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351 records in 1996
Austria · National Council · 13 June 1996
Antrag der Abgeordneten Georg Schwarzenberger und Genossen betreffend Verbesserung der Tierschutzstandards
Austria · National Council · 13 June 1996
Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Thomas Barmüller und Genossen betreffend Entwicklung und Abstimmung der Lehrberufe im Umweltbereich
Austria · National Council · 13 June 1996
Antrag der Abgeordneten Mag. Thomas Barmüller und Genossen betreffend zusätzliche Beschäftigungsmöglichkeit für Ausgebildete des Lehrberufs Recycling- und Entsorgungstechniker
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
75 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that adequate funds are made available for the rural resettlement programme; and the contribution that this Government has made to this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5125/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
70 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for the Environment the number of full-time litter wardens in this State. [12364/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
65 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the adequacy of current regulations regarding the management of anti-social behaviour by tenants of local authority housing. [9300/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
40 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for the Environment the number of meetings of the Ministerial Group on Sellafield and the Irish Sea that have been held since he became chairman of that body. [12363/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
18 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for the Environment the percentage increase in the number of cars in Ireland in 1996 over 1995; and the evaluation, if any, his Department has made on the cost of such cars in terms of emissions, health and transport problems. [12365/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
70 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for the Environment the number of full-time litter wardens in this State. [12364/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
13 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Environment the number of full-time litter wardens in Dublin city and county and in each local authority area. [9324/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
9 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the enforcement measures, if any, he intends to put in place to effectively implement any antilitter measures he may be contemplating. [9278/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
7 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment when new legislation to control litter pollution will be published. [9322/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
6 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, he has to provide increased levels of funding in respect of the repair and maintenance of regional and county roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12206/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
18 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for the Environment the percentage increase in the number of cars in Ireland in 1996 over 1995; and the evaluation, if any, his Department has made on the cost of such cars in terms of emissions, health and transport problems. [12365/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
5 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the impact, if any, on sustainable development of an increase in cars on the roads in the order of 5 per cent in the last year and 20 per cent in the last five years. [12440/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
65 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the adequacy of current regulations regarding the management of anti-social behaviour by tenants of local authority housing. [9300/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
4 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he proposes to take to strengthen the hand of local authorities dealing with tenants who are involved with drugs or other anti-social behaviour. [12439/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
3 Miss Quill asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent statement by a Teagasc farm environment adviser that Ireland's rivers are threatened with an environmental timebomb in view of heavy rainfall boosting silage effluent to an alarming level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12273/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
40 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for the Environment the number of meetings of the Ministerial Group on Sellafield and the Irish Sea that have been held since he became chairman of that body. [12363/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
2 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment the number of meetings to date of the Ministerial Group on Sellafield and the Irish Sea. [12437/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
75 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that adequate funds are made available for the rural resettlement programme; and the contribution that this Government has made to this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5125/96]
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 June 1996
1 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment his views on and commitment to the rural resettlement programme; and his views on the creation of a revolving fund for the purchase of houses and a surrender grant scheme for those leaving major urban areas and surrendering a local authority flat or house. [12377/96]
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require development of curricula, materials, and training programs supported by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education to be balanced and scientifically sound. Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA. Eliminates requirements for a Director and a minimum number of staff. Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Reduces the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000. Prohibits use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Eliminates provisions for environmental internships and fellowships. Eliminates environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Revises requirements for membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education to require that it be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Eliminates specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the Foundation for Environmental Education. Increases the size of the Board of the Directors. Removes the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Authorizes appropriations. Revises funding limitations. Limits amounts available for administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Environmental Improvement Timber Contract Extension Act - Extends and modifies the timber contract between the United States and the Ketchikan Pulp Company with regard to the Tongass National Forest, Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Environmental Improvement Timber Contract Extension Act of 1996 - Amends the Tongass Timber Reform Act to extend and modify the timber contract between the United States and the Ketchikan Pulp Company with regard to the Tongass National Forest, Alaska.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require development of curricula, materials, and training programs supported by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education to be balanced and scientifically sound. Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA. Eliminates requirements for a Director and a minimum number of staff. Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Reduces the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000. Prohibits use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Eliminates provisions for environmental internships and fellowships. Eliminates all environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Revises requirements for membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education to require that it be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Eliminates specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the Foundation for Environmental Education. Increases the size of the Board of the Directors. Removes the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Authorizes appropriations. Revises funding limitations. Limits amounts available for administrative costs.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Sexual Harassment Prevention Act of 1996 - Provides that anyone (including a government entity) who, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, engages in sexual harassment, or retaliates against any person for opposing sexual harassment or filing a complaint or otherwise participating in a civil action under this Act, shall be liable to the person injured by that harassment or retaliation for any appropriate relief, which may include money damages. Authorizes the court to award a prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee and other litigation expenses (including expert witness fees) as part of the costs. Defines "sexual harassment" as an unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favors, or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, where: (1) submission to such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a specified relationship; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct is the basis for decisions or actions regarding the person who submitted to or rejected that conduct; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the relationship or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment within that relationship. Specifies that such relationship includes a relationship between: (1) a patient and a physician, psychotherapist, or dentist; (2) a client and an attorney, marriage, family, or child counselor, social worker, or accountant; (3) a beneficiary and an executor, trustee, or administrator of a trust or estate; (4) an employee and an employer if the employer has fewer than 15 employees for each working day in each of 33 or more calendar weeks in the current and in the preceding calendar year; or (5) the parties to a contract or persons negotiating a contract or seeking to enforce claimed rights under a contract. Authorizes additional funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for FY 1997 and thereafter.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 1996
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants: (1) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Act) to appropriate instrumentalities for the construction of treatment works (including combined sewer overflow facilities) to serve coastal localities; and (2) to States for assistance for the construction of treatment works and alternative wastewater treatment systems to serve small communities. Authorizes appropriations. Modifies the Act's: (1) definition of "treatment works" to include acquisition of the land that will be an integral part of the treatment process or will be used for ultimate disposal of residues resulting from such treatment and acquisition of other lands, and interests in lands, which are necessary for construction; and (2) policy on cost effectiveness to provide that a project for waste treatment and management undertaken with Federal assistance by any State, municipality, or intermunicipal or interstate agency shall be that system which constitutes the most economical and cost-effective treatment works, subject to specified requirements. Requires that each permit issued for a discharge from a combined storm and sanitary sewer conform with the combined sewer overflow control policy signed by the Administrator on April 11, 1994. Authorizes the Administrator or a State with an approved program to issue a permit for such a discharge that includes a schedule for compliance with a long-term control plan under the control policy up to 15 years, subject to extension under specified circumstances. Modifies the Act to allow sums available to each State water pollution control revolving fund to be used only for providing financial assistance to activities which have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters to a municipality, intermunicipal, interstate, or State agency or other person. Extends the repayment period for loans from a State water pollution control revolving fund for disadvantaged communities. Permits the State, in making a loan to a disadvantaged community, to charge a negative interest rate of not to exceed two percent to reduce the unpaid principal of the loan, subject to specified limitations. Revises Act provisions regarding the allotment of funds to set forth a table of percentages of sums authorized for various States for FY 1996 through 2000. Authorizes appropriations.
European Union · European Commission · 13 June 1996
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 1996
Provides for off-budget treatment for the land and water conservation fund by prohibiting its receipts and disbursements from being counted in any of specified ways for purposes of: (1) the Federal budget as submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act). Exempts such trust fund from any general statutory budget limitation.
