Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
Records
Bill· SS. 413 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1979
Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 - Title I: Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a single system of measuring noise and the impact of noise on individuals to be used to measure noise at airports and their surrounding areas and to establish land uses for such areas which are compatible with such noise levels. Allows airport operators to submit noise impact maps to the Secretary setting forth the noncompatible uses in each area of the map, a description of the projected aircraft operations during 1985, and the ways in which such operations will affect such map. Requires the revision of such maps when changes in airports operations would create any new noncompatible use in areas surrounding an airport. Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary to make grants to qualified airports for noise compatibility planning. Defines "noise compatibility planning" as the preparation of noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs under this Act. Sets forth limitation regarding the amounts which may be obligated through such grant program. Authorizes appropriations of $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1980 and beyond to carry out such grant program. Stipulates that noise compatibility programs be filed with the Secretary. Sets forth factors under which the Secretary may disapprove noise compatibility programs. Stipulates that the Federal share of an approved program shall be 80 percent of its cost. Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants to operators of airports for projects to carry out a noise compatibility program developed prior to the enactment of this Act or the promulgation of its implementing regulations under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to obligate up to $75,000,000 out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund for fiscal year 1980 to carry out approved noise compatibility programs. Requires the Secretary to prepare noise impact maps and noise compatibility programs for specified airports near the District of Columbia. Limits suits for damages resulting from airport noise by individuals acquiring property in an area surrounding an airport for which a noise impact map has been submitted. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the effectiveness of airport noise compatibility planning and programs which were funded pursuant to this Act. Title II: Amends the Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 to increase specified appropriations authorized under such Act for fiscal year 1980. Increases the Federal share for specified airport development projects under such Act. Title III: Directs the Secretary to require foreign aircraft operating in the United States to meet specified noise standards if the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) does not adopt noise standards which are the same as or substantially similar to the noise standards prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations issued by the Secretary which were in effect on January 1, 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to provide waivers from the noise regulations in effects on January 1, 1977, where the operator has made a good faith effort to comply with such regulations for such a period as the Secretary determines to be reasonable to permit compliance. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a waiver for the operation of aircraft which do not meet such noise standards beyond January 1, 1985, if the operator has a plan or contract for the replacement of such aircraft by a specified date. Authorizes the Civil Aeronautics Board to require aircraft operators to impose a specified noise abatement surcharge on domestic or international flights which shall be retained and utilized by an aircraft operator until its fleet is in compliance with applicable Federal noise abatement regulations. Authorizes the Board to modify such surcharge under specified circumstances. Terminates all noise abatement charges 60 months after the enactment of this Act. Title IV: Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the implementation of collision avoidance systems in the national air traffic control system.
Bill· HRH.R. 2035 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1980, 1981, and 1982 to carry out a cooperative program with the States for the conservation, development, and enhancement of anadromous fish.
Bill· HRH.R. 2066 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to delete the requirement that the water diversion structure authorized to be constructed by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission not conflict with the Secretary of the Army's report submitted pursuant to the Water Resources Development Act of 1974.
Bill· HRH.R. 1963 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Ocean Dumping Amendments Act of 1979 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to include a prohibition on the dumping of industrial waste into ocean waters.
Bill· HRH.R. 1959 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 February 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to repeal certain conditions for grants and loans for treatment works construction relating to payments of user fees and loan repayment assurances.
