Environment

13 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the comments made at the recent IMI Conference in Killarney, County Kerry, in relation to the Government's proposals to merge the residential property tax and local service charges; and the anticipated revenue from such a source.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 1994

13 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the comments made at the recent IMI Conference in Killarney, County Kerry, in relation to the Government's proposals to merge the residential property tax and local service charges; and the anticipated revenue from such a source.

9 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to introduce a new home tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the widespread concern among many hard-pressed home owners.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 1994

9 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to introduce a new home tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the widespread concern among many hard-pressed home owners.

7 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment if he will elaborate on the proposals made in Killarney, County Kerry at the weekend of 16/17 April 1994 regarding the residential property tax.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 1994

7 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment if he will elaborate on the proposals made in Killarney, County Kerry at the weekend of 16/17 April 1994 regarding the residential property tax.

5 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government intends replacing the rate of support grant with a new from of local taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 4 May 1994

5 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government intends replacing the rate of support grant with a new from of local taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate welcoming the May 1994 concert tour of the 150 Ensemble Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of Hellenic Radio and Television under the direction of Mikis Theodorakis.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1994

Welcomes the 150 Ensemble Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of Hellenic Radio and Television, under the direction of Mikis Theodorakis, to the United States and applauds their talent and enthusiasm for their work. Acknowledges the musical contributions of Theodorakis and supports his effort to promote human rights, raise awareness of environmental issues, and end child hunger.

To encourage liberty inside the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 1994

Expresses the sense of the Congress that any U.S. national conducting a commercial cooperation project in Vietnam should adhere to specified principles regarding: (1) nondiscrimination in employment; (2) worker and environmental safety; (3) partnerships with businesses not controlled by the Vietnamese Government; (4) prohibitions on a military presence and political indoctrination programs on project premises; (5) freedoms of association and expression; and (6) the promotion of a full accounting of all Americans missing in action from the Vietnam conflict. Directs the Secretary of State to encourage member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to promote similar principles. Requires U.S. nationals conducting commercial cooperation projects in Vietnam to: (1) register with the Secretary and indicate whether they agree to implement such principles; and (2) report annually to the Department of State on adherence to such principles. Permits Federal agencies to intercede with a foreign government or national on behalf of such a U.S. national regarding export marketing activities in Vietnam only if such individual adheres to the principles.

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to differentiate between fats, oils, and greases of animal, marine, or vegetable origin, and other oils and greases, in issuing regulations under the Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the President, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the heads of other Federal agencies, in issuing or enforcing any regulation or interpretation or guideline relating to a fat, oil, or grease under any Federal law, to differentiate between: (1) animal fats and oils and greases and fish and marine mammal oils or oils of vegetable origin; and (2) other oils and greases, including petroleum. Requires the President, the Administrator, and the heads of Federal agencies, in differentiating between such classes, to consider differences in the physical, chemical, biological, and other properties and in the environmental effects of the classes.

Lewis and Clark Rural Water System Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994

Lewis and Clark Rural Water System Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, for the planning and construction of a water supply system to provide service to specified counties in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Requires the Secretary to make grants and other funds available to the System and other private, State, and Federal entities for the initial development of the environmental enhancement component. Directs that the water conservation program: (1) be designed to ensure that users of water from the water supply system use the best practicable technology and management techniques to conserve water use; and (2) include provisions for periodic review and revision. Specifies that mitigation for fish and wildlife losses incurred as a result of the construction and operation of the water supply system be on an acre-for-acre basis, based on ecological equivalency, concurrent with project construction. Requires the Western Area Power Administration to make available the capacity and energy required to meet the pumping and incidental operational requirements of the water supply system during the period beginning May 1, and ending October 31, of each year from power designated for future irrigation and drainage pumping for the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin program. Provides that this Act shall not: (1) limit the authorization for water projects in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota; or (2) preempt State water rights. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share of the cost. Authorizes the Secretary to allow the Bureau of Reclamation to provide project construction oversight to the water supply system and environmental enhancement component. Authorizes appropriations.

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate honoring Mikis Theodorakis.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994

Expresses appreciation for Mikis Theodorakis' musical contributions and his efforts to promote human rights, raise awareness of environmental issues, and end child hunger. Welcomes him to the United States.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to establish a registration renewal procedure. Requires active ingredients, for purposes of such procedure, to be classified as follows: (1) in group one if first contained in a pesticide initially registered before November 1, 1984; (2) in group two if first contained in a pesticide initially registered after October 31, 1984, but before this Act's enactment; or (3) in group three if first contained in a pesticide initially registered after this Act's enactment. (Sec. 2) Sets reapplication dates for active ingredients as follows: (1) 12-14 years after the issuance of a reregistration eligibility decision document for the active ingredient for those in group one; (2) ten to 13 years after this Act's enactment for those in group two; and (3) 12 years after the date of initial registration of a product containing the active ingredient for those in group three. Sets subsequent reapplication dates for active ingredients at 12 years after the preceding expiration date. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assess fees from registrants to cover costs associated with registration review. Permits the Administrator to cancel a registration for nonpayment. Establishes a registration renewal fund in the Treasury. Allows the continued use, distribution, or sale of existing stocks of an expired pesticide subject to conditions specified by the Administrator. (Sec. 3) Revises pesticide export provisions to prohibit the export of a pesticide that contains an active ingredient if virtually all uses of the active ingredient in the United States have been prohibited. Permits such exports where an export would be prohibited only because registration applications have been voluntarily withdrawn or cancelled by an applicant if the Administrator is unaware of any information indicating that use of the pesticide could pose adverse health or environmental risks. Authorizes such exports to a specified importing country if: (1) the pesticide is not subject to a prohibition for any human health related reason; and (2) the country has informed the Administrator that it wishes to import the pesticide and is aware that U.S. uses of the pesticide are prohibited. Requires the Administrator to prohibit, by order, persons from exporting a pesticide to a foreign country if such country has informed the Administrator or an international agency of which the United States is a member, that the country does not wish to import the pesticide and certifies that it: (1) is not producing or importing and will not produce or import the pesticide for use in the country; and (2) does not wish to import the pesticide because of human health or environmental concerns. Provides for withdrawal of such order if the country is not in compliance with such certification. Prohibits the export of a pesticide unless: (1) there is a tolerance or an exemption from certain tolerance requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) governing residues of each ingredient in the pesticide in at least one food; (2) there is a practical method for detecting residues in or on foods and the Administrator has an appropriately certified pesticide reference standard; or (3) the Administrator determines that the pesticide is not likely to be used in a manner resulting in residues in or on imported foods. Prohibits the export of a pesticide if any ingredient has not been and is not the subject of any registration unless the Administrator determines that: (1) for each active ingredient, there is a tolerance greater than zero or an exemption from the tolerance requirement under the FDCA; or (2) residues of the pesticide on food have been permitted or the pesticide has been approved for use in at least three countries that evaluate pesticides prior to marketing in accordance with internationally recognized scientific standards and on the basis of an independent scientific review of health and environmental risks; and (3) the country of import participates in the United Nations Environment Program-Food and Agriculture Organization system for exchange of information on pesticides in international trade. Permits persons to petition the Administrator to withdraw authorization to export such pesticides. Authorizes the Administrator to permit the export of a small quantity of a pesticide to a foreign country solely for research and development purposes, but not test marketing. Prohibits such export if the pesticide contains an active ingredient which has been prohibited for virtually all uses, with exceptions. Requires exporters, in the case of unregistered pesticides other than those containing active ingredients that are banned in the United States, to obtain signed statements from foreign purchasers acknowledging that they understand that the pesticide is not registered for use, and cannot be sold, in the United States. Prohibits the export of a pesticide or a device unless it complies with requirements of this Act and the label of the pesticide is written in an official language of the country of use and, to the extent not in conflict with the country's requirements, contains all health, safety, environmental, and other related information required to be included on labeling in the United States. Requires pesticide exporters to comply with the product stewardship provisions of the 1994 International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Permits the Administrator to prohibit noncomplying exporters from exporting for up to 180 days. Requires persons who distribute or sell pesticides for export to submit distribution or sale records to the Administrator as prescribed. Authorizes the assessment of fees on pesticide registrants to carry out export requirements and establishes a fund in the Treasury. Permits the Administrator to use a specified amount to provide countries technical assistance in certain pesticide safety, management, and training programs, alternative methods of pest control, and other related activities. Gives priority for assistance to developing countries that are major sources of food imported into the United States. Requires persons who export pesticides or produce pesticides for export to submit to the Administrator information regarding: (1) unreasonable environmental effects of the pesticides; and (2) the regulatory status of the pesticides in other countries that would affect exports. (Sec. 4) Revises the procedure for the cancellation, denial of registration, or change in the classification of pesticides. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, by order and without a hearing, to cancel a pesticide registration or deny a registration application if the Administrator has revoked a tolerance regulation or denied a petition to establish a tolerance regulation for residues in or on food that could result from the use of the pesticide unless such use is unlikely to result in food that is adulterated. (Sec. 6) Revises procedures for suspension of pesticide registrations and removes certain provisions requiring hearings. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Administrator, if the risks associated with the use of a pesticide can be reduced by a change in the labeling, packaging, or composition of the pesticide, to issue a notice requiring registrants to make such change. Prohibits such change if it will prohibit or make uses of the pesticide economically unfeasible. Authorizes registrants to object to such changes and requires the Administrator to respond by withdrawing, modifying, or affirming the changes. Authorizes the Administrator to suspend a registration if a registrant fails to comply with a notice. Permits the continued sale or distribution of such pesticides for a limited period by persons other than the registrant. Authorizes the Administrator to require the recall of pesticides sold or distributed in violation of requirements. (Sec. 8) Requires the Administrator, if credible scientific evidence indicates that the use of a pesticide is likely to pose a significant risk to humans or the environment and additional information should be developed to reduce uncertainties regarding the risk, to restrict, reduce, or eliminate the use or production of the pesticide or evaluate other actions necessary to address the risk. (Sec. 9) Directs the Administrator to develop criteria for the designation of reduced risk pesticides. Permits registrants or registration applicants to request the Administrator to designate a pesticide as a reduced risk pesticide. Extends the period of exclusive use for data submitted to support the application for the original registration of a pesticide if the Administrator approves at least three minor uses of the pesticide or the pesticide has been designated as a reduced risk pesticide prior to the expiration of the period of exclusive use. Permits the Administrator to conditionally register a biological pesticide or a mixture of such pesticides not contained in any currently registered pesticide prior to the development of data necessary to determine whether a pesticide meets registration requirements. Conditions such registrations on a determination that use of the pesticide will not cause any adverse environmental effects and is in the public interest. Requires the Administrator to give priority to registration applications in the following order: (1) registration of pesticides that would meet pest control needs that are currently being addressed through emergency pesticide uses authorized under FIFRA (these uses exempt Federal or State agencies from requirements as dictated by emergency circumstances); (2) applications likely to reduce the risk of adverse environmental effects from the use of currently registered pesticides subject to cancellation proceedings; (3) applications for reduced risk pesticides; and (4) applications for minor use pesticides. Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture to review the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences' report, "Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children," and conduct surveys to document dietary exposure to pesticides among infants and children and perform other research as necessary to implement the recommendations. Revises provisions regarding pest control strategies to make it a goal to support research and development of methods that reduce health and environmental risks, including alternative pest control strategies. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator to implement a process for coordinating environmental risk reduction through identification of pesticides that pose significant risks and for which development of use reduction programs and research on safer alternative means of pest control should be high priority for research programs. Requires the Administrator to provide an annual list to the Secretary of agricultural use pesticides: (1) for which the Administrator is considering certain regulatory actions (e.g., cancellations, denials of registrations) that would affect their availability, including agricultural commodities and pests affected; (2) which otherwise pose significant health and environmental risks; and (3) for which there exists significant instances of pest resistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review all available alternatives to the pesticides listed; and (2) develop a research and technology transfer plan for each pest-commodity combination on the list for which there are insufficient alternative pest control techniques that present less risk. Allocates funding to carry out such objectives. Expands provisions regarding integrated pest management to require the Secretary to implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support goals for adoption of integrated pest management. Directs the Secretary to implement pesticide use reduction goals in selected ecosystems. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Administrator, subject to specified conditions, to delay action to delete a minor food or feed use for which a registrant has not agreed to timely submit data necessary for reregistration. Authorizes appropriations for the development of public health data in cases where the Administrator determines that further study is needed on public health pesticides to support continued registration. (Sec. 11) Adds reregistration fee provisions. (Sec. 12) Permits a restricted use pesticide to be applied only by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator or subject to other restrictions if the Administrator determines that the pesticide or its uses may cause adverse environmental effects without additional regulatory restriction. (Sec. 13) Revises judicial review procedures. (Sec. 14) Sets time limitations on claims for indemnity payments from the United States to persons suffering losses from cancelled pesticides. (Sec. 17) Expands current pesticide recordkeeping requirements. Revises enforcement authorities. Bars Federal contracts with persons convicted of offenses under FIFRA if such a contract is to be performed at any facility at which the violation giving rise to the offense occurred. Continues such prohibition until the condition giving rise to the conviction has been corrected. Requires the Administrator to treat Indian tribes as States under FIFRA. (Sec. 18) Provides protection to whistleblowers.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide assistance to promote public participation in defense environmental restoration activities.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1994

