Environment

A bill to provide for the conveyance of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Ft. Lyon, Colorado, to the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000

Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to convey a specified parcel of real property, including improvements other than Kit Carson Chapel, comprising the location of Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Colorado, to the State of Colorado to utilize for purposes of a correctional facility. Prohibits the Secretary from making the conveyance unless the State agrees to provide public access to the Chapel and the cemetery located on such property. Permits the State to satisfy such condition respecting the chapel by relocating it to Ft. Lyon National Cemetery, Colorado, or another appropriate location jointly selected by the Secretary and the State. Prohibits the Secretary from making the conveyance until: (1) the date on which the Secretary opens not less than three health care facilities, and a nursing home care facility, in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, which shall serve as replacement facilities for the Medical Center; and (2) the Secretary completes required environmental restoration activities. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the State or any private nursing home care facility for costs incurred in providing nursing home care to any veteran who is relocated from the Medical Center as a result of the Medical Center's closure. States that the authority to pay voluntary separation incentive payments under the Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1999 to employees of the Medical Center shall apply to eligible employees whose separation occurs before June 30, 2001. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Department, acting through the Director of VISN 19, not later than one year after the conveyance, to submit to congressional veterans affairs committees a report on the status of the health care system for veterans under VISN in southern Colorado describing any improvements to such system in southern Colorado that have been put into effect since the date of such conveyance.

Arizona Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000

Arizona Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 2000 - Provides for a land exchange between the Federal Government and the State of Arizona. Incorporates any land acquired by the United States under this Act that is located within a national park or wildlife refuge unit into such unit. Requires any other acquired lands to be administered by the Bureau of Land Management and permits them to be subject to special management considerations to protect them from development and preserve open space. Requires lands exchanged to be of equal value and sets forth provisions regarding the appraisal process and appraisal dispute resolution. Subjects conveyances by the United States to the State under this Act to valid existing rights and other interests held by third parties. Subjects conveyances of the State to the United States only to valid existing surface and mineral leases, grazing permits, leases, easements, rights-of-way, and other interests held by third parties determined acceptable under the Attorney General's title regulations. Continues State or U.S. responsibility, as applicable, for all environmental remediation, waste management, and environmental compliance activities arising from ownership and control of land under Federal and State laws with respect to conditions existing on the land on the date of conveyance. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) study land values of all State trust land within the exterior boundaries of the proposed conservation area under the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1999 in Pima and Santa Cruz counties, Arizona; and (2) submit a recommendation to Congress on whether any such land should be acquired by the Federal Government. Authorizes appropriations. Terminates the land conveyance and exchange authorities under this Act two years after this Act's enactment date.

Comprehensive Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000

Comprehensive Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) implement the oil and gas pipeline safety improvement recommendations provided for in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General's Report (RT-2000-069); and (2) report every 90 days to specified congressional committees on the specific actions taken to implement them. Requires the DOT Inspector General to assess periodically for the same committees the Secretary's progress in doing so. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary, the Administrator of Research and Special Program Administration, and the Director of the Office of Pipeline Safety to: (1) comply fully with certain Federal transportation law requirements to ensure timely responsiveness to National Transportation Safety Board recommendations about pipeline safety; (2) make a copy of each recommendation on pipeline safety and response available to the public over the Internet without charge or otherwise at a reasonable cost; and (3) review and publish the results of General Accounting Office report number GAO-RCED-00-128. (Sec. 4) Requires each pipeline operator, or, in the case of an intrastate pipeline facility operator, the appropriate State regulatory agency, to submit to the Secretary a plan designed to enhance the qualifications of pipeline personnel and reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to issue regulations requiring: (1) natural gas pipeline operators to conduct periodic assessment of facility integrity; and (2) hazardous liquid pipeline operators to periodically determine the adequacy of pipelines to operate safely in unusually sensitive areas and high-density population areas; and (3) perform periodic inspections or tests capable of identifying corrosion, mechanical damage, or other structural or operational defects that could be detrimental to safety and the environment. (Sec. 6) Amends Federal transportation law to grant shutdown authority to the Secretary, or, in the case of an intrastate pipeline facility operator, to the appropriate State regulatory agency, to take necessary action to prevent the operation for 30 days (including additional 30-day periods) of any hazardous liquid or natural gas pipeline whose continuing operation creates an imminent safety hazard to persons, property, or the environment. (Sec. 7) Revises the public education program requirements for gas pipeline facility owners or operators, including specified items. Applies such requirements to owners or operators of a hazardous liquid pipeline facility. Requires an operator of a gas transmission or hazardous liquid pipeline facility to initiate and maintain liaison with the State emergency response commissions, and local emergency planning committees (or local fire, police, and other emergency response agencies in the absence of a committee) in the areas of pipeline right-of-way, established under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 in each State in which it operates. Requires the owner or operator of each gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility to provide annually to the governing body of each municipality in which the pipeline facility is located a map identifying the facility's location. Requires the Secretary to designate the Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinator with the responsibility of defining the in-vehicle navigation mapping standards and contracting the outsource mapping vendor, which can provide the most cost effective first responder mapping tool, for coordinated emergency responses, in the geographic area. Requires the owner or operator of each gas or hazardous liquid pipeline facility to: (1) provide a public safety and public education program annually to the governing body of each municipality in which the pipeline facility is located; and (2) notify annually all residents within 1,000 yards (or other appropriate distance) of the facility of its general location and certain other information, including appropriate procedures for such residents to follow in response to accidents concerning such facilities. (Sec. 8) Increases from $25,000 to $100,000 the civil penalty for each facility operator failure to: (1) mark accurately the location of pipeline facilities in the vicinity of a demolition, excavation, tunneling, or construction; or (2) comply with safety standards, prepare and carry out an inspection and maintenance plan, allow access to records, or allow required entries or inspections. Increases the maximum civil penalty for a related series of violations to $1 million. Authorizes a court to award temporary or permanent injunctive relief and to assess civil penalties in a civil action brought by the Attorney General to enforce pipeline safety law. Establishes civil penalties for hazardous liquid pipeline discharges, including gross negligence or willful misconduct. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary, if a State pipeline safety program certification is accepted, to make an agreement with a State authority authorizing it to participate in the activities of interstate pipeline transportation, including a plan for the State authority to participate in additional inspections and special investigations involving new construction or incidents, as well as (subject to specified requirements) other activities involving interstate pipeline transportation consistent with the Secretary's program and that address issues of local concern. Allows the Secretary to end an agreement for the oversight of interstate pipeline transportation when the State authority has not complied with any provision of the agreement. Requires the Secretary to end such an agreement when: (1) significant gaps are found in the State authority's responsibilities for oversight of intrastate pipeline transportation; (2) the State actions under the agreement have failed to meet certain requirements; or (3) continued oversight participation by the State authority is not promoting pipeline safety. Requires the Secretary to continue specified interstate agent agreements. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the collection and use of gas and hazardous liquid pipeline data to revise the causal categories on the accident report forms to eliminate overlapping and confusing categories and include subcategories. Requires the plan to include components to provide the capability to perform sound accident trend analysis and evaluations of pipeline operator performance using normalized accident data. Requires any owner or operator of a hazardous liquid pipeline facility to report to the Secretary each release to the environment greater than five gallons of the hazardous liquid or carbon dioxide. (Sec. 11) Requires the Secretary, as part of the DOT research and development program, to direct research attention to the development of alternative technologies: (1) to expand the defect detection capabilities of internal inspection devices; (2) to inspect pipelines that cannot accommodate internal inspection devices available on the date of enactment; and (3) to develop innovative techniques measuring the structural integrity of pipelines. (Sec. 12) Authorizes appropriations with respect to gas and hazardous liquid and State grants. Requires the transfer of specified amounts from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to carry out authorized programs. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary to study how best to preserve environmental resources in conjunction with maintaining pipeline rights-of-way. (Sec. 14) Directs the Secretary to designate one or more States the Governor of each of which may establish a self-governing Regional Advisory Council to: (1) advise the Secretary and the Governor on policies, permits, regulations, and standards relating to hazardous liquid pipeline facilities which affect or may affect that State's environment; (2) monitor the environmental impacts of the facility operations; (3) review the adequacy of the integrity management plan and spill prevention and contingency plans developed by each hazardous liquid pipeline operator; (4) monitor developments in pipeline spill prevention, leak detection, pipeline inspection, operator training, spill containment, response, and cleanup technology; and (5) perform other specified related duties. (Sec. 15) Sets forth whistle blower protections prohibiting discrimination against facility employees who: (1) perform or refuse to perform certain acts related to pipeline safety or environmental protection; or (2) testify in Federal or State proceedings regarding compliance with pipeline safety or environmental protection requirements.

