The world's political record
Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.
301 records in 1990
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1990
Designates October 1, 1990, to October 1, 1991, as Year of the Wetlands.
European Union · EUR-Lex · 23 April 1990
United States · United States Congress · 20 April 1990
Pesticide Safety Improvement Act of 1990 - Title I: Amendments to Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to revise specified definitions of such Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at any time he has information with respect to the dietary risk of an active ingredient, to: (1) reassess associated tolerances and exemptions from tolerances issued under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA); (2) determine whether such tolerances or exemptions meet the requirements of such Act and whether additional tolerances or exemptions should be issued; and (3) take specified administrative actions. Deletes provisions setting forth maximum annual maintenance fees for pesticide registrants. Authorizes (currently, requires) the Administrator to cancel pesticide registrations after five years unless the registrant requests a continuance. Permits the continued sale and use of pesticides whose registrations are suspended if they will not have unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Authorizes the Administrator to issue a final order to ensure that: (1) a pesticide or other materials required to be submitted to the Administrator comply with FIFRA requirements; and (2) the pesticide will not generally cause unreasonable adverse environmental effects. Permits final orders to: (1) cancel the registration of a pesticide (or the registrations of a group of pesticides containing a common active or inert ingredient) and prohibit the future registration of such pesticide; (2) prescribe composition, packaging, labeling, and registration requirements for pesticides and provide for the cancellation or modification of pesticides not meeting requirements; and (3) classify a pesticide for restricted use or change the classification of a pesticide. Authorizes the Administrator to initiate a proceeding with respect to the cancellation or modification of a pesticide registration if there are concerns that such pesticide may cause unreasonable adverse effects to man or the environment. Directs the Administrator, prior to issuing an advance notice or proposed order to cancel, suspend, or change the classification of a pesticide, to notify the Secretary of Agriculture and, if the order is based upon potential adverse effects to human health, the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Administrator to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretaries with respect to consultation on such orders. Exempts specified proceedings and orders from certain advance notice and final action requirements. Permits the Administrator to waive advance notice requirements if issuing a suspension order. Directs the Administrator to establish an administrative record for each cancellation or modification proceeding. Provides for advance notice of such proceedings. Sets forth provisions concerning proposed order requirements, public notice and comment on orders, review by the Secretaries and the Scientific Advisory Panel, informal hearings, and final orders. Permits the Administrator to issue an order to allow the continued sale or use of existing stocks of cancelled or suspended pesticides. Permits affected registrants to: (1) apply for amendments to a registration to make it comply with an order; or (2) request voluntary cancellation of the registration. Authorizes interested persons to petition for the issuance, modification, or revocation of final orders. Sets forth judicial and public administrative review procedures. Authorizes the Administrator, if determined that a pesticide poses an imminent hazard, to issue an order suspending registration of the pesticide and forbidding or limiting the distribution, sale, or use of such pesticide. Revises provisions concerning expedited hearings and judicial review procedures with respect to such orders. Sets forth information to be considered by the Administrator in determining whether a risk is imminent. Permits any person to petition for suspension of a pesticide registration. Authorizes a State to request an exemption from a suspension order for a particular pesticide use if severe economic dislocation will result from such order. Permits such exemption only if the Administrator determines that the particular use does not pose an imminent hazard. Terminates the exemption within 36 months of the order's publication date. Requires registrants of pesticide products registered before November 1, 1984, to submit updated registration information to the Administrator by the later of: (1) 20 years after the first pesticide product was registered; or (2) 10 years after the date on which the Administrator determines that such products are eligible for reregistration. Directs registrants of pesticide products registered after October 31, 1984, to submit such information 10 years after the first product was registered and every ten years thereafter. Provides for extensions of such deadlines under specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to issue suspension orders for failures to comply with submission deadlines. Permits cancellations of registrations remaining suspended for more than three years. Authorizes the Administrator to assess fees from registrants for the periodic review of such registrations. Permits the Administrator to cancel registrations for failures to pay fees. Authorizes the Administrator to require pesticide importers, exporters, commercial applicators, and dealers, applicants or holders of experimental use permits, owners and operators of pesticide testing facilities, and any other pesticide holders subject to FIFRA requirements to maintain and make available specified records. Requires pesticide dealers to maintain records for at least three years after the distribution or sale of a pesticide. Exempts the following records from such requirement: (1) financial, pricing, or sales data other than shipment data; (2) personnel data, except for data concerning pesticide exposure effects; or (3) specified research or test data. Revises provisions concerning inspections and warrants to conduct such inspections. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a State, to disclose any information acquired under FIFRA to the State if the State ensures that: (1) the submitter of the information will receive no less protection with respect to the disclosure or use of the information by the State than is provided by FIFRA; and (2) the State's law allows the submitter to recover just compensation against the State for losses resulting from the disclosure or use of such information by the State. Deletes a provision exempting private pesticide applicators from recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Makes it a violation of FIFRA for any person to use a pesticide as a commercial applicator unless such person is a certified commercial applicator or a registered commercial applicator under the supervision of a certified applicator. Sets forth requirements for certified and commercial applicators. Requires a restricted use pesticide to be considered to have been applied by, or under the direct supervision of, a certified private applicator only if the pesticide is applied by a person who is a certified private applicator or a private applicator under the supervision of a certified applicator. Sets forth requirements for certified and supervised applicators. Requires certified and registered commercial applicators to undergo refresher training and to be recertified or reregistered at least every five years. Sets forth minimum recertification and reregistration requirements. Directs the Administrator to develop training material for the application of pesticides, including material concerning the detection of pesticide poisoning, emergency medical treatment, hazards posed by pesticides to public health and the environment, and the requirements of laws, regulations, and labeling. Provides for periodic updates of such material. Requires the Administrator to establish minimum standards for trainers and training programs with respect to commercial and private applicators. Directs the Administrator to prescribe programs for States whose programs fail to comply with such standards. Provides that privately-administered programs shall be at least as stringent as Federal or State programs. Requires Federal and State field personnel responsible for on-site inspections of pesticide use to have training which, at a minimum, includes the required training material subjects issued by the Administrator. Revises provisions concerning unlawful acts. Increases and expands the scope of civil and criminal penalties for FIFRA violations. Prescribes penalties for violations involving knowing endangerment. Authorizes the Administrator to issue regulations requiring persons exporting pesticides from the United States to comply with international pesticide notification and control provisions that are: (1) adopted by an international agency, if the United States is a member of such agency and has consented to, or has not officially disapproved, the adoption of the provisions; or (2) reached through an international agreement to which the United States is a signatory or under which the United States has not officially disapproved such provisions. Exempts exporters from a requirement that they obtain a statement from a foreign purchaser acknowledging the purchase of an unregistered pesticide if the Administrator determines that such provisions provide equivalent information. Requires the Administrator to make the following information available to the public: (1) specified export notices; (2) the active ingredients in an exported pesticide; (3) the name of an exported pesticide; and (4) the countries to which a pesticide is exported. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an order prohibiting persons from exporting a pesticide to a foreign country that has indicated to the Administrator or to an international agency of which the United States is a member that the country does not wish to import the pesticide. Permits the Administrator to prohibit such exports only if: (1) the country has indicated that it does not wish to import the pesticide pursuant to an international system of pesticide controls adopted by an international agency (if the United States is a member and has consented to the system) or reached through an agreement to which the United States is a signatory; (2) all registrations of the pesticide or registrations for a significant number of the pesticide's uses have been suspended, cancelled, or denied based on environmental or health effect concerns; and (3) the country has certified that it will not produce the pesticide for use in the country and will not import the pesticide from any other country. Establishes a Pesticide Advisory Board to advise the Administrator or the Scientific Advisory Panel on FIFRA matters involving special expertise. Directs the Administrator, working with the Secretary of Agriculture, to identify those pests that must be brought under control and the chemical, biological, and alternative control measures available to control such pests. