Environment

Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Oil Pollution Act Amendments Title II: Marine Science Enhancement for Oil Spill Prevention and Response Title III: Deepwater Port Modernization Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1996 - Title I: Oil Pollution Act Amendments - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue not later than September 30, 1996, a final rule under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) regarding operational requirements applicable to tank vessels over 5,000 gross tons without double hulls that the Secretary determines will provide environmental protection as substantial as is economically and technologically feasible. (Sec. 102) Amends OPA to add provisions for rules regarding operational safety of single-hull barges. Requires captains of ports in which tank vessels operate to establish minimum under-keel clearances for entering or departing port. Amends Federal law to allow the Secretary to require the installation, maintenance, and use of a fire suppression system or other equipment on board towing vessels. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) review existing requirements regarding oil lighterage in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, considering economic burdens of regulation and international standards; (2) coordinate with the National Research Council a study into how the designation of shipping lanes and waters through which tankers transport oil affects the risk of an oil spill; and (3) report to the Congress a plan to increase reporting of vessel accidents to appropriate State law enforcement officials. Imposes monetary penalties for failing to report a casualty under a State marine casualty reporting system. (Sec. 105) Amends OPA to exclude from the definition of a vessel owner or operator: (1) persons with security interests in or security titles to vessels; and (2) lessors or charterers unless they have actual possession or control, or participate in the management, of the vessel at the time of oil discharge. Restricts to single hull tank vessels and double-hull tank vessels over 20 years old application of the exception to the limit on liability of a responsible party where the incident was caused by violation of an applicable Federal safety, construction, or operating regulation. (Sec. 106) Revises litigation procedures to allow a responsible party or guarantor, after the filing of a claim for costs or damages, to petition a district court for limitation of or exoneration from liability under defenses and limitation provisions of OPA, after which such court shall retain jurisdiction over the actions and enjoin prosecution of proceedings against the vessel, responsible party, guarantor, or their property in any other court. (Sec. 107) Deems removal costs and damages resulting from a vessel's discharge (or substantial threat of discharge) of oil to be a maritime lien and recoverable in an action in rem in the district court for the district in which the vessel is found. (Sec. 108) Exempts from the tank vessel double-hull construction requirements: (1) documented vessels equipped with a double hull before August 12, 1992; (2) certain barges operating in or adjacent to the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Arctic Ocean and in the waters of the Aleutian Islands and the Alaskan Peninsula of specified longitude; and (3) certain vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Permits operation of barges in other waters on such conditions as the Secretary of Transportation may require. (Sec. 109) Amends Federal shipping law to define "oil spill response vessel" and provide for regulation of such vessels separately with respect to liquid bulk dangerous cargo carriage, manning, presence of licensed individuals, merchant mariner documentation, and towing vessel requirements. Subjects such vessels to inspection. Title II: Marine Science Enhancement for Oil Spill Prevention and Response - Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise procedures by which emergency regulations changing fishery management plans, in response to a public health emergency or an oil spill, may remain in effect. (Sec. 202) Amends OPA to require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish and maintain a scientific support team to respond to oil spills. (Sec. 203) Requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research to disseminate and compile information on previous spills. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Under Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior to maintain and update a body of information on the environmental effects of various types of spills and how best to mitigate them. (Sec. 204) Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a non-regulatory program to: (1) reduce risk of oil spills through navigation safety improvements; (2) promote prompt and effective response and remediation when oil spills occur; (3) enhance recovery and restoration efforts; and (4) advance other purposes of this Act. Requires local or regional elements of the program to be developed in consultation with local maritime commerce and coastal management communities. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Administrator to withdraw from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund up to $15 million per year for each of ten fiscal years to use to modernize commercial marine navigation activities. Imposes requirements of maximum private sector procurement of charting survey ship support. Transfers from NOAA to the Federal Aviation Administration certain aeronautical chart surveying, data dissemination, and pricing functions. Title III: Deepwater Port Modernization - Deepwater Port Modernization Act - Amends the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to add specified statements concerning the promotion of safe oil, including that of outer continental shelf (OCS) oil, to the congressionally declared purposes of the Act. Revises the definition of "deepwater port" to, among other things, include references to transportation of OCS oil. (Sec. 304) Makes revisions to deepwater port licensing procedures regarding: (1) utilization restrictions; (2) anticompetitive effects determinations; (3) addressing of conditions required to carry out the Act; (4) statements of port operating procedures; (5) changes from plans, methods, and procedures by a licensee or transferee; (6) amendment, transfer, or reinstatement consistency requirements; and (7) exemption from information filing requirements. (Sec. 306) Eliminates the requirement of antitrust review of license issuance by the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. (Sec. 307) Requires deepwater ports and storage facilities to accept and convey without discrimination all oil delivered with respect to which their licenses are issued. (Sec. 308) Adds requirements of public involvement and enforcement by a licensee's operations manual to procedures for protecting the marine environment and minimizing the adverse impact of deepwater port construction and operation.