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a restoration advisory board in connection with any military installation at which environmental remediation activities are planned. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to facilitate the participation of private individuals on technical review committees and restoration advisory boards in order to ensure public input into the planning and implementation of environmental remediation activities at installations where such committees and boards are in operation. Limits total grant amounts. Requires the Secretary to consult with, and seek the advice of, such committees and boards on specified issues related to such remediation activities.

To authorize the establishment of a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1994

Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Requires such assistance to be in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects affecting the Bay's estuary. Permits assistance for a project only if it is publicly owned and will be publicly operated and maintained. Sets forth requirements for local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent of total project costs. Requires the non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs to be 100 percent. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one project in each of the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act Amendments of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994

Amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to extend the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act through FY 2000.

Risk Assessment Improvement Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994

Risk Assessment Improvement Act of 1994 - Establishes a Risk Assessment Program in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires the Director of the Program to: (1) develop a process to conduct scientific peer review of all risk assessment guidelines developed by EPA; and (2) provide recommendations to the EPA Administrator on risk assessment, research needs, and development of guidelines. Directs the Director to regularly develop, issue, and, not less than every three years for each guideline, review the need to update guidelines that establish methods for conducting scientifically sound risk assessment. Sets forth contents of such guidelines. Requires the Director to oversee the use of risk assessment guidelines by EPA Program and Regional Offices and ensure consistency in the use of such guidelines as is appropriate in application to various environmental media or hazards. Permits departures from guidelines under specified conditions. Requires the Director to regularly develop, issue, and update guidance within EPA for any risk characterizations that may be conducted by EPA. Sets forth contents of such guidance. Requires the Director to: (1) promote open dialogue to improve the use of risk assessments by decisionmakers and to accurately and clearly communicate risk characterizations; and (2) regularly evaluate risk assessment research and training needs of EPA and develop a strategy and schedule for carrying out such research and training. Provides for, as part of the Program, a two-year pilot project using comparative risk analysis to rank dissimilar environmental risks and provide a common basis for evaluating strategies for reducing or preventing such risks. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to: (1) periodically survey the manner in which Federal agencies are conducting risk assessment; (2) provide recommendations to the President based on such surveys; and (3) establish interagency mechanisms to promote coordination of Federal risk assessment and mechanisms between Federal and State agencies to communicate state-of-the-art risk assessment practices.

Imposing certain restrictions and requirements on the leasing under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of lands offshore Florida, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994

Precludes the Secretary of the Interior from permitting oil and gas development activities in specified parts of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area, the Straits of Florida Planning Area, and the South Atlantic Planning Area, unless: (1) certain environmental studies and assessments have been completed; and (2) the Secretary has certified to the Congress that specified environmental information has been obtained which adequately enables the Secretary to implement his or her Federal stewardship of the environment with a minimal level of uncertainty. Prohibits the Secretary from conducting any: (1) oil or gas development activity under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in a specified part of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico Planning Area; or (2) preleasing activity or lease sale in the three above-mentioned Planning Areas for a specified period. Mandates specified assessments and studies of the Areas addressed by this Act. Establishes the Joint Federal-State Outer Continental Shelf Task Force to request additional studies and surveys as needed to minimize the uncertainty about the effects of preleasing, leasing, and exploration activities. Subjects the first exploration plan submitted after the date of enactment of this Act to the requirements of detailed environmental impact statements. Authorizes appropriations.

Safe Drinking Water Reform Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1994