National Energy Security Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000

National Energy Security Act of 2000 - Title I: Energy Security Actions Required of the Secretary of Energy - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to report annually to the President and Congress on the progress the United States has made toward obtaining the goal of not more than 50 percent dependence on foreign oil sources by 2010. (Sec. 102) Sets a deadline for the Secretary to submit to the President a certain report of the National Petroleum Council, together with recommendations for administrative or legislative actions. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Economic Council an Interagency Work Group on Natural Gas (the Group), whose function shall be to develop a strategy and comprehensive policy for the use of natural gas as an essential component of overall national objectives of energy security, economic growth, and environmental protection. Title II: Amendments to Energy Policy and Conservation Act and Actions Affecting the Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to authorize drawdown and distribution of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) if: (1) the President concurs in the determination of the Secretary of Defense that it will not impair national security; and (2) the Secretary of Energy finds that it will not have an adverse effect on the domestic petroleum industry. (Sec. 201) Extends through FY 2003 the availability of FY 2000 appropriations for SPR authorities. Extends the expiration date for authorities related to domestic supply availability from March 31, 2000, to December 31, 2003. (Sec. 202) Extends from FY 1997 through 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the interagency working group that coordinates Federal programs affecting exports of renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services. Extends the expiration date for standby energy authorities from March 31, 2000, to December 31, 2003. (Sec. 203) Instructs the President to establish immediately an Interagency Panel on the Strategic Petroleum Study to study and report to the President and Congress regarding oil markets and estimated future fluctuations in the price, supply, and demand for crude oil, and to determine appropriate SPR capacity and use. Title III: Provisions to Protect Consumers and Low Income Families and Encourage Energy Efficiencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to repeal: (1) the requirement that participating States share 25 percent of the cost of weatherization programs as a condition for receiving assistance grants; and (2) the mandate that forty percent of weatherization program funds be spent for weatherization program materials. Instructs the Secretary to establish energy audit procedures and techniques. Increases the financial assistance for labor and weatherization materials expenditures per dwelling unit. Includes among such weatherization materials heating and cooling modification costs, including replacement. (Sec. 301) Repeals the mandate for the Secretary to establish, pursuant to State application, a separate average per dwelling unit limitation. (Sec. 302) Amends the EPCA to direct the Secretary, upon State request, to provide information, technical assistance, and funding for specified actions (summer fill programs) to avoid severe seasonal price increases and supply shortages of kerosene, propane, and heating oil during summer months. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations for an Energy Efficiency Science Initiative, managed by the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, for grants for energy efficiency research. Title IV: Provisions to Enhance the Use of Domestic Energy Resources - Subtitle A: Hydroelectric Resources - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Army, respectively, to inventory all dams, impoundments, and other facilities under their jurisdiction and to report to Congress on the potential of such facilities to generate hydroelectric power and on actions planned to do so. (Sec. 402) Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to report to Congress on expedited hydroelectric licensing procedures. Subtitle B: Nuclear Resources - Directs the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to report to Congress on: (1) domestic nuclear power generation and production; and (2) the potential for increasing nuclear generating capacity and production as part of the domestic energy mix. Subtitle C: Development of a National Spent Nuclear Fuel Strategy - Establishes an Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research within the Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Energy, headed by an Associate Director, to implement an integrated research and development program on technologies for the treatment, recycling, and disposal of high-level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, under the general supervision of the Secretary. Confers upon the Secretary grant and contract making authority. Subtitle D: Coal Resources - Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on the potential for increased generation from existing coal-fired power plants; and (2) provide grants for refinement and demonstration of new technologies for the conversion of coal to liquids. Title V: Improvements to Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management - Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 2000 - Emphasizes that this Act does not give a State a property right or interest in any Federal lease or land. Subtitle A: State Option to Regulate Oil and Gas Lease Operation on Federal Land - Permits a State to notify either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (depending upon the appropriate jurisdiction) of its intent to accept authority for regulation of certain oil and gas lease operations on Federal land within such State. Declares an automatic transfer of regulatory authority over designated operations from the appropriate Secretary to the State effective 180 days following receipt of such notification. Bars a Federal agency from exercising authority formerly held by such Secretary with respect to oil and gas lease operations on Federal land. Subtitle B: Use of Cost Savings from State Regulation - Prescribes guidelines to compensate a State for the costs of implementing such transferred authority. Subtitle C: Streamlining and Cost Reduction - Bars the appropriate Secretary from recovering costs for applications and other documents relating to oil and gas leases. (Sec. 532) Requires the Secretary to ensure: (1) timely issuance of Federal agency decisions respecting oil and gas leasing and operations on Federal land; and (2) that unwarranted denials and stays of lease issuance and unwarranted restrictions on lease operations are eliminated from the administration of oil and gas leasing on Federal land. (Sec. 535) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish a national inventory of oil and gas reserves and potential resources underlying Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf. Subtitle D: Federal Royalty Certainty - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Mineral Leasing Act pertaining to oil and gas leases to reformulate the payment of their respective lease royalties. Exempts Indian lands from such reformulation. Subtitle E: Royalty Reinvestment in America - Directs the appropriate Secretary, whenever certain crude oil or natural gas prices dip below a specified level, to allow as a credit against the payment of Federal oil and gas production royalties, a specified percentage of expenditures made for capital exploration and development on Federal oil and gas leases. (Sec. 551) Prohibits capital expenditures made on Outer Continental Shelf leases from being credited against onshore Federal royalty obligations. (Sec. 552) Instructs the appropriate Secretary to reduce the royalty rate for marginal oil and gas production following prescribed guidelines whenever certain crude oil or natural gas prices dip below a specified level. (Sec. 553) Prescribes procedural guidelines under which any operator of an oil well leased under specified statutes may notify the Secretary of the Interior of suspension of operation and production at the well. Title VI: Frontier Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Incentives - Frontier Exploration and Development Incentives Act of 2000 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act governing bidding procedures for oil and gas leases to set a certain net profit royalty share for oil and gas production in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas of Alaska. (Sec. 602) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to reduce any future royalty or rental obligation by a specified percentage after an oil and gas lease has been granted pursuant to the statutory bidding system. Title VII: Tax Measures to Enhance Domestic Oil and Gas Production - Subtitle A: Marginal Well Preservation - Marginal Well Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to specify a tax credit for marginal domestic oil and natural gas well production. (Sec. 703) Authorizes taxpayer election to expense geological and geophysical expenditures and to delay rental payments for domestic oil and gas wells. Subtitle B: Independent Oil and Gas Producers - Amends the IRC to: (1) set forth a five-year net operating loss carryback for losses attributable to operating mineral interests of independent oil and gas producers; (2) suspend through 2004 the limitation on the total amount of the depletion allowance to 65 percent of taxable income; and (3) suspend through 2006 the taxable income limit with respect to marginal production. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Amends the IRC to: (1) repeal the mandate that certain approved terminals offer dyed diesel fuel and kerosene for nontaxable purposes; and (2) redefine qualified tertiary injectant expenses for purposes of the enhanced oil recovery credit. Title VIII: Tax Measures to Enhance the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, Improve Energy Efficiencies, Protect Consumers and Conversion to Clean Burning Fuels - Amends the IRC to: (1) set forth placed-in-service rules and special rules for biomass facilities; (2) deny renewable electricity production credit to electricity sold to utilities under certain contracts; (3) exclude from gross income as contributions to capital certain amounts received by electric energy, gas, or steam utilities; (4) extend the credit for electricity produced from steel cogeneration; (5) declare certain expense limitations on depreciable business assets inapplicable to a storage facility used in connection with home heating oil distribution; (6) establish a tax credit for certain percentages of residential solar energy photovoltaic and solar water heating property expenditures; and (7) allow an energy credit for 20 percent of the basis of certain fuel cell property and eight percent of the basis of combined heat and power system property placed in service during the taxable year for business uses. Title IX: Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2000 - Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2000 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will: (1) result in an environmentally sound program; (2) not result in significant adverse effects upon fish and wildlife; and (3) ensure the receipt of fair market value by the public for the mineral resources to be leased. (Sec. 903) Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and any leasing or development leading to such production. States that Congress determines that the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program and activities authorized by this Act are compatible with the purposes for which the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established, and that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination. States this Act is the sole authority for Coastal Plain leasing, and that such Plain is considered "Federal land" for purposes of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) designate up to a specified total of Coastal Plain acreage as "Special Areas" and close them to leasing if the Secretary determines that these Areas require special management and regulatory protection; and (2) permit leasing in those Special Areas by setting lease terms that limit or condition surface use and occupancy by lessees but permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites on leases located outside the designated Special Areas. Declares that this Act constitutes the Secretary's sole authority to close Coastal Plain lands to oil and gas leasing and to exploration, development, and production. Instructs the Secretary to convey the surface estate of specified lands to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and to the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation in order to remove clouds on title and clarify land ownership patterns within the Coastal Plain. (Sec. 905) Declares that the Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement on the Coastal Plain of April 1997 is adequate to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (Sec. 906) States that lands may be leased to any person qualified to obtain a lease for oil and gas deposits under the Mineral Leasing Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe lease procedures. (Sec. 907) Authorizes the Secretary to grant to the highest responsible qualified bidder by sealed competitive cash bonus bid any Coastal Plain lands upon payment of such bonus and a royalty which shall not be less than a certain amount. Prescribes lease terms and conditions. Sets forth bonding requirements to ensure financial responsibility of lessee and avoid Federal liability. (Sec. 912) Directs the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation. (Sec. 913) Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to provide for: (1) biannual scheduled onsite inspections for compliance of Coastal Plain facilities with environmental or safety regulations; and (2) annual nonscheduled onsite inspections of such facilities. Title X: Clean, Reliable and Affordable Electricity - Subtitle A: Accelerated Technology Research and Development Program for Advanced Clean Coal Technology for New and Existing Coal-Based Electric Generating Facilities - Part 1: National Coal-Based Technology Development and Applications Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify technology costs and associated performance goals that would permit continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, for chemical feedstocks, and for transportation fuel; and (2) implement research and development programs that include demonstration and commercial application of coal-based technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Part 2: Existing Plant Technology Applications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to develop economically and environmentally acceptable advanced technologies for utilization within current electricity generation facilities using coal as the primary feedstock; (2) transmit a detailed plan to Congress; and (3) solicit proposals for demonstrations designed to achieve such technical milestones. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Credit for Emission Reductions and Efficiency Improvements in Existing Coal-Based Electricity Generation Facilities - Amends the IRC to: (1) allow a tax credit for investment in a qualifying clean coal technology unit; and (2) set forth the formula for determining a tax credit for production from such a unit. (Sec. 1033) Provides for a debt repayment mechanism under which the owner of a qualified system of continuous emission control, or a qualified clean coal technology unit, may elect to have credits applied to the prepayment of any debt or obligation for investment in the retrofit, repowering, or replacement of existing coal-based generation with certain systems of continuous emission control and clean coal technology. Subtitle C: Incentives for Early Commercial Applications of Advanced Clean Coal Technologies - Sets forth: (1) a tax credit for investment in a qualifying advanced clean coal technology facility; and (2) a formula for determining a tax credit for production from such a facility. Provides for a debt repayment mechanism under which the owner of a such facility may elect to have such tax credits applied to prepayment of debt or obligations incurred under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.

Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the United States nonrecognition policy of the Soviet takeover of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and calling for positive steps to promote a peaceful and democratic future for the Baltic region.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000

Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the U.S. nonrecognition policy of the Soviet takeover of the Baltic states and the contribution that policy made in supporting the aspirations of the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to reassert their freedom and independence. Commends Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for the reestablishment of their independence and the role they played in the disintegration of the former Soviet Union in 1990 and 1991, and for their success in implementing political and economic reforms. Expresses support for regional cooperation in Northern Europe among the Baltic and Nordic states and the Russian Federation. Calls for further cooperation in addressing common environmental, law enforcement, and public health problems, and in promoting civil society and business and trade development, and similar efforts that promote a peaceful, democratic, prosperous, and secure future for Europe, Russia and the Nordic-Baltic region.

Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the experience gained in the application of Council Directive 90/313/EEC of 7 June 1990, on freedom of accesss to information on the environment

European Union · European Commission · 29 June 2000

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on public access to environmental information

European Union · European Commission · 29 June 2000

Bundesgesetz Prüfung der Umweltverträglichkeit Bürgerbeteiligung geändert wird

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 168/A der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Mag. Karl Schweitzer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Bundesgesetz über die Prüfung der Umweltverträglichkeit und die Bürgerbeteiligung geändert wird

Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz, Wasserrechtsgesetz, Änderung (AWG-Novelle Deponien)

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (178 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz und das Wasserrechtsgesetz geändert werden (AWG-Novelle Deponien) <br><br>und <br><br>über den Antrag 167/A der Abgeordneten Karlheinz Kopf, Mag. Karl Schweitzer, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz, BGBl. Nr. 325/1990, geändert wird

"Nuklearinformationsabkommen" Österreich - Schweiz

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (53 d.B.): Abkommen zwischen der Regierung der Republik Österreich und dem Schweizerischen Bundesrat über den frühzeitigen Austausch von Informationen aus dem Bereich der nuklearen Sicherheit und des Strahlenschutzes ("Nuklearinformationsabkommen" Österreich - Schweiz) samt Anhang und Gemeinsamer Erklärung

Umweltanlagengesetz

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Antrag 149/A(E) der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Umweltanlagengesetz

Umweltförderungen des Bundes, 1999 Finanzvorschau Vollziehung des Umweltförderungsgesetzes

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Bericht des Umweltausschusses über den Bericht (III-48 d.B.) des Bundesministers für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft betreffend Umweltförderungen des Bundes, 1999 sowie die Finanzvorschau über die dem Bund aus der Vollziehung des Umweltförderungsgesetzes erwachsenden Belastungen

Umweltförderungsgesetz, Änderung

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Bericht und Antrag des Umweltausschusses über ein Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Umweltförderungsgesetz geändert wird <br><br><br><br>Titeländerung:<br><br>Bundesgesetz, mit dem das Umweltförderungsgesetz geändert wird

Vorbereitung eines einheitlichen Anlagengesetzes

Austria · National Council · 28 June 2000

Entschließungsantrag des Umweltausschusses betreffend Vorbereitung eines einheitlichen Anlagengesetzes zumindest für die in die Bundeskompetenz fallenden Materien