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Administrator on: (1) the pests and measures and the areas where a number of registered pesticides and other pest control alternatives is small enough to pose a risk to effective pest control or where pest resistance to current pest control measures has been detected; and (2) research and extension efforts to develop pest control methods for such areas. Directs the Secretary to furnish to the Administrator on an ongoing basis information on the use of pesticides in commercial-scale agricultural production and in the storage, transportation, and processing of food. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish to the Administrator on an ongoing basis information on the representative actual levels of pesticide residues on food items. Provides that such information shall ensure that information on the approximate actual level of human dietary exposure to pesticides is readily available to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to establish a program for the storage, management, retrieval, and utilization of such information and to use such information in making decisions under FIFRA and FDCA. Requires the Administrator to assume, if information regarding actual use and residue levels has not been made available, that a pesticide results in dietary residues on food at the highest level permitted under a FDCA tolerance or exemption. Authorizes appropriations. Makes technical amendments to administrative provisions concerning registrations and judicial review. Title II: Amendments to Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - Amends the FDCA to provide that pesticide residues in or on a raw agricultural commodity or processed food do not make the food adulterated. Revises provisions concerning adulterated food. Deems pesticide chemical residues in or on a food to be unsafe unless a tolerance, or exemption to a tolerance, is in effect with respect to the chemical residue and the concentration of the residue is in the limits of the tolerance. Provides that: (1) pesticide chemical residues in or on processed foods without separate tolerances shall not be considered unsafe so long as the residue level is within the tolerance limit for the raw agricultural commodity from which the food was made; and (2) residues in or on processed foods made from raw agricultural commodities for which a residue exemption is in effect shall not be considered unsafe. Provides that residues of degradation products of precursor substances that are pesticide chemicals shall not be considered unsafe if: (1) the combined residues of the precursor substance and the degradation products are within the level of the tolerance for the precursor substance; or (2) an exemption is in effect for the precursor substance and the tolerance or exemption does not state that it applies solely to the precursor chemical. Authorizes the Administrator to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance or exemption from a tolerance for a pesticide chemical residue. Prohibits a tolerance from being established at a level higher than a level that the Administrator determines will protect public health. Requires the Administrator to modify or revoke such higher tolerances. Provides that a tolerance will protect the public health if the dietary risk posed to food consumers is not greater than negligible. Establishes thresholds for negligible risks with respect to adverse health and carcinogenic risks. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a tolerance for a residue that results in a greater than negligible risk if: (1) use of the pesticide producing the residue protects humans or the environment from adverse effects that would result in greater risks than the dietary risk from the chemical; (2) use of the chemical avoids risks to the public or the environment that would result from the use of another pesticide chemical on the same food and that are greater than the dietary exposure risk from the residue; or (3) the unavailability of the chemical would reduce the availability to food consumers of an adequate and economical domestic supply of the food and the adverse economic or health effects to consumers would outweigh the dietary risk from the residue. Prohibits such tolerances from being issued, or revocations of such tolerances from being denied, unless: (1) the Administrator has assessed the extent to which efforts are being made to develop alternative methods of pest control or alternative pesticide chemicals for use on the food or commodity that would meet risk exposure requirements; (2) the tolerance is limited to a period of five years; and (3) the Administrator has proposed the issuance or denial in accordance with specified administrative requirements. Prohibits a tolerance from being established unless there is a practical method for detecting and measuring the levels of the pesticide residue in or on the food. Permits exemptions to tolerances to be made only if the Administrator determines that a tolerance is not needed to protect the public health. Permits persons to petition for the establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance or exemption. Sets forth petitioning procedures and judicial review provisions. Entitles tolerance or exemption information submitted to the Administrator under FDCA and registration information submitted under FIFRA to confidential treatment, with specified exceptions. Requires the Administrator to revoke or suspend tolerances consistent with, and following, the cancellation or suspension of a pesticide's registration under FIFRA. Permits delays of the effective dates of a modification or revocation of a tolerance, subject to certain conditions. Requires the Administrator to collect fees for functions regarding the establishment, modification, or revocation of tolerances and exemptions. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from enforcing any limit on a pesticide residue unless the limit is identical to the Federal tolerance or exemption for the residue. Authorizes the Administrator to grant States the authority to establish more stringent residue limits if such limits are warranted by special local circumstances. Permits the Administrator to treat such authority as a petition to modify or revoke a tolerance. Authorizes appropriations for increased monitoring by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of pesticide residues in imported and domestic foods. Title III: Amendments to Poultry Products Inspection Act - Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act to make a conforming amendment to provide that pesticide residues in or on raw agricultural commodities or processed foods do not make the food adulterated. Deems commodities or processed foods containing residues that are unsafe under FDCA standards to be adulterated. Title IV: Amendments to Federal Meat Inspection Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to make amendments parallel to those made to the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Title V: Amendments to Egg Products Inspection Act - Amends the Egg Products Inspection Act to make amendments parallel to those made to the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Tire Recycling Promotion Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information. Requires the Director to: (1) make grants to support research and development and studies related to innovative recycling technology, waste tire management, and manufacturing strategies to facilitate tire recycling; (2) collect and disseminate information on tire reclamation technologies and markets for used tires; and (3) facilitate the development of data for communities that wish to justify the discontinuation of any tire incineration facility within, or adjacent to, their borders, in awarding such grants. Directs the Secretary to work to increase economic opportunities for tire recycling. Authorizes and allocates appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Title I: General Amendments - State Regulation and Management of Solid Waste Act of 1990 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions concerning congressional findings and objectives. Title II: State Solid Waste Management Plans - Sets forth as the objective of this title the reduction of solid waste generated and disposed of during the 20 years following the enactment of this Act by requiring States to develop programs which: (1) reduce the generation of solid waste and encourage resource conservation; and (2) facilitate the recycling of, and the use of valuable resources from, such waste. Requires State waste management plans to: (1) identify the types, sources, and characteristics of solid wastes that are expected to be generated within, transported to, or managed by, the State during the 20 years following the enactment of this Act; (2) ensure the availability of capacity to manage such waste in an environmentally sound manner; (3) provide for annual certifications to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to meeting objectives and capacity to manage waste; (4) provide that all solid waste management facilities in the State meet Federal and State laws and allow only registered facilities to manage waste; (5) provide for technical and financial assistance to local communities to meet plan requirements; and (6) specify the conditions under which the State will authorize the acceptance of solid waste from other States. Directs a State, when identifying waste capacity, to take into account waste management agreements between persons in such State and persons in States contiguous with such State. Sets forth plan submission requirements. Title III: Hazardous Waste Management Programs - Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines detailing how States shall: (1) estimate the amount, sources, and types of hazardous waste generated annually within a State; and (2) estimate the annual amount of hazardous waste managed in, exported from, and imported into, a State. Requires States to provide such data to the Administrator. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of States that are net exporters of hazardous wastes. Authorizes a State to petition to change its designation as a net exporter. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines to assist States in the implementation of hazardous waste management programs. Directs States to submit to the Administrator for approval programs that: (1) are protective of human health and the environment; (2) ensure that the State has adequate permitting, siting, planning, and regulatory capabilities for hazardous waste management for the five years following this Act's enactment; and (3) are revised annually. Sets forth minimum program requirements and approval procedures. Title IV: Interstate Transport of Waste - Authorizes a State with an approved solid waste management plan to prohibit or restrict the importation of solid waste from another State for management purposes (other than transportation). Permits States to levy fees on solid waste. Requires at least 50 percent of such fees to be allocated to the local government managing the waste. Authorizes States that are not net exporters of hazardous wastes and that have approved hazardous waste management programs to levy fees on, and restrict the importation of, hazardous waste from States who are net exporters without approved programs. Requires at least 50 percent of such fees to be allocated to the local government managing the waste. Title V: Transportation of Solid Waste - Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the interstate transport of solid waste. Title VI: Financial Assistance - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) the development and implementation of waste management plans; (2) grants to States for the encouragement of recycling and resource recovery and conservation; and (3) assistance to rural communities for solid waste management.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Tire Recycling Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the reclaimed rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into state solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire storage, processing, transfer, and recycling facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection and storage facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring goods that make use of scrap or used tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent orders with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Underground Storage Tank Assistance and Groundwater Protection Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to guarantee principal and interest on loans made to eligible small businesses for the closure, replacement, upgrade, and release detection of underground storage tanks. Sets forth amounts and conditions of such guarantees. Makes eligible for such guarantees persons owning up to 12 underground storage tanks. Permits the Administrator, on a case-by-case basis, to allow persons owning up to 99 tanks to be eligible for such guarantees if they meet this Act's requirements and such assistance will increase environmental protection. Permits the Administrator to make principal and interest payments on behalf of the borrower if: (1) the borrower is unable to make such payment and it is in the public interest to continue the activity; and (2) the probable net cost to the Government in making such payments would be less than that resulting from the borrower's default. Authorizes the Administrator, in the event of a default by a borrower, to make payments in accordance with the guarantee. Requires the Attorney General to recover payments from the defaulting borrower. Authorizes the Administrator, for the same purposes for which loan guarantees may be made, to make grants to an eligible small business if: (1) the business is an essential community service; (2) at least three private lending institutions have declined to provide a loan for such purposes; and (3) a significant threat to human health and the environment is present. Sets forth limitations on the amounts of such grants. Terminates the authority to make loan guarantees, grants, or payment contracts five years after this Act's enactment. Permits the Administrator or a State to undertake corrective action with respect to threatened releases of petroleum from underground storage tanks. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make funds from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund available to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Interstate Solid Waste Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the interstate transport of solid waste, for purposes of treatment, storage, or disposal, unless the State in which the waste was generated has a law prohibiting the manufacture or introduction into commerce of nonreturnable beverage containers.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Environmental Vigilance Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate and periodically revise a list of environmental areas of concern. Requires areas to be included on such list if the environmental integrity of the area is: (1) indicative of the general state of environmental health; (2) important to the health of the local human populations; or (3) important to the production of food or other renewable goods. Lists areas to be included. Directs the Administrator, with respect to each area of concern, to determine whether the area is adequately monitored for chemical substances or other factors that may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. Requires persons who manufacture or distribute chemical substances in areas with inadequate monitoring to monitor such areas if: (1) the substances have been detected in the areas; (2) the substances could have originated from their activities; and (3) the substances pose an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1990
Makes it unlawful to operate a landfill within three miles of the Potomac River, other than a landfill which is fully operational as of April 22, 1990.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1990
Wetlands No Net Loss Act of 1989 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to designate a nonprofit organization as a Wetlands Preservation Trust if such organization: (1) is established for the purpose of acquiring ownership interests in wetlands, former wetlands, and related property and for restoring, creating, or preserving wetlands; and (2) meets, and submits an application in accordance with, the Secretary's requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create special rules for contributions of land to such Trusts. Applies the 50 percent limitation on charitable contribution deductions to contributions of wetlands to such Trusts. Permits a ten-year carryover for excess contributions. Extends the deadline for the exchange of property held for productive use or investment if such contributions are made as part of such exchanges. Permits the carryover of unused deductions on a taxpayer's last return if such taxpayer dies before the close of the last taxable year for which such deductions could have been allowed. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Office of Wetlands Identification and Preservation, to make grants to States from the Wetlands Preservation Account for the improvement, development, or implementation of State Wetlands Conservation Plans. Outlines requirements of such Plans. Prohibits the Secretary from approving any Plan that does not include all wetlands in the State. Amends the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 to include former wetlands in the national wetlands priority conservation plan. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to require the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the Office of Wetlands Identification and Preservation within the Service by consolidating the Service's programs of Federal Aid, Acquisition, National Wetland Inventory, and Enhancement (restoration). Requires the Director, acting through the Office, to: (1) provide National Wetland Inventory maps to all Federal agencies that own or manage wetlands and make such maps available to the public; (2) conduct a Wetlands Restoration Initiative; (3) carry out title III of the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 (State and Federal wetland acquisition); and (4) report to the Congress every five years on trends of the nation's wetland resources, the rate at which they are being lost or gained, and the types and causes of alterations. Authorizes the Director to enter into agreements with private persons to carry out wetlands preservation. Directs heads of Federal agencies that own or manage wetlands to enter into agreements with the Director regarding the completion of mapping of lands not covered by the National Wetland Inventory map. Establishes the Wetlands Preservation Account. Requires at least 60 percent of Account funds to be available for grants to States. Sets forth uses for the remainder of such funds. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit into such Account amounts received in the form of: (1) criminal penalties for certain permit violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) civil and administrative penalties under such Act. Directs the Secretary to transfer annually to the Account $300,000,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the head of each executive agency to: (1) complete an inventory of all wetlands and associated uplands owned or managed by the agency; and (2) implement a plan for the protection of wetlands and uplands included in the inventory. Requires such agencies to submit such plans to the head of the Office and the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for activities in wetlands or other navigable waters that result in specified changes, or impair the flow, reach, or circulation of surface waters, in such wetlands or waters. Requires permit guidelines to be designed to achieve no overall net loss of wetlands. Applies provisions concerning the denial or restriction of use of specified disposal sites to alterations of wetlands or navigable waters. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits within a State for categories of wetlands or other waters if the State has an approved State Wetlands Conservation Plan. Requires the Secretary to monitor the achievement of no overall net loss of wetlands in each general permit and base issuances or renewals of permits on such monitoring. Authorizes the Governors of States desiring to administer their own permit programs for the discharge of dredged or fill material and other alterations of navigable waters to submit State Wetlands Conservation Plans to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Provides for permit processing fees. Provides that permits shall require State water quality certifications. Prohibits the issuance of any permit unless measures are taken to avoid and minimize adverse effects of activities on wetlands and other navigable waters. Requires mitigation measures to be included in permits. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to transfer specified authorities of the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Commerce. Revises reporting requirements to require Federal agency reports under such Act to include measures to achieve no net loss of wetlands. Requires the Director of the Office of Technology Assessment to study and report to the Congress on: (1) incentives under Federal and State laws for the protection and management of wetlands; (2) potential modifications to existing Federal laws to improve their effectiveness in creating such incentives and to increase the permanence of such protection; and (3) ways in which the Federal Government may encourage State and local governments to create additional incentives for the protection and management of wetlands by private individuals.