Safe Drinking Water Reform Act of 1994 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements with States having primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) for public water systems to make capitalization grants to be deposited in drinking water treatment revolving funds. (Sec. 3) Permits such funds to be used only for providing financial assistance to public water systems for expenditures that will facilitate compliance with national primary drinking water regulations. Allocates 15 percent of amounts in such funds solely for assistance to systems which regularly serve fewer than 10,000 individuals. Permits assistance to systems not owned by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, or Indian tribes based on public health and financial needs and repayment ability. Sets forth requirements for agreements, including that no financial assistance will be provided to a public water system if expenses could be avoided or significantly reduced by consolidation of such system with another system. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for public water system expenditures to Indian tribes and Alaskan Native villages which are ineligible for funding under this section. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Replaces provisions concerning State wellhead protection areas with those requiring State Governors to adopt and submit State Source Water Assessment Programs. Provides for local source water assessment programs as well. Authorizes the Administrator, if a State fails to submit an approved program, to: (1) withhold drinking water capitalization grants; and (2) delineate drinking water protection areas. Permits States with primacy and approved source water assessment programs to apply to the Administrator for approval of State Drinking Water Pollution Prevention Programs. Authorizes States with approved pollution prevention programs to establish tailored monitoring ("monitoring relief") for public water systems whose source waters are covered by local drinking water pollution prevention programs. Permits monitoring relief for a specific contaminant only if monitoring demonstrates that the contaminant is not present in the water supply or, if present, is consistently at levels substantially below the maximum contaminant level (MCL). Prohibits monitoring relief with respect to microbiological contaminants or contaminants caused in part by the treatment or distribution of drinking water. Permits requirements for pollution prevention programs for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons to vary based on State criteria. Establishes funding for source water and pollution prevention programs. (Sec. 5) Adds to the list of conditions which a public water system must meet to qualify for an exemption from an MCL or treatment technique that the system's source waters are within a drinking water protection area with a local pollution prevention program. Repeals certain procedural requirements regarding exemptions and bases exemptions on a specified analysis of the local pollution prevention program. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to publish an MCL and a national primary drinking water regulation for cryptosporidium. (Sec. 7) Authorizes States with primacy to grant variances from MCL or treatment technique requirements to community water systems that: (1) serve fewer than 3,300 persons; and (2) cannot comply with regulations through restructuring or obtaining alternate drinking water supplies. Permits such variances only if they would protect public health. Makes variances effective for five years and permits renewals for additional five-year periods subject to compliance. (Sec. 9) Directs the Administrator to publish regulations specifying minimum standards for certification of operators of public water systems, laboratories conducting tests, and additional designated personnel. Requires the Administrator, whenever a new national primary drinking water standard is promulgated, to publish information simultaneously on available technologies to meet such standard in the case of public water systems serving 50,000, 10,000, and 3,300 persons, respectively. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administrator to maintain a national drinking water occurrence data base, using monitoring data on the occurrence of both regulated and unregulated contaminants in public water systems. (Sec. 11) Requires the Administrator to review and revise the list of unregulated contaminants every five years. Limits such list to a maximum of 40 contaminants. (Sec. 12) Revises provisions which require the Administrator to establish MCL goals and regulations for at least 25 contaminants every three years. Requires the Administrator to publish a list of at least 15 unregulated contaminants that present the greatest public health concern, with additional lists of at least 12 contaminants every four years until such contaminants have been listed or rejected. Provides for MCL goals and regulations for such contaminants. Requires primary drinking water regulations to be reviewed at least once every five (currently, three) years. Authorizes the Administrator to remove a contaminant from the list and repeal the national standard if the contaminant is known not to occur in public water systems or has not been demonstrated to have adverse health effects. (Sec. 13) Extends the authorization of appropriations for public water system supervision programs through FY 2000. Requires States with primacy to: (1) submit implementation and funding plans to the Administrator on a triennial basis; and (2) establish State Drinking Water Protection Funds to be composed of fees from community water systems. Directs the Administrator to establish permit fee programs in States without primacy. Establishes the Public Drinking Water System Supervision Fund. Authorizes appropriations for grants to States for source water assessment, pollution prevention, and viability programs. (Sec. 14) Requires States to implement State Drinking Water System Viability Programs to assure the capability of public water systems to comply with this Act. Directs States, as a condition of a full capitalization grant, to establish programs for assessing long-term technical, managerial, and financial capabilities of community public water systems to comply with this Act. Places restrictions on grants until such programs are established. (Sec. 16) Requires the Administrator to promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation: (1) requiring all public water systems to routinely inspect distribution systems where they are located in proximity to sewer system lines to detect contamination from leakage in the lines and protect against contamination; and (2) prohibiting any system from recycling into drinking water supplies any untreated material which has been discharged from the system's drinking water filtration devices.

Towards the Personal Communications Environment: GREEN PAPER on a common approach in the field of mobile and personal communications in the European Union

European Union · European Commission · 27 April 1994

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1994

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to establish a registration renewal procedure. Requires active ingredients, for purposes of such procedure, to be classified as follows: (1) in group one if first contained in a pesticide initially registered before November 1, 1984; (2) in group two if first contained in a pesticide initially registered after October 31, 1984, but before this Act's enactment; or (3) in group three if first contained in a pesticide initially registered after this Act's enactment. (Sec. 2) Sets reapplication dates for active ingredients as follows: (1) 12-14 years after the issuance of a reregistration eligibility decision document for the active ingredient for those in group one; (2) ten to 13 years after this Act's enactment for those in group two; and (3) 12 years after the date of initial registration of a product containing the active ingredient for those in group three. Sets subsequent reapplication dates for active ingredients at 12 years after the preceding expiration date. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assess fees from registrants to cover costs associated with registration review. Permits the Administrator to cancel a registration for nonpayment. Establishes a registration renewal fund in the Treasury. Allows the continued use, distribution, or sale of existing stocks of an expired pesticide subject to conditions specified by the Administrator. (Sec. 3) Revises pesticide export provisions to prohibit the export of a pesticide that contains an active ingredient if virtually all uses of the active ingredient in the United States have been prohibited. Permits such exports where an export would be prohibited only because registration applications have been voluntarily withdrawn or cancelled by an applicant if the Administrator is unaware of any information indicating that use of the pesticide could pose adverse health or environmental risks. Authorizes such exports to a specified importing country if: (1) the pesticide is not subject to a prohibition for any human health related reason; and (2) the country has informed the Administrator that it wishes to import the pesticide and is aware that U.S. uses of the pesticide are prohibited. Requires the Administrator to prohibit, by order, persons from exporting a pesticide to a foreign country if such country has informed the Administrator or an international agency of which the United States is a member, that the country does not wish to import the pesticide and certifies that it: (1) is not producing or importing and will not produce or import the pesticide for use in the country; and (2) does not wish to import the pesticide because of human health or environmental concerns. Provides for withdrawal of such order if the country is not in compliance with such certification. Prohibits the export of a pesticide unless: (1) there is a tolerance or an exemption from certain tolerance requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) governing residues of each ingredient in the pesticide in at least one food; (2) there is a practical method for detecting residues in or on foods and the Administrator has an appropriately certified pesticide reference standard; or (3) the Administrator determines that the pesticide is not likely to be used in a manner resulting in residues in or on imported foods. Prohibits the export of a pesticide if any ingredient has not been and is not the subject of any registration unless the Administrator determines that: (1) for each active ingredient, there is a tolerance greater than zero or an exemption from the tolerance requirement under the FDCA; or (2) residues of the pesticide on food have been permitted or the pesticide has been approved for use in at least three countries that evaluate pesticides prior to marketing in accordance with internationally recognized scientific standards and on the basis of an independent scientific review of health and environmental risks; and (3) the country of import participates in the United Nations Environment Program-Food and Agriculture Organization system for exchange of information on pesticides in international trade. Permits persons to petition the Administrator to withdraw authorization to export such pesticides. Authorizes the Administrator to permit the export of a small quantity of a pesticide to a foreign country solely for research and development purposes, but not test marketing. Prohibits such export if the pesticide contains an active ingredient which has been prohibited for virtually all uses, with exceptions. Requires exporters, in the case of unregistered pesticides other than those containing active ingredients that are banned in the United States, to obtain signed statements from foreign purchasers acknowledging that they understand that the pesticide is not registered for use, and cannot be sold, in the United States. Prohibits the export of a pesticide or a device unless it complies with requirements of this Act and the label of the pesticide is written in an official language of the country of use and, to the extent not in conflict with the country's requirements, contains all health, safety, environmental, and other related information required to be included on labeling in the United States. Requires pesticide exporters to comply with the product stewardship provisions of the 1994 International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Permits the Administrator to prohibit noncomplying exporters from exporting for up to 180 days. Requires persons who distribute or sell pesticides for export to submit distribution or sale records to the Administrator as prescribed. Authorizes the assessment of fees on pesticide registrants to carry out export requirements and establishes a fund in the Treasury. Permits the Administrator to use a specified amount to provide countries technical assistance in certain pesticide safety, management, and training programs, alternative methods of pest control, and other related activites. Gives priority for assistance to developing countries that are major sources of food imported into the United States. Requires persons who export pesticides or produce pesticides for export to submit to the Administrator information regarding: (1) unreasonable environmental effects of the pesticides; and (2) the regulatory status of the pesticides in other countries that would affect exports. (Sec. 4) Revises the procedure for the cancellation, denial of registration, or change in the classification of pesticides. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, by order and without a hearing, to cancel a pesticide registration or deny a registration application if the Administrator has revoked a tolerance regulation or denied a petition to establish a tolerance regulation for residues in or on food that could result from the use of the pesticide unless such use is unlikely to result in food that is adulterated. (Sec. 6) Revises procedures for suspension of pesticide registrations and removes certain provisions requiring hearings. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Administrator, if the risks associated with the use of a pesticide can be reduced by a change in the labeling, packaging, or composition of the pesticide, to issue a notice requiring registrants to make such change. Prohibits such change if it will prohibit or make uses of the pesticide economically unfeasible. Authorizes registrants to object to such changes and requires the Administrator to respond by withdrawing, modifying, or affirming the changes. Authorizes the Administrator to suspend a registration if a registrant fails to comply with a notice. Permits the continued sale or distribution of such pesticides for a limited period by persons other than the registrant. Authorizes the Administrator to require the recall of pesticides sold or distributed in violation of requirements. (Sec. 8) Requires the Administrator, if credible scientific evidence indicates that the use of a pesticide is likely to pose a significant risk to humans or the environment and additional information should be developed to reduce uncertainties regarding the risk, to restrict, reduce, or eliminate the use or production of the pesticide or evaluate other actions necessary to address the risk. (Sec. 9) Directs the Administrator to develop criteria for the designation of reduced risk pesticides. Permits registrants or registration applicants to request the Administrator to designate a pesticide as a reduced risk pesticide. Extends the period of exclusive use for data submitted to support the application for the original registration of a pesticide if the Administrator approves at least three minor uses of the pesticide or the pesticide has been designated as a reduced risk pesticide prior to the expiration of the period of exclusive use. Permits the Administrator to conditionally register a biological pesticide or a mixture of such pesticides not contained in any currently registered pesticide prior to the development of data necessary to determine whether a pesticide meets registration requirements. Conditions such registrations on a determination that use of the pesticide will not cause any adverse environmental effects and is in the public interest. Requires the Administrator to give priority to registration applications in the following order: (1) registration of pesticides that would meet pest control needs that are currently being addressed through emergency pesticide uses authorized under FIFRA (these uses exempt Federal or State agencies from requirements as dictated by emergency circumstances); (2) applications likely to reduce the risk of adverse environmental effects from the use of currently registered pesticides subject to cancellation proceedings; (3) applications for reduced risk pesticides; and (4) applications for minor use pesticides. Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture to review the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences' report, "Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children," and conduct surveys to document dietary exposure to pesticides among infants and children and perform other research as necessary to implement the recommendations. Revises provisions regarding pest control strategies to make it a goal to support research and development of methods that reduce health and environmental risks, including alternative pest control strategies. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator to implement a process for coordinating environmental risk reduction through identification of pesticides that pose significant risks and for which development of use reduction programs and research on safer alternative means of pest control should be high priority for research programs. Requires the Administrator to provide an annual list to the Secretary of agricultural use pesticides: (1) for which the Administrator is considering certain regulatory actions (e.g., cancellations, denials of registrations) that would affect their availability, including agricultural commodities and pests affected; (2) which otherwise pose significant health and environmental risks; and (3) for which there exists significant instances of pest resistance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) review all available alternatives to the pesticides listed; and (2) develop a research and technology transfer plan for each pest-commodity combination on the list for which there are insufficient alternative pest control techniques that present less risk. Allocates funding to carry out such objectives. Expands provisions regarding integrated pest management to require the Secretary to implement research, demonstration, and education programs to support goals for adoption of integrated pest management. Directs the Secretary to implement pesticide use reduction goals in selected ecosystems. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Administrator, subject to specified conditions, to delay action to delete a minor food or feed use for which a registrant has not agreed to timely submit data necessary for reregistration. Authorizes appropriations for the development of public health data in cases where the Administrator determines that further study is needed on public health pesticides to support continued registration. (Sec. 11) Adds reregistration fee provisions. (Sec. 12) Permits a restricted use pesticide to be applied only by or under the direct supervision of a certified applicator or subject to other restrictions if the Administrator determines that the pesticide or its uses may cause adverse environmental effects without additional regulatory restriction. (Sec. 13) Revises judicial review procedures. (Sec. 14) Sets time limitations on claims for indemnity payments from the United States to persons suffering losses from cancelled pesticides. (Sec. 17) Expands current pesticide recordkeeping requirements. Revises enforcement authorities. Bars Federal contracts with persons convicted of offenses under FIFRA if such a contract is to be performed at any facility at which the violation giving rise to the offense occurred. Continues such prohibition until the condition giving rise to the conviction has been corrected. Requires the Administrator to treat Indian tribes as States under FIFRA. (Sec. 18) Provides protection to whistleblowers.