Federal Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2000

Title I: Short Title - Federal Property Asset Management Reform Act of 2000. Title II: Definitions - Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to define "landholding agency" to mean any Federal agency that, by specific or general statutory authority, has jurisdiction, custody, and control (jurisdiction) over real property or interests therein, but excludes agencies when they are acting as the sponsors of real property conveyances for public benefit purposes pursuant to Federal provisions regarding the disposal of surplus property. Title III: Life Cycle Planning and Management - Directs the Administrator of General Services: (1) in collaboration with the heads of affected Federal agencies, to establish and maintain current asset management principles to be used as guidance by such agencies in making major decisions concerning the planning, acquisition, use, maintenance, and disposal of real and personal property assets subject to such Act; and (2) to collect such descriptive information, except for classified information, as the Administrator deems will best describe the nature, use, and extent of the real property holdings of the United States. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) establish data and other information technology standards for use by Federal agencies in developing or upgrading agency real property information systems; and (2) withhold information, including the location of classified facilities, when it is determined that withholding such information would be in the public interest (but otherwise the listing compiled under this title shall be public record). Directs the head of each landholding agency to appoint, or designate from among its employees, a Senior Real Property Officer. Allows the appointment of a Real Property Officer for any major component of an agency, who shall report to the Senior Real Property Officer. Makes the Senior Real Property Officer for each agency responsible for continuously monitoring agency real property assets to: (1) ensure that the management of each asset is fully consistent with and supportive of the goals and objectives of the agency's Strategic Plan and reflected in an agency asset management plan; (2) identify assets that can benefit from the application of enhanced asset management tools (see Title IV); (3) ensure, in cases where an asset can benefit from application of an enhanced asset management tool, that any resulting transaction will result in a fair return on the Federal Government investment and protect the Government from unreasonable financial or other risks; and (4) ensure that a listing and description of the agency's assets is provided to the Administrator. Title IV: Enhanced Authorities for Real Property Asset Management - Authorizes the head of a landholding agency to apply an enhanced asset management tool to a real property interest when such interest: (1) when used to acquire replacement real property, is not excess property; (2) is used to fulfill or support a continuing mission requirement; and (3) can, by applying an enhanced asset management tool, improve the support of such mission. Requires the agency head, before applying an enhanced asset management tool to such an interest, to determine that such application: (1) supports the agency's Strategic Plan and real property asset management plan; (2) is the most economical and cost effective option available for the use of the real property; and (3) is documented in a business plan which, commensurate with the nature of the selected tool, analyzes all reasonable options for using the property; takes into account applicable provisions of law, including the National Environmental Policy Act; and evidences compliance with the requirements of the Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Authorizes any landholding agency to acquire replacement real property by: (1) transfer or exchange of real property subject to this Act with other Federal agencies under terms mutually agreeable to the agencies involved; and (2) selling or exchanging a real property asset or interests therein with any non-Federal source, provided that the transaction does not conflict with other applicable laws governing the acquisition of real property interests by Federal agencies, the agency first made the property available for transfer or exchange to other Federal agencies, and the transaction results in the agency receiving fair market value consideration for the asset sold or exchanged. Allows the head of any landholding agency to make available to other Federal agencies and to non-Federal entities the unexpired portion of any government lease for real property, provided that the sublease results in the agency receiving fair market rental value for the asset. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) priorities for subleasing; (2) out-leasing agreements; (3) forms of consideration; (4) transactional reports; and (5) annual reports. Title V: Incentives for Real and Personal Property Management Improvement - Authorizes Federal agencies to retain from proceeds from the sales of personal property amounts necessary to recover the full costs of disposing of such property, including the costs for warehousing, storage, environmental services, advertising, appraisal, and transportation. Directs that: (1) such amounts be deposited into an account available for such expenses without regard to fiscal year limitations; and (2) amounts that are not needed to pay such costs be transferred at least annually to the general fund or to a specific account in the Treasury as required by statute. Rewrites provisions regarding the transfer or sale of property to provide for agency retention of the proceeds from real property, and the crediting of monetary proceeds to the agency's capital asset account. Allows agencies to be reimbursed from the monetary proceeds of real property dispositions or from other available resources, including the agency's capital asset account, for the full costs of disposing of such property. Sets forth a schedule for implementing this title. Title VI: Streamlined and Enhanced Disposal Authorities - Authorizes the Administrator to convey the U.S. interest in surplus real and related personal property which the Secretary of the Interior has determined is suitable and desirable for use as a historic monument, for the benefit of the public, to a qualified nonprofit organization established for the primary purpose of preserving historic monuments, provided that the State, political subdivision, instrumentalities thereof, and municipality in which the property is located do not request conveyance to them. Makes the authority of any department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive branch or wholly owned Government corporation to convey or give surplus real and related personal property for public airport purposes subject to the requirements of the Act. Directs that any such surplus real property available for conveyance first be made available to the Administrator for disposal, including conveyance for any public benefit purposes, including public airport use. Amends the Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on a quarterly basis, to request information from each landholding agency regarding surplus, unutilized, or underutilized public buildings and real property (current law) that have not been previously reported on by the agency; (2) extend to 90 days (currently 60 days) the period during which written notice may be filed of intent to apply for property for use to assist the homeless; (3) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give a preference to applications that contain a certification that their proposal is consistent with the local Continuum of Care strategy for homeless assistance; and (4) make such Act inapplicable to buildings and property that are in a secured area for national defense purposes or that are inaccessible by road and can be reached only by crossing private property. Directs the Secretary of HUD: (1) to survey landholding agencies to determine whether the properties included in the last comprehensive list of properties published under such Act remain available for use to assist the homeless; and (2) to publish in the Federal Register a list of all such properties. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides that the authorities granted by this Act to Federal agency heads for real and personal property transactions and management shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any existing authorities. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) severability; and (2) judicial review.

Erika : indemniser et prévenir

France · Senate · 27 June 2000

La mission commune d'information chargée d'examiner l'ensemble des questions liées à la marée noire provoquée par le naufrage du navire "Erika", de proposer les améliorations concernant la réglementation applicable et de définir les mesures propres à prévenir de telles situations

Water Resources Development Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000