France · Senate · 11 April 1990
Germany · German Bundestag · 9 April 1990
(Bericht gem. Entschließung auf BT-Drs 11/4126) Darstellung der international eingegangenen Verpflichtungen zur Luftreinhaltung, grundsätzliche, stoffbezogene, anlagenbezogene, verkehrsbezogene und produktbezogene Verpflichtungen
France · Senate · 5 April 1990
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1990
National Tree Trust Act of 1990 - Title I: National Tree Trust - Authorizes the President to designate a private nonprofit organization meeting certain criteria the National Tree Trust Foundation, which shall promote tree planting. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make a grant to the Foundation in FY 1991. Title II: Assistance for Tree Planting and Forest Improvement - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish rural and community tree planting and forest improvement programs as special components of the Rural and Urban Forestry Assistance Programs under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act. Provides for financial, technical, and related assistance to State foresters in order to assist nonindustrial private landowners, local governments, civic organizations, and individuals to plant, maintain, and improve trees and forests. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a cost-sharing program (with a Federal share of up to 75 percent) to encourage tree planting and management on nonindustrial private lands. Title III: Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations.
France · Senate · 4 April 1990
Les problèmes posés par le développement des activités liées à l'extraction des ressources minérales de l'Antarctique
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Antarctica World Park and Protection Act of 1990 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service, to prepare an inventory of resources and values of Antarctica. Requires the inventory to: (1) identify areas that should be managed to preserve natural ecological systems or to avoid interference with scientific research; and (2) identify areas where past actions have resulted in damage to resources or values requiring restoration or mitigation. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify the claims asserted with respect to Antarctica by the United States and other nations, as well as existing and proposed international agreements affecting Antarctica; and (2) assess the extent to which such claims could affect this Act and the adequacy of such agreements to achieve management of Antarctica's resources in a manner consistent with this Act. Requires the Secretary, acting through the National Park Service, to prepare a plan for the management of Antarctica as a world park. Directs the Secretary to incorporate relevant international agreements into such plan. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the plan to other nations and international organizations and to report to the President and the Congress on modifications of international agreements and new agreements necessary to manage Antarctica as a world park. Requires the plan to: (1) identify areas in Antarctica appropriate for public education, interpretation, and visitation by tourists and specify conditions on such visitation to assure protection of resources and values; (2) identify areas most valuable for environmental monitoring and other scientific research and specify conditions on such research to assure protection of resources and values; and (3) identify areas requiring restoration or mitigation and the steps necessary to achieve restoration or mitigation. Prohibits U.S. citizens from entering any area not identified in the plan or appropriate for activities in conformance with the plan. Provides for public participation in the preparation of the inventory and plan. Provides for interim protection of Antarctica until the plan is completed. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 to: (1) make it unlawful to carry out mineral exploration and development in Antarctica; and (2) make persons who carry out such activities ineligible to file or maintain a claim or receive a patent or lease for any mineral. Amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to apply the Environmental and Historic Preservation Laws to actions in or affecting Antarctica by U.S. entities. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to be kept informed of proposals or projects by U.S. or foreign agencies that could affect Antarctica. Applies recommendations adopted by parties to the Antarctic Treaty to protect the values of Antarctica to all U.S. entities unless the United States formally exempts itself from such recommendations. Requires the Secretary of State to provide the following information to the President and the Congress: (1) information concerning actions by any nation to exempt itself from recommendations of such type; and (2) information that any nation intends to seek voting status under the Treaty. Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to begin negotiations with other parties to the Treaty to establish agreements to: (1) prevent activities inconsistent with managing Antarctica as a world park; (2) prohibit mineral development or exploration in Antarctica; and (3) minimize adverse impacts on the values of Antarctica. Requires U.S. officers or agents having reliable information on activities to obtain data on Antarctica's mineral resources to provide such information to the Secretary of the Interior. Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to request all nations whose citizens or nationals are believed to have carried out such activities to provide such data to the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the President to instruct U.S. officers to report on sanctions that could be applied to any nation failing to comply with such request. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide that the definition of "owner or operator" (for purposes of liability) does not include: (1) a designated lending institution which acquires control of a facility pursuant to the terms of a security interest held by the person in such facility or in connection with a lease subject to Federal or State banking authorities; (2) a corporate fiduciary which operates or has legal title to a facility pursuant to the terms of an estate or trust; (3) an individual or institution that serves as an indenture trustee and acquires control of a facility as the result of default on a financing document between the trustee and the issuing entity; and (4) an individual fiduciary who has legal title to a facility for purposes of administering an estate or trust.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1990
National Tree Planting Act of 1990 - Title I: National Tree Trust Foundation - Establishes the National Tree Trust Foundation as a private nonprofit organization (unaffiliated with the U.S. Government) to promote tree planting. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make a grant to the Foundation in FY 1991. Title II: Assistance for Tree Planting and Forest Improvement - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish rural and community tree planting and forest improvement programs as special components of the Rural and Urban Forestry Assistance Programs under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act. Provides for financial, technical, and related assistance to State foresters in order to assist nonindustrial private landowners, local governments, civic organizations, and individuals to plant, maintain, and improve trees and forests. Authorizes the Secretary to develop a cost-sharing program (with a Federal share of up to 75 percent) to encourage tree planting and management on nonindustrial private lands. Title III: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to require plastic containers manufactured or offered for sale in the United States to have labels identifying the plastic resin used in such containers. Establishes a symbol and numbers identifying specific types of resins, including degradable resins, for such labels. Prohibits States or political subdivisions from: (1) enforcing any law applicable to plastic labeling that is less stringent than requirements under this Act; and (2) any ban on plastic containers labeled in compliance with this Act. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Title I: General Provisions - Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes. Title II: Establishment of Ocean and Coastal Zone Management Service - Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Ocean and Coastal Zone Management Service to succeed the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Title III: Coastal Zone Management Act Amendments - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require State coastal zone management programs to provide for public participation. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to mediate disagreements between coastal States with respect to such programs. Directs the Secretary to implement a program to encourage coastal States to make continual improvements in management programs in specified national interest areas. Requires the Secretary to assess the priority needs for each State's improvement in such areas and to negotiate a National Interest Improvements Program. Directs the Secretary to retain 20 percent of the amounts appropriated for administrative and resource improvement grants to implement such programs. Sets forth allocation requirements. Permits the Secretary to place coastal States on probation for up to three years for failures to implement coastal management programs. Requires the Secretary to withdraw up to 25 percent of coastal management funds allocated to a State to be used for corrective action purposes. Directs the Secretary to implement an annual awards program to acknowledge outstanding accomplishment in coastal zone management. Provides for the selection of one individual, five local governments, and up to ten graduate students as award recipients. Redesignates the National Estuarine Reserve Research System as the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Permits the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with nonprofit organizations to aid, and solicit donations for, activities in such reserves. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this title. Permits coastal States, with the Secretary's approval, to allocate portions of any grants to local governments or regional or interstate agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1990