A bill to amend the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize consent to and authorize appropriations for the United States contribution to the Global Environment Facility, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 1994

Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the World Bank to contribute a specified amount to the Global Environmental Facility. Authorizes appropriations.

To express the sense of the Congress that if nominated by the Governor of New York as an estuary of national significance, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should select and convene a management conference under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for the lands and waters comprising the South Shore Estuary Reserve on Long Island, New York.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 1994

Expresses the sense of the Congress that if the Governor of New York nominates the South Shore Estuary Reserve as an estuary of national significance, then the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should select and convene a management conference for the Reserve under the authorities of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Commission Directive 94/15/EC of 15 April 1994 adapting to technical progress for the first time Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms

European Union · EUR-Lex · 15 April 1994

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1994 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make capitalization grants to States to establish State drinking water treatment revolving loan funds. (Sec. 3) Authorizes State Governors to transfer amounts between such funds and water pollution control revolving funds established under the Clean Water Act. Requires the Administrator to reserve one and a half percent of drinking water funds for capitalization grants to Indian tribes for the improvement of public water systems. Authorizes the Administrator to make such grants to the District of Columbia and specified U.S. territories. Authorizes States to reserve a certain amount of such grants for technical assistance for small public water systems. Requires the Administrator, beginning in FY 1998, to withhold 50 percent of each capitalization grant made to a State if the Administrator has not approved a State viability program. Directs States to prepare annual intended use plans for funds. Requires priority for the use of funds to be given to projects that address the most serious risk to human health and that assist systems most in need on a household basis according to State affordability criteria. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator, no later than May 31, 1994, to propose maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) or maximum residual disinfectant level goals and a national primary drinking water regulation for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts. Directs the Administrator to propose an interim enhanced surface water treatment rule for systems serving a population of over 10,000 that includes an MCLG for cryptosporidium. Requires publication of such goals, regulation, and rule (for microbial contaminants including cryptosporidium) by December 31, 1996. Directs the Administrator to: (1) promulgate an information collection rule to obtain information that will facilitate further revisions to the national primary drinking water regulation for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts by July 29, 1994; (2) promulgate a final long-term enhanced surface water treatment rule for all public water systems serving over 10,000 by December 31, 1998; and (3) promulgate a revised national primary drinking water regulation for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts incorporating collected information by June 30, 2000. Requires the Administrator to propose a regulation that describes treatment techniques that meet requirements for filtration and are feasible for community water systems serving 3,300 people or fewer and noncommunity water systems. Directs the Administrator to publish an MCLG and promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for any contaminant that may have adverse health effects and is known or anticipated to occur in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public health concern. (Current law requires MCLGs and regulations for those that may have adverse health effects and are known or anticipated to occur in such systems.) Requires the Administrator to publish a list of at least 15 contaminants that present the greatest public health concern, with additional lists of at least seven contaminants every five years. Establishes deadlines for the promulgation of regulations and MCLGs for such contaminants. Directs the Administrator to assemble a national drinking water occurrence data base to include information on the occurrence of regulated and unregulated contaminants. Prohibits the Administrator, for any contaminant that is regulated on the basis of its carcinogenic effects, from establishing a maximum contaminant level (MCL) that is more stringent than the level necessary to ensure that lifetime cancer risks resulting from concentrations of the contaminant in drinking water will not exceed one in 1,000,000 considering sensitive subpopulations that can be identified and characterized. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for such a contaminant that is less stringent than is feasible if such level will: (1) result in compliance costs that are substantially less than costs that would be experienced by public water systems to comply with the more stringent level; and (2) ensure that lifetime cancer risks resulting from concentrations of the contaminant in drinking water are essentially equivalent to the risks that would occur at the feasible level. Permits the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level that is less stringent than is feasible if the feasible level would result in an increase in the overall health risk from drinking water by: (1) increasing the concentration of other contaminants; or (2) interfering with the efficacy of treatment techniques that are used to comply with other national primary drinking water regulations. Requires such MCL to minimize the overall health risks. Makes this authority inapplicable with respect to regulations promulgated for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts. Revises provisions concerning the monitoring of unregulated contaminants. Requires the Administrator to establish criteria for a monitoring program for such contaminants. Directs the Administrator, within three years of this Act's enactment and every five years thereafter, to issue a list of up to 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems. Requires systems that serve over 10,000 people to monitor for all listed contaminants. Directs each State to develop a representative monitoring plan to assess the occurrence of such contaminants in systems that serve fewer than 10,000. Provides that such plans shall require monitoring for systems representative of different sizes, types, and geographic locations within a State. Authorizes the Administrator to waive monitoring requirements if a State demonstrates that the criteria for listing a contaminant do not apply in the State. Authorizes appropriations. Requires drinking water regulations to be reviewed at least once every six (currently, three) years. Makes national primary drinking water regulations effective three years after the date of promulgation (currently, 18 months) unless the Administrator determines that an earlier date is practicable. Permits up to two additional years to comply with an MCL or treatment technique if additional time is necessary for capital improvements. Authorizes exemptions from MCL or treatment technique requirements to allow a public water system to develop an alternative source of water supply or to restructure or consolidate the system. Permits the renewal of an exemption for one additional two-year period (currently, one or more two-year periods) for a system that serves no more than 3,300 people (currently, that serves no more than 500 service connections) and needs financial assistance for necessary improvements. Prohibits exemptions for small systems that receive variances under this Act. Requires the Administrator to review monitoring requirements for at least 12 contaminants and propose any necessary modifications. Authorizes States to submit alternative monitoring requirements for any national primary drinking water regulation to the Administrator for approval. Permits the Administrator or a State with primary enforcement responsibility (primacy), with respect to monitoring requirements for contaminants regulated on the basis of carcinogenic effects, to exempt public water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people from conducting additional quarterly monitoring during any three-year period if monitoring conducted at the beginning of the period fails to detect the presence of the contaminant and it is unlikely to be detected by further monitoring. (Sec. 5) Authorizes the Administrator or a State with primacy to grant variances for compliance with an MCL or treatment techniques to public water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. Permits such variances if a system installs and operates treatment technology that is feasible for small systems as determined by the Administrator and: (1) the State cannot afford to comply with a national primary drinking water regulation; and (2) the variance ensures adequate health protection. Establishes application deadlines for variances. Requires variances to be granted or denied within one year of the deadline. Establishes a moratorium on penalties for violations of MCLs or treatment techniques for systems that submit timely applications. Makes variances unavailable for: (1) an MCL or treatment technique for contaminants with respect to which a national primary drinking water regulation was promulgated prior to January 1, 1986; or (2) a regulation for a microbial contaminant or an indicator or treatment technique for such contaminant. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance or regulations describing treatment techniques for public water systems serving fewer than 3,300 people. Directs States with primacy to implement State Drinking Water System Viability Programs that ensure the capability of systems to comply with requirements. Provides that a public water system in violation of a requirement specifying an MCL or treatment technique that seeks assistance from a State for restructuring shall not be subject to a penalty for three years if the system is meeting the conditions of a State restructuring order. Makes such extensions unavailable for systems that apply for assistance four years after this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education to establish at least five small public water system technology assistance centers in the United States. (Sec. 6) Revises enforcement authorities. Exempts systems that submit approved consolidation plans from enforcement actions for a certain time period. Requires States to report annually to the Administrator on public water system compliance. Directs the Administrator to summarize such reports for the Congress and make recommendations on resources needed to ensure compliance. (Sec. 7) Makes it unlawful for any person to: (1) introduce into commerce any pipe or pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture that is not lead free; (2) sell solder or flux that is not lead free while engaged in the business of selling plumbing supplies; or (3) introduce into commerce any solder or flux that is not lead free unless it bears a label stating that it is illegal to use such solder or flux in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing water for human consumption. Requires the Administrator to: (1) provide technical information and assistance to qualified third-party certifiers in the development of voluntary standards and testing protocols for the leaching of lead from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended to dispense water for human ingestion; and (2) promulgate regulations setting a health-effects-based performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels from such fittings and fixtures if a voluntary standard is not established within one year of this Act's enactment. Prohibits, if such standards are not promulgated within five years of this Act's enactment, the importation, manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of fittings or fixtures that contain more than four percent lead by dry weight. Prohibits any person from removing water from a public water system through a pipe or device outside such system and returning water to the system unless the pipe or device is totally within the control of one or more systems. (Sec. 8) Directs the Administrator to promulgate national primary drinking water regulations and an MCL for radon. Permits alternative contaminant levels if a system is: (1) located in a State that is implementing a program to reduce radon in indoor air or is receiving State grant assistance for the program; or (2) implementing an approved service area alternative compliance program. (Sec. 9) Requires State Governors to submit source water protection programs to the Administrator for approval. Authorizes community water systems, State or local government agencies, or planning entities, after such programs are approved, to submit source water protection, sole source aquifer, or wellhead protection plans to a State for approval. Withholds 50 percent of each capitalization grant to a State, beginning in FY 1998, if the Administrator has not approved a State source water protection program. Makes projects under approved programs eligible for assistance under the Clean Water Act. Extends the authorization of appropriations for sole source aquifer protection and wellhead protection programs. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations for drinking water research, investigations, and demonstrations. Requires the principal operator of a public water system and additional personnel, as designated by the Administrator, to be certified for proficiency. Extends the authorization of appropriations for technical assistance to small water systems. Establishes additional research authorities, including requirements for studies of risk assessment and the occurrences of chemicals in drinking water. Sets priorities for research. Directs the Administrator to develop an integrated risk characterization strategy for drinking water quality. Adds to the list of requirements that a State must meet to retain primacy for drinking water programs that the State has adopted requirements for the certification of operators of public water systems and laboratories conducting tests. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations for public water system supervision programs and grants to States for groundwater protection. (Sec. 14) Waives the sovereign immunity of the United States with respect to any requirement, administrative authority, process, or sanction imposed concerning the provision of safe drinking water. (Sec. 15) Directs the Administrator to: (1) rank sources of pollution with respect to the relative degree of risk of adverse effects on human health, the environment, and public welfare; (2) evaluate costs and benefits associated with compliance with regulations and Federal actions with health and environmental impacts; and (3) identify reasonable opportunities to achieve significant risk reduction through modifications in environmental regulations and programs and other Federal programs with health and environmental impacts. (Sec. 16) Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the seriousness of contamination of private sources of drinking water that are not regulated by this Act. Authorizes the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers to borrow from the Federal Financing Bank to finance capital improvements at the Washington Aqueduct.