Water Resources Development Act of 2000 - Title I: Water Resources Projects - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army (Secretary) to carry out: (1) a specified project for navigation, New York-New Jersey Harbor; and (2) specified water resources projects (subject to completion of a favorable final report of the Chief of Engineers by December 31, 2000) in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana and Kentucky, Louisiana to the Gulf of Mexico, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming and on the Ohio River. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of, and authorizes the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that a project is feasible, to authorize the Secretary to carry out, a project, for: (1) beach restoration and protection at Lake Palourde and St. Bernard, Louisiana; (2) navigation at Houma Navigation Canal and Vidalia Port, Louisiana; (3) removal of snags and clearing and straightening of channels for flood control at Bayou Manchac and Black Bayou and Hippolyte Coulee, Louisiana; (4) emergency streambank protection at specified locations in Louisiana; (5) flood damage reduction or control at various locations in Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; and (6) improvement of the quality of the environment at various locations in Louisiana and Ohio. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects regarding: (1) beneficial uses of dredged material at specified locations in Louisiana and Ohio; and (2) aquatic ecosystem restoration at specified locations in Louisiana, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Oregon. (Sec. 110) Amends the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1999 to: (1) include Perry Creek, Iowa, among appropriate locations to be examined with respect to the flood mitigation and riverine restoration program; and (2) authorize the Secretary to design and construct a shore protection project at Fort Canby State Park, Benson Beach, Washington, including beneficial use of dredged material from Federal navigation projects. Title II: General Provisions - Modifies provisions of the Flood Control Act of 1970 regarding water resources projects to provide that an agreement entered into by a State may reflect that it does not obligate future appropriations (currently, future State legislative appropriations) for performance and payment when obligating future appropriations would be inconsistent with State constitutional or statutory limitations of the State or a body politic of the State. (Sec. 202) Amends the WRDA of 1986 to remove provisions authorizing a study of water resources needs of river basins and regions. Authorizes the Secretary to assess the water resources needs of river basins and watersheds of the United States, including needs relating to: (1) ecosystem protection and restoration; (2) flood damage reduction; (3) navigation and ports; (4) watershed protection; (5) water supply; and (6) drought preparedness. Directs the Secretary, in selecting river basins and watersheds for assessment, to give priority to the Delaware River basin. Authorizes the Secretary to accept contributions from Federal, tribal, State, interstate, and local governmental entities to the extent that such contributions will facilitate completion of the assessment. Sets forth cost-sharing requirements. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Secretary to study and determine the feasibility of carrying out water resources development projects that: (1) will substantially benefit Indian tribes; and (2) are located primarily within Indian country or in proximity to Alaska Native villages. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consult with the Secretary of the Interior concerning such studies; (2) integrate civil works activities of the Department of the Army (the Department) with activities of the Department of the Interior; and (3) consider the authorities and programs of the Department of the Interior and other Federal agencies in any recommendations concerning carrying out projects studied. Sets forth provisions regarding priority projects and cost sharing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 204) Amends the WRDA of 1986 to make any cost-sharing agreement for a feasibility study, or for construction of an environmental protection and restoration project (currently limited to flood control or agricultural water supply projects), subject to the ability of the non-Federal interest to pay. Modifies provisions regarding determination of the ability of a non-Federal interest to pay. Directs the Secretary to promulgate revised criteria and procedures governing such ability within 18 months. Authorizes the Secretary, in revising criteria, to consider criteria relating to: (1) the financial ability of the non-Federal interest to carry out its cost-sharing responsibilities; or (2) additional assistance that may be available from other Federal or State sources. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) carry out a program to reduce vandalism and destruction of property at water resources development projects under the jurisdiction of the Department, including by providing rewards to individuals who furnish information or evidence leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals causing damage to Federal property; and (2) participate in the National Recreation Reservation Service on an interagency basis and pay the Department's share of activities required to implement, operate, and maintain the Service. (Sec. 207) Amends the WRDA of 1990 to: (1) provide that activities currently performed by personnel under the direction of the Secretary in connection with the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric power generating facilities at Corps of Engineers water resources projects are to be considered as inherently governmental functions and not commercial activities (current law) in cases in which the activities require specialized training relating to hydroelectric power generation; and (2) double the amount authorized to be appropriated for interagency and international support to address problems of national significance to the United States. (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Secretary, in consultation with affected Indian tribes, to identify and set aside areas at Department civil works projects that may be used to re-bury Native American remains that have been: (1) discovered on project land; and (2) rightfully claimed by a lineal descendant or Indian tribe in accordance with applicable Federal law. Permits the Secretary, in consultation with and with the consent of the lineal descendant or the affected tribe, to recover and re-bury, at full Federal expense, the remains at the areas identified and set aside. Authorizes the Secretary to convey to a tribe for use as a cemetery an area at a civil works project that is so identified and set aside. Directs the Secretary to retain any right-of-way, easement, or other property interest that the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out the authorized purposes of the project. (Sec. 210) Amends the river and harbor Act of March 3, 1899, to provide that the approval required of the location and plans, or any modification of plans, of any dam or dike applies only to a dam or dike that, if constructed, would completely span a waterway used to transport interstate or foreign commerce in such a manner that actual, existing interstate or foreign commerce could be adversely affected. Specifies that any other dam or dike that is proposed to be built in any other navigable water of the United States shall not be subject to the approval requirements of this section. (Sec. 211) Rewrites provisions of the WRDA of 1986 regarding project deauthorizations to direct the Secretary to annually submit to Congress a list of projects and separable elements thereof (projects) that are authorized for construction and for which no Federal funds were obligated for construction during the four preceding fiscal years. Directs that any water resources project authorized for construction be deauthorized effective at the end of the seven-year period beginning on the date of the most recent authorization or reauthorization of the project unless Federal funds have been obligated for construction by the end of that period. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress annually a list of authorized projects for which no Federal funds have been obligated for construction and for which no Federal funds have been obligated for construction of the project during the two full fiscal years preceding the date of submission of the list. Directs that any water resources project for which Federal funds have been obligated for construction be deauthorized effective at the end of any five-fiscal year period during which Federal funds specifically identified for construction of the project have not been obligated for construction. Defines "construction" and "physical work under a construction contract." Directs the Secretary: (1) upon submission of the lists, to notify each Senator in whose State, and each Member of the House of Representatives in whose district, the affected project is or would be located; and (2) to publish annually in the Federal Register a list of all projects deauthorized under this section. (Sec. 212) Amends the WRDA to: (1) require that guidelines for preparation of flood plain management plans by non-Federal interests address potential measures, practices, and policies (current law) that non-Federal interests shall adopt and enforce to reduce loss of life, injuries, and specified other adverse impacts and to preserve and enhance natural flood plain values; and (2) require non-Federal interests to take measures to preserve the level of flood protection provided by such a project. Makes this section applicable to any project with respect to which the Secretary and the non-Federal interest have not entered a project cooperation agreement on or before the date of this Act's enactment. (Sec. 213) Amends the WRDA of 1990 to provide that, with respect to environmental dredging projects, a non-Federal sponsor may include a nonprofit entity, with the consent of the affected local government. Title III: Project-Related Provisions - Directs the Secretary to credit toward the non-Federal share of the costs of the study to determine the feasibility of the reservoir and associated improvements in the vicinity of Boydsville, Arkansas, authorized by the WRDA of 1999, not more than $250,000 of the costs of the relevant planning and engineering investigations carried out by State and local agencies if the Secretary finds that the investigations are integral to the scope of the feasibility study. (Sec. 302) Amends the WRDA of 1999 regarding the White River Basin project, Arkansas and Missouri, to authorize the Secretary to reallocate the amounts of project storage that are recommended by the report to Congress. Prohibits obligating funds to carry out work unless it does not significantly impact other authorized project purposes. Extends the deadline for submission of the report until July 30, 2002. Requires the report to include determinations concerning whether project storage should be reallocated to sustain the tail water trout fisheries. (Sec. 303) Modifies the project for shore protection, Gasparilla and Estero Island segments, Lee County, Florida, to authorize the Secretary to enter into agreement with the non-Federal interest to carry out the project in accordance with provisions of the WRDA of 1992 if the Secretary determines that the project is technically sound, environmentally acceptable, and economically justified. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to carry out planning, engineering, and design of an adaptive ecosystem restoration, flood damage reduction, and erosion protection project along the upper Snake River within and adjacent to the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Idaho, provided that the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Tribe provide land, easements, and rights-of-way necessary for implementation of the project. Authorizes the Secretary to construct and adaptively manage for ten years, at full Federal expense, a project if the Secretary determines that the project: (1) is a cost-effective means of providing ecosystem restoration, flood damage reduction, and erosion protection; (2) is environmentally acceptable and technically feasible; and (3) will improve the economic and social conditions of the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Tribe. (Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to credit toward the non-Federal share of the costs of the study to determine the feasibility of improvements to the upper Des Plaines River and tributaries, phase 2, Illinois and Wisconsin, authorized by the WRDA of 1999, the costs of work carried out by the non-Federal interests in Lake County, Illinois, before the date of execution of the feasibility study cost-sharing agreement, if: (1) the Secretary and the non-Federal interests enter into a feasibility study cost-sharing agreement; and (2) the Secretary finds that the work is integral to the scope of the study. (Sec. 306) Directs the Secretary to credit toward the non-Federal share of the project costs of the Mississippi River and tributaries, Morganza, Louisiana, to the Gulf of Mexico project the cost of any work carried out by the non-Federal interests for interim flood protection after March 31, 1989, if the Secretary finds that the work is compatible with, and integral to, the project. (Sec. 307) Modifies the project for mitigation of fish and wildlife losses, Red River Waterway, Louisiana, to authorize the purchase of mitigation land from willing sellers in any of the parishes that comprise the Red River Waterway District. (Sec. 308) Authorizes the Secretary to provide design and construction assistance for recreational facilities in the State of Maryland at the William Jennings Randolph Lake (Bloomington Dam), Maryland and West Virginia, project. Directs the Secretary to require the non-Federal interest to provide 50 percent of the costs of designing and constructing the recreational facilities. (Sec. 309) Authorizes the project for navigation, New Madrid County Harbor, Missouri. (Sec. 310) Directs the Secretary, regarding the project for navigation, Pemiscot County Harbor, Missouri, to provide credit to the Pemiscot County Port Authority, or an agent of the Authority, for costs incurred by the Authority or agent in carrying out construction work for the project after December 31, 1997, if the Secretary finds that the construction work is integral to the project. (Sec. 311) Provides for an exchange between the United States and S.S.S., Inc., of lands located in Pike County, Missouri, subject to specified conditions. (Sec. 312) Directs the Secretary to carry out a project at Fort Peck Lake, Montana, for the design and construction of a fish hatchery and such associated facilities as are necessary to sustain a multi-species fishery. Sets forth cost sharing provisions. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 313) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out: (1) dredging of Mines Falls Park, New Hampshire (and authorizes appropriations); and (2) maintenance dredging of the Sagamore Creek Channel, New Hampshire. (Sec. 315) Modifies the project for flood control, Passaic River, New Jersey and New York, to emphasize non-structural approaches for flood control as alternatives to the construction of the Passaic River tunnel element, while maintaining the integrity of other separable mainstream project elements, wetland banks, and other independent projects that were authorized to be carried out in the Passaic River Basin before this Act's enactment date. Directs the Secretary to review: (1) the Passaic River Floodway Buyout Study, dated October 1995, to calculate the benefits of a buyout and environmental restoration using a specified method used to calculate the benefits of structural projects under the WRDA of 1990; and (2) the Passaic River Buyout Study of the ten-year floodplain beyond the floodway of the Central Passaic River Basin, dated September 1995, to calculate the benefits of a buyout and environmental restoration using such method. Requires the Secretary: (1) to reevaluate the acquisition, from willing sellers, for flood protection purposes, of wetlands in the Central Passaic River Basin to supplement a wetland acquisition authorized by the WRDA of 1990; and (2) upon determining that the acquisition is cost-effective, to purchase the wetlands, with the goal of purchasing not more than 8,200 acres. Directs the Secretary to review relevant reports and conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for environmental restoration, erosion control, and streambank restoration along the Passaic River from Dundee Dam to Kearny Point, New Jersey. Directs the Secretary to establish the Passaic River Flood Management Task Force to provide advice to the Secretary concerning all aspects of the Passaic River flood management project. Requires the task force to submit annually to the Secretary and to the non-Federal interest a report describing the achievements of the project in preventing flooding and any impediments to completion of the project. Amends provisions of the WRDA of 1986 regarding the Passaic River Basin to direct the Secretary to carry out such provisions in a manner that is consistent with New Jersey's Blue Acres Program. Authorizes the Secretary to study the feasibility of conserving land in the Highlands region of New Jersey and New York to provide additional flood protection for residents of the Passaic River Basin. Prohibits the Secretary from obligating any funds to carry out design or construction of the tunnel element of the Passaic River flood control project. (Sec. 316) Modifies the project for shoreline protection, Rockaway Inlet to Norton Point (Coney Island Area), New York, to authorize the Secretary to construct T-groins to improve sand retention down drift. Specifies the Federal and non-Federal share. (Sec. 317) Extinguishes the reversionary interests and use restrictions relating to port or industrial purposes with respect to specified deeds on properties located on the John Day Pool in Oregon and Washington. Extinguishes the human habitation or other building structure use restriction in each area where the elevation is above the standard project flood elevation. Authorizes the use of fill material to raise low areas above the standard project flood elevation, except in any low area constituting wetland for which a permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act would be required. (Sec. 318) Amends the WRDA of 1999 to require that the non-Federal interest for the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier project, Providence, Rhode Island, receive credit toward the non-Federal share of project costs, or reimbursement, for the Federal share of the costs of repairs authorized that are incurred by the non-Federal interest before the date of execution of the project cooperation agreement. (Sec. 319) Requires that: (1) the Secretary enter into an agreement for the city of Grand Prairie, Texas, to assume all responsibilities of the Trinity River Authority under a specified contract, other than financial responsibilities, except that the Authority shall be relieved of all financial responsibilities under the contract as of the date on which the Secretary enters into the agreement with the city; (2) the city pay the Federal Government $4,290,000 in two installments in consideration of the agreement; and (3) the agreement include a provision requiring the city to assume responsibility for all costs associated with operation and maintenance of the recreation facilities included in the contract. (Sec. 320) Authorizes the Secretary to participate in critical restoration projects in the Lake Champlain watershed, New York and Vermont. Sets forth provisions regarding the types of projects eligible for assistance, a public ownership requirement, project selection, and cost sharing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 321) Modifies the project for sediment control, Mount St. Helens, Washington, to authorize the Secretary to maintain for Longview, Kelso, Lexington, and Castle Rock on the Cowlitz River specified flood protection levels. (Sec. 322) Authorizes the Secretary to participate in critical restoration projects in the area of Puget Sound, Washington, and adjacent waters. Sets forth provisions regarding project selection, prioritization of projects, and cost sharing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 323) Amends the WRDA of 1992 to provide that, with regard to the Fox River System, Wisconsin, the terms and conditions may include one or more payments to assist the State of Wisconsin in paying the costs of repair and rehabilitation of the transferred locks and appurtenant features. (Sec. 324) Amends the WRDA of 1986 to increase appropriations for projects of alternative or beneficially modified habitats for fish and wildlife. Directs that such projects include the construction of reefs and related clean shell substrate for fish habitat, including manmade three-dimensional oyster reefs, in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in Maryland and Virginia, which reefs shall be preserved as permanent sanctuaries by the non-Federal interests. Requires the Chief of Engineers to solicit participation by, and the services of, commercial watermen for assistance in the construction of such reefs. (Sec. 325) Directs the Secretary, in operating and maintaining Federal channels and harbors of, and the connecting channels between, the Great Lakes to conduct such dredging as is necessary to ensure minimal operation depths consistent with the original authorized depths of the channels and harbors when water levels in the Great Lakes are, or are forecast to be, below the International Great Lakes Datum of 1985. (Sec. 326) Directs the Secretary, within one year, to develop a plan for activities of the Corps of Engineers that support the management of Great Lakes fisheries. Requires that the plan make use of and incorporate documents that relate to the Great Lakes and that are in existence on the date of this Act's enactment, such as lake-wide management and remedial action plans. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop the plan in cooperation with the signatories to the Joint Strategic Plan for Management of the Great Lakes Fisheries and other affected interests; (2) plan, design, and construct projects to support the restoration of the fishery, ecosystem, and beneficial uses of the Great Lakes; and (3) develop a program to evaluate the success of such projects. Sets forth provisions regarding cooperative agreements, relationship to other Great Lakes activities, and cost sharing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 327) Amends provisions of the WRDA of 1990 regarding Great Lakes remedial action plans and sediment remediation to decrease, from 50 to 35, the percentage of project costs that non-Federal interests shall contribute. Authorizes appropriations at an increased level. (Sec. 328) Amends provisions of the WRDA of 1996 regarding sediment management to set the non-Federal share of the costs of developing a tributary sediment transport model at 50 percent. Authorizes additional appropriations. (Sec. 329) Directs the Secretary, by December 31, 2002, to carry out a demonstration project for the use of innovative sediment treatment technologies for the treatment of dredged material from Long Island Sound. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 330) Directs the Secretary to perform an assessment of the condition of water resources and related ecosystems in New England to identify problems and needs for restoring, preserving, and protecting water resources, ecosystems, wildlife, and fisheries, including: (1) development of criteria for identifying and prioritizing the most critical problems and needs; and (2) a framework for development of watershed or regional restoration plans. Requires the Secretary: (1) to develop and make available for public review and comment criteria for identifying and prioritizing critical problems and needs and a framework for development of watershed or regional restoration plans; (2) to submit to Congress a report on the assessment; (3) to develop and submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for restoring, preserving, and protecting the water resources and ecosystem in each watershed and region in New England; and (4) to identify critical restoration projects that will produce independent, immediate, and substantial restoration, preservation, and protection benefits. Sets forth provisions regarding agreements with non-Federal interests, project justification, time and cost limitations, and cost sharing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 331) Deauthorizes specified navigation projects at: (1) Kennebunk River, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine; and (2) Wallabout Channel, Brooklyn, New York. Title IV: Studies - Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out beach erosion control, storm damage reduction, and other measures along the shores of Baldwin County, Alabama. (Sec. 402) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of: (1) a reservoir and associated improvements to provide for flood control, recreation, water quality, and fish and wildlife in the vicinity of Bono, Arkansas; (2) modifying the project for flood control, Cache Creek Basin, California, to authorize construction of features to mitigate impacts of the project on the storm drainage system of the city of Woodland, California, that have been caused by construction of a new south levee of the Cache Creek Settling Basin; and (3) constructing flood control measures in the Estudillo Canal watershed, San Leandro, California, and the Laguna Creek watershed, Fremont, California, to provide a 100-year level of flood protection. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a special study of plans to: (1) mitigate for the erosion and other impacts resulting from the construction of Camp Pendleton Harbor, Oceanside, California, as a wartime measure; and (2) restore beach conditions along the affected public and private shores to the conditions that existed before the construction of such harbor. (Sec. 407) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct: (1) a watershed study for the San Jacinto watershed, California (and authorizes appropriations); (2) a reconnaissance study to determine the Federal interest in dredging the mouth of the Choctawhatchee River, Florida, to remove the sand plug; (3) a study to determine the feasibility of stabilizing the historic fortifications and beach areas of Egmont Key, Florida, that are threatened by erosion; (4) a re-study of flooding and water quality issues in the upper Ocklawaha River basin, south of the Silver River, and the Apopka River and Palatlakaha River basins; (5) a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out multi-objective flood control activities along the Boise River, Idaho; and (6) a reconnaissance study to determine the Federal interest in carrying out multi-objective flood control and flood mitigation planning projects along the Wood River in Blaine County, Idaho. (Sec. 413) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of: (1) carrying out projects for water-related urban improvements, including infrastructure development and improvements, in Chicago, Illinois; (2) deepening the navigation channel of the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf and Black, Louisiana, from 20 to 35 feet; (3) constructing navigation improvements for ingress and egress between the Port of Iberia, Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico, including channel widening and deepening; (4) constructing projects for hurricane protection in the coastal area of the State of Louisiana between Morgan City and the Pearl River; (5) constructing urban flood control measures on the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana; (6) redesigning as anchorage a portion of the 11-foot channel of the project for navigation, Narraguagus River, Milbridge, Maine, and of reauthorizing for the purpose of maintenance as anchorage of portion of that project lying adjacent to and outside the limits of the 11-foot and the nine-foot channel; and (7) modifying the project for navigation, Portsmouth Harbor and Piscataqua River, Maine and New Hampshire, to increase the authorized width of turning basins in the Piscataqua River to 1000 feet. (Sec. 420) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct: (1) a comprehensive study of the water resources needs of the Merrimack River basin, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, taking into consideration studies conducted by the University of New Hampshire on environmental restoration of the Merrimack River System; (2) a study to determine the feasibility of modifying the project for navigation, Gulfport Harbor, Mississippi, to widen the channel from 300 to 450 feet and to deepen the South Harbor channel from 36 to 42 feet and the North Harbor channel from 32 to 36 feet. (Sec. 422) Authorizes the Secretary, in conjunction with the State of New Hampshire, to conduct a study to identify and evaluate potential upland disposal sites for dredged material originating from harbor areas located within the State. (Sec. 423) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of conveying to the Secretary of the Interior land that was acquired by the Secretary to carry out the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program and that is located within the external boundaries of specified reservations in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, to be held in trust for the benefit of the Indian tribes involved. (Sec. 424) Rewrites provisions of the WRDA of 1996 regarding the Cuyahoga River, Ohio, to authorize the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to evaluate the structural integrity of the bulkhead system located on the Federal navigation channel along the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland, Ohio; and (2) provide to the non-Federal interest design analysis, plans and specifications, and cost estimates for repair or replacement of the bulkhead system. Sets the non-Federal share of the cost of the study at 35 percent. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 425) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects for water supply and environmental restoration at the Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River at Fremont, Ohio. (Sec. 426) Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate the backwater effects specifically due to flood control operations on land around Grand Lake, Oklahoma and report to Congress on whether Federal actions have been a significant cause of such effects. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of: (1) addressing the backwater effects of the operation of the Pensacola Dam, Grand/Neosho River basin; and (2) purchasing easements for any land that has been adversely affected by backwater flooding in the Grand/Neosho River basin. Sets a 100 percent Federal cost share of the feasibility study if the Secretary determines that Federal actions have been a significant cause of the backwater effects. (Sec. 427) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating a permanent site in the State of Rhode Island for the disposal of dredged material. (Sec. 428) Directs the Secretary to use $200,000 from funds to be transferred from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to prepare a report of the Chief of Engineers for a replacement lock at Chickamauga Lock and Dam, Tennessee. (Sec. 429) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for flood control and related purposes along Miller Farms Ditch, Howard Road Drainage, and Wolf River Lateral D, Germantown, Tennessee; and (2) include environmental and water quality benefits in the justification analysis for the project. Sets forth provisions regarding the Federal and non-Federal share. (Sec. 430) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of: (1) modifying the project for flood control, Horn Lake Creek and Tributaries, Tennessee and Mississippi, to provide a high level of urban flood protection to development along Horn Lake Creek (and requires that the study include a limited reevaluation of the project to determine the appropriate design, as desired by the non-Federal interests); (2) constructing a 12 foot deep and 125 foot wide channel from the Houston Ship Channel to Cedar Bayou, mile marker 11, Texas; (3) constructing barge lanes adjacent to both sides of the Houston Ship Channel from Bolivar Roads to Morgan Point, Texas, to a depth of 12 feet; and (4) modifying the project for San Antonio Channel improvement, Texas, to add environmental restoration and recreation as project purposes. (Sec. 434) Authorizes the Secretary to review the report of the Chief of Engineers on the Upper Puyallup River, Washington, and other specified reports to determine whether modifications to the recommendations contained in the reports are advisable to provide improvements to the water resources and watershed of the White River watershed downstream of Mud Mountain Dam, Washington. (Sec. 435) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of providing coastal erosion protection for the Tribal Reservation of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe on Willapa Bay, Washington; and (2) construct and maintain a project to provide coastal erosion protection for such reservation, at full Federal expense, if the Secretary determines that the project: (1) is a cost-effective means of providing erosion protection; (2) is environmentally acceptable and technically feasible; and (3) will improve the economic and social conditions of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe. Requires the Tribe, as a condition of the project, to provide land, easements, right-of-way, and dredged material disposal areas necessary for the implementation of the project. Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions - Amends provisions of the WRDA of 1992 regarding visitors centers to direct the Secretary to: (1) construct a visitors center for the Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Smith, Arkansas (currently, Arkansas River) on land provided by the city of Fort Smith; and (2) establish and operate the Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site on property between the Mississippi River Bridge and the waterfront in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi (currently, in the vicinity of that Bridge). (Sec. 502) Authorizes the Secretary to participate with the appropriate Federal and State agencies in the planning and management activities associated with the CALFED Bay-Delta Program. Directs the Secretary to integrate the activities of the Corps of Engineers in the San Joaquin and Sacramento River basins with the long-term goals of the Program. Sets forth provisions regarding cooperative activities and the area covered by the Program. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 503) Authorizes the Secretary to convey to the Ontonagon County Historical Society, at full Federal expense: (1) the lighthouse at Ontonagon, Michigan; and (2) the land underlying and adjacent to the lighthouse that is under the Secretary's jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary to determine the extent of the land conveyance and the exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed and to prepare a map that clearly identifies any land to be conveyed. Authorizes the Secretary to obtain all necessary easements and rights-of-way and to impose such terms, conditions, reservations, and restrictions on the conveyance as the Secretary determines to be necessary to protect the public interest. Makes: (1) the Secretary responsible for any necessary environmental response required as a result of the prior Federal use or ownership of the land and improvements conveyed; and (2) the Ontonagon County Historical Society responsible, after the conveyance of the land, for any additional operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or replacement costs associated with the lighthouse or the conveyed land and improvements.