Amends the Clean Air Act to add, as a new title, the Relief for Terminated Workers Act. Requires the Secretary of Labor to establish the following benefits for employees terminated as a result of revisions of the Clean Air Act: (1) readjustment allowances similar to trade readjustment allowances under the Trade Act of 1974; and (2) programs for employment services, job search, and relocation allowances similar to programs under such Act. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Requires the National Academy of Sciences to: (1) study the feasibility of an umbrella research arm, the National Institutes for Environmental Research, to support training in the environmental sciences and environmental research in a wide variety of disciplines; and (2) evaluate the current state of extramural research and undergraduate and graduate training relevant to tropical deforestation, species extinction, ecosystem degradation, biological restoration, use of underutilized resources and sustainable resource use, economic consequences of environmental change, and the impacts of humans and the environment on one another. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act of 1990 - States that the global conservation of biological diversity is a national priority. Requires Federal actions to be consistent with such goal. Directs Federal agencies to conduct annual reviews of their programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity pursuant to this Act and to report the results of such reviews to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Congress. Sets forth requirements for programs found to be inconsistent with this Act. Directs the Council on Environmental Quality to: (1) establish guidelines for consideration of biological diversity in the preparation of environmental impact statements; and (2) identify those biotic communities, species, and populations that appear to be in decline, in imminent danger of loss of viability, or otherwise of special concern. Requires impacts on biological diversity to be considered in the assessment of impacts of Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth requirements for the Council on Environmental Quality with respect to the review of agency reviews on biological diversity. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in reviewing environmental impacts under the Clean Air Act, to consider an action to be unsatisfactory if it is likely to result in a significant reduction of biological diversity. Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research (Center) responsible for: (1) coordinating the collection of data pertaining to the national biota and supplementing and disseminating such information; (2) arranging and conducting surveys and supplementary research of the national biota; and (3) enhancing the application of biological data to the conservation of biological diversity. Establishes an Interagency Working Committee on Biological Diversity responsible for preparing a coordinated Federal strategy (Strategy) for conservation of biological diversity. Requires specified entities to designate representatives to work with the Committee to ensure the coordination of the Strategy with the existing U.S. strategy on international biological diversity and with related international treaty obligations. Dissolves the Committee after the submission of Federal and regional strategies for biological diversity. Sets forth required contents of the Strategy. Requires the Committee to delineate large ecological regions within the United States and to prepare a biological diversity strategy for such regions. Authorizes each agency represented on the Committee to provide grants to public agencies, private individuals, and organizations for projects to maintain or restore biological diversity. Directs each entity represented on the Committee to: (1) give high priority to research and personnel training directed towards implementation of the Strategy; and (2) assess the adequacy of its environmental research and training programs. Requires the National Science Foundation to support research that integrates fundamental and applied science toward conservation of biological diversity. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) research the potential of increased utilization of biological diversity in agriculture; (2) undertake long studies of agroecosystems; and (3) assess the impact of agricultural and forestry practices on biological diversity and recommend improvements, as appropriate. Establishes, as a permanent entity, a National Scientific Advisory Committee on Biological Diversity which shall: (1) oversee the implementation and coordination of the Strategy; (2) assist in the evaluation of the impacts of proposed Federal activities on biological diversity; (3) assist in the review of Federal programs for consistency with the conservation of biological diversity and the adequacy of such programs in environmental research and training; and (4) serve as a general reference and advisory resource for the Nation in matters relating to conservation of biological diversity. Directs specified Federal agencies to encourage conservation of biological diversity through: (1) supporting and coordinating global conservation of biological diversity programs; (2) supporting research for, and increasing training, education, and technical assistance related to, sustainable development and international conservation of biological diversity; and (3) cooperating with each other and international organizations to carry out such activities. Requires the Agency for International Development (AID) to hire U.S. environmental and natural resources staff with training in conservation of biological diversity and sustainable development. Reaffirms congressional support for provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 which address tropical deforestation and loss of biological diversity. Directs AID to give high priority to the implementation of such provisions. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to repeal a provision concerning the expiration of authority to make coastal zone management grants to States. Removes a requirement that coastal States expend an increasing proportion of administrative grants on specified coastal zone activities in order to receive such grants. Deletes provisions concerning the segmental development of coastal zone management programs and the inclusion of standards for coastal resources of national significance in such programs. Defines "National Priority Program Element" as: (1) enhanced wetland protection and restoration; (2) prevention and mitigation of risks to life and property from coastal hazards and of nonpoint source pollution; and (3) management of beach and marine debris to reduce coastal zone pollution. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to coastal States for the implementation of coastal zone management program changes supporting the National Program Priority Elements. Limits the amounts of such grants to be used for such changes. Permits the Secretary to suspend payment and withdraw any unexpended portion of financial assistance to a State if the State is failing to adhere to: (1) a management program or national estuarine reserve management program; or (2) the terms of any grant or cooperative agreement. (Current law requires the Secretary to reduce such assistance by a specified amount if the State is failing to achieve certain coastal management objectives.) Revises notice requirements with respect to such suspensions. Provides that such suspensions shall last between six and 36 months. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to any person (currently, coastal States) for educational or interpretive activities related to a natural estuarine reserve. Authorizes appropriations for various activities under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Denies Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits for ten years to any person: (1) convicted of violating a Federal environmental law; or (2) found to have held a beneficial business interest in a business concern required to be listed on a disclosure statement under this Act and convicted of violating a Federal environmental law. Prohibits the EPA Administrator from denying benefits to any person who demonstrates that he has been rehabilitated. Requires the following persons to file disclosure statements with the Administrator: (1) Federal environmental permit applicants; (2) applicants for EPA loans, grants, or other benefits; or (3) persons submitting contract bids or competitive proposals to EPA. Provides for enforcement of this Act through EPA examination of disclosure statements and access to business sites and records. Grants persons declared to be ineligible for EPA benefits the opportunity for a hearing. Provides for public access to disclosure statements and business records, with the exception of confidential information.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1990
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) it should be U.S. policy to seek in trade negotiations the adoption and enforcement of equivalent environmental standards among the trading nations of the world; (2) until such policy is implemented, the President should seek, through the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, and as part of the next round of trade negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, agreement on mechanisms under which the United States and its trading partners can eliminate or reduce competitive disadvantages resulting from the differing national environmental standards; and (3) any agreement regarding such international environmental standards would not impair the implementation of the Clean Air Act or other U.S. environmental protection law.
