an eligible area for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of a certified pollution control facility. Specifies the conditions for such loans. Stipulates that no loan shall be made which exceeds 65 percent of the aggregate cost of the project. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving fund available to the Secretary for the purpose of making loans under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of $750,000,000 to be deposited in the revolving fund.
Law· HRH.R. 692 (95th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Title I: Authorizations and Limitations - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the appropriation for surety bond guarantees from $56,500,000 to $71,000,000. Increases from $6,000,000,000 to $8,000,000,000 the amount appropriated for the business loan and investment fund of the Small Business Administration. Increases from $450,000,000 to $525,000,000 the amount appropriated for economic opportunity loans. Increases the funds for small business investment companies from $725,000,000 to $1,100,000,000. Authorizes appropriations and sets program levels for various programs under the Small Business Act for fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Title II: Miscellaneous, Conforming and Technical Amendments - Requires that reports to the President and Congress concerning minority small businesses include: the proportion of loans and other assistance under this Act; the goals of the Administration for the next fiscal year with respect to such concerns: and recommendations for improving assistance. Title III: Amendments to Small Business Administration Loan Authority - Amends the Small Business Act to allow loans to be used for the financing of residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale. States that no payments will be required of the small business while payments are being made by the Small Business Administration pursuant to the assumption of such business's obligation or while the Administration has suspended payment on its own loan. Limits the period of such assumption or suspension to five years. Sets the prerequisites for receiving the loan and the conditions for repayment of such loan. Title IV: Amendments to Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Authority - Expands the coverage of disaster loans to situations which the Small Business Administration determines to be disasters and where no disaster has been declared upon the certification by the Governor of a State to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster and that financial assistance is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster-stricken area. Title V: Certificate of Competency - Amends the elements to be considered in certification of any small business for the receipt or performance of a specific Government contract. Requires that final disposition of contract awards be made by the Administration. Describes the role of Government procurement officers and officers engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property. Title VI: Small Business Set-Asides - Provides that any contracting agency, under the Small Business Act, shall place contracts to allow more than one small business concern to perform work, if the amount of a proposed small business set-aside contract exceeds the maximum amount of a contract for which a surety may be guaranteed against loss under the Small Business Administration's surety bond guarantee program.
Bill· HRH.R. 809 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States, localities, interstate bodies, corporations, partnerships, and associations for treatment works training projects by contract without regard to generally applicable procedures with respect to expenditure of funds for public contracts.
Bill· HRH.R. 776 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) of any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 698 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 1977 for environmental research, development, and demonstration activities in the following categories and amounts: (1) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, $13,813,900; (2) health studies under the Public Health Service Act, $878,900; (3) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, $13,592,500; (4) under the Clean Air Act, $129,223,500; (5) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1974, $14,278,900; (6) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, $89,779,300; and (7) under the Toxic Substance Control Act, $10,000,000. Prohibits the transfer of more than ten percent of the total funds in one category to another category without the consent of Congress. Establishes procedures for obtaining the consent of Congress in such cases. Authorizes transfers of an amount not to exceed ten percent of the total research budget for the Agency to other authorized Agency activities (except waste treatment works construction grants and overseas research programs). Directs the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to conduct a continuing inventory of environmental research and development programs and include the results of such inventory in the annual report to the President and Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 651 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to accept certification by State water pollution control facilities of responsibility for treatment projects within such State. Authorizes financial assistance to State programs so certified in an amount not to exceed two percent of the Federal allotment for waste treatment works projects.
Bill· HRH.R. 635 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring an indirect emission source review as part of any applicable clean air implementation plan.
Bill· HRH.R. 551 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Fuel Discharge Act - Title I: Discharge of Fuel - Prohibits discharges of fuel by vessels into the territorial seas of the United States. Prohibits discharges of fuel by United States vessels on the high seas. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibitions for discharges which are necessary for safety or emergency reasons, or which are less than ten gallons in quantity. Requires immediate reporting of any discharges to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, who shall monitor and analyze such discharges. Stipulates that such Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall enforce the provisions of this title. Imposes a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each violation of the provisions of this Act. Imposes an additional penalty of up to $100,000 or five years imprisonment or both for knowing violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense. Authorizes civil suits by private parties to enforce provisions of this Act. Directs the Secretary of State to seek effective international cooperation to prohibit the discharge of fuel oils and petroleum products into the oceanic waters and high seas of the United States. Title II: Comprehensive Research on Discharging of Fuel - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish criteria for determining the impact of such discharges on human health, animal and plant life, and marine ecosystems.