NAFTA Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996

NAFTA Accountability Act - Withdraws approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as of October 1, 1997, unless specified conditions are met. Sets forth conditions for continuing U.S. participation in NAFTA, which must be met before the end of 1996. Requires the President to renegotiate the terms of NAFTA to correct trade deficits, currency distortions, and agricultural provisions in specified ways. Requires certifications by certain U.S. officials with respect to NAFTA, relating to: (1) gains in U.S. jobs and living standards (by the Secretary of Labor); (2) increased U.S. domestic manufacturing (by the Secretary of Commerce); (3) health and environmental standards, with respect to food imports and to U.S.-Mexico border areas (by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency); (4) compliance by Mexican commercial trucks and buses with U.S. transportation safety standards before crossing the U.S. border (by the Secretary of Transportation); (5) flow of illegal drugs from Mexico and Canada (by the Attorney General); and (6) Mexican democracy and human freedoms (by the President). Directs the President to consult regularly with the Congress regarding such negotiations. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consult with appropriate congressional committees in developing technical and conforming amendments that may be required to carry out this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that until the conditions set by this Act are met: (1) the President should not engage in negotiations to expand NAFTA to include other countries; and (2) fast-track authority should not be renewed with respect to the approval of any such NAFTA expansion.

Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 1996

Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require criteria for whole effluent toxicity based on laboratory biological monitoring or assessment methods to employ an aquatic species that is indigenous to the type of waters, a species that is representative of such a species, or an appropriate species that indicates the toxicity of the effluent in the receiving waters, taking into account the accepted analytical variability associated with such methods in defining an exceedance of such criteria. Requires permits to establish procedures for responding to an exceedance of such criteria that includes analysis, identification, reduction, or (where feasible) elimination of any effluent toxicity. Specifies that the failure of a biological monitoring or whole effluent toxicity test shall not result in a finding of a violation under this Act unless the permittee failed to comply with such procedures. Requires permits to allow such procedures to be discontinued if the permittee: (1) is an entity other than a publicly owned treatment works and demonstrates to the permitting authority through a field bioassessment study that a balanced and healthy population of aquatic species indigenous to the type of waters exists in the waters affected by the discharge, and if the applicable numerical water quality standards for specific pollutants are met for such waters; or (2) is a publicly owned treatment works, if the source or cause of such toxicity cannot be identified.

Amended proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DIRECTIVE amending Council Directives 90/387/EEC and 92/44/EEC for the purpose of adaptation to a competitive environment in telecommunications

European Union · European Commission · 31 July 1996

A Resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that enforcement of the Cambodian Genocide Justice Act, improvements in Cambodia's record on human rights, the environment, narcotics trafficking and the Royal Government of Cambodia's conduct should be among the primary objectives of the United States in relations with Cambodia.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 1996

Expresses the sense of the Senate that improvements in Cambodia's human rights conditions, environmental and narcotics trafficking record, and the conduct of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) should be among the primary objectives in U.S. policy toward Cambodia. Calls for the Secretary of State to: (1) monitor preparations for upcoming Cambodian elections; (2) attempt to secure the RGC's agreement to full and unhindered participation of international observers for those elections; (3) support the continuation of human rights monitoring in Cambodia by the UN; and (4) encourage Cambodia's other donors and trading partners to raise concerns with the RGC over Cambodia's human rights, environmental, narcotics trafficking, and governmental conduct.

Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate internal drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Sets civil penalties for businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.

Sly Park Unit Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1996

Sly Park Unit Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of the payment for the original construction debt and before January 1, 1998, to: (1) sell and convey to the El Dorado Irrigation District (California) all Federal interest in the Sly Park Unit (Sly Park Dam and Reservoir, Camp Creek Diversion Dam and Tunnel, conduits and canals, and related facilities); and (2) transfer and assign to such District water rights relating to the Unit. Requires the purchase payment to be credited to the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund. Declares that such sale and water rights conveyance are consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 without additional environmental review and that, consequently, no new environmental documentation is required.

Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1996

Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the President to establish the President's Clinical Research Panel, as part of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to evaluate the status of the U.S. clinical research environment. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Advisory Committee to the Director (of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)) on Clinical Research to report to the Director and to the Panel and to implement recommendations as the Committee determines necessary to remedy NIH clinical research deficiencies. Terminates the Committee five years after enactment of this Act. Requires the OSTP to review the compositions, functions, and outcomes of study section activities at all Federal agencies as such activities relate to clinical research proposals for investigator-initiated support. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director to: (1) support and expand NIH's clinical research involvement; (2) support and expand available resources; and (3) establish certain peer review mechanisms. Mandates grants for: (1) the establishment of general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) clinical research career enhancement awards; and (3) innovative medical science awards to support individual clinical research projects. Authorizes appropriations. Increases the maximum aggregate number of contracts that may be made under existing provisions relating to: (1) undergraduate scholarships regarding professions needed by NIH; and (2) loan repayments regarding clinical researchers (currently, clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds). Authorizes appropriations for the loan repayment program. Requires that at least 50 percent of such funds for a fiscal year be used for contracts with qualified health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To encourage the development and use of new and innovative environmental monitoring technology by accelerating the move toward performance-based monitoring methods, establishing target dates for implementing a new regulatory approach across all environmental programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 1996

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the Performance-Based Monitoring Methods Advisory Committee to: (1) advise the Administrator on performance-based monitoring technologies; and (2) assist the Administrator in the development of a process and a plan for the acceptance of performance-based monitoring methods. Requires, no later than two years after enactment of this Act, that the Administrator establish a performance-based monitoring methods approval process to be used uniformly in all environmental programs for purposes of monitoring compliance with environmental laws and permits. Authorizes appropriations.

District of Columbia Economic Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1996

District of Columbia Economic Recovery Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow residents of the District of Columbia to elect to limit their net income tax to the sum of: (1) 15 percent of so much District-sourced income as exceeds the exemption amount; and (2) the average rate of the non-District-sourced adjusted gross income. Excludes from gross income the capital gain on a District asset held over three years, but excludes only 50 percent of the capital gain on residential rental property held by non-District residents over three years. Allows a taxpayer to elect to treat any qualified environmental remediation expenditure involving a District site as an expense that is not chargeable to capital account. Allows a deduction for any expenditure so treated. Allows a first-time home buyer of a principal residence in the District a credit of up to $5,000.

Waste Export and Import Prohibition Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 1996

Waste Export and Import Prohibition Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit: (1) solid waste exports from the United States to a foreign country not a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); and (2) effective January 1, 1999, solid waste exports to or imports from an OECD member country. Specifies exceptions from the first prohibition for certain waste paper, textiles, and glass intended for recycling and not regulated as hazardous waste and an additional exception from the latter for certain scrap metals. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in the case of an export violation, to: (1) ensure that the exported waste is retrieved (if the recipient country is agreeable to retrieval), either pursuant to a compliance order issued under this Act or by direct retrieval; or (2) dispose of or clean up such waste (to the extent agreed to) if the country is not agreeable to retrieval. Sets forth procedures for issuance of compliance orders. Establishes civil and criminal penalties. Authorizes commencement of citizen lawsuits by foreign governments. Repeals existing prohibitions on the export of hazardous waste.

To provide for the establishment of the Voyageurs National Park Intergovernmental Council, to provide for improved access to and use of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Voyageurs National Park Title II: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Title I: Voyageurs National Park - Establishes the Voyageurs National Park Intergovernmental Council which shall: (1) submit to the Secretary of the Interior comprehensive draft amendments and proposed revisions to the Park's management plan providing for a broad range of sustainable land and water uses and scenic and recreational activities; (2) analyze the economic and environmental costs and benefits of implementing sustainable practices; and (3) establish an ongoing process of assessing the effect of local, State, and Federal actions, plans, and land use decisions on the long-term sustainability of the region's economic and environmental values and resources. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to receive from the Council, revise, and implement amendments to the Park's management plan, including amendments providing for recreational opportunities on all major lakes and bays. Title II: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Modifies Federal law designating the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota to: (1) remove certain restrictions on motorboat use on Basswood, Saganaga, and Birch Lakes, at Lac La Croix, and at Seagull Lake; (2) direct that certain wilderness homeowners, resort owners, and their guests have access to such lake or chain of lakes; and (3) allow the operation of motorized vehicles and associated equipment necessary to transport boats across the portages from Moose Lake Chain to Basswood Lake, from Fall Lake to Basswood Lake, and from Lake Vermillion to Trout Lake. (Sec. 204) Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Intergovernmental Council. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to: (1) receive the Council's draft amendments to the revisions to the management plan, together with public comments, and review and submit to the Council appropriate recommendations; and (2) adopt the amended or revised plan if the Secretary determines that it is consistent with this Act and applicable law and is in the public interest. Specifies that the management plan of the wilderness may not be changed except in accordance with this section.

Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 1996

Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that any person who satisfies the requirements of the Constitution and demonstrates having suffered or being threatened with economic or other injury resulting from a violation of such Act or a failure of the Secretary of Commerce to act in accordance with it shall be deemed to be within the zone of protected interests of such Act and shall have standing to commence a civil suit on his or her own behalf.

Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate internal drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Sets civil penalties for businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.

To amend the Clean Air Act and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to clarify the listing of a unique chemical substance.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 1996

Amends the Clean Air Act to delete from the glycol ether category in the list of hazardous air pollutants ethylene glycol monobutyl ether as used or emitted by metal or composite can manufacturing. Amends the toxic chemical release forms provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to delete from the lists of toxic chemicals and extremely hazardous substances employed under such Act any substance that has been deleted or removed from the hazardous air pollutants list unless the Administrator demonstrates on the basis of convincing evidence significant human health or environmental threats posed by the substance's storage, use, or release.

Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals Title V: Education and Research Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 - Title I: Importation of Methamphetamine and Precursor Chemicals - Directs the Attorney General to coordinate international drug enforcement efforts to decrease the movement of methamphetamine and methamphetamine precursors into the United States. (Sec. 102) Amends the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (CSIEA) to: (1) make specified prohibitions against the possession, manufacture, or distribution for purposes of unlawful importation of a schedule I or II controlled substance applicable to a listed chemical; and (2) set penalties of a fine and ten years' imprisonment for manufacturing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing a listed chemical in violation of such prohibitions. Title II: Provisions to Control the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Amends the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to: (1) include chemicals within the scope of provisions regarding penalties for simple possession; and (2) prohibit knowingly or intentionally possessing a list I chemical obtained pursuant to or under authority of a registration that has expired or that has been revoked or suspended or if the registrant has ceased to do business in the manner contemplated by his registration. Amends the CSA and the Tariff Act of 1930 to permit the seizure and forfeiture of list I chemicals involved in illegal trafficking. (Sec. 202) Directs: (1) the Attorney General to study and report to the Congress on measures to prevent the diversion of agents used in methamphetamine production; and (2) the United States Sentencing Commission (the Commission) to amend the sentencing guidelines to ensure that the manufacture of methamphetamine in violation of the CSA is treated as a significant violation. (Sec. 203) Amends the CSA to increase penalties for the manufacture and possession of equipment used to make controlled substances. (Sec. 204) Adds iodine and hydrochloric gas to list II chemicals, but excludes iodine from specified requirements for listed chemicals under the CSIEA. (Sec. 205) Prohibits distributing a laboratory supply to a person who uses it to manufacture a controlled substance or a listed chemical in violation of the CSA with reckless disregard for the illegal uses to which such supply will be put. Imposes civil penalties upon businesses that violate such provision. (Sec. 206) Amends the CSA to enjoin anyone convicted of specified felony violations relating to the manufacture and exportation of a listed chemical from engaging in a transaction involving a listed chemical for up to ten years. (Current law covers only "receipt, distribution, or importation" of a listed chemical and bars violators from engaging in such a "regulated" transaction for that period.) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action for appropriate declaratory or injunctive relief, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 207) Authorizes the court, when sentencing a defendant convicted of specified CSA offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine, to order restitution and reimbursement by the defendant for costs incurred by the United States for the associated cleanup. (Sec. 208) Modifies the CSA to require each regulated person to keep a record of each regulated transaction involving a listed chemical, a tableting machine, or an encapsulating machine for two years. Title III: Increased Penalties for Trafficking and Manufacture of Methamphetamine and Precursors - Amends the CSA and the CSIEA to increase penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and list I chemicals. (Sec. 303) Directs the Commission to determine whether the sentencing guidelines adequately punish specified offenses relating to the handling of hazardous waste and related issues under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Federal transportation provisions, and, if not, to promulgate or amend existing guidelines to enhance the punishment for a defendant convicted of such offense. Title IV: Legal Manufacture, Distribution, and Sale of Precursor Chemicals - Amends the CSA to provide for the regulation of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, subject to specified limitations. Specifies that any sale of: (1) ordinary over-the-counter pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine products by retailed distributors shall not be a regulated transaction, with exceptions; and (2) other products containing pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine by retail distributors shall not be a regulated transaction if the distributor's sales are limited to less than the threshold quantity of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in each single transaction. Directs the Attorney General to reinstate an exemption with respect to a particular ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine drug product upon determining that such product is manufactured and distributed in a manner that prevents diversion. Authorizes the Attorney General to establish single-transaction limits of 24 grams of pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine base for retail distributors, subject to specified conditions. Sets penalties for violations. (Sec. 402) Requires each regulated person who engages in a transaction with a non-regulated person which involves ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine (including drug products containing these chemicals) and which uses or attempts to use the Postal Service or any private or commercial carrier, to submit monthly reports of such transactions to the Attorney General. Title V: Education and Research - Establishes a Methamphetamine Interagency Task Force. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a public health monitoring program to monitor methamphetamine abuse in the United States. (Sec. 503) Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish an advisory panel consisting of an appropriate number of representatives from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies with experience in investigating and prosecuting illegal transactions of precursor chemicals; (2) continue specified current efforts; and (3) establish a Suspicious Orders Task Force.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1997

