Environment

250 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the funding application for a RAPID group (details supplied) in County Westmeath for the purpose of regeneration and closed circuit television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10554/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

250 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the funding application for a RAPID group (details supplied) in County Westmeath for the purpose of regeneration and closed circuit television; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10554/11]

249 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the funding application status for Mullingar RAPID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10551/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

249 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the funding application status for Mullingar RAPID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10551/11]

248 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a letter of 8 March 2011 in which the former Minister of State with responsibility for housing and local services approved funding of €500,000 towards the enhancement of O’Connell Street, Sligo; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the total estimated cost of the enhancement of O’Connell Street is €5,016,466, and when the balance of €3,216,822 which was sought by Sligo Borough Council for the enhancement of the street will be provided; the conditions, if any, the former Minister of State attached to the allocation of the €500,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

248 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a letter of 8 March 2011 in which the former Minister of State with responsibility for housing and local services approved funding of €500,000 towards the enhancement of O’Connell Street, Sligo; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the total estimated cost of the enhancement of O’Connell Street is €5,016,466, and when the balance of €3,216,822 which was sought by Sligo Borough Council for the enhancement of the street will be provided; the conditions, if any, the former Minister of State attached to the allocation of the €500,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/11]

247 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 19 April 2011, when he expects a decision to be issued to the applicant of a foreshore licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10511/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

247 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 19 April 2011, when he expects a decision to be issued to the applicant of a foreshore licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10511/11]

246 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a ruling by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (details supplied) regarding a determination order has recommended Circuit Court proceedings when the PRTB states that its very formation was to replace the use of courts for such disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10509/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

246 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a ruling by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (details supplied) regarding a determination order has recommended Circuit Court proceedings when the PRTB states that its very formation was to replace the use of courts for such disputes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10509/11]

245 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will transfer responsibility for local development companies-partnerships to the city-county development boards which also have a social inclusion aspect to them. [10430/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

245 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will transfer responsibility for local development companies-partnerships to the city-county development boards which also have a social inclusion aspect to them. [10430/11]

244 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application (details supplied) for funding under the service land initiative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10418/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

244 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application (details supplied) for funding under the service land initiative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10418/11]

243 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received correspondence recently from the south west inner city RAPID area implementation team; if he has replied to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10359/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

243 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received correspondence recently from the south west inner city RAPID area implementation team; if he has replied to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10359/11]

268 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided for water services infrastructure in 1997 and the funding provided each year between 1997 and 2011. [10296/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

268 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding provided for water services infrastructure in 1997 and the funding provided each year between 1997 and 2011. [10296/11]

242 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the funding provided for water conservation projects in 1997; and the funding provided for such projects each year between 1997 and 2011. [10299/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

242 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will detail the funding provided for water conservation projects in 1997; and the funding provided for such projects each year between 1997 and 2011. [10299/11]

241 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of water services capital projects completed in 1997; and the number of water services capital projects completed each year between 1997 and 2010. [10298/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

241 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of water services capital projects completed in 1997; and the number of water services capital projects completed each year between 1997 and 2010. [10298/11]

240 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of water services capital contracts in existence in 1997; and the number of water services capital contracts each year between 1997 and 2011. [10297/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

240 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of water services capital contracts in existence in 1997; and the number of water services capital contracts each year between 1997 and 2011. [10297/11]

239 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person who has final responsibility for the decision of who will receive a home improvement grant for the replacement of windows which are no longer fit for purpose, awarded by local authorities. [10206/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

239 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person who has final responsibility for the decision of who will receive a home improvement grant for the replacement of windows which are no longer fit for purpose, awarded by local authorities. [10206/11]

238 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons employed in local authorities in County Louth in each of the years 2007 to 2010 and to date in 2011. [10194/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

238 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons employed in local authorities in County Louth in each of the years 2007 to 2010 and to date in 2011. [10194/11]

237 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 2011 housing aid for older people, housing adaption grants and mobility aid grants schemes in Louth County Council were suspended on 1 April 2011; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is creating great hardship for elderly, ill and disabled people; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact there is a huge demand for these schemes and due to a decrease in financial support the suspension of the schemes will result in a deterioration of health for those concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10193/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