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Military Personnel Title II: Operation and Maintenance Title III: Procurement Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Title V: Revolving and Management Funds Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs Title VII: Related Agencies Title VIII: General Provisions Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1997 - Title I: Military Personnel - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for active-duty and reserve personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force and for National Guard personnel in the Army and Air Force. Title II: Operation and Maintenance - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for the operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, and Air Force (including a transfer of funds in each case), the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, the reserve components, and the Army and Air National Guards. Appropriates funds for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, environmental restoration, defense (including a transfer of funds), overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid programs, former Soviet Union threat reduction, and quality of life enhancements, defense (medical programs and the repair and maintenance of real property)(including a transfer of funds). Title III: Procurement - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for procurement by the armed forces and reserve components of aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, and shipbuilding and conversion and for other procurement. Appropriates funds for defense-wide procurement and for National Guard and reserve equipment. Title IV: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for research, development, test, and evaluation by the armed forces and defense agencies. Appropriates funds for the Directors of Test and Evaluation and Operational Test and Evaluation. Title V: Revolving and Management Funds - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Defense Business Operations Fund; and (2) programs under the National Defense Sealift Fund. Title VI: Other Department of Defense Programs - Appropriates funds for: (1) Department of Defense (DOD) medical and health care programs; (2) the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions; (3) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense (including a transfer of funds); and (4) the Office of the Inspector General. Title VII: Related Agencies - Appropriates funds for: (1) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (2) the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (3) payment to the Kaho'olawe Island Conveyance, Remediation, and Environmental Restoration Fund. Title VII: General Provisions - Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. (Sec. 8009) Authorizes appropriated procurement funds to be used for multiyear procurement contracts for Javelin missiles, the Army Tactical Missile System, and specified machine guns, rifles, and automatic weapons. (Sec. 8011) Prohibits during FY 1997 the management by end strengths of DOD civilian personnel. (Sec. 8020) Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish with host governments of NATO-member countries an account for the deposit of residual value amounts negotiated in the return of U.S. military installations to such countries. (Sec. 8033) Authorizes DOD to incur obligations of up to $350 million for DOD personnel compensation, military construction projects, and supplies and services in anticipation of receipts of contributions from the Government of Kuwait. (Sec. 8036) Provides Buy American requirements with respect to the DOD procurement of carbon, alloy, or armor steel plating. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on the amount of DOD purchases from foreign entities in FY 1997. (Sec. 8041) Authorizes the payment of voluntary separation incentive payments to military personnel. (Sec. 8051) Prohibits the use of funds for the modification of an aircraft, weapon, ship, or other equipment that the military department concerned plans to retire or otherwise dispose of within five years after completion of the modification. (Sec. 8054) Earmarks appropriated defense procurement funds for for the procurement of computer hardware and ancillary equipment under the High Performance Computing Modernization Program. (Sec. 8057) Prohibits the use of funds: (1) by a DOD entity without compliance with the Buy American Act; (2) for the design, development, acquisition, or operation of more than 47 Titan IV expendable launch vehicles; (3) to establish additional field operating agencies of DOD elements during FY 1997, except for those funded within the National Foreign Intelligence Program; (4) for assistance to the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea unless specifically appropriated; and (5) to reduce the civilian medical and medical support personnel assigned to military treatment facilities below the September 30, 1996, level. (Sec. 8076) Reduces by $500 million the total amount appropriated under this Act to reflect savings from reduced carryover of activities funded through the Defense Business Operations Fund. (Sec. 8078) Directs the Secretary to report quarterly to specified congressional committees on all costs incurred by DOD during the preceding quarter in implementing or supporting United Nations (UN) resolutions. (Sec. 8079) Prohibits the use of FY 1996 funds to transfer to another nation or international organization any defense articles or services (other than intelligence services) for use in international peacekeeping or peace enforcement activities. Prohibits any contribution to the UN for the cost of a UN peacekeeping activity or for the payment of any U.S. arrearage. (Sec. 8082) Reduces Air Force Operation and Maintenance funds to reflect a reduction in the passthrough to the Air Force business areas of the Defense Business Operations Fund. (Sec. 8089) Reduces by $350 million the total amount appropriated under this Act to reflect savings from improved management of spare and repair parts inventories of DOD. (Sec. 8092) Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out the deep-strike tradeoff study announced by the President to study tradeoffs between bombers, aircraft, and missiles capable of striking targets in an enemy's rear area; and (2) establish an ad hoc review committee to aid in such study. (Sec. 8093) Directs the Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to carry out a joint study assessing future tactical aircraft requirements across service jurisdictions.
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Public Water Systems Subtitle A: Promulgation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations Subtitle B: State Primary Enforcement Responsibility for Public Water Systems Subtitle C: Notification and Enforcement Subtitle D: Exemptions and Variances Subtitle E: Lead Plumbing and Pipes Subtitle F: Capacity Development Title II: Amendments to Part C Title III: General Provisions Regarding Safe Drinking Water Act Title IV: Miscellaneous Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 - Title I: Public Water Systems - Subtitle A: Promulgation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (the Act) to: (1) repeal a provision requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to set new standards for 25 additional contaminants every three years; (2) require the Administrator to publish a list of contaminants that are not subject to proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water (NPDW) regulations, that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems (systems), and that may require regulation; and (3) direct the Administrator, every five years, to determine whether to regulate not fewer than five contaminants on the list based on findings that such contaminants are known or are likely to occur in systems with a frequency and at a level of public health concern and that their regulation presents a meaningful opportunity for public health risk reduction. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) judicial review; (2) contaminant selection priorities; (3) promulgation of maximum contaminant level (MCL) goals and NPDW regulations; and (3) publication of health advisories. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to promulgate an information collection rule to obtain information that will facilitate further revisions to the NPDW regulation for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, including microbial contaminants such as cryptosporidium. (Sec. 103) Authorizes a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to establish alternatives to filtration requirements in effect for systems having uninhabited, undeveloped watersheds in consolidated ownership, and having control over access to, and activities in, those watersheds under specified circumstances. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator, at the time an NPDW regulation is proposed, to publish a determination of whether the MCL benefits justify the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level other than the feasible level if the technology, treatment techniques, and other means used to determine the feasible level would result in an increase in the health risk from drinking water by increasing the concentration of other contaminants in drinking water, or by interfering with the efficacy of drinking water treatment techniques or processes used to comply with other NPDW regulations. (Sec. 105) Modifies the Act to require the Administrator to promulgate NPDW regulations requiring disinfection as a treatment technique for all systems at any time in the period beginning three years after enactment of this Act until the date on which the Administrator promulgates a Stage II rulemaking for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts. (Sec. 106) Makes NPDW regulations effective three years after promulgation, with exceptions. (Sec. 107) Directs the Administrator to: (1) use the best available science in regulatory decisionmaking; (2) ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects is comprehensive, informative, and understandable; and (3) prepare a health risk reduction and cost analysis for new regulations. (Sec. 108) Requires the Administrator to: (1) withdraw any existing proposed radon regulation and, within three years, propose and promulgate an NPDW regulation for radon under this Act's standard- setting procedures, taking into account the costs and benefits of control programs for radon from other sources; (2) promulgate an NPDW regulation for arsenic by January 1, 2000; (3) jointly conduct a study with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP Director) to establish a reliable dose-response relationship for potential adverse human health effects from sulfate exposure in drinking water. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate an interim NPDW regulation for a contaminant without making a determination as to whether the benefits justify the costs and without performing a health risk reduction and cost analysis to address an urgent public health threat. (Sec. 110) Directs the Administrator: (1) to promulgate a regulation to govern the recycling of filter backwash water within the treatment process of a system; and (2) when issuing new regulations, to identify affordable treatment technologies for small public water systems serving populations of 3,300 to 10,000, populations of 500 to 3,300, and populations of 25 to 500. Subtitle B: State Primary Enforcement Responsibility for Public Water Systems - Modifies the Act to grant a State primary enforcement responsibility for systems during any period for which the Administrator determines that such State, not later than two years after NPDW regulations are promulgated, has adopted drinking water regulations which are no less stringent than the NPDW regulations, with two-year extensions permitted under specified circumstances. Specifies that a State with primary enforcement authority with respect to each existing NPDW regulation shall be considered to have primary enforcement authority over each new or revised NPDW regulation during a specified period. Subtitle C: Notification and Enforcement - Modifies the Act to require each system owner or operator to give notice to its customers of the concentration level of any unregulated contaminant for which the Administrator has required public notice. Authorizes States to establish alternative notification requirements. Requires each community water system to issue an annual "consumer confidence report" to its customers. (Sec. 132) Revises enforcement provisions of the Act to require the Administrator to notify an appropriate local elected official prior to taking action to force a system to comply with Act requirements or commencing a civil suit. Requires notice and opportunity for a public hearing in cases where civil penalties are sought. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) system owner or operator submission of a plan for consolidation, or transfer of ownership, of the system (which, if approved, limits enforcement actions); (2) State authority for administrative penalties; and (3) judicial review. Subtitle D: Exemptions and Variances - Specifies that for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons, the maximum exemption period from any requirement regarding an MCL, any treatment technique requirement, or both, shall be four years if the State is exercising primary enforcement responsibility and determines that: (1) the system cannot meet the MCL or install Best Available Affordable Technology (BAAT) due to compelling economic circumstances and could not comply with the MCL through the use of alternate water supplies; (2) granting the exemption will provide a drinking water supply that protects public health given the duration of the exemption; and (3) the State has examined the system's technical, financial, and managerial capabilities to operate in, and maintain, compliance with the Act, has determined if management or restructuring changes that will result in compliance or improve the quality of the drinking water can reasonably be made, and, if so, requires such changes and a schedule therefor as a condition of the exemption. Sets forth similar conditions under which a State having primary enforcement responsibility shall grant a system serving 3,300 persons or fewer a variance allowing the use of BAAT where: (1) no best technology or other means is listed under the Act for the applicable category of systems; and (2) the Administrator has identified BAAT for that contaminant pursuant to certain procedures. Subtitle E: Lead Plumbing and Pipes - Modifies the Act to expand lead ban provisions to prohibit: (1) the use of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux, in the installation or repair of any system or any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption that is not lead free; (2) the sale (or other introduction into commerce), two years after enactment, of pipes and pipe or plumbing fittings or fixtures that are not lead free, except for pipes that are used in manufacturing or industrial processing; and (3) persons in the business of selling plumbing supplies, except manufacturers, from selling solder or flux that is not lead free (and requires any person selling solder or flux to label the product to indicate that it is illegal to use such solder or flux in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing water for human consumption). Provides that if voluntary standards for lead leaching from new plumbing fittings and fixtures are not established within one year, the Administrator, within two years, must issue regulations setting a performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels for fixtures intended to dispense water for human consumption (and, alternatively, if regulations are required but not issued within five years, bans the use of such plumbing or fixtures that contain more than four percent lead). Subtitle F: Capacity Development - Requires each State to obtain the legal authority or other means to ensure that all new community water systems and new nontransient, noncommunity water systems commencing operation after October 1, 1999, demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capacity with respect to each NPDW regulation in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of commencement of operations. Requires each State to: (1) prepare, periodically update, and submit to the Administrator a list of such systems that have a history of significant noncompliance and the reasons for noncompliance; and (2) develop and implement a strategy to assist systems in acquiring and maintaining technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Establishes reporting requirements. Directs the Administrator to support the States in developing capacity development strategies. Title II: Amendments to Part C - Requires the Administrator to: (1) publish guidance for States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to carry out a source water assessment program within the State's boundaries; and (2) conduct a project to demonstrate the most effective and protective means of assessing and protecting source waters serving large metropolitan areas and located on Federal lands. Requires the State to make the results available to the public. Sets guidelines for approval and disapproval of State programs. (Sec. 202) Requires each Federal department or agency that owns or operates any facility in a wellhead protection area, that is engaged in any activity at such facility resulting in the contamination of water supplies, or that owns or operates any system to comply with all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements respecting the protection of such areas and systems. Waives U.S. immunity regarding any such requirement. Authorizes: (1) the Administrator to issue an order assessing a penalty against a Federal agency found to have violated such a requirement; and (2) any interested person to obtain review of a penalty order so issued. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) limits on State use of funds collected from the Federal Government; and (2) citizen enforcement. Title III: General Provisions Regarding Safe Drinking Water Act - Directs: (1) the Administrator to promulgate regulations specifying minimum standards for certification (and recertification) of the operators of community and nontransient noncommunity systems; and (2) any State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to adopt and implement such requirements within two years, with an exception where the State has an operator certification program in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable NPDW regulations, which may include preliminary engineering evaluations. Authorizes appropriations. Bars the use of any portion of a State revolving fund (SRF) for lobbying expenses. Directs that three percent of the total amount appropriated be used for technical assistance to systems owned or operated by Indian tribes. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations for the public water system supervision (PWSS) program. Permits the Administrator to: (1) use a State's PWSS funds if the Administrator assumes primary enforcement responsibility for a State program; and (2) reserve a portion of SRFs from such a State if the PWSS grant appropriation is insufficient to fully administer a program in such State. (Sec. 304) Revises monitoring and information gathering requirements of the Act, including: (1) granting the Administrator authority to obtain information on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a person subject to an NPDW regulation has acted or is acting in compliance with such requirements; and (2) requiring every person subject to an NPDW regulation to provide such information as the Administrator may reasonably require to assist in establishing regulations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review the monitoring requirements for not fewer than 12 contaminants identified by the Administrator and promulgate any necessary modifications; and (2) promulgate regulations establishing criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants. Grants States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems specified interim and permanent monitoring relief authority. Requires the Administrator to review new analytical methods to screen for regulated contaminants. Authorizes the Administrator to approve such methods as are more accurate or cost-effective than established methods for use in compliance monitoring. (Sec. 305) Directs the Administrator to assemble and maintain a national drinking water occurrence data base, using information on the occurrence of both regulated and unregulated contaminants in systems and reliable information from public and private sources. (Sec. 306) Specifies that pending State, as well as Federal, court actions to require compliance with the Act may serve as a bar to civil law suits. (Sec. 307) Modifies the Act regarding whistle blower protection, including: (1) extending the time frame for an employee to file a discrimination complaint; (2) permitting the Secretary to determine that a violation has occurred only if the complainant has demonstrated that the involvement in an enforcement action was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action; and (3) prohibiting relief from being ordered if the employer demonstrates that it would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such behavior. (Sec. 308) Creates a State Revolving Fund program to provide financial assistance to facilitate compliance with NPDW standards and for projects to further the health protection objectives of the Act. Directs the Administrator to enter into agreements to make capitalization grants to eligible States, contingent upon their establishment of a drinking water treatment revolving loan fund. Sets forth provisions regarding the allocation of funds to States, permissible uses of funds, intended use plans, fund management, assistance for disadvantaged communities, State contributions, administration, a needs survey, allocations for Indian tribes and other areas, and set-asides. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to reserve $10 million for health effects studies on drinking water contaminants, giving priority to studies of cryptosporidium, disinfection byproducts, arsenic, and of subpopulations at greater risk of adverse effects. (Sec. 309) Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for water conservation plans for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons, serving between 3,300 and 10,000 persons, and serving more than 10,000 persons. Authorizes a State to require a system seeking a loan or grant from an SRF to submit a water conservation plan consistent with such guidelines. Title IV: Miscellaneous - Modifies the definition of: (1) "primary drinking water regulation" to authorize the Administrator, at any time after promulgating a regulation, to issue guidance allowing the use of other equally effective methods to comply with the monitoring requirements of the regulation; and (2) "public water system" to mean a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to New York State for demonstration projects implemented as part of the New York City watershed protection program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a program to identify and regulate substances that may have effects on humans similar to those produced by naturally occurring estrogen or other endocrine effects. Provides authority for the testing of other substances which may be found in sources of drinking water, including where the Administrator determines that a substantial population may be exposed to the substance. Directs the Administrator to order registrants, manufacturers, or importers to conduct tests under the program and submit their results. Provides for suspension of the sale or distribution of a substance by a registrant who fails to comply with a test order concerning that substance. Makes any other person subject to a test order who fails to comply liable for penalties and sanctions as provided in the Toxic Substances Control Act. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 405) Requires the Administrator to report every two years to the Congress on the implementation of this Act for States and Indian tribes where the Administrator has revoked primary enforcement responsibility. (Sec. 406) Specifies that water supplies from a system regulated under this Act shall not be used in connection with operation of geothermal heat pumps. (Sec. 407) Increases the penalty for violating an emergency order issued under Act provisions involving imminent and substantial endangerment to health. (Sec. 408) Requires the CDCP Director and the Administrator to jointly establish: (1) pilot waterborne disease occurrence studies for at least five major U.S. communities or systems, including a report on the findings and a national estimate of such occurrence; and (2) a national health care provider training and public education campaign. (Sec. 409) Directs the Administrator to conduct a continuing program of studies to identify groups within the general population that are at greater risk than the general population of adverse health effects from exposure to contaminants in drinking water. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 410) Modifies the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish standard of quality regulations for bottled water for each contaminant for which an NPDW regulation is issued by the Administrator, unless the Secretary determines that such regulation is not necessary because the contaminant is contained in water in systems but not in water used for bottled drinking water; (2) either promulgate a standard of quality regulation for such contaminants or make a determination that such regulation is unnecessary; and (3) establish a level for the contaminant in bottled water which is no less stringent than the MCL provided in the NPDW regulations for the same contaminant or requirements which are no less protective of public health than those applicable to water provided by systems using the treatment technique required by the NPDW regulation. Specifies that if the Secretary does not promulgate standard of quality regulations within specified time frames, the NPDW regulation for such contaminant shall be considered as the regulation applicable to bottled water.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1996
Department of Energy Class Action Lawsuit Act - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to bar a class action suit against any person indemnified by the United States under the Act (Department of Energy contractors) with respect to any claim for a nonphysical injury (emotional distress, mental or emotional harm, or diminution of property value) arising from a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation regardless of when it occurred. Provides that the exclusive remedy for any claim for medical monitoring in a public liability action against such contractors shall be medical monitoring by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Declares that no court may grant a remedy for a medical monitoring claim except in the case of an extraordinary nuclear occurrence, or as provided under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. Bars the award of punitive damages against such contractors with respect to a nuclear incident or precautionary evacuation regardless of: (1) the date of occurrence; or (2) the statutory authority under which the agreement of indemnification was entered. Declares this Act applicable to any public liability action pending on the date of its enactment, or commenced on or after such date.