A bill to authorize the establishment of a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interest in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Requires such assistance to be in the form of design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects affecting the Bay's estuary. Permits assistance for a project only if it is publicly owned and will be publicly operated and maintained. Sets forth requirements for local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests. Sets the Federal share at 75 percent of total project costs. Requires the non-Federal share of operation and maintenance costs to be 100 percent. Directs the Secretary to establish at least one project in each of the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Authorizes appropriations.

River and Watershed Protection and Restoration Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

River and Watershed Protection and Restoration Act of 1994 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish and maintain a National River and Watershed Registry to be comprised of rivers and associated watershed areas whose natural, scenic, cultural, or recreational values are to be protected or restored. Requires the Secretary to promulgate rules establishing criteria for the inclusion of rivers and associated watershed areas on the Registry, including a requirement that the designated State agency or an Indian tribe has submitted a petition for inclusion that contains a strategy specifying methods contributing to the protection and restoration of riverine and riparian resources within the area concerned. (Sec. 303) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) submission of nominations for the inclusion of any river and associated watershed area on the Registry by an appropriate State agency, a governing body of an Indian Tribe, or by a State agency for another entity; (2) inclusion of segments on the Registry; (3) periodic review of strategy implementation; (4) removal from the Registry; and (5) application for assistance under the Act by qualified watershed councils. Requires the appropriate Federal or State department, agency, or instrumentality, before approving or authorizing a planned undertaking that may adversely effect the implementation of a strategy in effect for a river and associated watershed area listed on the Registry, to notify the Secretary, the designated State agency, any affected Indian tribe, the appropriate local governmental officials, and the public. Sets forth conditions under which such approval or authorization may be issued. Exempts an undertaking: (1) determined by a Federal agency to be necessary for national security; (2) in a major disaster area; (3) involving only the repair or reconstruction of a building or facility constructed before the date on which the river and associated watershed area concerned were included on the Registry; or (4) that is required to be undertaken pursuant to Federal or State law. (Sec. 307) Directs the Secretary to: (1) enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to develop and publish standards for the protection and restoration of rivers, associated watershed areas, and riverine and riparian resources; and (2) provide technical assistance to qualified watershed councils, State, tribal and local governments, individuals, and private nonprofit organizations: (1) engaged in the restoration and conservation of rivers and watershed areas listed in the Registry; and (2) proposing to nominate a river or area for the Registry. (Sec. 308) Requires the Secretary to make capitalization grants to the States and Indian Tribes to be deposited in river and watershed restoration and conservation revolving funds established by the State or by the Tribal governing body and to be used by the designated State agency (or by the Indian Tribe) only for carrying out its responsibilities and authorities under this Act and for providing grants and loans to qualified watershed councils or other entities contributing to the applicable strategy. Requires such grants and loans to be used only to carry out projects contributing to the protection or restoration of rivers and associated watershed areas listed on the Registry. Authorizes the Secretary to arrange for the design, printing, and sale of river and watershed restoration stamps. Requires the net proceeds of all such sales to be retained by the Secretary and to be transferred to the revolving fund for the State in which such stamps are sold. Requires the Secretary, if stamps are sold in any State which has not established a revolving fund, to disburse such net proceeds to other States which have established such fund on a pro rata basis according to the volume of stamps sold in such other States. Provides for modified applicability of provisions governing the following with respect to projects or assistance for the protection or restoration of a river or associated watershed area which is listed on the Registry: (1) assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation; (2) the conservation reserve program; (3) the forestry incentives program; (4) the wetlands reserve program; (5) conservation easements; (6) the agricultural conservation program; (7) assistance from the National Park Service; and (8) assistance under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. (Sec. 309) Authorizes appropriations.