Streamlined Environmental Reporting and Pollution Prevention Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000

Streamlined Environmental Reporting and Pollution Prevention Act of 2000 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to integrate and streamline reporting requirements. Requires the Administrator, to ensure consistency and facilitate use of the integrated reporting system to be established, to: (1) allow each person required to submit information to the Administrator to report to one point of contact using a single electronic system or paper form and, in the case of an annual reporting requirement, at one time during the year; (2) identify environmental or occupational safety or health reporting requirements that are not administered by the Administrator; (3) implement data standards and a nomenclature understandable to persons without environmental expertise; (4) consolidate reporting of data that would be required to be reported at more than one point in the same data submission; (5) provide for data formats and submission protocols that conform with public-domain standards for electronic commerce, are accessible to a majority of reporting persons, and provide for data integrity and reliability; (6) establish a National Environmental Data Model that the Administrator shall use as the framework for databases on which reported information shall be kept and that the Administrator shall allow other Federal agencies and governments to use; (7) establish an electronic commerce service center to provide technical assistance to persons submitting electronic reports; (8) provide each reporting person access to scientifically sound, publicly available information on pollution prevention technologies and practices; (9) provide protection of confidential business information; and (10) provide free software to assist reporting persons in assembling information and receiving information on pollution prevention technologies and practices. Provides that nothing in this Act requires a person to use the integrated reporting system instead of an individual reporting system. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator, at the request of any Federal, State, tribal, or local agency, to coordinate the integration of reporting required under this Act with similar efforts by the agency that are consistent with this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to develop a procedure under which a person that is required to report information under laws administered by the Administrator and laws administered by a State, tribal, or local agency to report all required information through one point of contact using a single electronic system or paper form and, in the case of an annual reporting requirement, at one time each year. Directs the Administrator, to facilitate reporting by persons with facilities in more than one State, tribal, or local jurisdiction, to encourage the use of a common data format by any State, tribal, or local agency coordinating with the Administrator. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on provisions of law that explicitly prohibit or hinder the integration of reporting and other actions required under this Act. (Sec. 7) Provides that nothing in this Act: (1) changes any provision of Federal or State law or the obligation of any person to comply with any provision of law; (2) shall alter any person's obligation to provide information required under any reporting requirement; or (3) authorizes the Administrator to require the reporting of additional information or to prohibit the reporting of information currently reported.

Restoring the Everglades, an American Legacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000

Restoring the Everglades, an American Legacy Act - Approves the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan contained in the "Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement" dated April 1, 1999, as modified by this Act (the Plan) as a framework for modifications and operational changes to the Central and Southern Florida Project that are needed to: (1) restore, preserve, and protect the South Florida ecosystem; (2) provide for the protection of water quality in, and the reduction of the loss of fresh water from, the Everglades; and (3) provide for the water-related needs of the region. Directs the Secretary of the Army (the Secretary): (1) in carrying out the Plan, to integrate such activities with ongoing Federal and State projects and activities; (2) to carry out specified listed projects included in the Plan, taking into account the protection of water quality by considering applicable State water quality standards and including features necessary to ensure that all ground water and surface water discharges from any authorized project feature will meet all applicable water quality standards and applicable water quality permitting requirements; and (3) in developing the projects authorized, to provide for public review and comment in accordance with applicable Federal law. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) specified pilot projects and initial projects included in the plan that are authorized for implementation; (2) conditions (i.e., reporting requirements, funding contingent on approval, modified water delivery, maximum costs of projects) for project implementation; and (3) the maximum cost of authorized project features. Sets forth provisions regarding additional program authority, authorization of future projects, project evaluation, and exclusions and limitations from the Plan. States that the overarching objective of the Plan is the restoration, preservation, and protection of the South Florida Ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood protection. Directs that the Plan be implemented to ensure the protection of water quality in, the reduction of the loss of fresh water from, and the improvement of the environment of, the South Florida Ecosystem and to achieve and maintain the benefits to the natural system and human environment described in the Plan and required pursuant to this Act, for as long as the project is authorized. Prohibits any appropriation from being made for the construction of a project contained in the Plan until the President and the Governor of the State ensure, by regulation or other appropriate means, that water made available under the Plan for the restoration of the natural system is available as specified in the Plan. Authorizes any person or entity that is aggrieved by a failure of the President or the Governor to comply with any provision of the agreement to bring a civil action in U.S. district court for an injunction or other appropriate relief, subject to specified limitations. Directs the Secretary, within two years, after notice and opportunity for public comment, and with the concurrence of and consultation with specified parties, to promulgate regulations which shall establish a process to: (1) provide guidance for the development of project implementation reports, project cooperation agreements, and operating manuals that ensure that Plan goals and objectives are achieved; (2) ensure that new information resulting from changed or unforeseen circumstances, new scientific or technical information or information that is developed through the principles of adaptive management contained in the Plan, or future authorized changes to the Plan are integrated into implementation of the Plan; (3) ensure protection of the natural system consistent with Plan goals and purposes; and (4) include a mechanism for dispute resolution to resolve any conflicts between the Secretary and the non- Federal sponsor.. Directs the Secretary and the non-Federal sponsor (subject to specified requirements) to: (1) develop project implementation reports in accordance with the Plan; (2) execute project cooperation agreements in accordance with the Plan; and (3) develop and issue, for each project or group of projects, an operating manual that is consistent with the water reservation or allocation for the natural system described in the project implementation report and cooperation agreement for the project or group of projects. Requires that the Secretary ensure that Plan implementation, including physical or operational modifications to the Central and Southern Florida Project, does not cause significant adverse impact on existing legal water users. Prohibits the Secretary from eliminating existing legal sources of water until a new source of water supply of comparable quantity and quality is available to replace the water to be lost as a result of implementation of the Plan. Directs the Secretary to maintain authorized levels of flood protection in existence on the date of this Act's enactment. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, and the State to establish an independent scientific review panel convened by a body such as the National Academy of Sciences to review the Plan's progress toward achieving the natural system restoration goals of the Plan. Requires the panel to produce a biennial report to Congress, the Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, and the State of Florida that includes an assessment of ecological indicators and other measures of progress in restoring the ecology of the natural system, based on the Plan. Directs the Secretary to ensure that: (1) in executing the Plan, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals are provided opportunities to participate; and (2) impacts on socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including individuals with limited English proficiency, and communities are considered during Plan implementation and that public outreach and educational opportunities are provided to individuals of South Florida. Sets forth reporting requirements.

Truth in Regulating Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000

Truth in Regulating Act of 2000 - Provides that when a Federal agency publishes an economically significant rule, a chairman or ranking member of a committee of jurisdiction of either House of Congress may request the Comptroller General to review such rule. Defines "economically significant rule" to mean any proposed or final rule, including an interim or direct final rule, that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report on each rule reviewed, including an independent evaluation of the agency's analysis of the costs and benefits, and alternative approaches in the notice of proposed rulemaking and in the rulemaking record, as well as of any regulatory impact analysis, federalism assessment, or other analysis or assessment prepared by the agency or required for the rule, and the results of the evaluation and the implication of those results. Grants the Comptroller General discretion to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002. Provides for the pilot project established under this Act to continue for a three-year period, if specified appropriations are provided. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on such project's effectiveness and on whether it should be authorized permanently.

Classroom Modernization Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000

Classroom Modernization Act of 2000 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise and rename title XII as Classroom Modernization. (Currently it is named School Facilities Infrastructure Improvement, or the Education Infrastructure Act of 1994.) Directs the Secretary of Education to make formula grants to States to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with the expenses of complying with Federal education statutory requirements and priorities relating to infrastructure, technology, and equipment needs for public elementary and secondary schools, including charter schools and schools on or near Indian lands. Bases State allotments on: (1) relative numbers of children age five through 17 from families with incomes below poverty; and (2) relative proportions of ESEA title I allotments. Requires reservation of specified funds for grants to account for children residing on Indian lands. Requires States to distribute such funds to LEAs or consortia of LEAs, through forms consistent with State law for school infrastructure financing, including grants, loans, and aid to issue bonds or other obligations. Considers as such distributed amounts: (1) aid to refund or refinance outstanding obligations; and (2) amounts used to establish a reserve fund for State loan guarantee program. Allows any State that establishes such a program including a loan guarantee for at least one charter school to use a specified portion of grant funds to administer such program. Sets forth objective data categories which a State may consider in determining distribution of such funds. Sets the Federal share at 100 percent for: (1) renovation, construction, acquisition, and start-up needs related to the building infrastructure of a charter school (or, in the case of schools on Indian lands, renovation and construction needs related to building infrastructure); (2) school facilities modifications necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; (3) purchase, lease, or other acquisition of assistive technology devices for children with disabilities; (4) asbestos abatement or removal from school facilities; and (5) ancillary renovation to complete such projects. Sets the Federal share at 50 percent for: (1) school facility wiring and associated infrastructure improvements that enhance students' academic experiences and are necessary for use of the Internet or related emerging technologies or better equip schools for modern educational technologies; (2) science laboratories and equipment, and vocational education laboratories and equipment, that are of significant cost or are related to emerging technologies; (3) school facility renovations undertaken for compliance with fire and safety codes; (4) school facilities renovations to prevent traumatic crisis events on school property that would disrupt the learning environment, such as school shootings or other major acts of violence, if the renovations are undertaken in direct response to, or in anticipation of, such events; and (5) ancillary renovation to complete such projects. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the impact of Federal conditions of aid on school construction projects.