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agricultural Programs Title II: Conservation Programs Title III: Rural Economic and Community Development Programs Title IV: Domestic Food Programs Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration Title VII: General Provisions Title I: Agricultural Programs - Appropriates funds for FY 1997 for the following Department of Agriculture programs and services: (1) Office of the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) executive operations (Chief Economist, National Appeals Division, Office of Budget and Program Analysis); (3) Chief Financial Officer; (4) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration; (5) Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments; (6) hazardous waste management; (7) departmental administration; (8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; (9) Office of Communications; (10) Office of the Inspector General; (11) Office of the General Counsel; (12) Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics; (13) Economic Research Service; (14) National Agricultural Statistics Service; (15) Agricultural Research Service; (16) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; (17) Native American Institutions Endowment Fund; (18) extension activities; (19) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; (20) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (21) Agricultural Marketing Service; (22) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; (23) Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety; (24) Food Safety and Inspection Service; (25) Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; (26) Farm Service Agency; (27) Office of Risk Management; (28) Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and (29) Commodity Credit Corporation Fund. Title II: Conservation Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; and (2) Natural Resources Conservation Service. Title III: Rural Economic and Community Development Programs - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Economic and Community Development; (2) Rural Housing Service; (3) Rural Business - Cooperative Development Service; and (4) Rural Utilities Service. Title IV: Domestic Food Programs - Appropriates funds for the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs - Appropriates funds for the Foreign Agricultural Service and General Sales Manager. Title VI: Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration - Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Food and Drug Administration; (2) Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation; and (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Title VII: General Provisions - Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act. (Sec. 716) Requires compliance with the Buy American Act and expresses the sense of the Congress that only American-made products and equipment should be purchased with funds appropriated under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Water Resources Projects Title II: Generally Applicable Provisions Title III: Project Modifications Title IV: Studies Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Water Resources Development Act of 1996 - Title I: Water Resources Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out specified projects for navigation, flood control, storm damage reduction, environmental restoration, shoreline erosion protection, hydropower, and hurricane damage reduction in California, the District of Columbia and Maryland, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, and West Virginia. Specifies total costs, estimated Federal and non-Federal costs, and funding sources and requirements. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to study and, if feasible, carry out: (1) specified flood control projects in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia (sets forth the maximum amounts of Federal funds that may be allotted for specified projects in California and Nebraska); (2) specified bank stabilization projects in Pennsylvania and Tennessee; (3) specified navigation projects in Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and New York; (4) specified shoreline protection projects in Connecticut, Florida, and New York; (5) a specified snagging and sediment removal project in Minnesota; (6) a specified environmental restoration project in California; and (7) a specified channel restoration and environmental improvement project in Utah. Title II: Generally Applicable Provisions - Revises cost sharing provisions of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (the Act) with respect to dredged material disposal areas. Deletes provisions crediting non-Federal interests with the value of dredged material disposal areas provided. (Sec. 202) Increases from 25 to 35 percent the non-Federal share for nonstructural and other flood control projects. Sets forth criteria and procedures relating to the ability of a non-Federal interest to pay for flood control or agricultural water supply. Requires: (1) non-Federal interests to prepare flood plain management plans designed to reduce the impacts of future flood events in project areas; and (2) the Secretary to develop guidelines for the preparation of such plans and review policies, procedures, and techniques relating to the evaluation and development of flood control measures. (Sec. 206) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out specified aquatic ecosystem restoration and protection projects; and (2) undertake surveys, plans, and studies to encourage innovative and environmentally sound engineering solutions to problems of national significance. (Sec. 216) Directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal sponsors of navigation projects for development of long-term management strategies for controlling sediments in such projects. Title III: Project Modifications - Provides for modifications to specified flood control, navigation, beach erosion control, hurricane damage prevention, fish and wildlife loss mitigation, shoreline protection, and other projects in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Title IV: Studies - Requires the Secretary to: (1) review Corps of Engineers capabilities regarding rural sanitation projects for rural and Native villages in Alaska; (2) credit the non-Federal share of the cost of a feasibility study on the McDowell Mountain project, Arizona, with work done by the city of Scottsdale; (3) prepare a comprehensive river basin management plan for the Santa Ynez River basin in California; (4) provide assistance to Springfield, Illinois, in developing an environmental impact statement for a water supply reservoir; and (5) conduct studies with respect to specified water projects in Arizona, California, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. Authorizes studies of projects in South Carolina and the Pacific region. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Deauthorizes specified projects or portions of projects in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. (Sec. 502) Reauthorizes specified projects in Arkansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Jersey. (Sec. 503) Continues the authorization of certain projects in Michigan. (Sec. 504) Provides for Federal land conveyances in California, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington. (Sec. 505) Designates specified visitors centers, lakes, bridges, and locks and dams in California, Kentucky, Indiana, and Louisiana. (Sec. 506) Authorizes or directs the Secretary to provide assistance for: (1) specified watershed management, restoration, and development projects in Arizona, California, Georgia, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia; (2) Great Lakes remedial action plans; (3) testing procedures in the Great Lakes Dredged Material Testing and Evaluation Manual; (4) specified mining activity degradation abatement projects in California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky; (5) safety improvements at the Prado Dam, California; (6) demonstrating the water quality functions found in wetlands; (7) Cocheco River, New Hampshire, encroachment issues; (8) the New York City Watershed; (9) a regional water authority in northeastern Ohio; (10) the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Water Works; (11) the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Rhode Island and Massachusetts; and (12) non-Federal levees in Pierce County, Washington. (Sec. 507) Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) programs for the removal of silt and aquatic growth in specified lakes in New York and Illinois; (2) maintenance of specified navigation channels in California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington; (3) beach nourishment for 50 years at specified projects in Florida; (4) programs to control aquatic plants in Michigan and Pennsylvania; (5) specified flood control and rainfall drainage system improvements in Louisiana; (6) specified projects for the beneficial use of dredged material and specified erosion control measures in Maryland; (7) alternative methods for decontamination and disposal of contaminated dredged material at a project in Minnesota; (8) a specified bluff stabilization project in Mississippi; (9) Hudson River, New York, habitat restoration projects; (10) a study of flood control in Grand-Neosho Basin and tributaries near Pensacola Dam in Oklahoma; (11) a project to improve the hopper dredge McFarland; (12) specified projects for flood management and environmental enhancement in Tennessee; and (13) a specified water project for the Lower Mud River, West Virginia. (Sec. 511) Directs the Secretary to develop or establish: (1) a Great Lakes tributary sediment transport model; (2) a Chesapeake Bay restoration and protection pilot program; (3) an extension of the Earthquake Preparedness Center of Expertise for the central United States near the New Madrid fault; (4) a watershed management plan for Deep River Basin, Indiana; (5) a program for providing environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in Kentucky; and (6) a pilot program for providing environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in Pennsylvania. (Sec. 512) Requires the Secretary to assess or evaluate: (1) Great Lakes confined disposal facilities; (2) the feasibility of an alternative to the $25 annual pass for use of water resource project recreation facilities; and (3) procedures for the approval of materials used in beach restoration and nourishment. (Sec. 514) Extends the geographic jurisdiction of the Mississippi River Commission. (Sec. 516) Directs the Secretary to: (1) promote Federal and non-Federal cooperation in providing public recreation at water resources projects; (2) develop a strategy for using nonstructural measures to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create wildlife habitat in Redwood River Basin, Minnesota; (3) work with Mississippi in managing leases in the Sardis Lake area; and (4) expedite completion of the study for the Ohio River Greenway, Indiana. (Sec. 517) Authorizes appropriations for: (1) construction assistance for specified environmental infrastructure projects in Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Virginia; (2) a New England Division headquarters facility; (3) a Lake Superior educational facility; and (4) construction of a visitors center at Seven Points Recreation Area, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 518) Increases appropriations authorized for: (1) projects of alternative or beneficially modified habitats for fish and wildlife; (2) a quarantine facility in Broward County, Florida; (3) the New York bight and harbor study; and (4) a watershed reclamation and protection and wetlands creation and restoration project along the Juniata River, Pennsylvania. (Sec. 542) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter an agreement with the University of New Hampshire to provide technical assistance for a water treatment technology center addressing the needs of small communities; (2) construct and operate a dredged material containment facility for the Port of New York-New Jersey; (3) make capital improvements in the New York State Canal System; and (4) enter an agreement with Marshall University, West Virginia, to provide technical assistance to the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences. (Sec. 566) Urges the President to negotiate with Canada to eliminate tolls along, and maximize commerce through, the St. Lawrence Seaway.