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Defense-Civil Title II: Department of the Interior Title III: Department of Energy Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I: Department of Defense-Civil - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Army and its Corps of Engineers for FY 1997 for: (1) authorized civil functions of the Department of the Army relating to rivers and harbors, flood control, beach erosion, and related purposes; (2) expenses necessary for the collection and study of information related to such purposes; (3) the prosecution of authorized water development and related projects; (4) certain flood control projects on the Mississippi River and its tributaries; (5) water development projects operation and maintenance; (6) regulatory programs; (7) flood control and coastal emergencies; and (8) general expenses. (Sec. 101) Requires that certain projects for Arkansas City, Kansas, the Elk Creek Dam, Oregon, Moorefield, West Virginia, and Grays Landing Lock and Dam, Monongahela River, Pennsylvania, be modified in specified ways. (Sec. 105) Requires that certain flood control measures provide protection at specified levels. (Sec. 108) Directs the Corps of Engineers to complete the Charleston Riverfront (Haddad) Park Project, West Virginia, sharing costs equally with the City of Charleston. Title II: Department of the Interior - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation; (3) general investigation of proposed Federal reclamation projects; (4) project construction and rehabilitation; (5) project operation and maintenance; (6) Bureau of Reclamation Loan Program Account; (7) the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund; and (8) general administrative expenses and special funds. Title III: Department of Energy - Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1997 for: (1) energy supply, research, and development activities; (2) uranium supply and enrichment activities; (3) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; (4) general DOE science and research activities; (5) the Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund; (6) atomic energy defense weapons activities; (7) defense environmental restoration and waste management; (8) other DOE defense activities; (9) defense nuclear waste disposal; (10) DOE administration expenses; (11) Office of the Inspector General; (12) the various geographical power marketing administrations of DOE (including specified costs for the hydroelectric facilities at the Falcon and Amistad Dams); and (13) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delaware River Basin Commission; (4) the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); (6) the NRC Office of the Inspector General; (7) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; (8) the Susquehanna River Basin Commission; and (9) the Tennessee Valley Authority. Title V: General Provisions - Declares the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products bought with funds under this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency to give notice of this policy to any entity to which it provides financial assistance or contracts. (Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to extend for one year beyond their current expiration dates the construction repayment and water service contracts for the following Missouri River Basin projects, which are components of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program: (1) the Bostwick District (Kansas portion), in Republic County, Jewell County, and Cloud County, Kansas; (2) the Bostwick District (Nebraska portion), in Harlan County, Franklin County, Webster County, and Nuckolls County, Nebraska; and (3) the Frenchman-Cambridge District, in Chase County, Frontier County, Hitchcock County, Furnas County, and Harlan County, Nebraska. (Sec. 504) Amends the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act to direct the Northwest Power Planning Council to appoint an Independent Scientific Review Panel to review projects proposed to be funded through that portion of the Bonneville Power Administration's annual fish and wildlife budget that implements the Council's annual fish and wildlife program.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1997