21st Century Law Enforcement and Public Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000

21st Century Law Enforcement and Public Safety Act - Title I: Supporting Local Law Enforcement and Promoting Crime-Fighting Technologies - Expands the purpose of the COPS (public safety and community policing) program to increase the number of prosecutors as well as police. Authorizes grants for underserved rural areas of less than 25,000 people. Supports the creation or expansion of community-based justice programs. Extends the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act. Integrated Information Technology Assistance Act of 2000 - Authorizes grants and technical assistance to, or contracts with, public agencies, Indian tribal governments, private entities, and international agencies for the development, implementation, and improvement of justice information systems to achieve greater integration and improved information sharing among criminal justice agencies. Authorizes the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to expand the Combined DNA Identification System to include information from missing persons and criminal offenses and acts of juvenile delinquency committed under Federal law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the District of Columbia Code. Title II: Breaking the Cycle of Drugs and Violence - Subtitle A: Zero Tolerance Drug Supervision - Authorizes the Attorney General to make grants for programs that support: (1) developing and implementing comprehensive drug testing policies and practices with regard to criminal justice populations; and (2) establishing appropriate interventions to illegal drug use for offender populations. Reestablishes drug courts. Subtitle B: Anti-Drug Provisions - Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold funds from any State that has not enacted and is not enforcing a law that considers as intoxicated a driver with an alcohol concentration level of 0.08 percent or greater. Drug-Free Teenage Drivers Act - Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a demonstration program in several States to provide drug testing for all teenaged applicants (or other first time applicants) for a driver's license. Subtitle C: Anti-Drug and Organized Crime Money Laundering Act - Provides that for purposes of proving a violation of provisions involving an illegal money transmitting business, it shall be sufficient for the Government to prove that the defendant knew that the business lacked a license required by State law or failed to comply with money transmitting business registration requirements. Sets forth provisions regarding restraint of assets of persons arrested abroad and long-arm jurisdiction over foreign money launderers. Includes a foreign bank within the definition of "financial institution" for purposes of money laundering provisions. Expands the definition of "specified unlawful activity" to cover certain listed offenses, including, with respect to a financial transaction occurring in the United States, an offense against a foreign nation involving a crime of violence, fraud, bribery of a public official, smuggling or export control violations involving munitions, and an offense under which the United States would be obligated by a multilateral treaty either to extradite the alleged offender or to submit the case for prosecution if the offender were found within U.S. territory. Sets forth provisions regarding criminal forfeiture for money laundering, venue, bulk cash smuggling, and penalties for violations of geographic targeting orders and record-keeping requirements. Title III: Fighting Terrorism and International Crime - Subtitle A: Investigating and Punishing Violent Crimes Against U.S. Nationals Abroad - Prohibits: (1) extortion against U.S. nationals abroad in furtherance of organized crime; and (2) murder or serious assault of a State or local law enforcement, judicial, or other official abroad. Subtitle B: Strengthening the Air, Land and Sea Borders of the United States - Provides for the death penalty under specified circumstances involving violence committed along the U.S. border. Subtitle C: Denying Safe Haven to International Criminals - Provides for extradition for offenses not covered by a list treaty, or absent a treaty, under specified circumstances. Excludes from entry into the United States persons involved in international alien smuggling. Subtitle D: Seizing and Forfeiting the Assets of International Criminals - Authorizes the U.S. Customs Service to examine outbound mail for contraband. Provides for forfeiture of property used to violate Federal explosives laws. Subtitle E: Responding to Emerging International Crime Threats - Provides for U.S. jurisdiction over certain financial crimes committed abroad. Subtitle F: Promoting Global Cooperation in the Fight Against International Crime - Establishes procedures for execution of mutual legal assistance requests. Authorizes training of foreign law enforcement agencies for anti-terrorism purposes. Subtitle G: Streamlining the Investigation and Prosecution of International Crimes in U.S. Courts - Authorizes: (1) Federal reimbursement of State and local law enforcement agencies in international crime cases; and (2) granting safe conduct for foreign witnesses testifying in U.S. courts. Prohibits fugitives from benefitting from time served abroad. Authorizes the suspension of statutes of limitations for the collection of evidence located abroad. Subtitle H: Terrorism - Prohibits specified conduct with respect to biological agents, toxins, and delivery systems. Rail and Mass Transportation Anti-Terrorism and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 - Prohibits specified terrorist attacks and other acts of violence against railroad carriers and mass transportation systems. Title IV: Protecting Americans and Supporting Victims of Crime - Subtitle A: Violence Against Women - Reauthorizes certain Violence Against Women Act programs. Comprehensive Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish mechanisms to measure and evaluate global progress in reducing trafficking. Urges the President to promote economic opportunities for women and establish or expand interagency procedures to collect and organize data, including significant research and resource information on domestic and international trafficking in persons. Creates a new "T" non- immigrant visa classification for certain aliens possessing material information concerning unlawful activity. Authorizes assistance to victims of trafficking without regard to immigration status. Establishes new prohibitions against trafficking and criminal exploitation of workers and unlawful possession of documents in furtherance of trafficking, criminal worker exploitation, involuntary servitude, or peonage. Subtitle B: Children Exposed to Violence - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to provide a sentencing enhancement for violent crimes committed in the presence of children. Subtitle C: Victims Assistance - Expands U.S. jurisdiction over child buying and selling offenses. Subtitle D: Health Care Fraud and Abuse - Directs the Sentencing Commission to study and report on health care fraud sentences. Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Punishment Act of 2000 - Prescribes punishment and fines for engaging in a pattern of violations resulting in harm to residents of nursing homes and related facilities. Subtitle E: Consumer Fraud - Provides for the blocking or termination of service in cases of telemarketing scams. Subtitle F: Pension-Welfare and Labor-Management Racketeering Act - Prescribed fines and terms of imprisonment for: (1) fraud in relation to retirement arrangements; and (2) bribery and graft in connection with employee benefit plans. Provides for forfeiture for retirement offenses. Subtitle G: Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act - Provides for reimbursement by a person convicted of Federal environmental crimes of State, local, or tribal government costs for assistance in Federal investigation and prosecution of such crimes. Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency a State, local, and tribal environmental enforcement training program. Sets a five year statute of limitations for felony environmental crimes, with exceptions. Provides for environmental crime restitution or remediation. Subtitle H: Hate Crimes Prevention Act - Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 - Prescribes punishment to be imposed for certain acts of violence committed because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin of the victim. Title V: Strengthening Federal Criminal Laws to Combat Violent and White-Collar Crime - Subtitle A: Bolstering Federal Law to Fight Violent Crime and Apprehend Dangerous Fugitives - Authorizes the Attorney General to subpoena witnesses to produce records relevant to an investigation regarding apprehension of a fugitive. Subtitle B: Combatting Crime and Improving Operations in Correction Facilities - Increases penalties and expands jurisdiction for sexual abuse and contraband offenses in correctional facilities. Removes wiretap restrictions from prison communications. Subtitle C: Improvements in Federal Law Relating to White Collar Crime - Eliminates the proof of value requirement for felony theft or conversion of grand jury material. Provides for forfeiture of computers and other devices used for counterfeiting. Increases the maximum corporate penalty for antitrust violations. Subtitle D: Federal Law Enforcement Programs - Authorizes executive agencies, under certain circumstances, to pay extended assignment incentives for civil service positions in U.S. territories, commonwealths, or possessions. Subtitle E: Improvements to Federal Sentencing Laws - Rewrites provisions regarding credit for prior custody. Expands a provision allowing for release of non- dangerous offenders who have served at least 30 years in prison who are at least 70 years old.

John H. Chafee Environmental Education Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000

John H. Chafee Environmental Education Act of 2000 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to rename it the John H. Chafee Environmental Education Act (the Act). (Sec. 4) Requires the Office of Environmental Education (OEE), within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to: (1) develop and support balanced and scientifically sound programs; and (2) provide for implementation of the Act through the headquarters and regional offices of the EPA. Eliminates provisions for: (1) OEE administration of environmental internship and fellowship programs (internship programs are eliminated and fellowship program administration is transferred elsewhere later in this Act); (2) an OEE Director who is a member of the Senior Executive Service; and (3) a minimum of six full-time equivalent employees on the OEE headquarters staff (retains the maximum of ten). Authorizes the EPA Administrator to carry out OEE activities directly or through awards of grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. (Sec. 5) Requires the environmental education and training program funded under the Act to be of sufficient intensity and duration to have a positive and lasting impact on program participants. (Sec. 6) Revises requirements for environmental education grants to authorize design, demonstration, or dissemination of: (1) education and training programs to support the development of more environmentally effective business practices and employees; and (2) employ the environment as an integrating context for education in science, mathematics, social studies and language arts. Requires that 25 percent of program funds be for grants of not more than $10,000 (currently $5,000). Prohibits environmental education grants from being used to support lobbying activities. Requires the EPA Science Advisory Board to review and approve the guidance before the EPA Administrator issues any guidance to grant applicants. (Sec. 7) Directs the EPA Administrator to establish and administer the John H. Chafee Memorial Fellowship Program for the award and administration of five annual one-year graduate education fellowships in environmental sciences. (Eliminates provisions for OEE-administered environmental internships and fellowships.) Provides that such Fellowships are to stimulate innovative graduate level study and the development of expertise in complex, relevant, and important environmental issues and effective approaches to addressing those issues through organized programs of guided independent study and environmental research. Requires each $25,000 Fellowship to be made available to individual candidates to attend a sponsoring institution of higher education through an annual competitive selection process. Requires each Fellowship to focus on: (1) resource management; (2) open space preservation; (3) international environmental issues such as global climate change and sustainable marine resources; or (4) any other environmental issue that a sponsoring institution determines to be appropriate. Directs the National Environmental Education Advisory Council to establish selection process criteria, receive and review applications, and select Fellowship recipients. (Sec. 8) Revises and renames certain national environmental education awards. (Eliminates awards named for Theodore Roosevelt, Henry David Thoreau, Rachel Carson, and Gifford Pinchot.) Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the EPA Administrator to establish the (renamed) President's Environmental Education Youth Achievement Awards program, for young people in grades six through 12 (currently kindergarten through grade 12). Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality to establish the (renamed) President's Environmental Education Teacher Achievement Awards program, for elementary and secondary school teachers and their local educational agencies (and continues to authorize cash awards under such program). Directs the EPA Administrator to establish a new program of President's Environmental Education Business Achievement Awards, to recognize outstanding achievements by a business or industry in improving business environmental performance through training and education programs. (Sec. 9) Revises requirements for the National Environmental Education Advisory Council and for the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education. Directs the EPA Administrator to appoint to the Advisory Council a representative of the National Environmental Learning Foundation, and up to ten additional members to represent specified sectors of education. Revises requirements for Advisory Council meetings and reports. Opens membership on the Task Force to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Sec. 10) Renames the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation as the National Environmental Learning Foundation. Increases the number of directors on the Foundation's Board. Allows the Foundation to acknowledge receipt of donations by listing the names of donors (including a logo, letterhead, or other commercial symbol) in materials it distributes; but prohibits such acknowledgment from appearing in educational material presented to students. (Sec. 11) Establishes accountability requirements. Directs the EPA Administrator to establish indicators of program quality, meeting specified minimum requirements, for programs and activities funded under the Act (other than fellowship awards). Requires entities that receive grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements under the Act (other than fellowship awards) to establish benchmarks of performance on such indicators of program quality and report annually to the EPA Administrator. (Sec. 12) Extends through FY 2006 the authorization of appropriations to EPA to carry out the Act. Allows funds under the Act to be made available to the National Environmental Learning Foundation to match contributions made by private persons and State and local governments.