United States · United States Congress · 5 June 1996
Clinical Research Enhancement Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the President to establish the President's Clinical Research Panel, as part of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), to evaluate the status of the U.S. clinical research environment. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Advisory Committee to the Director (of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)) on Clinical Research to report to the Director and to the Panel and to implement recommendations as the Committee determines necessary to remedy NIH clinical research deficiencies. Terminates the Committee five years after enactment of this Act. Requires the OSTP to review the compositions, functions, and outcomes of study section activities at all Federal agencies as such activities relate to clinical research proposals for investigator-initiated support. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director to undertake activities to: (1) support and expand NIH's clinical research involvement; (2) support and expand available resources; and (3) establish certain peer review mechanisms. Mandates grants for: (1) the establishment of general clinical research centers to provide the infrastructure for clinical research training and career enhancement; (2) clinical research career enhancement awards; and (3) innovative medical science awards to support individual clinical research projects. Authorizes appropriations. Increases the maximum aggregate number of contracts that may be made under existing provisions relating to: (1) undergraduate scholarships regarding professions needed by NIH; and (2) loan repayments regarding clinical researchers (currently, clinical researchers from disadvantaged backgrounds). Authorizes appropriations for the loan repayment program. Requires a health plan to cover the participation of individuals in investigational therapy in specified circumstances.
Austria · National Council · 4 June 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Mag. Dr. Maria Theresia Fekter und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft, Verkehr und Kunst betreffend die Ausschreibung eines Flächenecholotsystems mit satellitengestützter Positionierung
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
Amends the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act of 1992 to authorize appropriations of such sums as may be necessary for the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Enhancement of Oil Spill Prevention Title II: Improvement of Responses to Oil Spills Oil Spill Prevention and Response Improvement Act - Title I: Enhancement of Oil Spill Prevention - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) to deem effective as final rules, if they do not become effective by specified dates, certain rules proposed by the Secretary of Transportation regarding operational and structural standards applicable to tank vessels over 5,000 gross tons without double hulls. Adds provisions regarding operational safety of single-hull barges and minimum under-keel clearances of tank vessels without double bottoms for entering or departing port. (Sec. 102) Makes applicable otherwise inapplicable limitations of liability, where the incident was proximately caused by a violation of a Federal safety, construction, or operating regulation, to a responsible party in the case of a vessel that is either: (1) equipped with a double hull as of enactment of this Act; or (2) one that is double-hulled and replacing a single-hulled vessel at least five years prior to the required retirement date. (Sec. 103) Deems effective as a final rule, if it does not become effective by a specified date, a proposed rule on navigation safety equipment for towing vessels. Directs the Secretary to require by rule a fire suppression system or fire suppression equipment aboard such vessels. (Sec. 104) Requires a study with the National Research Council into how the designation of shipping lanes and waters through which tankers transport oil affects the risk of an oil spill. Directs the Secretary to include in oil and hazardous material lighterage regulations requirements of environmental protection that is as substantial as is economically and technologically feasible. Title II: Improvement of Responses to Oil Spills - Amends OPA to provide, with respect to oil pollution damages resulting from loss of profits or earning capacity, that: (1) recovery may be partial; and (2) payment of interim, short-term damages representing less than the full amount to which the claimant may be entitled does not preclude recovery of damages not reflected in the paid or settled partial claim. Makes related revisions to procedures for making claims, advertising, and subrogation. (Sec. 202) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to require the President to issue guidance for Area Committees (under the oil and hazardous substance National Response System) for use in advance planning and decision making regarding closing and reopening of fishing grounds. Modifies provisions concerning State and local cooperation and the contents of Area Contingency Plans to include these considerations. (Sec. 203) Adds to exceptions from appropriation Act limitations amounts made available from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for: (1) conducting (current law refers to "initiation") the assessment of natural resources damages; and (2) development of initial phases of implementation of restoration plans. (Sec. 204) Makes the Fund available for payment of costs to mitigate ecological injury. Amends FWPCA to require Area Contingency Plans to compile lists of expert local scientists to provide information or participate in a scientific support team convened in response to an oil spill. Amends OPA to require the Secretary to establish a process to convene such a team immediately in response to a spill. Requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research to disseminate and compile information on previous spills. Amends FWPCA to require the National Response Unit to maintain and keep in a form readily transmittable to response teams information on the environmental effects of various types of spills and how best to mitigate them. (Sec. 205) Revises FWPCA standards for compliance by owners or operators cooperating in removal actions to allow deviation from the response plan only if this would result in a more expeditious or effective response.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
Water Resources Development Act of 1996 - Authorizes projects for navigation, flood damage reduction, hydropower, and lake level flooding and storm damage reduction in California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to: (1) carry out specified ecosystem restoration and protection projects; (2) encourage innovative and environmentally sound engineering and environmental solutions to significant national problems; (3) make certain conveyances to the City of North Bonneville, Washington; (4) utilize contracts, cooperative research and development (R&D) agreements, cooperative agreements, and grants with non-Federal entities in carrying out R&D support for the Army Civil Works Program; (5) apply the technical and managerial expertise of the Corps of Engineers to domestic and international water resources-related problems; and (6) lease space available in buildings for which funding was provided from a specified revolving fund. (Sec. 4) Modifies projects for flood protection, flood damage reduction, navigation, and other purposes in Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. Amends the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA): (1) of 1986 to authorize the Secretary to determine if the operation of environmental improvement projects has contributed to the degradation of environmental quality; (2) of 1974 to repeal provisions regarding a phase-in of a cost-sharing program; (3) of 1988 to authorize the Secretary to provide temporary protection against the dissemination of information developed from Corps R&D activities likely to be subject to a cooperative R&D agreement which would be a trade secret if obtained from a participating non-Federal party under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980; and (4) of 1986 to direct that prior to the construction of any Federal project for local flood protection, the non-Federal interests shall develop and adopt a comprehensive flood plain management plan. (Sec. 8) Establishes in the Treasury an Army Civil Works Regulatory Program Fund. Directs the Secretary to establish and collect fees for the evaluation of commercial permit applications and the recovery of costs associated with environmental impact statement preparation and certain wetlands delineations. (Sec. 12) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) cost recovery for cleanup of hazardous substances; (2) Federal lump-sum payments for Federal operation and maintenance costs; and (3) selection and cost-sharing for dredged material disposal facilities. (Sec. 14) Amends: (1) the Flood Control Act of 1970 to provide a waiver of cost-sharing requirements if the Secretary determines that the administrative costs would exceed the contribution required from the non-Federal interest; (2) the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 to add the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) as a member of the Flood Insurance Interagency Task Force; (3) the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make certain recreation user fee revenues available to the Corps; and (4) the Flood Control Act of 1968 to increase the amount of Federal reimbursement that may be made for a single project. (Sec. 15) Directs the Secretary to acquire permanent flowage and saturation easements over specified lands in and around the Buford Trenton Irrigation District, North Dakota. (Sec. 19) Authorizes appropriations for a national inventory of dams. (Sec. 29) Directs the Secretary to develop and transmit to the Congress a list of harbors and channels that do not produce commercial benefits which exceed the cost of operation and maintenance of the harbor or channel. (Sec. 31) Authorizes the Secretary to undertake studies: (1) in navigation in part of the Pacific Region; (2) of the Charleston, South Carolina, estuary area; and (3) to investigate alternative modes of financing hydroelectric power facilities. (Sec. 35) Directs the Secretary to implement the Poplar Island, Maryland, project.