Lower Mississippi Delta Initiatives Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Initiatives Within the Department of the Interior Title II: Initiatives Within the Department of Energy Title III: Lower Mississippi Delta Development Center Lower Mississippi Delta Initiatives Act of 1994 - Title I: Initiatives Within the Department of the Interior - Establishes within the Department of the Interior an Office of Education to: (1) promote education in selected areas of environmental, natural, historic, and cultural resources; and (2) establish initiatives at minority schools of higher education. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) report annually to certain congressional committees on opportunities for minority schools of higher education to participate in Departmental programs; (2) establish a scholarship program for degrees in natural resource and environmental related fields at minority schools of higher learning in the Lower Mississippi Delta Region; (3) encourage pre-college education programs in designated subject areas; (4) implement a volunteer educational enrichment program in cooperation with State departments of education and local school districts in the Delta Region; (5) establish a Center for Excellence in the Sciences and a Center for Aquaculture to encourage women and minority students in the Delta Region to pursue careers in the sciences and in aquaculture; and (6) coordinate the educational programs under this Act with those of other Federal agencies. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to transmit to the Congress: (1) a study of nationally significant sites within the Delta Region; (2) recommendations for a transportation network linking such sites; and (3) a study outlining recommendations for funding a Delta Region Native American Heritage Corridor and Heritage and Cultural Center, and a Delta Region African American Heritage Corridor and Heritage and Cultural Center (including a Music Heritage Program). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State Humanities Councils to assist minority and rural museums and related associations in the Delta region. (Sec. 105) Directs the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to historically Black colleges and universities to undertake: (1) a survey of historic and prehistoric structures on campus; and (2) their preservation. (Sec. 106) Directs the Secretary to: (1) transmit to the Congress a feasibility study regarding establishment of a Delta Antiquities Trail or Delta Antiquities Heritage Corridor; and (2) conduct a research and preservation program of significant historic and archeological resources in the Delta. (Sec. 108) Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Initiatives Within the Department of Energy - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to establish the Delta Energy Technology and Business Development Center (the Center). Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the Center. (Sec. 203) Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require the Secretary to make grants to schools or hospitals for energy conservation projects, and to provide supplemental Federal financing for energy conservation projects at schools and hospitals in the Delta Region. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 204) Requires the Secretary to: (1) report annually to certain congressional committees regarding opportunities for minority colleges and universities to participate in Department of Energy (DOE) activities and laboratories; (2) establish scholarship programs for students pursuing energy-related and/or technical disciplines at minority colleges and universities in the Delta Region; (3) encourage pre-college programs in energy-related and/or technical disciplines; (4) implement a volunteer program for education at DOE; and (5) implement a program to encourage women and minority students in the Delta Region to pursue careers in technical disciplines. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to conduct a research and demonstration program to determine the economic viability of integrated biomass energy systems within the Delta Region. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 206) Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States and Indian tribal organizations in the Delta Region for weatherization of low-income dwelling units. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 207) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to qualify for incentive payments certain renewable energy facilities owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Title III: Lower Mississippi Delta Development Center - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make a grant to the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Center to implement the recommendations made in the final report of the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for a national estuary pollution prevention demonstration program.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a multimedia national estuary pollution prevention demonstration program to increase the use of modernizing industrial source reduction practices through demonstrations in estuaries. Requires the Administrator to maintain a registry of modernizing toxic use and waste reduction technologies requiring demonstration. Authorizes persons with permits to discharge into estuaries with approved conservation and management plans to participate in the demonstration program through the institution of: (1) a source reduction practice from the registry if the plan identified the source to be reduced as a problem; or (2) any other innovative source reduction practice subject to a specified determination by the Administrator. Exempts demonstration program participants from fees for the development of revised effluent guidelines. Grants participants an additional year to comply with new or revised effluent standards as necessary and appropriate. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a pollution prevention extension service to provide an outreach effort to encourage pollution prevention by industrial discharges to estuaries with approved conservation and management plans; and (2) a national estuary pollution prevention clearinghouse. Permits municipalities located within the watershed of an estuary with an approved plan to apply for technical and financial assistance for: (1) implementing source reduction of toxic pollutants in urban runoff, wastewater, and stormwater and to address problems resulting from failures of underground septic systems; or (2) studying the impacts of separating combined sanitary/stormwater systems in municipalities which have combined systems. Sets forth assistance eligibility requirements. Authorizes the use of State revolving loan funds for such assistance. Authorizes appropriations.

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to enable Indian tribes to enforce provisions of the Act relating to leaking underground storage tanks on Indian lands, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) delegate primary enforcement authority for programs under such Act to qualifying Indian tribes; (2) provide grant and contract assistance to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, tribes to carry out such Act. Directs the Administrator to: (1) study and inventory all underground storage tanks within Indian country; and (2) establish a Tribal Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Obligates specified funds for regulation of such underground storage tanks. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reserve at least three percent of the amounts made available to States from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for the Tribal Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund.

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to make technical revisions to maps relating to the Coastal Barrier Resources System.

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 1994

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make technical revisions to certain maps included in a set of maps entitled "Coastal Barrier Resources System."

Designating April 1994 as "National Buy Recycled Materials and Products Month".

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 1994

Designates April 1994 as National Buy Recycled Materials and Products Month.

Comprehensive Superfund Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Liability Title II: State Implementation Title III: Remedy Selection Title IV: Funding Comprehensive Superfund Improvement Act - Title I: Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to limit liability under such Act to actions involving hazardous substance releases occurring after December 11, 1980 (thus, eliminating retroactive liability), subject to the conditions of this Act. Makes such limit inapplicable to actions occurring before such date which were contrary to law. Provides for reimbursement from the Retroactive Liability Fund as provided by this Act. (Sec. 102) Sets forth retroactive liability provisions for actions which occurred before December 11, 1980. Bars reimbursement from the Retroactive Liability Fund to potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for construction costs if construction of the response action has been completed by January 1, 1994. Requires the President, if a PRP is conducting operation and maintenance (O&M) related to the action as of January 1, 1994, to assume the future costs of O&M and reimburse the party for costs incurred. Provides for reimbursement of construction costs for response actions not completed by such date, but only after the construction is completed. Directs the President to use the Retroactive Liability Fund to pay for all response action costs for sites discovered after such date. Establishes provisions for actions for which liability occurred before and after December 11, 1980. Permits PRPs conducting O&M related to the response action as of January 1, 1994, to petition the President for an allocation of O&M costs. Provides for reimbursement from the Retroactive Liability Fund of O&M costs attributable to actions occurring before December 11, 1980. Permits PRPs to petition for allocations of construction and O&M costs where actions have not been completed by January 1, 1994. Provides for reimbursement of O&M and construction costs attributable to actions occurring before December 11, 1980. Directs the President to use the Retroactive Liability Fund to pay for all costs attributable to actions occurring before December 11, 1980, for sites discovered after January 1, 1994. (Sec. 103) Provides that persons considered to be qualified organizations under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code governing charitable contributions who are grantees of conservation easements with respect to real property on which a facility is located shall not be considered as owners or operators, for purposes of determining liability for removal and response costs, unless they have caused or contributed to the release of hazardous substances. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a defendant who has acquired real property has made all appropriate inquiry into previous ownership and uses of the property if he establishes that, immediately prior to or at the time of acquisition, he obtained an environmental assessment of the property to determine the presence of hazardous substances, including a review of specified records of the previous ownership and use of such property. (Sec. 104) Absolves persons who have resolved liability to the United States or a State in an approved settlement proceeding of liability for cost recovery regarding matters addressed in the settlement. (Sec. 105) Provides that persons who own or operate real property that is contiguous to or otherwise situated with respect to real property on which there has been a release of a hazardous substance and that may be contaminated shall not be considered to be an owner or operator for purposes of determining liability. Authorizes the President to issue assurances of no enforcement action to such persons and grant protection against cost recovery and contribution actions. (Sec. 106) Requires the President to issue regulations to define certain terms as they apply to liability of lenders and financial service providers. Excludes from the definition of "owner or operator" (thus, protecting from individual liability) fiduciaries who hold legal title to, are the mortgagees or secured parties with respect to, control, or manage, any facility or vessel at which a release occurred for purposes of administering an estate or trust of which such vessel or facility is a part. (Sec. 108) Makes liable parties who accept or successfully appeal the results of the allocation of responsibility under title V of this Act to be liable only for, with respect to National Priority List (NPL) sites, their assigned share of the costs of: (1) removal or remedial action incurred by the United States, a State, or an Indian tribe; (2) response incurred by any other person; and (3) any health assessment or health effects study. Requires the orphan share of an NPL site to be paid out of the Hazardous Substance Superfund (Fund) or the Retroactive Liability Fund. (Sec. 109) Makes PRPs or liable parties who fail to perform response actions at NPL sites subject to specified civil action. Requires reimbursement by Superfund of PRPs who perform and pay for response actions at NPL sites. Authorizes liable parties who perform and pay for such actions to recover costs as creditor parties as provided under title V of this Act. (Sec. 110) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appoint panels of administrative law judges to perform expedited administrative proceedings, to be known as "binding allocations of responsibility (BARs)," for purposes of determining the liability of PRPs at NPL sites. Provides that BARs shall not address or affect liability concerning damages to natural resources. Provides for the initiation of a BAR by the filing of a petition with the EPA Office of Administrative Law Judges by the Administrator or a State where the site is located. Exempts de micromis parties (parties that a panel determines contributed only 100 pounds or liters of material containing hazardous substances at the facility or such amount as determined by the Administrator) from liability to the United States or to any other person for response actions or for past, present, or future costs incurred at the site. Requires final BARs to be issued within 18 months of the publication of a notice of petition (or 24 months for cases of exceptional complexity). Bases the assigned share of liability on specified allocation factors, including the ability to pay. Requires the Administrator to make firm offers of settlement to all de minimis parties (parties that contributed only one percent or less of the total quantity of hazardous substances present at the site). Makes a BAR decision binding as to all past, present, and future liability for response costs and for contributions in civil proceedings. Permits judicial review of final BAR decisions. Sets forth procedures for recovery by creditor parties. Provides for stays of certain pending enforcement actions and private party litigation until a BAR is issued. Authorizes any group of PRPs to submit a private allocation for the NPL site, to be known as a "voluntary binding allocation of responsibility," to the allocation panel. Provides that a BAR shall constitute a permanent determination of the assigned share of a liable party and of the orphan share and, except for specified additions to the orphan share and judicially mandated changes, shall not be subject to any change for at least five years after the date of final decision. Permits a new BAR only if the request demonstrates that due to new information not reasonably available during the first BAR, a 35 percent or greater increase in total waste-in volume has been discovered. (Sec. 111) Exempts qualified redevelopers from liability for costs or damages with respect to hazardous substance releases. (Sec. 112) Extends a current exemption from liability for response action contractors under Federal law to State and local law and expands the activities considered to be response actions. Excludes such contractors from the definition of "owner or operator" for purposes of limiting liability. Provides a limitation on actions against response action contractors. Title II: State Implementation - Authorizes States to apply to the Administrator to carry out response actions and enforcement activities at all facilities listed or proposed for listing on the NPL. Grants a State such authority if it possesses the legal authority, technical capability, and resources necessary to conduct response actions in a manner consistent with this Act. Makes such States eligible for response action financing from the Fund and the Retroactive Liability Fund. Requires States to pay ten percent of the costs of all response actions for which the State receives funds from the Fund. Makes such cost-sharing requirement inapplicable to States that receive funds from the Retroactive Liability Fund. (Sec. 201) Authorizes a State to select a response action that achieves a level of cleanup that is more stringent than required if it agrees to pay for the incremental increase in response cost attributable to achieving the more stringent level. (Sec. 203) Directs the President to: (1) maintain records of the costs incurred in connection with any oversight contract or arrangement for remedial investigations or feasibility studies; and (2) establish an administrative procedure under which a party that conducts a response action may contest the costs incurred in such oversight. Requires oversight costs exceeding 50 percent of the response costs incurred by the responsible party to be paid by the Fund. Title III: Remedy Selection - Authorizes the President or an authorized State to take immediate risk reduction measures whenever a release poses an imminent and substantial danger to public health. Prohibits the President or a State from instituting long-term remediation measures. Authorizes the use of the Fund for such measures, but permits the President to recover costs from liable parties as well. (Sec. 302) Applies the hazard ranking system to a site or facility only after the site or facility has undergone immediate risk reduction measures. Applies such requirement to sites and facilities to be newly listed on the NPL and to any sites already listed for which remedial investigation and feasibility studies have not been conducted. (Sec. 303) Directs the President or a State, as appropriate, to prepare a long-term response plan for an affected facility. Authorizes PRPs to prepare and carry out certain elements of such plan. Requires such plans to address: (1) site characterization; (2) risk assessment; (3) recommendations made by community advisory councils; and (4) response option identification. Requires plans for: (1) facilities to be newly listed on the NPL after this Act's enactment date; (2) facilities or sites listed on the NPL for which remedial investigations and feasibility studies have not been conducted; and (3) facilities or sites on the NPL for which such investigations and studies have been conducted but for which contracts have not been executed for remedial design and action. Directs persons carrying out remedial investigations to assess risks to human health and the environment, separately evaluating current and likely future risks. Directs the Administrator to create a Community Advisory Council for each facility listed on the NPL to provide information to PRPs, the Administrator, and the State regarding the future use of the facility and affected off-site areas and resources. Requires response option identifications under long-term remediation plans to provide for cost-benefit analyses on containment, remediation, monitoring, delisting, and institutional controls. Directs the President to promulgate and include in the national contingency plan guidelines for conducting cost/benefit analyses of response actions conducted under CERCLA. (Sec. 304) Revises provisions regarding selection of remedial actions to require the President or a State, after completion of a long-term response plan, to select the response that best achieves an acceptable level of residual risk reduction at the facility or site. Sets forth factors to be considered in selecting such actions, including site-specific impacts, economic impacts on PRPs, and costs and benefits of options. Provides preferences for actions that significantly reduce the volume, toxicity, or mobility of the hazardous substances or the exposure to such substances. Extends site or facility boundaries to include areas subject to easements or other institutional controls with respect to response actions. Makes selections subject to judicial review. Requires implementation of an action within 60 days after the selection has been made and: (1) an appeal has been filed and a court has acted on the appeal; or (2) the time for filing an appeal has expired and no appeal has been filed. Repeals certain cleanup standards. (Sec. 305) Requires the review of selected response actions at least once every five years to assure that human health and the environment are being protected. (Currently, such review is required for actions that result in hazardous substances remaining at the site.) (Sec. 306) Provides for delisting of sites or facilities from the NPL after an action achieves the cleanup goal. Title IV: Funding - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend environmental tax and certain Superfund provisions for a period of five years. Increases the aggregate tax which may be collected and credited to the Fund. Extends the deadline for repayment of advances made to the Fund from December 31, 1995, to December 31, 2000. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Fund through FY 2000. (Sec. 402) Increases the environmental income tax. Provides that only 50 percent of such taxes received in the Treasury shall be deposited into the Fund in tax years between December 31, 1994, and January 1, 2000. (Sec. 404) Establishes the Retroactive Liability Fund. Appropriates 50 percent of revenues from the environmental tax to such fund in addition to certain environmental fees and assessments on insurance companies.

Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1994

Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require permits for discharges from publicly owned treatment works to contain terms for biological monitoring or whole effluent toxicity tests if the permitting authority determines that such discharges cause, have the potential to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion above a narrative or numeric criterion for whole effluent toxicity. Outlines the process for such tests. Provides that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that it is necessary to include biological monitoring, testing, or assessment methods or whole effluent toxicity tests as a permit condition for publicly owned treatment works, the failure of such tests shall not result in a finding of violation.

Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Authorities of the Secretary Title II: National Appeals Division Title III: Farm and International Trade Services Title IV: Rural Economic and Community Development Title V: Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Title VI: Natural Resources and Environment Title VII: Marketing and Inspection Services Title VIII: Research, Economics, and Education Title IX: Food Safety Title X: Miscellaneous Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 - Title I: General Authorities of the Secretary - Delegates, with specified exceptions, all Department of Agriculture functions to the Secretary of Agriculture. Grants the Secretary general reorganization authority. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to make specified employee reductions. (Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to consolidate Washington, D.C. headquarters offices. Title II: National Appeals Division - Directs the Secretary to establish a National Appeals Division within the Office of the Secretary. Sets forth related provisions. Title III: Farm and International Trade Services - Establishes in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and International Trade Services. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Secretary to establish a Farm Service Agency to carry out specified agricultural assistance programs. (Sec. 304) Authorizes the Secretary to establish an International Trade Service. Title IV: Rural Economic and Community Development - Amends the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980 to establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Economic and Community Development (in lieu of the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Small Community and Rural Development). (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretary to establish within the Department: (1) the Rural Utilities Service; (2) the Rural Housing and Community Development Service; and (3) the Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service. Title V: Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services - Establishes in the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Secretary to establish within the Department: (1) the Food and Consumer Service; and (2) the Nutrition Research and Education Service. Title VI: Natural Resources and Environment - Authorizes the Secretary to establish in the Department the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Title VII: Marketing and Inspection Services - Authorizes the Secretary to establish within the Department the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. Title VIII: Research, Economics, and Education - Authorizes the Secretary to establish within the Department: (1) the Federal Research and Information Service; (2) the Cooperative State Research and Education Service; (3) the Agricultural Economics and Statistics Service; and (4) the Program Policy and Coordination Staff. Title IX: Food Safety - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary to establish within the Department the Food Safety Service. Title X: Miscellaneous - Establishes within the Department six positions of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. (Sec. 1004) Terminates, with specified exceptions, the Secretary's reorganization authority two years after enactment of this Act.

To transfer the lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management to the State in which the lands are located.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994

Requires the Secretary of the Interior to offer to transfer all lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the State in which such lands are located. Requires a State to accept or reject the total offer of all the lands. Makes the transfer effective on September 30, 1998. Requires each State receiving such lands to honor valid existing leases, permits, and mining claims. Restricts the transferred lands to public purpose use if they are not encumbered by a lease or permit. Reverts such lands to the United States if a State does not use them for public purposes. Exempts BLM lands from transfer under this Act if they are: (1) wilderness; (2) wilderness study areas; (3) areas of critical environmental concern; or (4) determined by the Secretary to be too costly for the United States to decontaminate.