237 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 2011 housing aid for older people, housing adaption grants and mobility aid grants schemes in Louth County Council were suspended on 1 April 2011; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that this is creating great hardship for elderly, ill and disabled people; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact there is a huge demand for these schemes and due to a decrease in financial support the suspension of the schemes will result in a deterioration of health for those concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10193/11]

256 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Environmental Protection Agency will consider undertaking a review of the 2010 Code of Practice: Waste Water Treatment Systems for Single Houses before the end of 2011; if the EPA were to conduct a review, if this would include a recommendation of treatment systems for specific soil types>90 referred to in section 6.5 in the code rather than the current recommendation that such sites may be deemed suitable for treatment system discharging to surface water in accordance with a Water Pollution Act licence. [10571/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

256 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Environmental Protection Agency will consider undertaking a review of the 2010 Code of Practice: Waste Water Treatment Systems for Single Houses before the end of 2011; if the EPA were to conduct a review, if this would include a recommendation of treatment systems for specific soil types>90 referred to in section 6.5 in the code rather than the current recommendation that such sites may be deemed suitable for treatment system discharging to surface water in accordance with a Water Pollution Act licence. [10571/11]

255 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the consideration he is giving to the licensing of septic tanks relating to one-off houses in the countryside and when he proposes to proceed in this matter; if he is considering through any Government or local government agency providing householders of limited means grant aid towards the cost of upgrading any waste water treatment units. [10570/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

255 Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the consideration he is giving to the licensing of septic tanks relating to one-off houses in the countryside and when he proposes to proceed in this matter; if he is considering through any Government or local government agency providing householders of limited means grant aid towards the cost of upgrading any waste water treatment units. [10570/11]

236 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grant aid or financial assistance available to households who have to upgrade their septic tank and sewerage treatment systems. [10912/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

236 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grant aid or financial assistance available to households who have to upgrade their septic tank and sewerage treatment systems. [10912/11]

235 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change the regulation regarding the erection of mobile telephone masts, including the placing of these masts close to public buildings such as schools; and the output levels from these structures. [10681/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

235 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change the regulation regarding the erection of mobile telephone masts, including the placing of these masts close to public buildings such as schools; and the output levels from these structures. [10681/11]

234 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any inspections of properties have taken place at a location (details supplied in Dublin 8) in terms of their habitability. [10569/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

234 Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any inspections of properties have taken place at a location (details supplied in Dublin 8) in terms of their habitability. [10569/11]

232 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of RAPID area implementation teams he has met since assuming office and the details of the plans she has to meet AITs in the coming two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10358/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

232 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of RAPID area implementation teams he has met since assuming office and the details of the plans she has to meet AITs in the coming two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10358/11]

231 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the plans he has for the RAPID programme; if it is intended to develop the programme further; when the next meeting of the national monitoring committee will take place; if he will meet all the chairs, community representatives on the area implementation teams and the RAPID co-ordinators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10357/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

231 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the plans he has for the RAPID programme; if it is intended to develop the programme further; when the next meeting of the national monitoring committee will take place; if he will meet all the chairs, community representatives on the area implementation teams and the RAPID co-ordinators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10357/11]

230 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of Leader applications under consideration by him because the proposed grant was more than €150,000; the date each request for approval was received by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10354/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

230 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of Leader applications under consideration by him because the proposed grant was more than €150,000; the date each request for approval was received by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10354/11]

229 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grant aid from Leader funds will be made available to a person (details supplied) to complete their studies. [10257/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

229 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grant aid from Leader funds will be made available to a person (details supplied) to complete their studies. [10257/11]

228 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will update the law regarding noise as public nuisance. [10203/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

228 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will update the law regarding noise as public nuisance. [10203/11]

227 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the current law regarding noise as a public nuisance. [10202/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 May 2011

227 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the current law regarding noise as a public nuisance. [10202/11]

Assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (Codification)

European Union · European Parliament · 10 May 2011

American Alternative Fuels Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

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

Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act - Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) the President and Administration should be commended for recognizing the severity of high gas prices and for taking appropriate actions to help reduce gas prices; (2) Congress should take additional actions to complement the efforts of the President; (3) the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) should contribute to the stabilization of world oil markets and prices and reduce the burden of high gasoline prices by using existing idle oil production capacity to compensate for any supply shortages; and (4) U.S. economic, environmental, and national security depend on a sustained effort to reduce and eventually eliminate the dependence of the United States on oil. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny to oil companies with gross receipts in excess of $1 billion in a taxable year and an average daily worldwide production of crude oil of at least 500,000 barrels a year: (1) a foreign tax credit if such company is a dual capacity taxpayer, as defined by this Act; (2) the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production of oil, natural gas, or primary products thereof; (3) the tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs; (4) the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas wells; and (5) the tax deduction for qualified tertiary injectant expenses. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to grant royalty relief (suspension of royalties) for natural gas production from deep wells and deep water oil and gas production in the Outer Continental Shelf. Dedicates any increased revenue generated by this Act to the reduction of a federal budget deficit or the public debt. Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