Bill· HRH.R. 1852 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Nuclear Waste Management Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make a preliminary determination concerning: (1) the location of a site to serve as a Federal demonstration repository for nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel assemblies; (2) the techniques and methods to be used for the design, construction, and operation of such facility; (3) the procedures for transporting such wastes to the facility; and (4) the appropriate actions necessary to assure protection of the public health and safety and of the environment. Requires that any site recommended by the Secretary comport with recommendations made by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), to the maximum extent possible. Requires the Secretary to select a site for such Federal nuclear waste repository by June 30, 1980, and to arrange for the construction and operation of such facility on such site by September 30, 1988. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress a detailed construction schedule for such facility, including the completion dates of required environmental impact statements, and issuance of work authorization permits. Directs the Secretary to file with the NRC a license application for the facility and requires the NRC to act on such application within two years of the application submittal. Directs the Secretary to file a license application with the NRC for the receipt, storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual status reports on the progress of the facility until operation begins. Directs the Secretary to hold public hearings and submit a comprehensive report to Congress, if the Secretary determines that circumstances exist which may impede the construction of such repository. Authorizes the Secretary to provide funds by contract for any research, development, and construction activities necessary to carry out the duties under the Act. Stipulates that the Secretary need not comply with specified bid advertising requirements with respect to such contracts. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with other persons relating to the transfer of nuclear wastes or spent nuclear fuel assemblies from civilian nuclear power plants licensed under the Atomic Energy Act to the Federal facility. Provides that user fees be established pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish and pay a fee for acquiring title to and custody of spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Requires that any materials transferred to the Federal facility be in a form, suitable for storage as determined by regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress annual reports of all agreements entered into relating to the transfer of nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel assemblies. Provides that all such records, reports, or information obtained by the Secretary be made available to the public, except where either a showing is made that some portion is entitled to protection as trade secrets, or the Secretary determines that the confidentiality of information is required as a matter of national security. Permits disclosure of information which may constitute either trade secrets or matters of national security to officers, employees, or authorized representatives of the U.S. concerned with carrying out this Act or involved in proceedings under this Act. Prohibits withholding of any such information from any duly-authorized congressional committee. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effects of Federal routing requirements for barge, rail, and highway shipment of nuclear wastes; and (2) the methods needed to insure State participation in the transportation planning process. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate standards and criteria for exposure to radiation from activities involved in the permanent storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuels assemblies and nuclear wastes. Requires that such standards be published in the Federal Register for public comment. Directs the Administrator to submit an assessment of public health and safety aspects of such activities to the NRC. Establishes the Nuclear Waste Management Advisory Committee to study and advise the Secretary on matters concerning: (1) the scope, pace, costs, and benefits of research and development of nuclear waste disposal technology; (2) the existing and prospective Federal policies and programs affecting development of such technology; (3) research, development, and demonstration activities relating to the construction and operation of a Federal demonstration repository; (4) means to insure effective participation by State and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific and technical community, and the public in the research, development, siting, planning, construction, and operation of a Federal demonstration repository; and (5) any other action taken by the Secretary in carrying out the duties under the Act. Directs heads of Federal agencies to cooperate with the Committee and to furnish any information deemed necessary to carry out its duties under the Act. Directs the Secretary to seek advice from State and local governments, public and private organizations and industry with respect to such technologies. Requires the Secretary to advise the Governor of any State designated as containing a potential site for construction of the Federal facility, to review and consider any materials or recommendations submitted by the Governor of such State and to notify the Governor of the State finally selected for the construction of the Federal facility. Directs the Secretary to not carry out duties under this Act in the event of such a formal recommendation from the Governor unless he resolves the matter with the Governor or finds that the construction of a repository at the designated site is consistent with the public health and welfare and will further the public interest. Affords that State or its representative the opportunity to participate in any NRC licensing proceeding and allows the State legislature to submit materials to be included in NRC's environmental impact statement.
Bill· HRH.R. 1845 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 February 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to change from mandatory to discretionary the assessment of civil penalties by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating against owners or operators of vessels, onshore facilities, or offshore facilities from which oil or hazardous substances are illegally discharged.
Bill· HRH.R. 1822 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 1791 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1979
Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to provide that any site within a State selected by the Department of Energy for radioactive waste storage shall be subject to review and disapproval by the legislature or Governor of such State.
Bill· SS. 298 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Amends the Endangered Species Act to abolish the Endangered Species Committee. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to review programs administered by him and to utilize such programs to carry out the purpose of this Act. Requires Federal agencies, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to utilize their authorities in carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Exempts the Tellico Dam and Reservoir and the Columbia Dam and Reservoir projects of the Tennessee Valley Authority from the provisions of this Act.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 43 (96th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Authorizes additional expenditures by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for inquiries and investigations from March 1, 1979, through February 29, 1980, not to exceed $1,429,200.