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Thrift and Bank Charter Merger Subtitle A: Recapitalization of Savings Association Insurance Fund Subtitle B: Status of Banks and Savings Associations Subtitle C: Merger of Insurance Funds Subtitle D: FICO Interest Costs Shared Subtitle E: Refunds of Excess Amounts in Deposit Fund Subtitle F: Limitation on Assessments Subtitle G: Miscellaneous Provisions Title II: Transitional Provisions Title III: Reductions in Government Overregulation Subtitle A: The Home Mortgage Process Subtitle B: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments Subtitle C: Consumer Banking Reforms Subtitle D: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments Subtitle E: Consumer Leasing Act Amendments Title IV: Streamlining Government Regulations Subtitle A: Regulatory Approval Issues Subtitle B: Streamlining of Government Regulations; Miscellaneous Provisions Title V: Lender Liability Title VI: Annual Study and Report on Impact on Lending to Small Business Federal Deposit Insurance Funds and Regulatory Relief Act of 1996 - Title I: Thrift and Bank Charter Merger - Subtitle A: Recapitalization of Savings Association Insurance Fund - Directs the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to impose a special assessment on the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF)-assessable deposits of each insured depository institution at a rate that the Board, in its sole discretion, determines will cause the SAIF to achieve the designated reserve ratio on the first business day of January 1998. Allows the Board to exempt weak institutions from such assessment, but requires exemption for certain newly chartered and other defined institutions, which shall pay semiannual assessments at certain former rates during calendar years 1998 through 2001. (Sec. 101) Authorizes certain institutions facing hardship as a result of the special assessment to elect to pay it in two assessments, plus a third supplemental special assessment, determined according to specified formulae. Prescribes adjustments of the special assessment for Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) member banks and certain savings associations. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to require the deposit into the SAIF of exit fees resulting from a conversion transaction. Subtitle B: Status of Banks and Savings Associations - Expresses the intent of the Congress to: (1) make a comprehensive review of all issues relating to the merger of the charters of banks and savings associations; (2) pass the appropriate legislation out of both Houses providing for such merger by September 30, 1997; and (3) enact such legislation before the effective date of the merger of insurance funds. Subtitle C: Merger of Insurance Funds - Declares that the SAIF and the BIF shall be merged into the Deposit Insurance Fund, which shall have a Special Reserve for any excess of the SAIF reserve ratio over the designated reserve ratio. Makes conforming amendments to specified banking statutes. Subtitle D: FICO Interest Costs Shared - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (FHLBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) to revise the assessment authority of the Financing Corporation (FICO), extending FICO assessments to all depository institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) (rather than SAIF members only). Repeals specified limits on the amount that may be assessed. Subtitle E: Refunds of Excess Amounts in Deposit Fund - Prescribes procedural guidelines for the refund of assessed payments in a deposit insurance fund in excess of the designated reserve amount. Subtitle F: Limitation on Assessments - Prohibits the FDIC Board of Directors from setting semi-annual assessments in excess of the amount needed to maintain or achieve the designated reserve ratio of a deposit insurance fund. Subtitle G: Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines certain terms used in Titles I and II of this Act. Title II: Transitional Provisions - Designates transition periods before the merger of the SAIF and the BIF into the Deposit Insurance Fund during which: (1) any BIF member with SAIF-assessable deposits shall be treated as a SAIF member subject to assessments with respect to such deposits; (2) a cross guarantee mechanism shall be available in the SAIF and BIF, respectively, to cover losses incurred by the sister fund; (3) the semi-annual assessment rates imposed upon SAIF members may not exceed projected costs and expenses for the semi- annual period; (4) the FDIC may take into account deposit shifts between BIF and SAIF member subsidiaries of the same holding company for purposes of assessment determinations; and (5) the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board shall transfer annually specified funds to the Financing Corporation from Federal Reserve surplus funds. Title III: Reductions in Government Overregulation - Financial Institutions Regulatory Relief Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: The Home Mortgage Process - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) to: (1) transfer certain rulemaking authority over disclosure and escrow account requirements from the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board); and (2) declare that the purpose of the Act is to eliminate kickbacks or referrals without directly regulating settlement services prices or wages to bona fide employees that are not designed as a subterfuge to facilitate kickbacks among affiliated companies. (Sec. 301) Prohibits the Secretary of HUD from publishing a proposed or final regulation unless he or she has used a certain established procedure to attempt to negotiate and develop the rule. Distributes administrative enforcement authority regarding kickbacks and referrals among HUD, the Federal banking agencies, the National Credit Union Administration, the Board, and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Declares a statutory preference for administrative enforcement over criminal enforcement, except in appropriate cases. Restricts criminal sanctions to willful violations of law (current law penalizes unwillful and unintentional violations as well). (Sec. 302) Sets a deadline by which the Board must take action under RESPA and the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to simplify and provide a single format for credit transaction disclosures. (Sec. 303) Exempts from TILA disclosure requirements any transactions that the Board determines: (1) are not necessary to effectuate the Act's purposes; or (2) do not provide a measurable benefit in the form of useful information or consumer protection. (Sec. 304) Amends RESPA to repeal disclosure requirements about previously transferred federally related mortgage loans or intentions to transfer them, requiring only that the lender disclose that it may assign, sell or transfer them at any time. Repeals the mandate for model disclosure statements. Removes from the definition of "federally related mortgage loan" any loan secured by a subordinate lien on residential real property (thereby removing second mortgages from RESPA requirements). (Sec. 305) Revises disclosure requirements to permit alternative disclosures for adjustable rate home mortgages which state that a monthly payment may increase or decrease significantly due to annual percentage rate increases. (Current law requires illustrations how a rate increase or decrease affects monthly payments). (Sec. 306) Exempts from TILA disclosure requirements certain fees imposed on consumer credit transactions by third party closing agents (including settlement agents, attorneys, escrow and title companies) that are neither expressly required nor retained by the creditor. (Sec. 307) Denies the right of rescission to certain refinancings or debt consolidations secured by a lien on a consumer's principal dwelling. Revises certain TILA provisions for recovery of fees. (Sec. 310) Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to: (1) increase from $10 million to $50 million the maximum asset-size of institutions exempt from its purview; (2) authorize the Board to exempt institutions whose asset-size is over $50 million if the burden of compliance outweighs the usefulness of the requisite information; and (3) revise the public availability notification requirements for its mortgage loan transactions. Subtitle B: Community Reinvestment Act Amendments - Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) to prohibit a supervisory agency from imposing additional burden, recordkeeping, or reporting when examining financial institutions. (Sec. 322) Exempts a regulated financial institution from CRA examination requirements if: (1) the institution's main office and all its branches are located in a general local governmental unit which does not fall within a metropolitan statistical area; and (2) the institution and its parent bank holding company have aggregate assets of not more than $100 million, adjusted annually for inflation. (Sec. 323) Sets forth community input and conclusive rating requirements, including evaluation by the appropriate Federal financial supervisory agency of how the institution meets community needs. (Sec. 324) Defines a "special purpose institution" as one that does not generally accept retail deposits from the public in amounts of less than $100,000, such as wholesale, credit card, and trust institution. Prescribes requirements for assessments of such institutions, including development of standards for them. (Sec. 325) Revises requirements for positive factors to consider with respect to a regulated financial institution's investments and loans to any minority or women's depository institution or low-income credit union to include investment in or loans to: (1) any joint ventures, entities, or projects providing benefits to distressed communities (regardless of whether or not the recipient institutions or communities are located within the regulated financial institution's chartered service area); and (2) targeted low- and moderate-income communities, including real property loans to such communities. Includes certain other ventures with community development corporations as well. (Sec. 328) Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to exempt from certain community investment or service reporting requirements members who receive a CRA rating of outstanding or satisfactory. (Sec. 329) Expresses the sense of the Congress that the appropriate congressional committees should exercise aggressive oversight of the adoption and implementation of any CRA regulation by a Federal supervisory agency after the date of enactment of this Act. Requires such an agency to report to the Congress on the implementation of all CRA regulations. (Sec. 331) Amends the CRA to prohibit a Federal agency from prescribing any regulation which would: (1) require a financial institution to make any loan or enter into any agreement on the basis of any discriminatory criteria prohibited under Federal law; (2) make any loan to, or enter into any other agreement with, an uncreditworthy person that would jeopardize the institution's safety and soundness; or (3) hinder the institution's full responsibility to provide credit to all community segments. Subtitle C: Consumer Banking Reforms - Amends the Truth in Savings Act (TISA) to replace the current purpose requiring clear, uniform disclosure of interest rates and fees, with one requiring depository institutions to pay interest on the daily full amount of principal in interest-bearing consumer deposit accounts at the agreed- upon rate of interest. (Sec. 341) Repeals specified TISA disclosure requirements pertaining to interest rates and terms of accounts. (Sec. 342) Amends the FDIA to allow depository institutions (including affiliates and subsidiaries) to exchange information without limitation if such information sharing is disclosed and the consumer has opportunity beforehand to direct that the information not be communicated. (Sec. 344) Amends