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Department of Defense-Civil Title II: Department of the Interior Title III: Department of Energy Title IV: Independent Agencies Title V: General Provisions Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I: Department of Defense-Civil - Makes appropriations to the Department of the Army and its Corps of Engineers for FY 1997 for: (1) authorized civil functions of the Department of the Army relating to rivers and harbors, flood control, beach erosion, and related purposes; (2) expenses necessary for the collection and study of information related to such purposes; (3) the prosecution of authorized water development and related projects; (4) certain flood control projects on the Mississippi River and its tributaries; (5) water development projects operation and maintenance; (6) regulatory programs; (7) flood control and coastal emergencies; and (8) general expenses. Title II: Department of the Interior - Makes FY 1997 appropriations to the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Central Utah Project; (2) the Bureau of Reclamation; (3) general investigation of proposed Federal reclamation projects; (4) project construction and rehabilitation; (5) project operation and maintenance; (6) Bureau of Reclamation Loan Program Account; (7) the Central Valley Project Restoration Fund; and (8) general administrative expenses and special funds. Title III: Department of Energy - Makes appropriations to the Department of Energy (DOE) for FY 1997 for: (1) energy supply, research, and development activities; (2) uranium supply and enrichment activities; (3) the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund; (4) general DOE science and research activities; (5) the Nuclear Waste Disposal Fund; (6) atomic energy defense weapons activities; (7) defense environmental restoration and waste management; (8) other DOE defense activities; (9) defense nuclear waste disposal; (10) DOE administration expenses; (11) Office of the Inspector General; (12) the various geographical power marketing administrations of DOE (including specified costs for the hydroelectric facilities at the Falcon and Amistad Dams); and (13) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (Sec. 301) Directs the DOE to establish priority placement, job placement, retraining, and counseling programs for DOE employees affected by a reduction in force. Title IV: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for FY 1997 for: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); (4) the NRC Office of the Inspector General; (5) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (6) the Tennessee Valley Authority. Title V: General Provisions - Declares the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products bought with funds under this Act should be American-made. Requires each Federal agency to give notice of this policy to any entity to which it provides financial assistance or contracts. (Sec. 502) Amends specified Appropriations Acts to repeal certain requirements and limitations relating to the use of appropriated funds. (Sec. 505) Prohibits the use of any funds under this Act to determine the final point of discharge for the interceptor drain for the San Luis Unit until development by the Secretary of the Interior and the State of California of a plan, conforming to the water quality standards of the State of California as approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to minimize any detrimental effect of the San Luis drainage waters. Requires the costs of the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup Program and the costs of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program to be classified by the Secretary of the Interior as reimbursable or nonreimbursable and collected until fully repaid pursuant to specifed plans prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation. Requires any future obligations of funds by the United States relating to, or providing for, drainage service or drainage studies for the San Luis Unit to be fully reimbursable by San Luis Unit beneficiaries of such service or studies pursuant to Federal Reclamation law.

To provide for the refunding of expenses incurred by innocent persons in the State of Maine required to comply with automobile inspection and maintenance requirements negligently imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide a grant, in a specified amount, to the State of Maine to be used for refunds to persons (including governmental entities) for testing, repair, and other costs incurred pursuant to automobile inspection and maintenance requirements adopted by the State for Clean Air Act purposes. Authorizes appropriations.

Palmetto Bend Project Title Transfer Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996

Palmetto Bend Project Title Transfer Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Lavaca Navidad River Authority, or with both the Authority and Texas Water Development Board if the project is held jointly, for the transfer of the Palmetto Bend Project, Texas, for a specified sum payable to the United States. Subjects such agreement to specified assumptions of project responsibilities and liabilities by the State of Texas or the transferee. Finds that the assumption of Federal nonreimbursable responsibility by Texas and the transferee of the Project is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, thereby obviating project purchase review.

To amend the Clean Air Act to exclude beverage alcohol compounds emitted from aging warehouses from the definition of volatile organic compounds.

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 1996

Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude from the definition of "volatile organic compound" beverage alcohol compounds (ethanol) emitted from aging warehouses.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1404/96 of 15 July 1996 amending Regulation (EEC) No 1973/92 establishing a financial instrument for the environment (Life)

European Union · EUR-Lex · 15 July 1996

Verhandlungen mit der EU-Kommission hinsichtlich horizontaler Lösung

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Verhandlungen mit der EU-Kommission hinsichtlich horizontaler Lösung <i>(für Umweltnormen)</i>

Reduktion des Flottenverbrauchs

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Thomas Barmüller und Genossen betreffend Reduktion des Flottenverbrauchs <i>(Gesamtverbrauch der neu zugelassenen Kraftfahrzeuge)</i>

Realisierung eines Bundesgesetzes über den Transport von Tieren im Schienenverkehr

Austria · Federal Council · 12 July 1996

Mündliche Anfrage der Bundesrätin Gertrude Perl (SPÖ) an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft, Verkehr und Kunst Dr. Rudolf Scholten betreffend Realisierung eines Bundesgesetzes über den Transport von Tieren im Schienenverkehr

Atomstromimporte nach erfolgter Liberalisierung der EU-Strommärkte

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Atomstromimporte nach erfolgter Liberalisierung der EU-Strommärkte

Ausbaupläne für leitungsgebundene Energien und Energiebericht

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Ausbaupläne für leitungsgebundene Energien und Energiebericht