Bill· HRH.R. 1740 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
Authorizes payment of up to nine-tenths of the costs incurred in the alteration or replacement of unamortized municipal waste incinerators for the purpose of immediate compliance with air quality standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 1713 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 January 1979
National Oil Recycling Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to exempt lubricating oils sold for use in producing rerefined oil from the excise tax imposed on lubricating oils. Directs all Federal officials to encourage the use of recycled oil through Federal contracts and procurement policies. Directs the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and all other Federal agencies to revise procurement regulations to conform to the intent of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States which submit acceptable waste oil management plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Imposes monetary limitations on the amount of such grants. Stipulates that this Act shall not preempt stricter State controls over recycled oil. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the labeling of recycled oil in order to encourage the recycling of oil. Requires that automotive oil packaged for sale to consumers be sold in resalable containers with a mandatory 30 cent refund value for each container. Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to establish a program of research to improve the performance and marketability of recycled oil. Requires the development of performance standards and testing standards designed to compare the performance of recycled oil with new oil. Prohibits contracts which intend to discourage the recycling of used oil. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. Requires major users of industrial oil, used oil recyclers, and used oil collectors to maintain complete records of oil recycling-related activities. Requires the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to submit various reports to Congress on activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the mandatory licensing of patent rights where necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· SS. 242 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1979
Amends the Endangered Species Act to abolish the Endangered Species Committee. Repeals the requirements: (1) that an agency conduct a biological assessment identifying any endangered or threatened species likely to be affected by any proposed agency action; and (2) that the Secretary of Commerce, after consultation with any Federal agency, write a formal opinion detailing how the agency's action affects an endangered or threatened species or its habitat, and suggesting alternative actions which would avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of such species.
Bill· HRH.R. 1518 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 January 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase the maximum civil penalty which may be assessed for discharges of oil and hazardous substances from $5,000 to $100,000 per violation. Imposes criminal penalties for such illegal discharges of fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years, or both.
Bill· HRH.R. 1416 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value of brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 60 days imprisonment for violation of the provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the rate of reuse and recycling as a result of this Act. Stipulates that the labeling of refund values shall be required within three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that the prohibition on detachable metal openings shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 159 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 January 1979
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the last Friday in April of each year as "National Arbor Day."
Bill· HRH.R. 1150 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to postpone for one year the application of certain restrictions to areas which have failed to attain national ambient air quality standards and to delay for one year the date required for adoption and submission of State implementation plans applicable to these areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 1049 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Toxic Tort Act - Title I: Federal Cause of Action - Creates a Federal cause of action for damages to any person physically injured by the negligent manufacture of a toxic pollutant by a manufacturer. Stipulates that this action shall not preempt any other rights or causes of action existing under State or Federal law. Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for actions brought under this title, such period to commence on the date that the Environmental Protection Agency determines the requisite nexus exists between the physical injury complained of and the toxic pollutant alleged to be the cause of such injury. Authorizes the award of exemplary damages upon a finding by the trier of fact that the conduct of the defendant constituted a gross and wanton disregard for public safety. Sets forth certain rules regarding rebuttable presumptions and jurisdiction for any action pursuant to this title. Title II: State Worker's Compensation Law Amendments - Preempts any provision of State law contrary to the provisions, purposes, or intents of this title. Declares that the worker's compensation law of any State shall not deny benefits to any injured person solely for the untimely filing of a claim for benefits where such claim would have been timely under the provisions of this Act. Title III: Toxic Pollutant Compensation Agency - Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency the Toxic Pollutant Compensation Agency (TPCA). Sets forth the powers and duties of the TPCA, including the power to subpoena any person to provide information deemed relevant to a claim; to promulgate such rules, regulations, and procedures necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act; to employ experts and consultants; and to perform any other administrative activities necessary for the effective fulfillment of its powers and duties under this Act. Outlines the procedure for certification of victims of toxic substance pollution and sets forth criteria upon which the TPCA shall determine whether the toxic pollutant caused the physical injury. Entitles certified victims to benefits not to exceed $50,000 per victim for medical expenses, costs of rehabilitation, and lost wages, where such claims are not provided for by insurance. Directs the TPCA to promulgate, through rules and regulations, appropriate forms and procedures for the filing of claims for benefits. Entitles persons other than the victim to payment of benefits if necessary to secure payment of alimony, maintenance or child support, to insure satisfaction of authenticated claims by those who furnished the victim with products or services constituting medical or rehabilitation benefits, or to insure satisfaction of claims for reasonable attorney's fees. Establishes the Toxic Pollutant Revolving Fund to provide for the payment of benefits. Directs the TPCA to prepare and submit to the Congress and the President annual reports of the activities of the TPCA. Vests jurisdiction for review of any compensation award or other final determination of the TPCA in the United States district court for the district in which the injury, disease, or death allegedly occurred. Authorizes the court to grant appropriate relief to persons petitioning for a review of a TPCA award or order. Title IV: Environmental Protection Agency - Sets forth powers and duties of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in administering this Act. Authorizes the EPA to make studies and investigations to determine whether physical injuries are caused by toxic pollutants, and sets forth procedures for conducting such studies and investigations. Requires the EPA to publish in the Federal Register for public comment any tentative findings of requisite nexus between a physical injury and an allegedly toxic pollutant, and to make and publish a final determination upon a finding of requisite nexus. Authorizes judicial review in the United States district court of such finding upon petition praying that the finding be set aside or modified.