American Infrastructure Investment Fund Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

American Infrastructure Investment Fund Act of 2011 - Establishes the American Infrastructure Investment Fund in the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) invest in infrastructure projects that increase or otherwise improve U.S. economic output, productivity, or competitive commercial advantage; (2) provide funding for projects that face significant funding barriers because of the need to combine resources across multiple jurisdictions or modes of transportation; and (3) improve the efficiency or throughput, the safety, and the environmental sustainability of a national or regional transportation network. Requires the Fund to publish: (1) a detailed description of its strategy in an Investment Prospectus, and (2) its Operating Guidance for the Fund's management. Requires the President to appoint the Fund's Executive Director, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as well as a Fund Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Fund to provide direct loans and loan guarantees to eligible recipients for activities related to the planning, preparation, or design of an eligible project proposal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish: (1) a competitive national infrastructure investment grant program, and (2) an oversight program to monitor the effective and efficient use of funds authorized under this Act. Sets forth the federal share of net project costs at 80%.

Offending Oil Polluters Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2011

Offending Oil Polluters Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny all income tax credits and deductions to an offending oil polluter. Defines "offending oil polluter" to mean any person responsible for a vessel or a facility from which oil is discharged, unless such person: (1) has met all obligations under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to provide compensation for covered removal costs and damages; (2) was not found during the seven-year period after the first oil discharge to have committed willful or repeated violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; (3) was not convicted of a criminal violation for death or serious bodily injury; (4) did not have more than 10 fatalities at its facilities or refineries resulting from violations of federal or state health, safety, or environmental laws; and (5) was not required to pay fines of more than $10 million for violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) or the Clean Air Act.

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 10 May 2011.#European Commission v Kingdom of Sweden.#Failure of a Member State to fulfil obligations - Environment - Directive 1999/30/EC - Pollution control - Limit values for concentrations of PM10 in ambient air.#Case C-479/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 10 May 2011

Verbot von Plastiksackerl

Austria · National Council · 9 May 2011

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 1401/A(E) der Abgeordneten Mag. Rainer Widmann, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Verbot von Plastiksackerl

Maßnahmen gegen Kunststoffverpackungen

Austria · National Council · 9 May 2011

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 1210/A(E) der Abgeordneten Mag. Christiane Brunner, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Maßnahmen gegen Kunststoffverpackungen

Plastiktragtaschen und die sukzessive Reduktion des Einsatzes von Tragetaschen aus nicht verrottbarem Kunststoff

Austria · National Council · 9 May 2011

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 1463/A(E) der Abgeordneten Ing. Hermann Schultes, Petra Bayr, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Plastiktragtaschen und <br><br>über den Antrag 220/A(E) der Abgeordneten Ing. Norbert Hofer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend die sukzessive Reduktion des Einsatzes von Tragetaschen aus nicht verrottbarem Kunststoff

Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2011

Outer Continental Shelf Reform Act of 2011 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to prescribe a program of structural reform for management of the Outer Continental Shelf, including establishing two bureaus to carry out leasing, permitting, and safety and environmental regulatory functions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish: (1) an office to carry out the royalty and revenue management functions, and (2) an Outer Continental Shelf Safety and Environmental Advisory Board. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) recruit and directly appoint highly qualified critical technical personnel, upon a determination that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for particular positions; and (2) approve reemployment of civilian retirees to carry out a critical functions under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) prescribe and amend rules and regulations addressing operational safety and protection of the marine and coastal environment; (2) review bond and surety amounts every five years; (3) review royalty and rental rates; (4) review and report on the federal offshore oil and gas fiscal system; and (5) implement research and development to improve methodologies for characterizing resources of the Outer Continental Shelf and conditions affecting the ability to develop and use resources in a safe, sound, and environmentally responsible manner. Instructs the Secretary to develop and implement programs for: (1) analysis and dissemination of environmental and other resource data; (2) risk assessment to address technology and development issues associated with Outer Continental Shelf energy and mineral resource activities, including safety, environmental protection, and spill response; (3) review of alleged safety violations; and (4) the collection of a non-refundable inspection fee for deposit into the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund (established under this Act). Cites conditions under which bids for a lease may be disqualified. Revises requirements governing explorations plans and drilling permits.