European Union · European Commission · 27 March 1990
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to cite conditions under which depository institutions, mortgage lenders, and insured credit unions are not liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund) with respect to property acquired either through foreclosure or in a fiduciary capacity. Confers immunity from Superfund liability upon certain banking regulatory agencies and the National Credit Union Administration Board for properties acquired in connection with: (1) the exercise of receivership or conservatorship authority; and (2) the provision of loans and other financial assistance.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1990
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 3847 (Department of Environmental Protection).
European Union · European Commission · 22 March 1990
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Title I: Establishment of Clean Coastal Beaches Council and Guidelines for Clean Beaches - Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1990 - Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish a Clean Coastal Beaches Council to: (1) develop environmental quality criteria that establish guidelines for pathogens and floatables in coastal zone recreation waters; (2) develop uniform monitoring and testing protocols related to the environmental quality and safety of such waters; and (3) submit such criteria and protocols to coastal States. Directs the Council to develop and periodically update a study to determine the most effective indicators for assessing environmental quality of such waters. Requires the study to provide technical information and assistance to States. Title II: Coastal Beaches Plan: Amendments to State Coastal Zone Management Programs - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require States with approved management programs to submit plans to the Under Secretary that: (1) identify coastal zone recreation waters and the means by which the State assures that such waters comply with environmental quality criteria; (2) contain monitoring and testing procedures for such waters; (3) describe processes for closure and reopening of areas pursuant to environmental quality guidelines; and (4) assess penalties against persons whose activities result in beach closures. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1990
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, for the purpose of developing standards and definitions of plastic degradability to be used in the packaging of consumer goods, to study and report to the Congress on the process by which plastics degrade.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Great Lakes Water Quality Improvement Act of 1990 - Amends the Clean Water Act to extend from five to seven years the period for conducting study and demonstration projects on the removal of toxic pollutants from the Great Lakes. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop: (1) specific numerical water quality criteria for the Great Lakes; and (2) guidance for the use of such criteria by States and local governments in implementing pollution prevention procedures. Requires the Great Lakes States (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) to adopt water quality standards which incorporate such criteria. Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards for Great Lakes States which fail to adopt such standards. Requires the Great Lakes States to develop and submit to the International Joint Commission remedial action plans for places designated as areas of concern pursuant to the Great Lakes Agreement between the United States and Canada. Directs the Great Lakes National Program Office to provide technical assistance to such States for plan development. Requires remedial actions to be included in such States' water quality plans. Directs the Administrator to develop and submit to the Commission a lakewide management plan for each of the Great Lakes. Provides for the revision of such plans and of remedial action plans, as necessary. Requires the Administrator to establish a program for making grants to Great Lakes States for the implementation of the Great Lakes Agreement and this Act. Directs the Administrator to develop consistent methods of reporting water quality data to the Commission. Authorizes and allocates appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Tire Recycling Promotion Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to appoint a Director of Recycling Research and Information. Requires the Director to: (1) make grants to support research and development and studies related to innovative recycling technology, waste tire management, and manufacturing strategies to facilitate tire recycling; and (2) collect and disseminate information on tire reclamation technologies and markets for used tires. Directs the Secretary to work to increase economic opportunities for tire recycling. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1990
Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention and Assistance Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to guarantee principal and interest on loans made to qualified small businesses for the closure, replacement, upgrade, and release detection of underground storage tanks. Sets forth amounts and conditions of such guarantees. Permits the Administrator to make principal and interest payments on behalf of the borrower if: (1) the borrower is unable to make such payment and it is in the public interest to continue the project; and (2) the probable net cost to the Government in making such payments would be less than that resulting from the borrower's default. Authorizes the Administrator, in the event of a default by a borrower, to make payments in accordance with the guarantee. Requires the Attorney General to recover payments from the defaulting borrower. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to small businesses, in conjunction with such loans, for up to 50 percent of the cost of tank closure and replacement if: (1) the business is an essential community service and assistance is in the public interest; and (2) at least three private lending institutions have declined to provide a loan for such purposes. Terminates the authority to make loan guarantees or payment contracts five years after this Act's enactment. Permits the Administrator or a State to undertake corrective action with respect to threatened releases of petroleum from underground storage tanks. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make funds from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund available to carry out this Act. Sets forth deadlines for compliance with tank and financial disclosure requirements for owners of specified petroleum underground storage tanks.
European Union · European Commission · 19 March 1990
European Union · European Commission · 16 March 1990
United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1990
Amends the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury instances of foreign nationals conducting fishing operations which violate international fishery conservation programs. Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of the Treasury shall limit imports into the United States of fish or wildlife products from countries which violate international fishery or endangered species programs. Sets forth exemption guidelines where the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such sanctions would cause unreasonable economic hardship.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1990
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to include Morro Bay, California, in the list of areas to be given priority consideration for inclusion in the national estuary program.
United States · United States Congress · 9 March 1990
Federal Noxious Weed Act Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to publish an annual list of noxious weeds. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service a Center for Noxious Weed Management and Data Collection; (2) establish a coordinated management plan for noxious weed control in the United States; and (3) report annually to the appropriate congressional committees regarding such plan and Federal, State, and local agency compliance. Authorizes private landowner cost sharing incentives. Authorizes FY 1990 through 1994 appropriations.