TILA to permit full creditor restitution payments of adjusted finance charges to a person over an extended period if the enforcing agency determines that this is necessary to avoid causing the creditor to become undercapitalized. Subtitle D: Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments - Equal Credit Opportunity Act Amendments of 1995 - States that the purpose of this Act is to combine the adverse action notification requirements of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) with respect to consumer credit applications, and to make the information which must be furnished more understandable. (Sec. 353) Revises ECOA notification requirements regarding adverse actions against credit applicants. Shields from liability for non-compliance persons who show by a preponderance of the evidence that they maintained reasonable procedures to ensure compliance at the time of the alleged violation. (Sec. 354) Eliminates specified FCRA disclosure requirements for users of consumer reports with respect to credit denials and adverse actions based on reports of persons other than consumer reporting agencies. (Sec. 355) Amends ECOA and the Fair Housing Act to add incentives for creditor self-testing and voluntary corrective action by prohibiting review, examination, or acquisition by an applicant in any legal proceeding of a creditor or other person's self-procured test or review of its lending activities, including residential real estate lending, if the self-test has identified discriminatory practices and the creditor or other person has taken or is taking appropriate corrective action to address the discrimination. Specifies circumstances in which an applicant or Government department or agency may obtain and use the results of a self-test in a proceeding or civil action. (Sec. 356) Specifies conditions under which creditors shall be deemed to be in compliance with ECOA nondiscrimination requirements with respect to any credit decision based solely on the use of an empirically derived, demonstrably and statistically sound credit scoring system. Subtitle E: Consumer Leasing Act Amendments - Consumer Leasing Act Amendments of 1995 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA) to direct the Board to: (1) write regulations or staff commentary to update and clarify requirements and definitions for lease disclosures, contracts, and other issues related to consumer leasing which would carry out the purposes of the Consumer Leasing Act; and (2) publish model disclosure forms and clauses to facilitate compliance with such requirements and aid the consumer in understanding the transaction. (Sec. 364) Revises CCPA provisions relating to consumer lease advertising, repealing special requirements for radio advertisements. (Sec. 365) Limits creditor liability for statutory penalties for failure to provide specified consumer lease disclosures. Title IV: Streamlining Government Regulations - Subtitle A: Regulatory Approval Issues - Amends the Bank Holding Company Act (BHCA) to identify criteria for a well-capitalized and well-managed banking organization under which an acquisition of shares in a nonbanking or another banking organization by a bank holding company, or a merger or consolidation between registered bank holding companies, shall be deemed to be approved. (Current law requires prior Board approval). (Sec. 403) Amends the FDIA and the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act to cite conditions under which prior approval is not required for any merger, consolidation, asset acquisition, or liabilities assumption involving only insured depository institution subsidiaries of the same depository institution holding company. (Sec. 404) Permits any insured depository institution to participate in optional conversion transactions between members of BIF and SAIF (Oakar transactions) without the prior written approval of the responsible agency. (Sec. 405) Amends the Home Owners' Loan Act (HOLA) to remove from its regulatory purview a bank holding company subject to the BHCA. (Sec. 407) Amends the Revised Statutes, the Federal Reserve Act (FRA), and the FDIA to delineate conditions under which prior approval is not required for well-capitalized and well-managed banks to establish and operate a branch or seasonal agency. (Sec. 408) Amends the Revised Statutes and the FDIA to exclude from the definition of "branch" an automated teller machine or remote service unit (thus exempting those entities from approval requirements of such Acts). (Sec. 410) Amends the FDIA to authorize the appropriate Federal banking agency to waive, on a case-by-case basis, prior notice requirements pertaining to new officer or director appointments of certain undercapitalized or troubled institutions. (Sec. 413) Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to increase from $10,000 to $50,000 the aggregate amount of loans to Credit Union officials that may be made without approval of the board of directors. Subtitle B: Streamlining of Government Regulations; Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends the Revised Statutes to repeal the aggregate minimum per-branch capital requirements imposed upon a national banking association and its branches. (Sec. 422) Amends the FDIA to exclude automated teller machines and bank branches in specified merger or relocation situations from the definition of "bank branch" (thus exempting them from Federal bank closure notification requirements). Makes such exemption retroactive to the enactment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. (Sec. 423) Amends the Depository Institutions Management Interlocks Act to exempt management officials of depository institutions or holding companies with small (under 20 percent) market shares from prohibitions against dual service with unaffiliated institutions or companies in the same geographic banking market. Raises from $1 billion to $2.5 billion (adjusted annually for inflation) the asset-size ceiling beneath which a depository institution or depository holding company may retain directors and management officials performing dual service for nonaffiliated institutions whose total assets do not exceed $1.5 billion (currently $500 million). Extends permanently the exemption of certain management officials from specified interlocks prohibitions on dual service. (Sec. 424) Directs the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Financial Institutions Examination Council to accelerate repayment of specified funds to the Treasury. (Sec. 425) Amends the FRA to permit loans to executive officers, directors, or principal shareholders (insider lending) made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program widely available to employees of the member bank. Expands the Board's authority to exempt specified executive officers and directors from the proscription against preferential lending terms. Repeals the requirement that: (1) an executive officer indebted to a bank over a certain lawful amount submit a written report of such debt to the board of directors; and (2) a member bank include in its condition of report all loans to executive officers made since its previous report. Amends the FRA to permit a member bank to make available to its executive officers: (1) home equity lines of credit of up to $100,000; and (2) loans secured by readily marketable assets. (Sec. 426) Amends the FDIA to allow the appropriate Federal banking agency to increase from $175 million to $250 million the asset-size ceiling on certain small depository institutions whose mandatory periodic on-site examinations make take place every 18 months instead of annually. (Sec. 429) Requires each appropriate Federal banking agency and the National Credit Union Administration to conduct a paperwork reduction review, and eliminate any requirements for unnecessary internal written policies. (Sec. 430) Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to revise the daily confirmation requirement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 concerning hold-in custody repurchase agreements to permit the counterparty to the agreement to waive such confirmation upon receipt of certain disclosures. (Sec. 431) Requires the Financial Institutions Examination Council and each Federal banking agency represented on it to review and identify unnecessary regulations every ten years and report thereon to the Congress. (Sec. 432) Amends the International Lending Supervision Act to change from mandatory to discretionary the duty of each appropriate Federal banking agency to require a banking institution to maintain a special reserve whenever the quality of its assets has been impaired by protracted inability of debtors in a foreign country to make payments. (Sec. 433) Amends FDIA financial management accountability guidelines, among other changes, to exempt well-capitalized and well- managed insured depository institutions from mandatory financial management status reports (although not from the requirement of independent financial audits). (Sec. 434) Amends the FDIA to exclude outside directors from the primary definition of an "institution-affiliated party" but include them in such definition as independent contractors if they have knowingly or recklessly participated in certain prohibited activities. (Sec. 235) Amends the International Banking Act of 1978 to prescribe guidelines under which the Board may approve a foreign bank application to establish a U.S. presence even though it is not subject to comprehensive supervision on a consolidated basis in its home country. (Sec. 436) Directs the Board to avoid unnecessary duplication of foreign bank examinations. Subjects foreign banks to the same on-site examination schedule and examination fee collections as apply to domestic banks. (Sec. 437) Amends the TILA to redefine "mortgage" as a consumer credit transaction (including a residential mortgage transaction) secured by a subordinate mortgage on the consumer's principal dwelling. Dismisses all TILA administrative enforcement proceedings regarding high-cost, non-subordinate residential mortgage transactions pending upon the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 440) Retitles the Bank Service Corporation Act the "Bank Service Company Act" and amends it to authorize banks under the Act to own limited liability partnerships. (Sec. 441) Amends the FRA to increase from ten percent to 25 percent the amount of capital and surplus that a national bank may invest in the stock of Edge Act subsidiaries and certain financial service corporations held by a member bank's non-U.S. branches. (Sec. 442) Requires each appropriate Federal banking agency to report to certain congressional committees on its actions to reconcile Regulatory Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. (Sec. 443) Permits the Comptroller of the Currency to waive the residency requirement for national bank directors. Title V: Lender Liability - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) a person holding indicia of ownership primarily to protect a security interest in a vessel or facility should not, unless exercising control to a specified extent, be considered to have "participated in management" as that term is used in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); (2) the term "security interest" as used in CERCLA should include rights accruing to a person to secure repayment of specified obligations; and (3) the Congress should address the potential liability of lenders and fiduciaries with respect to the Superfund (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Title VI: Annual Study and Report on Impact on Lending to Small Business - Directs the following agencies to submit a joint annual report to the Congress on the extent to which the regulatory reductions under this Act have resulted in increased lending to small businesses: (1) the Federal Reserve Board; (2) the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision; (3) the Comptroller of the Currency; and (4) the FDIC Board of Directors.