Finanzierung des "Innovationspreis für Klima und Umwelt"

Germany · German Bundestag · 6 May 2011

Originaltext der Frage(n):<br /> <br /> Aus welchen Mitteln wird der Innovationspreis für Klima und Umwelt (IKU) des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit und des Bundesverbandes der Deutschen Industrie e. V. (BDI) finanziert?

Weitere über den "Innovationspreis für Klima und Umwelt" hinaus durch öffentliche Gelder finanzierte Preise

Germany · German Bundestag · 6 May 2011

Originaltext der Frage(n):<br /> <br /> Gibt es außer dem &bdquo;Innovationspreis für Klima und Umwelt&ldquo; weitere Preise, die durch öffentliche Gelder im Rahmen des Bundeshaushalts finanziert werden, und falls ja, welche sind das?

68 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the tender for sale of voting machine units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10179/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 May 2011

68 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the tender for sale of voting machine units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10179/11]

67 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10171/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 May 2011

67 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding a grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10171/11]

33 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the issue of adjusting the commercial rates that businesses pay to take account of whether a business is an export business, an import substitution business or simply supplying to the local market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10004/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 May 2011

33 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the issue of adjusting the commercial rates that businesses pay to take account of whether a business is an export business, an import substitution business or simply supplying to the local market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10004/11]

2 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the issue of commercial rates; if he has carried out an assessment of the way flat commercial rates are affecting businesses; if he will conduct a review of commercial rates and their impact on businesses; if he will examine the prospect of progressive commercial rates for business based on business size and income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10090/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 5 May 2011

2 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the issue of commercial rates; if he has carried out an assessment of the way flat commercial rates are affecting businesses; if he will conduct a review of commercial rates and their impact on businesses; if he will examine the prospect of progressive commercial rates for business based on business size and income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10090/11]

Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2011 - Amends the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2003 to revise the nutria eradication program&nbsp;by authorizing&nbsp;the Secretary of the Interior to&nbsp; provide financial assistance to Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington (currently, only to Maryland and Louisiana). Establishes the goals of such Program as: (1) eradicating nutria in Maryland; (2) eradicating or controlling nutria in Louisiana, Delaware, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington; and (3) restoring&nbsp;wetlands damaged by nutria. Requires that the Maryland program consist of management, research, and public education activities carried out in accordance with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's document entitled "Eradication Strategies for Nutria in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay Watersheds," dated March 2002 and&nbsp;updated in March 2009. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016. Requires the Secretary and the National Invasive Species Council to develop long-term nutria control or eradication programs to: (1) significantly reduce and restore nutria damaged wetlands in&nbsp;Delaware, Oregon, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington; and (2) promote voluntary, public-private partnerships to eradicate or control nutria and restore nutria-damaged wetlands in such states.

STOPS Runoff Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Safe Treatment of Polluted Stormwater Runoff Act or STOPS Runoff Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to establish a federal-aid highway runoff pollution avoidance and management program to ensure that covered federal-aid highway projects are sited, constructed, and maintained in accordance with certain design standards to control and treat polluted stormwater runoff from federal-aid highways. Authorizes the Secretary to approve state covered highway projects receiving federal funding only if the state provides assurances that it will site, design, and construct the project in accordance with such standards.