Streamlined Environmental Reporting and Pollution Prevention Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000

Streamlined Environmental Reporting and Pollution Prevention Act of 2000 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to integrate and streamline reporting requirements. Requires the Administrator, to ensure consistency and facilitate use of the integrated reporting system to be established, to: (1) allow each person required to submit information to the Administrator to report to one point of contact using a single electronic system or paper form and, in the case of an annual reporting requirement, at one time during the year; (2) identify environmental or occupational safety or health reporting requirements that are not administered by the Administrator; (3) implement data standards and a nomenclature understandable to persons without environmental expertise; (4) consolidate reporting of data that would be required to be reported at more than one point in the same data submission; (5) provide for data formats and submission protocols that conform with public-domain standards for electronic commerce, are accessible to a majority of reporting persons, and provide for data integrity and reliability; (6) establish a National Environmental Data Model that the Administrator shall use as the framework for databases on which reported information shall be kept and that the Administrator shall allow other Federal agencies and governments to use; (7) establish an electronic commerce service center to provide technical assistance to persons submitting electronic reports; (8) provide each reporting person access to scientifically sound, publicly available information on pollution prevention technologies and practices; (9) provide protection of confidential business information; and (10) provide free software to assist reporting persons in assembling information and receiving information on pollution prevention technologies and practices. Provides that nothing in this Act requires a person to use the integrated reporting system instead of an individual reporting system. (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator, at the request of any Federal, State, tribal, or local agency, to coordinate the integration of reporting required under this Act with similar efforts by the agency that are consistent with this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to develop a procedure under which a person that is required to report information under laws administered by the Administrator and laws administered by a State, tribal, or local agency to report all required information through one point of contact using a single electronic system or paper form and, in the case of an annual reporting requirement, at one time each year. Directs the Administrator, to facilitate reporting by persons with facilities in more than one State, tribal, or local jurisdiction, to encourage the use of a common data format by any State, tribal, or local agency coordinating with the Administrator. (Sec. 6) Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on provisions of law that explicitly prohibit or hinder the integration of reporting and other actions required under this Act. (Sec. 7) Provides that nothing in this Act: (1) changes any provision of Federal or State law or the obligation of any person to comply with any provision of law; (2) shall alter any person's obligation to provide information required under any reporting requirement; or (3) authorizes the Administrator to require the reporting of additional information or to prohibit the reporting of information currently reported.

Missouri River Valley Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000

Missouri River Valley Improvement Act - Amends the Flood Control Act of 1944 to direct the Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect, enhance, and restore fish and wildlife habitat on the Missouri River (River). (Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary of the Army to provide for activities necessary to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat without adversely affecting the water-related needs of the River basin and private property rights. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, in each River basin State for which the State Governor so consents, to conduct a River study to examine needs and opportunities for acquisition of land surrounding the River for inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Requires any acquisition of new land for inclusion in the System to be: (1) conducted using existing acquisition authorities; (2) from willing sellers only; and (3) preceded by an evaluation of any impact of new land on other authorized project purposes of the River main stem system. (Sec. 7) Amends provisions of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 relating to a project for the mitigation of River fish and wildlife losses to authorize appropriations for FY 2001 through 2010. (Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary of the Army to complete, and report to Congress on, a study that: (1) analyzes any adverse effects on aquatic and riparian-dependent fish and wildlife resulting from operation of the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir Project in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana; (2) recommends appropriate measures to mitigate such effects; and (3) develops baseline geologic and hydrologic data relating to aquatic and riparian habitat. Directs such Secretary to: (1) develop and administer a pilot mitigation program that involves the experimental releases of warm water from the spillways at Fort Peck Dam during the spawning periods for native fish and involves the monitoring of fish response to and the effectiveness of the preservation of native fish and wildlife habitat of the releases; and (2) complete, and report to Congress on, a study to analyze and recommend measures to avoid or reduce the loss of fish, including rainbow smelt, through Garrison Dam in North Dakota and Oahe Dam in South Dakota. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 9) Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 to extend, through FY 2010, the authorization of appropriations for a project to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat of the Missouri and middle Mississippi Rivers. (Sec. 10) Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service (NPS) and if requested, to work with riverside communities to develop projects to revitalize historic riverfronts in specified River communities in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana as well as riverside tribal communities and other communities along the River that request a project. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, to complete, and report to Congress on, a study to evaluate opportunities to protect and replenish cottonwood trees in the associated riparian woodland communities along the River between Fort Benton and Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 12) Directs the Secretaries of the Army and Interior to establish a program at the River Studies Center, Columbia, Missouri, to determine and monitor the geological, hydrological, biological, and chemical characteristics of the River in accordance with title I of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) develop a program to monitor and assess the biota, habitats, and water quality of the River (requiring certain consultation); and (2) establish and make available a database on such biota, habitats, and water quality. Requires a report to Congress every three years. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the NPS, to establish Lewis and Clark Interpretive Centers to educate the public about the economic and environmental importance of the River and the scientific and cultural discoveries of Lewis and Clark in the vicinity of River communities. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to provide improvements to recreation facilities and visitor centers at the Missouri River mainstem projects to provide for increased visitor use associated with the Lewis and Clark commemoration. Authorizes appropriations.

Truth in Regulating Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000

Truth in Regulating Act of 2000 - Provides that when a Federal agency publishes an economically significant rule, a chairman or ranking member of a committee of jurisdiction of either House of Congress may request the Comptroller General to review such rule. Defines "economically significant rule" to mean any proposed or final rule, including an interim or direct final rule, that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities, or for which an agency has prepared an initial or final regulatory flexibility analysis. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report on each rule reviewed, including an independent evaluation of: (1) the costs and benefits; (2) alternative approaches that could achieve the same goal more cost-effectively or that could provide greater net benefits, and if applicable, a brief explanation of any statutory reasons why such alternatives could not be adopted; (3) the regulatory impact analysis, federalism assessment, or other analysis or assessment prepared by the agency or required for the rule; and (4) the results of the evaluation and the implication of those results, including an evaluation of any changes from the proposed rule made by the agency in the final rule. Requires the Comptroller General to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review which give the highest priority to requests regarding a notice of proposed rulemaking and to requests regarding an interim final rulemaking. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2003. Provides that this Act shall not apply to rules published after three years after its effective date.

Emergency Methamphetamine Response Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000

Emergency Methamphetamine Response Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Attorney General: (1) acting through the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to reimburse States, units of local government, Indian tribal governments, other public entities, and multi- jurisdictional or regional consortia thereof, for expenses incurred to clean up and safely dispose of substances associated with clandestine methamphetamine laboratories which may present a danger to public health or the environment; and (2) to hire up to five additional DEA personnel to administer this Act. Directs the Attorney General to make specified unobligated balances available to the Department of Justice for FY 2000 available to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2001.

Lower Gasoline Prices through Technology Access Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2000

Lower Gasoline Prices through Technology Access Act of 2000 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the licensing of patents in cases where a right to a patent is necessary to comply with provisions regarding the regulation of fuels.

14 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new REPs will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17436/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 22 June 2000

14 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new REPs will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17436/00]

To provide for all right, title, and interest in and to certain property in Washington County, Utah, to be vested in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2000

Vests in the United States: (1) specified real property owned by Environmental Land Technology, Ltd. (ELT) within the Red Cliffs Reserve in Washington County, Utah; and (2) specified real property owned by ELT which is adjacent to the land within the Reserve, but is landlocked as a result of the creation of the Reserve. Directs the United States to pay specified compensation to the owners of any such real property from the permanent judgment appropriation or from another appropriate Federal Government fund. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, in the absence of a negotiated settlement, or an action by an owner, to initiate a proceeding seeking a determination of just compensation. Prohibits the Secretary from allowing any unauthorized use of such lands, except for the termination of all current activities and the removal of any equipment, facilities, or personal property. Requires the Secretary, if requested by a land owner, to credit a surplus property account to be established in the name of the owner. Allows the land owner, using the credit in such account, to bid as any other bidder for surplus property, wherever located.

Strompreissenkungen

Austria · Federal Council · 21 June 2000

Mündliche Anfrage von BR Mag. Christof Neuner an den Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Arbeit Dr. Martin Bartenstein betreffend Strompreissenkungen

Gaswirtschaftsgesetz - GWG

Austria · National Council · 21 June 2000

Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (66 d.B. und Zu 66 d.B.): Bundesgesetz, mit dem Neuregelungen auf dem Gebiet der Erdgaswirtschaft erlassen werden (Gaswirtschaftsgesetz - GWG), das Bundesgesetz betreffend den stufenweisen Übergang zu der im Gaswirtschaftsgesetz vorgesehenen Marktorganisation erlassen wird und das Preisgesetz 1992, die Gewerbeordnung 1994, das Rohrleitungsgesetz, das Reichshaftpflichtgesetz sowie das Elektrizitätswirtschafts- und -organisationsgesetz geändert werden

Eigentumsverhältnisse der österreichischen Elektrizitätswirtschaft, Aufhebung

Austria · National Council · 21 June 2000

Bericht des Wirtschaftsausschusses über die Regierungsvorlage (195 d.B.): Bundesverfassungsgesetz, mit dem das Bundesverfassungsgesetz, mit dem die Eigentumsverhältnisse der österreichischen Elektrizitätswirtschaft geregelt werden, aufgehoben wird

proposition de loi visant à instaurer une procédure simplifiée permettant aux collectivités territoriales d'entreprendre des travaux d'urgence en cas d'intempéries graves

France · Senate · 20 June 2000

12 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the way in which she proposes to address the concerns of ICTU with regard to the deficit in standards as a consequence of the lack of clarity in the recent statutory instrument on the transposition of the ground handling directive into Irish law and the proposed statutory instrument on the aviation regulator; if she will agree to an independent body taking charge of the application of ground handling guidelines and standards and have them applied equally to all operations to ensure a level competitive environment, the safety of the public and the maintenance of Ireland's good name in aviation. [17294/00]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 June 2000

12 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the way in which she proposes to address the concerns of ICTU with regard to the deficit in standards as a consequence of the lack of clarity in the recent statutory instrument on the transposition of the ground handling directive into Irish law and the proposed statutory instrument on the aviation regulator; if she will agree to an independent body taking charge of the application of ground handling guidelines and standards and have them applied equally to all operations to ensure a level competitive environment, the safety of the public and the maintenance of Ireland's good name in aviation. [17294/00]

National Clean Water Trust Fund Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2000

National Clean Water Trust Fund Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a National Clean Water Trust Fund to be composed of amounts obtained through enforcement actions. Makes the Fund available for projects to restore waters from damages resulting from violations of such Act or from the discharge of pollutants. Permits the use of Fund amounts only for projects conducted in the watershed, or in an adjacent watershed, in which a violation results in the institution of an enforcement action. Authorizes the use of civil penalties obtained under such Act for mitigation or restoration projects or other projects that enhance public health or the environment.

Las Vegas Wash Wetland Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000

Las Vegas Wash Wetland Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the continued development and implementation of the Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Project. Direct the Administrator and the Secretaries of the Army and the Interior to provide research, technical assistance, interagency coordination, and funding for: (1) the collection and modeling of scientific and hydrologic data; and (2) the design and construction of erosion control facilities, wetland restoration features, ground water interdiction facilities, treated effluent transport diffusion and reuse features, water quality improvement facilities, and other project features developed under the Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan. Authorizes appropriations.

Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000

Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the continued development and implementation of the Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Project. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of the Army and Interior to provide, with respect to the Project, technical assistance, interagency coordination, and funding for: (1) the collection and modeling of hydrologic data for water quality; and (2) the design and construction of erosion control facilities, wetland restoration features, ground water interdiction facilities, treated effluent transport diffusion and reuse features, water quality improvement facilities, and other project features developed under the Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan. Authorizes appropriations.

Support for Overseas Cooperative Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000

Support for Overseas Cooperative Development Act - Declares that Congress supports the development and expansion of economic assistance programs that fully utilize cooperatives and credit unions, particularly those programs committed to: (1) international cooperative principles, democratic governance and involvement of women and ethnic minorities for economic and social development; (2) market-oriented and value-added activities with the potential to reach large numbers of low income people and help them enter into the mainstream economy; (3) a strengthened participation of rural and urban poor to contribute to their country's economic development; and (4) utilization of technical assistance and training to better serve the member- owners. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide that, in meeting the goal of strengthening the participation of the rural and urban poor in their country's development through the use of development funds for technical and capital assistance in the development and use of cooperatives in less developed countries, that priority be given to: (1) technical assistance to low income farmers who form and develop member-owned cooperatives for farm supplies, marketing, and value-added processing; (2) the promotion of national credit union technical assistance that strengthens the ability of low income people and micro-entrepreneurs to save and to have access to credit for their own economic advancement; (3) the establishment of rural electric and telecommunication cooperatives for universal access for rural people and villages that lack reliable electric and telecommunications services; and (4) the promotion of community- based cooperatives which provide employment opportunities and important services such as health clinics, self-help shelter, environmental improvements, group-owned businesses, and other activities. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to report to Congress on implementation of such goals.

USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000

USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 2000 - Title I: Improved Accountability of County and Area Committees and Their Employees - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) demographically representative of local producers. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to prescribe uniform guidelines for conducting county and area committee elections. (Sec. 103) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary county committee employees to Federal civil service status. Title II: Improved Program Equity - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 respecting the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) give priority to, establish set-asides, and waive cost-share requirements for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. (Sec. 202) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Sec. 203) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations for: (1) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and (2) Indian reservation extension education programs. (Sec. 205) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans.