Bill· HRH.R. 520 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Tennessee Valley Authority Act to allow credits against required power investment return payments for expenditures for certified pollution control facilities. Requires that pollution control facilities be certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency as being in compliance with applicable air and water quality standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 473 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase the maximum civil penalty which may be assessed by the Coast Guard for discharges of oil and hazardous substances from $5,000 to $50,000 per violation. Imposes criminal penalties for such illegal discharges of up to $50,000 in fines and for imprisonment for not more than three years.
Bill· HRH.R. 405 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit use of tolls or other charges for the use of New York City bridges as part of any clean air implementation plan. Voids all such tolls and charges previously so included. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise implementation plans through public hearing procedures should such a prohibition result in a failure to achieve air quality standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 373 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to approve user charge systems based upon ad valorem taxation if he determines that: (1) changing from such method would create hardships; and (2) using such method would substantially achieve the goal of proportionality among classes of recipients and individual users. Stipulates that indirect costs not attributable to individual users shall be equitably prorated among all user classes.
Bill· HRH.R. 188 (95th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Intervention on the High Seas Act to redefine terms and establish procedures in a manner consistent with the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances Other Than Oil, 1973. Places the burden of proof on the United States to establish that the substance reasonably could have posed a grave and imminent danger at the time of the intervention in actions brought against the United States for use of excessive measures during the course of an intervention.
Bill· HRH.R. 276 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prescribe warranty regulations of 12 months or 12,000 miles for motor vehicle emission control devices rather than the currently prescribed standard of the "useful life" of the vehicle and engine.
Bill· HRH.R. 221 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone until model year 1980 motor vehicle emission standards which require a 90 percent reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from light duty vehicles. Extends interim standards for such pollutants through model year 1979.
Bill· HRH.R. 244 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that compliance orders issued under applicable air and water pollution control standards include cost-benefit analyses.
Bill· HRH.R. 48 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 47 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States a fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution. Enumerates the sources of monies to be deposited in such fund, including a fee, not to exceed three cents per barrel of oil, imposed upon owners of facilities receiving oil. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury at times when fund assets are insufficient to meet fund liabilities. Lists the types of injuries which may be compensated under this Act and the potential claimants who have standing to assert claims involving each such type of damage. Imposes joint, several, and strict liability on the owners and operators of each pollution source. Specifies liability limits, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, for ships and other vessels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish limits on the liability of classes of facilities used for transporting, producing, processing, storing, or transferring oil. Requires the owner or operator: (1) of any such facility; or (2) any ship which uses such facility or navigable waters of the United States, to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable liability limits. Directs the person in charge of a vessel or facility to immediately notify the Secretary of Transportation of any pollution incident in which the vessel or facility is involved. Specifies procedures whereby the Secretary may, in the absence of such an admission, designate and advertise pollution sources. Directs the Secretary, in instances in which: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility designated by the Secretary deny such vessel's or facility's involvement; (2) the source of the discharge is a public vessel; or (3) the Secretary is unable to designate the pollution source, to advertise procedures for presenting claims directly to the fund. Requires all other claims, with limited exceptions, to be initially presented to the owner or operator, or to such persons' guarantor. Permits claimants to either present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court when an owner or operator and a guarantor deny liability or fail to settle the claim within a specified period. Sets forth procedures for the disposition and appeal of claims submitted to the fund. Requires both the plaintiff and the defendant in a court action brought against an owner, operator, or guarantor to forward copies of all pleadings to the fund. Permits the fund to intervene in such actions. Subrogates any person or governmental entity, including the fund, paying compensation to all the claimant's claims and rights under this Act. Specifies procedures for and the measure of recovery in actions brought by the fund against owners, operators, or guarantors of alleged pollution sources. Declares that the rights and remedies under this Act shall be exclusive with respect to economic loss caused by oil pollution. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments; Severability - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 55 (95th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 January 1977
Amends rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a standing House Committee on the Environment, to consist of 25 members of the House of Representatives. Grants the committee jurisdiction over 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.