Zusagen des Bundeskanzlers für den Bereich Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Edeltraud Gatterer und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend öffentliche Zusagen des Bundeskanzlers für den Bereich Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung

Genehmigungspflicht der Änderung der MVA Flötzersteig

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Genehmigungspflicht der Änderung der MVA <i>(Müllverbrennungsanlage)</i> Flötzersteig nach AWG <i>(Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz)</i> und UVP-G <i>(Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfungsgesetz)</i>

öffentliche Zusagen für den Bereich Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Edeltraud Gatterer und Genossen an den Bundeskanzler betreffend öffentliche Zusagen für den Bereich Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung

produktbezogenen Umweltschutz

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend produktbezogenen Umweltschutz

Kürzung der Budgetmittel

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Hannelore Buder und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Kürzung der Budgetmittel <i>(für die Wildbach- und Lawinenverbauung)</i>

Atomstromimporte nach erfolgter Liberalisierung der EU-Strommärkte

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Atomstromimporte nach erfolgter Liberalisierung der EU-Strommärkte

Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz (EU-Novelle 1996 zum AWG)

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz (EU-Novelle 1996 zum AWG)

Austria · National Council · 12 July 1996

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue water quality criteria for pathogens in coastal recreation waters. Requires States to adopt consistent water quality standards. Requires the Administrator to publish regulations specifying methods to be used by States to monitor coastal recreation waters during periods of use by the public for compliance with standards. Requires notification of local governments and the public of water quality standards violations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in coastal recreation waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Requires studies and reports to the Congress on developing better indicators for detecting harmful bacteria and viruses in coastal recreation waters. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Endangered Species Incentive Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 1996

Endangered Species Incentive Act of 1996 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a voluntary conservation agreement for up to five years with any State, Indian tribe, or local government, if requested, with the goal of preventing endangerment. Requires agreements to contain specified information, including: (1) objective, measurable scientific criteria which, if met, would prevent endangerment; (2) a description of actions that will be taken to minimize any adverse social or economic impacts; and (3) a method of monitoring the success of the agreement. Directs the Secretary to establish a Conservation Assistance Fund. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to: (1) seek to work cooperatively with private landowners in the conservation of threatened and endangered species; and (2) establish a Community Assistance Program within each field office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, a private landowner cooperative agreement program, and voluntary incentive programs for conserving species on private lands. (Sec. 5) Allows habitat conservation plans to cover multiple species or habitats. Directs the Secretary to issue standards and guidelines for the development and approval of such plans. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to provide technical advice and assistance to non-Federal persons who wish to participate in achieving the conservation objectives for a species under the Act. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to: (1) prepare and make publicly available a manual providing guidance to States and local communities regarding the establishment of a community-based recovery planning process; (2) publish reliable and timely information regarding upcoming listings of species, designations of critical habitat, and issuance of recovery plans; (3) provide technical assistance and guidance regarding how to conserve endangered species and their habitats, how the Act affects landowners, and how to obtain permits authorizing incidental takings; and (4) identify and publish, upon the inclusion of a species in a list of endangered species, lists of known activities affecting the species or its habitat that are and are not prohibited under the Act.

Tiertransporte durch Oberösterreich

Austria · National Council · 11 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rudolf Anschober und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft, Verkehr und Kunst betreffend Tiertransporte durch Oberösterreich

Maßnahmen zur umfassenden Liberalisierung der österreichischen Elektrizitätswirtschaft

Austria · National Council · 11 July 1996

Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Prinzhorn und Genossen betreffend Maßnahmen zur umfassenden Liberalisierung der österreichischen Elektrizitätswirtschaft, u. a. durch Privatisierung der Verbundgesellschaft

Kosten mehrmalige Umstrukturierung Umwelt, Jugend und Familie

Austria · National Council · 11 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Thomas Barmüller und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend zusätzliche Kosten für den österreichischen Steuerzahler, hervorgerufen durch mehrmalige Umstrukturierung ministerieller Zuständigkeiten der Bereiche Umwelt, Jugend und Familie

Elektrizitäts-Binnenmarkt-Richtlinie

Austria · National Council · 11 July 1996

Mündliche Anfrage des Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend Elektrizitäts-Binnenmarkt-Richtlinie <br><br>Welche Auswirkungen wird die Elektrizitäts-Binnenmarkt-Richtlinie auf Österreich haben?