Title XI Mortgage Access and National Shipbuilding Initiative Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000

Title XI Mortgage Access and National Shipbuilding Initiative Extension Act - Amends title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a simplified form and process for application for Smaller Ship Shared-Risk Financing Guarantees. Sets forth certain eligibility requirements and restrictions and conditions with respect to such guarantees. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Coast Guard and subject to appropriations, to provide financial assistance for research projects proposed to and selected by the U.S. Passenger Vessel Association that: (1) foster business process or design technologies to avoid or mitigate adverse environmental impacts from domestic passenger vessel operations; (2) promote cost-effective solutions to passenger and crew safety issues arising from such operations and changing technologies; and (3) propose, promote, or assess the feasibility of waterborne passenger transport in U.S. locales with existing or foreseeable nonwaterborne transport congestion. Declares that the authority created under the National Shipbuilding and Shipyard Conversion Act of 1933 to extend the availability of title XI obligation guarantees to eligible export vessels and for U.S. shipyard modernization shall continue until terminated or otherwise modified by Congress.

Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding environmental contamination and health effects emanating from the former United States military facilities in the Philippines.

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense, should work with the Government of the Philippines and with appropriate nongovernmental organizations in the United States and the Philippines to fully identify and share all relevant information concerning environmental contamination and health effects emanating from former U.S. military facilities in the Philippines following the departure of U.S. military forces; and (2) the United States should work with the Philippine Government to help ameliorate such environmental contamination and health effects.

Judgment of the Court (Fifth Chamber) of 15 June 2000.#ARCO Chemie Nederland Ltd v Minister van Volkshuisvesting, Ruimtelijke Ordening en Milieubeheer (C-418/97) and Vereniging Dorpsbelang Hees, Stichting Werkgroep Weurt+ and Vereniging Stedelijk Leefmilieu Nijmegen v Directeur van de dienst Milieu en Water van de provincie Gelderland (C-419/97).#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Raad van State - Netherlands.#Environment - Directives 75/442/EEC and 91/156/EEC - Concept of "waste".#Joined cases C-418/97 and C-419/97.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 15 June 2000

Concurrent resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the United States nonrecognition policy of the Soviet takeover of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and calling for positive steps to promote a peaceful and democratic future for the Baltic region.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000

Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the U.S. nonrecognition policy of the Soviet takeover of the Baltic states and the contribution that policy made in supporting the aspirations of the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to reassert their freedom and independence. Commends Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for the reestablishment of their independence and the role they played in the disintegration of the former Soviet Union in 1990 and 1991, and for their success in implementing political and economic reforms. Expresses support for regional cooperation in Northern Europe among the Baltic and Nordic states and the Russian Federation. Calls for further cooperation in addressing common environmental, law enforcement, and public health problems, and in promoting civil society and business and trade development, and similar efforts that promote a peaceful, democratic, prosperous, and secure future for Europe, Russia and the Nordic-Baltic region.

Tennessee Valley Authority Power Competition Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000

Tennessee Valley Authority Power Competition Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to sell the fossil-fuel and nuclear power generation and electric power transmission facilities owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Prescribes procedural guidelines governing : (1) the sale of facilities; (2) competitive bidding; (3) cooperation of other Federal agencies; (4) retention of a financial and bid management advisor; (5) costs, proceeds and treatment of sales; and (6) legal obligations. Instructs the Secretary to report to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning the facilities to be sold under this Act. Places within FERC jurisdiction all rates and charges established for the wholesale sale of electric power from facilities sold under this Act. Directs the Secretary to develop and implement procedures to ensure that all power produced by TVA-owned hydroelectric dams is sold at market-based rates in the relevant bulk power supply market. Prescribes implementation guidelines governing: (1) bid and auction procedures; (2) use of revenue; (3) establishment of the Fund for Environmental Mitigation and Restoration; and (4) establishment of the Fund for Renewable Resources. Grants public bodies and cooperatives the right of first refusal to purchase power at market prices. Instructs TVA to terminate its long-term contracts with distributors and retail customers within one year after the date of enactment of this Act.

A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to permit the Governor of a State to waive oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline, to encourage development of voluntary standards to prevent and control releases of methyl tertiary butyl ether from underground storage tanks, to establish a program to phase out the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000

Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize a State Governor, upon notification of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to waive oxygen content requirements for reformulated gasoline sold or dispensed in the State. Considers gasoline that complies with all other requirements for reformulated gasoline other than those regarding oxygen content to be reformulated gasoline. Makes oxygen content requirements inapplicable to gasoline sold or dispensed in States not subject to a prohibition on enforcement of certain State emission control standards. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to ensure that the benefits of toxic air pollutant reductions under the reformulated gasoline program are maintained in States for which the oxygenate requirement is waived. Directs the Administrator, in promulgating such regulations, to: (1) develop designations for regions based on the extent and location of the U.S. gasoline distribution and supply network; and (2) use such designations to establish annual average performance standards for each region based on the existing phase II reformulated gasoline complex model and the annual reductions in toxic air pollutant emissions achieved in the region under the reformulated gasoline program during 1998 and 1999. Applies such standards to the manufacture of such gasoline sold in States for which the oxygenate requirement is waived, to the extent they are more stringent than those under existing law. (Sec. 2) Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on whether additional standards to prevent and control releases of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from underground storage tanks are necessary. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Administrator to control or prohibit the introduction into commerce or sale of any oxygenated fuel additive if it causes or contributes to air or water pollution that may be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. (Sec. 4) Prohibits, for the fourth calendar year after this Act's enactment date and thereafter, the quantity of gasoline sold or introduced into commerce by a gasoline refiner, blender, or importer from containing on average more than one percent by volume MTBE and bars such individuals from selling or introducing into commerce any gasoline that contains more than an historical level by volume of MTBE as determined by the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations to permit such individuals to sell and purchase authorizations to sell or introduce into commerce gasoline containing MTBE in excess of the one percent limitation. Requires the Administrator to ensure that the total quantity of gasoline sold or introduced into commerce during any calendar year by all such individuals contains on average not more than one percent MTBE. Permits States to submit State implementation plan revisions to the Administrator that provide for the reduction or elimination of the use of MTBE in gasoline in the State if the State Governor demonstrates that: (1) the reduction or elimination would not cause any significant disruption in the availability, supply, or price of gasoline in the State; (2) the reduction or elimination is necessary to protect public health or the environment; and (3) any alternative additive used will not present an equivalent or greater problem than that posed by the use of MTBE. Provides for technical assistance to States with facilities that produce MTBE to assist them in applying for, or modifying, permits as a result of provisions of this Act. (Sec. 5) Requires, in order to ensure an adequate fuel supply for all States, any regulation or modification of fuel properties promulgated or approved by the Administrator under this Act to take into consideration the need for reasonable schedules for carrying out necessary refinery investment projects and making modifications to fuel distribution systems. Directs the Administrator, in implementing and enforcing such regulations and modifications, to provide the fuel industry with the flexibility inherent in existing fuel regulations.

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Army to carry out an assessment of State, municipal, and private dams in the State of Vermont and to make appropriate modifications to the dams.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000

Directs the Secretary of the Army to carry out an assessment of State, municipal, and private dams in Vermont to: (1) determine whether the dams and related structures continue to serve their intended purposes; (2) evaluate their condition; (3) identify any repairs and improvements required to address structural deficiencies; (4) identify dams which warrant removal; and (5) evaluate the need for modifications for environmental enhancement, including the need to modify or remove existing structures or to construct additional structures to provide for fish passage. Requires the Secretary: (1) after completion of the assessment, to implement the recommendations developed under the assessment, including recommendations for modifications to the dams; and (2) pending completion of the assessment, to plan and implement necessary modifications to such dams identified as high or significant hazard dams that pose an imminent threat to life and property. Sets forth cost sharing requirements for non-Federal interests.

Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of 2000

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2000

Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, agencies of municipalities of Monroe County, Florida, and other public agencies of the State of Florida or Monroe County for the planning and construction of treatment works to improve water quality in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Sets forth project requirements. Limits the Federal share of project costs to 75 percent. Expresses the sense of Congress, in the case of equipment or products authorized to be purchased with financial assistance provided under this Act, that agencies receiving such assistance should, in expending such assistance, purchase only equipment and products produced in the United States. Requires such agencies to report any expenditures on foreign-produced items to Congress. Authorizes appropriations.

Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2000

Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for FY 2001 for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and for sundry independent agencies. Title I: Department of Veterans Affairs - Makes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs for: (1) veterans' compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits; (2) veterans' insurance and indemnities; (3) veterans' housing, education, and vocational rehabilitation loan accounts; (4) veterans' medical care; (5) medical and prosthetic research; (6) medical administration; (7) departmental administration; (8) the National Cemetery Administration; (9) the Office of Inspector General; (10) construction; (11) the parking revolving fund; and (12) grants to States for construction of extended care facilities and cemeteries. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 112) Repeals a provision of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 that makes inapplicable a certain requirement that veterans' benefits be paid on the Friday immediately preceding a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in the case of benefit payments otherwise payable on Sunday, October 1, 2000. Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development - Makes appropriations for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for: (1) public and Indian housing; (2) the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds; (3) drug elimination grants for low-income housing; (4) revitalization of severely distressed public housing; (5) Native American housing block grants; (6) Indian housing loan guarantees; (7) housing opportunities for persons with AIDS; (8) the Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development; (9) the community development fund; (10) brownfields redevelopment; (11) the HOME investment partnerships program; (12) homeless assistance grants; (13) housing for special populations; (14) the Federal Housing Administration; (15) the Government National Mortgage Association; (16) housing policy development and research; (17) fair housing activities; (18) the Lead Hazard Reduction Program; (19) management and administration; (20) the Office of Inspector General; and (21) carrying out the Federal Housing Enterprise Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds made available under this title. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary of HUD, from amounts made available under this title for FY 2001 for housing opportunities for persons with AIDS, to make a grant for any State that: (1) received an allocation in a prior fiscal year due to having a specified number of AIDS cases outside of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) with a population exceeding 500,000; and (2) is not otherwise eligible for a FY 2001 allocation because the areas outside the MSAs that qualify for funding do not have the number of AIDS cases required. (Sec. 206) Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require the Secretary of HUD to establish criteria setting forth requirements for treatment of areas as difficult utilization areas with respect to Section 8 vouchers under low-income housing provisions. Authorizes public housing agencies that serve such areas to: (1) increase the payment standard applicable to the area for any size of dwelling unit to up to 150 percent of the fair market rental for the same size of unit in the same market area; and (2) use amounts provided for Section 8 assistance to make payments or provide services to assist families issued such vouchers to lease suitable housing, with a specified cost limitation. Title III: Independent Agencies - Makes appropriations for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (3) the Department of the Treasury for community development financial institutions; (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission; (5) the Office of Inspector General; (6) the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (7) the Department of Defense for Army cemeterial expenses; (8) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for carrying out specified activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); and (9) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for carrying out specified activities under CERCLA, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Appropriates funds for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for: (1) science and technology activities; (2) environmental programs and management; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) buildings and facilities; (5) Superfund; (6) the leaking underground storage tank program; (7) oil spill response programs; and (8) assistance to States and Indian tribes for environmental programs and infrastructure. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Executive Office of the President for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Environmental Quality; and (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for: (1) disaster relief; (2) disaster assistance direct loans; (3) salaries and expenses; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) emergency management planning and assistance; (6) a specified emergency food and shelter program; (7) the Flood Map Modernization Fund; (8) the National Flood Insurance Fund; and (9) the National Flood Mitigation Fund. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend through FY 2001: (1) a certain ceiling on obligations issued under the national flood insurance program; and (2) the authorization of appropriations for certain studies. Makes appropriations for: (1) the General Services Administration for the Federal Consumer Information Center; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for human space flight, science, aeronautics, and technology research and development, mission support, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the National Credit Union Administration's Central Liquidity Facility; (4) the National Science Foundation for research, major construction projects, science and engineering education and human resources programs, salaries and expenses, and the Office of Inspector General; (5) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (6) the Selective Service System. Sets forth authorized uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title IV: General Provisions - Sets forth provisions regarding availability, and prohibitions on the use, of funds appropriated by this Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. (Sec. 421) Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of any of the funds provided in title II of this Act for technical assistance, training, or management improvements unless HUD provides a description of each proposed activity and a detailed budget estimate of costs as part of the budget justifications to the Appropriations Committees. (Sec. 425) Bars the obligation or expenditure of funds provided in title III of this Act to support joint research programs between the Air Force and NASA, specifically the activities of the AF-NASA Council on Aeronautics and the AFSPC-NRO-NASA Partnership Council.

National Beach Recreation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2000

National Beach Recreation Act - Amends specified Federal law to direct the Secretary of the Army, in making recommendations to Congress for shore protection projects, to develop and implement procedures which treat recreational, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and environmental restoration benefits equally. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to repeal provisions for deferred payment of a non-Federal share exceeding 30 percent of the cost of a flood control project.