Comprehensive Superfund Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Liability Title II: State Implementation Title III: Remedy Selection Title IV: Funding Comprehensive Superfund Improvement Act - Title I: Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to limit liability under such Act to actions involving hazardous substance releases occurring after December 11, 1980 (thus, eliminating retroactive liability), subject to the conditions of this Act. Makes such limit inapplicable to actions occurring before such date which were contrary to law. Provides for reimbursement from the Retroactive Liability Fund as provided by this Act. (Sec. 102) Sets forth retroactive liability provisions for actions which occurred before December 11, 1980. Bars reimbursement from the Retroactive Liability Fund to potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for construction costs if construction of the response action has been completed by January 1, 1994. Requires the President, if a PRP is conducting operation and maintenance (O&M) related to the action as of January 1, 1994, to assume the future costs of O&M and reimburse the party for costs incurred. Provides for reimbursement of construction costs for response actions not completed by such date, but only after the construction is completed. Directs the President to use the Retroactive Liability Fund to pay for all response action costs for sites discovered after such date. Establishes provisions for actions for which liability occurred before and after December 11, 1980. Permits PRPs conducting O&M related to the response action as of January 1, 1994, to petition the President for an allocation of O&M costs. Provides for reimbursement from the Retroactive Liability Fund of O&M costs attributable to actions occurring before December 11, 1980. Permits PRPs to petition for allocations of construction and O&M costs where actions have not been completed by January 1, 1994. Provides for reimbursement of O&M and construction costs attributable to actions occurring before December 11, 1980. Directs the President to use the Retroactive Liability Fund to pay for all costs attributable to actions occurring before December 11, 1980, for sites discovered after January 1, 1994. (Sec. 103) Provides that persons considered to be qualified organizations under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code governing charitable contributions who are grantees of conservation easements with respect to real property on which a facility is located shall not be considered as owners or operators, for purposes of determining liability for removal and response costs, unless they have caused or contributed to the release of hazardous substances. Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a defendant who has acquired real property has made all appropriate inquiry into previous ownership and uses of the property if he establishes that, immediately prior to or at the time of acquisition, he obtained an environmental assessment of the property to determine the presence of hazardous substances, including a review of specified records of the previous ownership and use of such property. (Sec. 104) Absolves persons who have resolved liability to the United States or a State in an approved settlement proceeding of liability for cost recovery regarding matters addressed in the settlement. (Sec. 105) Provides that persons who own or operate real property that is contiguous to or otherwise situated with respect to real property on which there has been a release of a hazardous substance and that may be contaminated shall not be considered to be an owner or operator for purposes of determining liability. Authorizes the President to issue assurances of no enforcement action to such persons and grant protection against cost recovery and contribution actions. (Sec. 106) Requires the President to issue regulations to define certain terms as they apply to liability of lenders and financial service providers. Excludes from the definition of "owner or operator" (thus, protecting from individual liability) fiduciaries who hold legal title to, are the mortgagees or secured parties with respect to, control, or manage, any facility or vessel at which a release occurred for purposes of administering an estate or trust of which such vessel or facility is a part. (Sec. 108) Makes liable parties who accept or successfully appeal the results of the allocation of responsibility under title V of this Act to be liable only for, with respect to National Priority List (NPL) sites, their assigned share of the costs of: (1) removal or remedial action incurred by the United States, a State, or an Indian tribe; (2) response incurred by any other person; and (3) any health assessment or health effects study. Requires the orphan share of an NPL site to be paid out of the Hazardous Substance Superfund (Fund) or the Retroactive Liability Fund. (Sec. 109) Makes PRPs or liable parties who fail to perform response actions at NPL sites subject to specified civil action. Requires reimbursement by Superfund of PRPs who perform and pay for response actions at NPL sites. Authorizes liable parties who perform and pay for such actions to recover costs as creditor parties as provided under title V of this Act. (Sec. 110) Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appoint panels of administrative law judges to perform expedited administrative proceedings, to be known as "binding allocations of responsibility (BARs)," for purposes of determining the liability of PRPs at NPL sites. Provides that BARs shall not address or affect liability concerning damages to natural resources. Provides for the initiation of a BAR by the filing of a petition with the EPA Office of Administrative Law Judges by the Administrator or a State where the site is located. Exempts de micromis parties (parties that a panel determines contributed only 100 pounds or liters of material containing hazardous substances at the facility or such amount as determined by the Administrator) from liability to the United States or to any other person for response actions or for past, present, or future costs incurred at the site. Requires final BARs to be issued within 18 months of the publication of a notice of petition (or 24 months for cases of exceptional complexity). Bases the assigned share of liability on specified allocation factors, including the ability to pay. Requires the Administrator to make firm offers of settlement to all de minimis parties (parties that contributed only one percent or less of the total quantity of hazardous substances present at the site). Makes a BAR decision binding as to all past, present, and future liability for response costs and for contributions in civil proceedings. Permits judicial review of final BAR decisions. Sets forth procedures for recovery by creditor parties. Provides for stays of certain pending enforcement actions and private party litigation until a BAR is issued. Authorizes any group of PRPs to submit a private allocation for the NPL site, to be known as a "voluntary binding allocation of responsibility," to the allocation panel. Provides that a BAR shall constitute a permanent determination of the assigned share of a liable party and of the orphan share and, except for specified additions to the orphan share and judicially mandated changes, shall not be subject to any change for at least five years after the date of final decision. Permits a new BAR only if the request demonstrates that due to new information not reasonably available during the first BAR, a 35 percent or greater increase in total waste-in volume has been discovered. (Sec. 111) Exempts qualified redevelopers from liability for costs or damages with respect to hazardous substance releases. (Sec. 112) Extends a current exemption from liability for response action contractors under Federal law to State and local law and expands the activities considered to be response actions. Excludes such contractors from the definition of "owner or operator" for purposes of limiting liability. Provides a limitation on actions against response action contractors. Title II: State Implementation - Authorizes States to apply to the Administrator to carry out response actions and enforcement activities at all facilities listed or proposed for listing on the NPL. Grants a State such authority if it possesses the legal authority, technical capability, and resources necessary to conduct response actions in a manner consistent with this Act. Makes such States eligible for response action financing from the Fund and the Retroactive Liability Fund. Requires States to pay ten percent of the costs of all response actions for which the State receives funds from the Fund. Makes such cost-sharing requirement inapplicable to States that receive funds from the Retroactive Liability Fund. (Sec. 201) Authorizes a State to select a response action that achieves a level of cleanup that is more stringent than required if it agrees to pay for the incremental increase in response cost attributable to achieving the more stringent level. (Sec. 203) Directs the President to: (1) maintain records of the costs incurred in connection with any oversight contract or arrangement for remedial investigations or feasibility studies; and (2) establish an administrative procedure under which a party that conducts a response action may contest the costs incurred in such oversight. Requires oversight costs exceeding 50 percent of the response costs incurred by the responsible party to be paid by the Fund. Title III: Remedy Selection - Authorizes the President or an authorized State to take immediate risk reduction measures whenever a release poses an imminent and substantial danger to public health. Prohibits the President or a State from instituting long-term remediation measures. Authorizes the use of the Fund for such measures, but permits the President to recover costs from liable parties as well. (Sec. 302) Applies the hazard ranking system to a site or facility only after the site or facility has undergone immediate risk reduction measures. Applies such requirement to sites and facilities to be newly listed on the NPL and to any sites already listed for which remedial investigation and feasibility studies have not been conducted. (Sec. 303) Directs the President or a State, as appropriate, to prepare a long-term response plan for an affected facility. Authorizes PRPs to prepare and carry out certain elements of such plan. Requires such plans to address: (1) site characterization; (2) risk assessment; (3) recommendations made by community advisory councils; and (4) response option identification. Requires plans for: (1) facilities to be newly listed on the NPL after this Act's enactment date; (2) facilities or sites listed on the NPL for which remedial investigations and feasibility studies have not been conducted; and (3) facilities or sites on the NPL for which such investigations and studies have been conducted but for which contracts have not been executed for remedial design and action. Directs persons carrying out remedial investigations to assess risks to human health and the environment, separately evaluating current and likely future risks. Directs the Administrator to create a Community Advisory Council for each facility listed on the NPL to provide information to PRPs, the Administrator, and the State regarding the future use of the facility and affected off-site areas and resources. Requires response option identifications under long-term remediation plans to provide for cost-benefit analyses on containment, remediation, monitoring, delisting, and institutional controls. Directs the President to promulgate and include in the national contingency plan guidelines for conducting cost/benefit analyses of response actions conducted under CERCLA. (Sec. 304) Revises provisions regarding selection of remedial actions to require the President or a State, after completion of a long-term response plan, to select the response that best achieves an acceptable level of residual risk reduction at the facility or site. Sets forth factors to be considered in selecting such actions, including site-specific impacts, economic impacts on PRPs, and costs and benefits of options. Provides preferences for actions that significantly reduce the volume, toxicity, or mobility of the hazardous substances or the exposure to such substances. Extends site or facility boundaries to include areas subject to easements or other institutional controls with respect to response actions. Makes selections subject to judicial review. Requires implementation of an action within 60 days after the selection has been made and: (1) an appeal has been filed and a court has acted on the appeal; or (2) the time for filing an appeal has expired and no appeal has been filed. Repeals certain cleanup standards. (Sec. 305) Requires the review of selected response actions at least once every five years to assure that human health and the environment are being protected. (Currently, such review is required for actions that result in hazardous substances remaining at the site.) (Sec. 306) Provides for delisting of sites or facilities from the NPL after an action achieves the cleanup goal. Title IV: Funding - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend environmental tax and certain Superfund provisions for a period of five years. Increases the aggregate tax which may be collected and credited to the Fund. Extends the deadline for repayment of advances made to the Fund from December 31, 1995, to December 31, 2000. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Fund through FY 2000. (Sec. 402) Increases the environmental income tax. Provides that only 50 percent of such taxes received in the Treasury shall be deposited into the Fund in tax years between December 31, 1994, and January 1, 2000. (Sec. 404) Establishes the Retroactive Liability Fund. Appropriates 50 percent of revenues from the environmental tax to such fund in addition to certain environmental fees and assessments on insurance companies.

209 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the targets set in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993, particularly in relation to the carrying out of the remedial works scheme and the bathrooms sub-programme, are capable of being achieved within the timescale set; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

209 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the targets set in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993, particularly in relation to the carrying out of the remedial works scheme and the bathrooms sub-programme, are capable of being achieved within the timescale set; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

166 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that the Kerbside recycling operation continues in view of the requests particularly from north county Dublin for such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

166 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that the Kerbside recycling operation continues in view of the requests particularly from north county Dublin for such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

81 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

81 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

80 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

80 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

79 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

79 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

77 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

77 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

76 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

76 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

75 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

75 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

74 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

74 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

71 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

71 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

70 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for the Environment whether European Union funding will be available in 1994 for the improvement and maintenance of county roads; and if he will give details of allocations proposed.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

70 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for the Environment whether European Union funding will be available in 1994 for the improvement and maintenance of county roads; and if he will give details of allocations proposed.

64 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

64 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that there will be no diminution of funds for road, bridge, footpath and roadside drainage or other improvements arising from a possible reduction of Structural Funds from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

63 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that there will be no diminution of funds for road, bridge, footpath and roadside drainage or other improvements arising from a possible reduction of Structural Funds from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

52 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

52 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

49 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

49 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

47 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 March 1994

47 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment if funding will be provided to Roscommon County Council for the development of a library at the Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application is with his Department since June 1991; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the development of a library is part of a major development plan by Roscommon County Council to turn this historic house into a library/museum and heritage house open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.