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996

Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue water quality criteria for pathogens in coastal recreation waters. Requires States to adopt consistent water quality standards. Requires the Administrator to publish regulations specifying methods to be used by States to monitor coastal recreation waters during periods of use by the public for compliance with standards. Requires notification of local governments and the public of water quality standards violations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in coastal recreation waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Requires studies and reports to the Congress on developing better indicators for detecting harmful bacteria and viruses in coastal recreation waters. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

National Small Business Regulatory Relief Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 1996

National Small Business Regulatory Relief Act of 1996 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish a Small Business Regulatory Relief Council. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency, Internal Revenue Service, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (participating agencies) to submit to the Council a five-year plan for the establishment and maintenance of a partnership with small business development centers (SBDCs) for a system of voluntary regulatory compliance (compliance). Outlines plan contents and requires such participating agencies to ensure the nonduplication of efforts in such regard. Requires the Council: (1) within 30 days after a participating agency submits a plan, to approve or modify such plan; (2) to establish guidelines for the implementation of each plan; and (3) to report annually to the President and the congressional small business committees on the types of assistance provided by SBDCs to small businesses participating in the system of compliance, as well as outreach efforts to inform small businesses of such opportunity. Requires each SBDC to: (1) submit annually to the Council a work plan for SBDCs to carry out the system of compliance; (2) report semiannually to the Council on assistance provided to small businesses by SBDCs under this Act; and (3) report annually to the Council on recommendations for improving the regulation of small businesses. Directs the Council to: (1) evaluate annually the system of compliance; (2) determine whether SBDCs are performing in accordance with their compliance work plans; and (3) provide for an independent evaluation of such system after three years of operation. Requires the participating agencies to set aside specified percentages of their annual funding for FY 1997 through 2001 for compliance assistance under this Act. Provides for the deposit of such funds into the National Regulatory Relief Fund, and for appropriate Fund distributions.

Judgment of the Court of 11 July 1996.#Regina v Secretary of State for the Environment, ex parte: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: House of Lords - United Kingdom.#Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds - Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of the natural habitats of wild fauna and flora - Delimitation of Special Protection Areas - Discretion enjoyed by the Member States - Economic and social considerations - Lappel Bank.#Case C-44/95.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 11 July 1996

Gebrauchsabgabe für Stromleitungen in der Stadt Salzburg

Austria · National Council · 10 July 1996

Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Helmut Haigermoser und Genossen an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten betreffend eine Gebrauchsabgabe für Stromleitungen in der Stadt Salzburg

Nationalpark Donau-Auen

Austria · National Council · 10 July 1996

Antrag der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Otmar Brix und Genossen betreffend Nationalpark Donau-Auen

Common Sense Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting and Permitting Act of 1996

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 1996

Common Sense Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting and Permitting Act of 1996 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to add to standards applicable to hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities under the Act and under State and local law the requirement that States and local permitting authorities develop siting criteria which, at a minimum, impose restrictions on facility location: (1) within specified distances of densely populated areas or schools, churches, day care centers, or other buildings frequented by persons under age 18; (2) on or within specified distances of aquifers or recharge areas used as sources of drinking or irrigation water, bodies of water, or prime farm land (as defined in this Act); and (3) based upon environmental redlining (selection of sites predominantly on the basis of the income of residents in the surrounding area). Requires States and local permitting authorities to develop siting procedures which meet specified minimum standards concerning the application process, host community advisory committee recommendations, official consent of the host community, and a restricted appeals process.

Public Trust and Environmental Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 1996

Public Trust and Environmental Accountability Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a plan to implement policies, programs, and methods for integrating and making publicly available information regarding the environment and public health policy concerns within EPA's jurisdiction. Requires coordination of these activities with those of other governmental agencies and allows integration and dissemination of publicly available information not collected by EPA. Allows the Administrator to set charges for providing information. Requires policies to include support services to encourage public use of EPA-maintained information. Requires the Administrator to establish an award program to recognize companies for source reduction programs.

österreichische Elektrizitätswirtschaft

Austria · National Council · 8 July 1996

Mündliche Anfrage des Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Prinzhorn (F) an den Bundesminister für wirtschaftliche Angelegenheiten Dr. Johann Farnleitner <br><br>Welche Maßnahmen werden Sie setzen, um die gegenwärtig in mehrheitlichem Besitz der öffentlichen Hände befindliche österreichische Elektrizitätswirtschaft auf die bevorstehende Liberalisierung des europäischen Energiemarktes vorzubereiten?

Maßnahmen zur weiteren Verringerung der Ozonvorläufersubstanzen

Austria · National Council · 4 July 1996

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 211/A(E) der Abgeordneten Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Peter Keppelmüller, Karlheinz Kopf und Genossen betreffend Maßnahmen zur weiteren Verringerung der Ozonvorläufersubstanzen