Bill· HRH.R. 1071 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Radioactive Waste Management Act of 1978 - Requires the Secretary of Energy, before investigating any site for construction of a radioactive waste storage facility, to notify each chamber of the concerned State legislature and publish notice of such investigation in the Federal Register. Requires notice to State legislatures of decisions and contracts for the construction of such facilities. Allows a 120-day period for disapproval of construction by the affected State's legislature or by statewide referendum.
Bill· HRH.R. 1048 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to identify and monitor abandoned hazardous waste sites. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States which submit programs for the maintenance and reclamation of abandoned hazardous waste sites where such programs are approved under rules promulgated by the Administrator intended to protect the public health, safety, and the environment. Authorizes States, pursuant to approved State programs, to enter, study and acquire any land adversely affected by hazardous waste at abandoned hazardous waste disposal sites and to do all things necessary to restore, reclaim, abate, control, or prevent such adverse effects if such action is required in the public interest. Specifies conditions under which a State may acquire such lands. Authorizes the sale of such acquired lands after restoration and reclamation has been accomplished where such lands are deemed to be suitable for specified uses. Directs a State to record a lien against lands not acquired by the State for moneys expended to restore, reclaim or prevent adverse effects of hazardous waste disposal on such lands. Authorizes the Administrator to designate sites for new hazardous waste disposal sites upon a finding that such sites will be safe and environmentally sound. Requires the Administrator to consult with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and to take into account results of studies and investigations of such sites initiated under agreements between the Administrator and NAS before designating such sites. Establishes a fund for the maintenance and reclamation of abandoned sites. Provides that fees collected from permit holders, based upon the toxicity of the type of waste involved and the costs of the technology needed to treat, store or dispose of such type of waste accepted by such persons, shall form the basis of such fund. Imposes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with requirements of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and implement programs for maintenance and reclamation of such sites in the event a State fails to receive program approval within one year of enactment of this Act, and stipulates that such Federal programs shall remain in effect until the approval of a State program. Authorizes the Administrator to provide assistance in specified emergencies caused by the release into the environment of any pollutant or other contaminant associated with a hazardous waste facility. Authorizes the appropriation of $25,000,000 to maintain that level, for a contingency fund to carry out such emergency assistance. Imposes liability upon an owner or operator of such facility for such discharges for the actual costs incurred by the United States in such emergency cleanup operations. Makes necessary technical and conforming amendments to the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 1010 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 January 1979
Abolishes the Environmental Protection Agency. Terminates all functions, activities and powers of such Agency. Directs that all regulations, orders, rules, determinations, contracts, licenses, certificates, and privileges allowed to become effective by such Agency shall cease to have effect.
Bill· SS. 50 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Beverage Container Reuse and Recycling Act of 1979 - Prohibits the sale of carbonated beverages in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of not less than five cents. Requires that retailers and distributors pay the amount of the affixed refund value for brands of beverages bought and sold by such retailers or distributors. Prohibits States from imposing any tax on the collection or return of refund values established by this Act. Prohibits distributors and retailers from selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings. Imposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 60 days imprisonment for violation of the provisions of this Act. Stipulates that the labeling of refund values shall be required within three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Stipulates that the prohibition on detachable metal openings shall take effect one year after the date of enactment of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 790 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Prohibits the distribution in commerce of any ionization smoke detector unless such device bears a label which: (1) includes a recognized symbol indicating the presence of radioactive material; and (2) bears the following statement: "This device contains radioactive material which may be hazardous to your health if ingested or improperly disposed."
Bill· HRH.R. 791 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Bans smoke detectors containing any radioactive isotope under the prohibitions of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Makes such smoke detectors and manufacturers of such detectors subject to the provisions of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 594 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
National Oil Recycling Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to exempt lubricating oils sold for use in producing rerefined oil from the excise tax imposed on lubricating oils. Directs all Federal officials to encourage the use of recycled oil through Federal contracts and procurement policies. Directs the General Services Administration, the Department of Defense, and all other Federal agencies to revise procurement regulations to conform to the intent of this Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States which submit acceptable waste oil management plans in accordance with prescribed criteria. Imposes monetary limitations on the amount of such grants. Stipulates that this Act shall not preempt stricter State controls over recycled oil. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations governing the labeling of recycled oil in order to encourage the recycling of oil. Requires that automotive oil packaged for sale to consumers be sold in resalable containers with a mandatory 30 cent refund value for each container. Directs the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to establish a program of research to improve the performance and marketability of recycled oil. Requires the development of performance standards and testing standards designed to compare the performance of recycled oil with new oil. Prohibits contracts which intend to discourage the recycling of used oil. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of such prohibition. Requires major users of industrial oil, used oil recyclers, and used oil collectors to maintain complete records of oil recycling-related activities. Requires the Administrator of Energy Research and Development to submit various reports to Congress on activities undertaken pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the mandatory licensing of patent rights where necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Imposes criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 549 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to provide legal and technical assistance in: (1) the enforcement of contracts dealing with treatment works and (2) actions involving a serious question of effectiveness of a treatment system, posing a potential threat to public health. Empowers the Environmental Protection Agency to intervene in any civil action involving the enforcement of such contracts.