Consolidation of Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Consolidation of Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency Act of 2011 - Consolidates the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish the Department of Energy and the Environment (DEE), with the primary mission of ensuring U.S. security and prosperity by: (1) protecting human health; (2) safeguarding the natural environment; and (3) addressing U.S. energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. Transfers to the DEE Secretary all of the functions of the EPA Administrator and the Secretary of Energy. Establishes within the Department: (1) an Energy and Environmental Information Administration; (2) an Office of Science; (3) an Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence; (4) an Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs; and (5) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as an independent regulatory commission. Transfers to the Commission specified functions of the Federal Power Commission (FPC). Preserves the Southeastern Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, and the Bonneville Power Administration as distinct organizational entities within DEE, each headed by an Administrator. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish policy for the National Nuclear Security Administration; (2) assess annually the vulnerability of Department's facilities to terrorist attack; and (3) establish an enterprise-wide strategic sourcing program to improve efficiencies and economies in EPA's acquisition programs. Requires the President to: (1) submit a proposed National Energy Policy Plan to Congress by April 1, 2012, and biennially thereafter; and (2) issue an executive order that provides for administrative cost savings across the federal government. Repeals provisions providing for the weatherization assistance program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, sustainable energy resources for consumers grants, the low income community energy efficiency pilot program, the Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research and Development Program, the fossil energy research and development program, state energy conservation plans, and diesel emissions reduction grants. Rescinds specified unobligated balances of the amounts made available for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Terminates the state water pollution control revolving funds program, grants for water pollution control programs, nonpoint source management programs, the state drinking water revolving loan funds program, public water system supervision programs, and the state underground injection control program. Terminates EPA's targeted watershed grants program, performance partnership grants program, U.S. Mexico border water infrastructure program, and tribal assistance grants programs. Prohibits the Secretary from providing in FY2012-FY2016: (1) grants to communities to develop plans and implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; (2) targeted airshed grants to California; and (3) grants for the construction of drinking water, wastewater, or storm water infrastructure or for water quality protection. Limits the amount that the Secretary may transfer to the Great Lakes Initiative.

National Oilheat Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

National Oilheat Research Alliance Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 to adjust its focus upon oilheat to a focus upon oilheat fuel, a distillate liquid or a biobased liquid used as a fuel for nonindustrial commercial or residential space or hot water heating. Revises the membership of the National Oilheat Research Alliance. Expands the functions of the Alliance to include: (1) providing the cost of installing appliances in low-income households; and (2) prioritizing research, development, and demonstration projects that enhance efficiency through the use of biobased liquids and advanced biofuels. Requires the Alliance to: (1) contract with a qualified accounting firm to develop procedures to ensure statutory compliance; and (2) include in its annual report a detailed account of the amounts spent by each qualified state association that received funds on training, research, development, and demonstration, safety, and consumer education. Revises assessment requirements. States that the assessment rate for calendar years 2012 and 2013 shall be equal to two-tenths of 1% per gallon of oilheat fuel (currently, No. 1 distillate and No. 2 dyed distillate). Requires the annual assessment rate, beginning with calendar year 2014, to be sufficient to cover the costs of the plans and programs developed by the Alliance. Sets forth: (1) a maximum assessment rate; and (2) limitations on any assessment increase. Prohibits any increase in the assessment rate unless the Alliance has, by a specified deadline, notified certain congressional committees. Prohibits: (1) the Alliance from providing funds in response to a request from state, local, or regional programs unless it determines that the funds will be used to benefit consumers of oilheat fuel (instead of the oilheat industry); (2) certain lobbying activities; and (3) any consumer education activity from including a direct reference to a competing product if it is funded from Alliance assessments. Requires Alliance research activities to: (1) include development of renewable fuels, and (2) examine the compatibility of different renewable fuels with oilheat fuel utilization equipment, giving priority to advanced biofuels research. Requires the Alliance to: (1) report to state leaders, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to Congress on the use of biofuels in oilheat fuel utilization equipment; and (2) develop consumer education materials describing the benefits of using biofuels as, or in, oilheat fuel.

113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of State grants and or other supports given to the Institute for International and European Affairs during the past two decades, up to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10218/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2011

113 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of State grants and or other supports given to the Institute for International and European Affairs during the past two decades, up to 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10218/11]

112 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any schemes are available for the provision of playgrounds within communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10040/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2011

112 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any schemes are available for the provision of playgrounds within communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10040/11]

111 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the turn around time for void houses in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council local authority areas; if there is a maximum turn around time set down by him for void houses in view of the pressure for housing in both local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9970/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2011

111 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the turn around time for void houses in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council local authority areas; if there is a maximum turn around time set down by him for void houses in view of the pressure for housing in both local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9970/11]

110 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the latest proposals for the greater Dublin drainage scheme; if proposed sites for a new regional waste water or drainage scheme will include locations in all four Dublin counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9951/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 2011

110 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the latest proposals for the greater Dublin drainage scheme; if proposed sites for a new regional waste water or drainage scheme will include locations in all four Dublin counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9951/11]