European Union · European Commission · 9 March 1990
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1990
Amends the Clean Air Act to add national historical parks to the list of areas which may be redesignated only as class I or II areas. Provides that national wilderness areas exceeding 5,000 acres and national parks exceeding 6,000 acres may be redesignated only as class I or II areas. (Current law permits such areas in excess of 10,000 acres to be redesignated as class I or II areas.) Requires States in which class II national monuments, primitive areas, preserves, recreation areas, wild and scenic rivers, wildlife refuges, lakeshores, seashores, historical parks, parks, or wilderness areas are located and the Indian tribes with jurisdiction over such lands to reclassify such areas as class I unless a determination to retain the class II classification is made. Applies specified preconstruction and permit notification requirements with respect to the operation of proposed facilities in class I areas to such national areas. Prohibits the issuance of permits to any facility unless the owner or operator demonstrates that emissions of any air pollutant for which maximum allowable increases are in effect under the Clean Air Act (Currently, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide) will not cause concentrations exceeding such increases for a class I area. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to assure that visibility requirements for class I areas are met with respect to regional haze. Provides for revisions to State implementation plans to incorporate such requirements. Requires the Administrator to review periodically the status of visibility impairment in class I areas and determine whether reasonable progress toward the national goal is being achieved. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the impact of uncontrolled fossil-fuel fired power plants on the air quality related values of class I areas located within 100 miles of such plants. Authorizes the Administrator to require continuous emissions monitors for sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides to be installed at such plants. Permits the Administrator, if the interstate transport of air pollution may cause manmade visibility impairment or adverse air quality in protected Federal areas, to establish a multi-State commission to study the impact of such air pollution and specify requirements for implementation plans to end the adverse impacts. Provides for the revision of State plans when the Administrator or the commission makes final findings on such impacts. Requires the Administrator to establish a commission to address visibility impairment and other air quality related impacts in the Grand Canyon National Park.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act - Designates a specified area in Florida as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the following activities within such Sanctuary: (1) the operation of vessels carrying cargo or servicing offshore installations; and (2) mining, mineral extraction, or hydrocarbon exploration, development, or production. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to prepare a management plan to insure the protection of the marine environments within the Sanctuary. Prohibits any Federal activity from adversely affecting such Sanctuary unless the head of the Federal agency undertaking it complies with specified procedures. Sets forth civil penalties for violations. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Act of 1990 - Title I: United States Coast Guard Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, to promulgate regulations to prevent and control the transportation into U.S. waters of viable biological materials in ship ballast waters. Mandates the use of a high sea ballast water exchange or alternative methods developed and recommended by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to prevent the unintentional transfer or introduction of nonindigenous species by ships operating exclusively within U.S. territorial waters or contiguous coastal waters of North America. Exempts such ships from the high seas exchange requirement of this Act. Exempts from the high seas exchange requirement a ship that is subject to requirements regarding the treatment of ballast water for the removal of chemical contaminants. Authorizes the Secretary to assess civil monetary penalties for violation of the regulations. Makes civil penalties available, as provided by appropriation Acts, to endow research on the control of nonindigenous species. Title II: Zebra Mussel and Aquatic Nuisance Species Research, Control, and Educational Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (National Cooperative Action Group - NCAG), to jointly coordinate national research, control, and educational efforts associated with the infestation of the zebra mussel and other aquatic nuisance species in U.S. waters. Authorizes the NCAG to establish and coordinate regional commissions as necessary and to facilitate information transfer among the commissions. Authorizes Federal agency heads, on request of the chairman of any commission, to detail personnel to the commission. Requires the NCAG to provide advice to the Secretary of State concerning aquatic nuisance species that infest water resources shared with other countries. Requires the NCAG to establish a regional commission for the Great Lakes region and to request that the Great Lakes Fishery Commission: (1) designate a representative to serve on it; (2) advise, coordinate, and provide secretarial services on matters related to Great Lakes fisheries, related environmental concerns, and interactions with the Government of Canada; and (3) provide technical services for any technical committee established by the NCAG. Requires that the NCAG request that the Great Lakes Commission (established under the Great Lakes Basin Compact): (1) designate a representative to serve on the regional commission; (2) advise, coordinate, and provide secretarial services on matters related to the economic impacts of the zebra mussel on the geographic area of the Great Lakes; and (3) provide technical services for any technical committee established by the NCAG. Requires that research activities under this Act be carried out only in drainage basins infested with an aquatic nuisance species, with research funds allocated, to the extent possible, to existing facilities within infested areas. Sets forth research priorities. Directs the Secretary of State to initiate negotiations with foreign governments concerning prevention, research, education, and control programs for shared water resources. Requires compliance with specified treaties relating to the Great Lakes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to declare the zebra mussel an injurious species. Requires the appropriate lead agency to allocate funds authorized under this Act for competitive university research grants to be administered through the Sea Grant College program to study aquatic nuisance species. Authorizes the program to conduct education and assistance services related to the prevention and control of such species. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Repeals the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 and title II (asbestos hazard emergency response) of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the health hazards of serpentine and amphibole asbestos fibers.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Antarctic Environmental Protection, Clean-Up, and Liability Act of 1990 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to require the Director of the National Science Foundation to: (1) prepare and annually update a waste management plan for wastes produced or disposed of in Antarctica by U.S. citizens; and (2) issue regulations requiring U.S. citizens engaged in activities in Antarctica to comply with specified waste disposal practices. Requires the Director to establish a long-term program for the removal of specified wastes produced or disposed of in Antarctica by U.S. citizens. Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations: (1) requiring all vessels engaged in U.S. activities in Antarctica, including tourist expeditions, to be equipped with compaction, storage, and incineration facilities (or stockpiling facilities for vessels not capable of being fitted with waste disposal facilities); and (2) prohibiting U.S. citizens from employing any vessel in Antarctica unless such vessel contains such facilities. Makes it unlawful for any individual in charge of a vessel or any U.S. citizen employing a vessel in Antarctica to: (1) intentionally discharge oil or dispose of plastic in the Antarctic marine environment; (2) dispose of dunnage, lining, or packing materials less than 25 nautical miles from the closest land or ice shelf; (3) dispose of food waste or other garbage less than 12 nautical miles from the closest land or ice shelf; or (4) discharge sewage within 12 nautical miles of the closest land or ice shelf. Prescribes civil penalties for disposal violations or for violations of waste disposal facility requirements. Makes vessels committing disposal violations or violations concerning compliance with specified international shipping conventions liable in rem for such penalties. Requires all vessels supporting U.S. activities in Antarctica to comply with specified international conventions relating to pollution prevention and ship safety. Directs the Secretary to issue regulations requiring all vessels supporting U.S. activities in Antarctica and all U.S. facilities in Antarctica where oil is stored to have contingency plans and the capability and equipment to respond, prevent, and clean up oil spills. Makes such parties liable for the removal of oil and for the restoration of any natural resources, specially-protected areas, or sites of special scientific interest. Prescribes civil penalties if such restoration is not feasible. Requires the President to direct the Secretary of State to initiate actions within the International Maritime Organization to secure designation of the waters south of 60 degrees south latitude as a special area under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships, 1973 and the Protocol of 1978 Relating Thereto. Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to develop and implement an environmental monitoring program for Antarctica. Requires regulations promulgated pursuant to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to include requirements for specially-protected areas. Requires the Director to issue regulations designating as a pollutant any substance which is liable, if introduced into Antarctica, to: (1) create health hazards or harm living resources; or (2) damage amenities or interfere with other legitimate uses of Antarctica. Provides for the issuance of permits to regulate the discharge of such pollutants into the Antarctic environment by U.S. citizens. Applies the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to all Federal activities in Antarctica. Requires the Secretary of State, before submitting the Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities to the Senate for ratification, to prepare an environmental impact statement on the Convention and alternative regimes for protecting the Antarctic environment. Sets forth provisions concerning citizen suits. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Act of 1990 - Title I: United States Coast Guard Regulations - Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, through the Commandant of the Coast Guard, to promulgate regulations to prevent and control the transportation into U.S. waters of viable biological materials in ship ballast waters. Mandates the use of a high sea ballast water exchange or alternative methods developed and recommended by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to prevent the unintentional transfer or introduction of nonindigenous species by ships operating exclusively within U.S. territorial waters or contiguous coastal waters of North America. Exempts such ships from the high seas exchange requirement of this Act. Exempts from the high seas exchange requirement a ship that is subject to requirements regarding the treatment of ballast water for the removal of chemical contaminants. Authorizes the Secretary to assess civil monetary penalties for violation of the regulations. Makes civil penalties available, as provided by appropriation Acts, to endow research on the control of nonindigenous species. Title II: Zebra Mussel and Aquatic Nuisance Species Research, Control, and Educational Program - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Secretary of Commerce, through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (National Cooperative Action Group - NCAG), to jointly coordinate national research, control, and educational efforts associated with the infestation of the zebra mussel and other aquatic nuisance species in U.S. waters. Authorizes the NCAG to establish and coordinate regional commissions as necessary and to facilitate information transfer among the commissions. Authorizes Federal agency heads, on request of the chairman of any commission, to detail personnel to the commission. Requires the NCAG to provide advice to the Secretary of State concerning aquatic nuisance species that infest water resources shared with other countries. Requires the NCAG to establish a regional commission for the Great Lakes region and to request that the Great Lakes Fishery Commission: (1) designate a representative to serve on it; (2) advise, coordinate, and provide secretarial services on matters related to Great Lakes fisheries, related environmental concerns, and interactions with the Government of Canada; and (3) provide technical services for any technical committee established by the NCAG. Requires that the NCAG request that the Great Lakes Commission (established under the Great Lakes Basin Compact): (1) designate a representative to serve on the regional commission; (2) advise, coordinate, and provide secretarial services on matters related to the economic impacts of the zebra mussel on the geographic area of the Great Lakes; and (3) provide technical services for any technical committee established by the NCAG. Requires that research activities under this Act be carried out only in drainage basins infested with an aquatic nuisance species, with research funds allocated, to the extent possible, to existing facilities within infested areas. Sets forth research priorities. Directs the Secretary of State to initiate negotiations with foreign governments concerning prevention, research, education, and control programs for shared water resources. Requires compliance with specified treaties relating to the Great Lakes. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to declare the zebra mussel an injurious species. Requires the appropriate lead agency to allocate funds authorized under this Act for competitive university research grants to be administered through the Sea Grant College program to study aquatic nuisance species. Authorizes the program to conduct education and assistance services related to the prevention and control of such species. Authorizes appropriations.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
United States and the United States of Mexico Air Quality Improvement Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to negotiate with Mexican representatives to establish a program to monitor and improve air quality along the U.S.-Mexican border region. Requires the monitoring component of such program to identify sources of pollutants for which national ambient air quality standards and other air quality goals have been established. Authorizes the Administrator to negotiate with the appropriate Mexican representatives to develop remediation measures to reduce the level of pollutants to achieve air quality standards in the border region. Requires such program to identify control measures the implementation of which would be expedited by U.S. material and financial assistance. Directs the Administrator to utilize resources of Mexico to offset the costs to the United States in implementing joint remediation measures. Requires the U.S. Comptroller General to study and report to the Congress on the air quality program, including ways to improve such program and whether such program should be continued or expanded to include Canada and other nations. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the progress of the program in bringing the U.S.-Mexican border region into attainment with air quality standards. Requires the Administrator, in providing direct financial assistance to Mexico for the monitoring and remediation programs, to develop grant agreements with Mexico to assure the accuracy of monitoring data and the performance of remediation measures financed by the United States. Directs the Administrator, when approving State Implementation Plans, to take into account the impacts of the sources of pollutants coming from Mexico and the role of the United States in developing monitoring and remediation plans with Mexico to bring about attainment of air quality standards in regions along the border in the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990
Pesticide Export Reform Act of 1990 - Title I: Exported Pesticides - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to require pesticide producers operating registered establishments to inform the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of: (1) the types and quantities of pesticides and active ingredients used in producing pesticides for export to a foreign country; and (2) the date of export and quantity of such materials exported to each foreign country to which the producer has exported during the past 360-day period. Provides that specified information on exported pesticides shall not be entitled to confidential trade secret treatment. Makes it unlawful to knowingly or recklessly export a pesticide, device, or active ingredient in violation of FIFRA export requirements. Prohibits the exportation of pesticides, devices, or active ingredients unless: (1) such materials are prepared and packaged according to the specifications of the foreign purchaser and the legal requirements of the country of use; and (2) the producers or exporters meet specified FIFRA requirements. Prohibits the exportation of unregistered pesticides. Waives certain requirements to permit the export of pesticides not meeting FIFRA requirements to prevent or arrest the spread of a communicable disease if the Administrator makes specified determinations. Prohibits the exportation of specified pesticides (including restricted use pesticides and pesticides subject to suspension or cancellation proceedings) unless: (1) the exporter provides specified information on the pesticide to the Administrator; (2) the country of use consents to the import and is included on a list of approved countries; and (3) the pesticide is manufactured, stored, and packaged in accordance with standards of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Requires the Administrator to maintain a list of approved countries of use. Sets forth labeling requirements for exported pesticides. Permits the export of pesticides for experimental use in foreign countries if specified conditions are met. Requires the Administrator to notify foreign countries and the International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals whenever regulatory action is taken with respect to a pesticide. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to promote the implementation of improved research and regulatory programs for pest management and strategies for sustainable agriculture; (2) provide foreign countries with technical assistance to develop pesticide regulatory programs; (3) transmit triennial studies to the Congress on countries that import U.S. pesticides and from which the United States imports agricultural commodities to ascertain such countries' management of pesticides and whether the United States is able to test effectively for pesticide residues; and (4) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to encourage the adoption of a multilateral convention requiring standard notice and export control measures for pesticides. Title II: Tolerances for Agricultural Commodities - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Administrator, if registrations for a pesticide chemical under FIFRA have been cancelled, suspended, withdrawn, or modified to eliminate the use of such chemical on a raw agricultural commodity, to publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing: (1) the revocation of any tolerance for an agricultural use; or (2) an exemption for the use of such chemical on such commodity. Provides for temporary waivers from revocations for the purpose of distributing in commerce commodities that contain residues resulting from the application of pesticides before this Act's enactment or residual environmental contamination. Permits the Administrator to issue such waivers only if such waivers do not: (1) pose a dietary health risk; and (2) cause significant economic hardship for domestic producers of a commodity attributable to competition from foreign producers in countries in which the use of the pesticide is permitted. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the establishment or continuation of a tolerance unless the Administrator determines that a practical method for detecting and measuring pesticide residues exists. Prohibits the importation of food into U.S. customs territory unless the commodity importer files with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Treasury a document identifying each pesticide chemical used in connection with the commodity. Requires such importers, if unreported pesticides are detected in such commodities, to submit residue analyses for such pesticides. Waives reporting requirements for unreported pesticides if the presence of such pesticides is attributable to long-term environmental persistence and does not pose a health risk. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to apply such requirements to importers of meat, poultry, and eggs. Title III: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.