Bill· HRH.R. 497 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the States and local school systems for the reduction of asbestos levels in the interior air of school buildings. Stipulates that such grants shall be for 75 to 90 percent of actual costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 440 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to add to the scope of Federal permit authority with respect to discharges of dredged or fill material by requiring permits for such discharges into wetlands adjacent to navigable waters. Allows the discharge of such materials without a permit into waters other than navigable waters and adjacent wetlands. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to enter into agreements with States to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters and adjacent wetlands. Exempts farming, silviculture, ranching, forestry and specified construction activities from permit requirements with respect to discharges of dredged or fill material. Stipulates that Federal projects shall be exempt only if the effects of such discharges have been assessed pursuant to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to delegate authority over dredged and fill material in adjacent wetlands to the States.
Bill· HRH.R. 85 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund for the purposes 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. Obligates owners of such oil to reimburse the refinery or terminal the full amount of the fee levied on such person's oil. Imposes a civil penalty on any person required to pay or collect such fees who fails to do so. 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 vessel 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 claims with limited exceptions to be presented initially to the owner or operator, or to such person's guarantor. Permits claimants either to present a claim to the fund or to bring an action in an appropriate United States court if liability is denied or the claim is not settled 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 government 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. Directs the President to conduct a study to determine whether adequate private oil pollution protection is reasonably available to owners and operators of vessels and facilities. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Act, to conform with the the provisions of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 290 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Sludge Management Act of 1979 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study the environmental, health, and economic effects of subsurface landfilling sludge on soils and ground water, and alternate methods of sludge disposal. Directs the Administrator to develop guidelines for sludge disposal and land-spreading in order to protect the public health and welfare. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States and localities of up to 40 percent of the cost of removal of sludge from navigable waters of the United States or any adjacent shoreline. Directs the Administrator to establish an Environmental Protection Agency Task Force on sludge removal. Authorizes the establishment of programs of training, demonstration, and surveys relating to the restoration of water quality where degraded by sludge. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit grants for treatment works, unless the applicant demonstrates that adequate, confined sludge disposal methods will be provided.
Bill· HRH.R. 278 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Public Health Service Act by authorizing the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants under the Safe Drinking Water Act to public water systems to clean and update water supply lines. Sets limits on the amount granted to each recipient and priorities on allotments of sums appropriated.
Bill· HRH.R. 176 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that compliance orders include an analysis of the benefits which will result from compliance with the applicable requirements as compared with the cost of such compliance.
Bill· HRH.R. 170 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Airport Noise Curfew Act - Establishes an Airport Noise Curfew Commission to study and make recommendations to Congress regarding the establishment of curfew on nonmilitary aircraft operations over populated areas during normal sleeping hours. Directs the Commission to submit its findings within six months and terminates the Commission at such time. Grants the Commission subpoena power in carrying out its mission.
Bill· HRH.R. 29 (96th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 January 1979
Comprehensive Oil Pollution Liability and Compensation Act - Title I: Domestic Oil Pollution Liability, Compensation, and Fund - Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Comprehensive Oil Spill Liability Fund for the purpose of paying for otherwise uncompensated losses resulting from oil pollution, for research related to the purposes of this title, and for necessary administrative and personnel costs. 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. Obligates owners of such oil to reimburse the refinery or terminal owner the full amount of the fee levied on such person's oil. Impose a civil penalty on any person required to pay or collect such fees who fails to do so. 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 person's grantor. 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. Permits a claimant to elect to pursue his remedy for damages under this Act or under any applicable State law and precludes submission of that claim under the alternative procedure. Sets penalties for persons failing to comply with specified provisions in this Act. Title II: Effective Dates; Conforming Amendments: - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Amends specified laws, including the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Act, to conform with the provisions of this Act.