United States · United States Congress · 29 May 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reauthorization of FAA Programs Title II: Airport Development Financing Title III: Airport Improvement Program Modifications Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Title V: Metropolitan Washington Airports Title VI: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund Taxes and Expenditure Authority Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 - Title I: Reauthorization of FAA Programs - Amends Federal aviation law to reauthorize the Airport Improvement Program through FY 1999, with specified allocations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Facilities and Equipment Program. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for the FAA through FY 1999. Title II: Airport Development Financing - Revises the apportionment of airport improvement fund amounts to sponsors of primary and cargo service airports for each fiscal year. (Sec. 202) Revises the minimum amount of airport improvement funds that shall be credited in a fiscal year to the discretionary fund. (Sec. 203) Increases the apportionment for airport improvement grant funds for: (1) airport noise compatibility programs; and (2) current and former military airports. (Sec. 204) Reduces from 15 to ten at any time the number of current or former military airports that may receive airport improvement grant funds. (Sec. 205) Establishes the Select Panel on Airport and Agency Financing to evaluate and recommend financing mechanisms to ensure adequate funding for airport capital needs and FAA capital and operating needs. Title III: Airport Improvement Program Modifications - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to encourage: (1) airport sponsors and State and local officials to develop airport master plans and airport system plans; and (2) metropolitan planning organizations, particularly in areas with populations greater than 200,000, to establish membership positions for airport operators. (Sec. 301) Sets forth additional requirements for the approval of airport project grant applications. (Sec. 302) Repeals the authority of the Secretary to impose passenger facility fees for the construction, repair, or improvement of airport areas used for aircraft operation or actions to mitigate the environmental effects of any such activity necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Clean Air Act, or the Federal water Pollution Control Act. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of up to ten projects to extend the useful life of airport runways and taxiways. (Sec. 304) Makes it a condition for approval of a grant application for an airport development project that the airport owner or operator makes assurances that it will permit, to the maximum extent practicable, intercity buses to have access to the airport. (Sec. 305) Eliminates as an allowable project cost for Federal reimbursement certain costs for airport development projects commenced during FY 1994 before the execution of the grant agreement. Allows such reimbursement only for costs incurred after September 30, 1996. Denies priority consideration for the use of discretionary funds for projects incurring costs before execution of the grant agreement. (Sec. 306) Specifies additional factors for the Secretary to consider in selecting a project for a grant to preserve and enhance capacity at primary and reliever airports. (Sec. 307) Increases from seven to ten the number of States the Secretary may designate to assume administrative responsibility for all airport grant amounts (except for amounts for use at primary airports) under the State block grant pilot program. Makes permanent the State block grant pilot program. (Sec. 308) Authorizes an airport sponsor who intends to sell or lease the airport for a long time to a private person to apply for an exemption from the prohibition on the use of airport revenues for non-airport use. Waives the current prohibition on the imposition of passenger facility fees by any airport receiving such an exemption. (Sec. 309) Authorizes the Secretary to make an airport noise compatibility planning grant to a State or local government that is not the owner or operator of an airport for preparation or implementation of an airport land use compatibility plan. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA, in carrying out various aviation programs, to purchase a housing unit that is located outside the United States if the cost of the unit is $200,000 or less. (Sec. 403) Prohibits both the Administrator of the FAA, and any agency receiving information from the Administrator, from disclosing voluntarily provided safety or security related information in certain circumstances. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to issue a supplemental type certificate for a change to an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance. (Sec. 405) Prohibits a person holding an airport operating certificate, with specified exceptions, from expending local aviation fuel taxes or airport-generated revenues for any purpose other than the capital or operating costs of the airport, the local airport system, or other related facilities. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to require by regulation that an employment investigation (including criminal history record check) be conducted for employees who will be responsible for screening airline passengers and property. (Sec. 407) Authorizes a sponsor of a noncommercial service airport to close it without any obligation to repay airport improvement grants if it is located within three miles of a military base which has been closed or realigned. Title V: Metropolitan Washington Airports - Metropolitan Washington Airports Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise the composition of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, among other things, increasing the number of members from 11 to 15. Requires board members appointed by the President to be registered voters of States other than Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia. Revises requirements for length of term and the filling of vacancies. Declares that no more than three members of the board appointed by the President may be of the same political party. Requires nine votes (currently, seven) to approve bond issues and the annual budget. (Sec. 505) Establishes the Federal Advisory Commission of the Airports Authority (thereby effectively replacing the Board of Review of the Airports Authority). (Sec. 507) Revises requirements for congressional review of Airports Authority actions. (Sec. 508) Provides for the removal of Federal Advisory Commission (previously, Board of Review) members by the Secretary of Transportation (currently, by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors). (Sec. 511) Directs the Airports Authority to continue to enforce certain restrictions in the Metropolitan Washington Airports Regulations with respect to the use of the Dulles access highway. (Sec. 513) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing an exemption under specified sections of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding the allocation of slots at high density airports if such exemption would adversely affect safety. Title VI: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund Taxes and Expenditure Authority - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the excise tax imposed on aviation fuel. Extends the excise tax imposed on airline passenger tickets, and the authority for the transfer of aviation fuel taxes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, through January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay from the Trust Fund into the general fund of the Treasury any overpayments made with respect to excise taxes imposed on air transportation. (Sec. 602) Extends the expenditure authority of the Trust Fund through October 1, 1999.
Austria · Federal Council · 24 May 1996
Mündliche Anfrage des Bundesrates Josef Rauchenberger (SPÖ) an den Bundesminister für Inneres Dr. Caspar Einem betreffend internationale Zusammenarbeit zur Bekämpfung der Umweltkriminalität
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Kosten der Lawinenschutzbauten
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rudolf Anschober und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Sondermüllverbrennungsanlage Ranshofen
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Land- und Forstwirtschaft betreffend Tiefenversenkung flüssiger Abfälle durch Rückverpressung in der Sonde "Aderklaa 91"
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rudolf Anschober und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Wissenschaft, Verkehr und Kunst betreffend die beabsichtigte Aktivierung von Budgetmitteln in der Höhe von ca. 7 Millionen öS und in der Folge von zumindest drei zusätzlichen Planstellen durch die Ausschreibung eines Flächenecholotsystemes mit satellitengestützter Positionierung durch die Präsidialabteilung 5 des Bundesministeriums für öffentliche Wirtschaft und Verkehr für den laufenden Betrieb des Meßwesens an der Donau
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie betreffend Tiefenversenkung flüssiger Abfälle durch Rückverpressung in der Sonde "Aderklaa 91"
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Schriftliche Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen an den Bundesminister für Finanzen betreffend Kosten der Lawinenschutzbauten
Austria · National Council · 23 May 1996
Antrag der Abgeordneten Ing. Monika Langthaler und Genossen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem die Einspeisung von elektrischer Energie aus erneuerbaren Energien und kleinen Kraft-Wärme-Kopplungsanlagen in das öffentliche Netz geregelt wird (Einspeisungsgesetz 1996)