Environment

Land and Water Conservation Fund Amendments of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Land and Water Conservation Fund Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require the submission with the annual budget of the United States of a comprehensive statement of the estimated requirements during the ensuing fiscal year for appropriation from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for land acquisition by eligible Federal agencies and by States and local governments. Sets forth requirements with respect to: (1) allocations from the Fund, including funds for Indian tribes and Alaska Native Village Corporations; and (2) multipurpose acquisition by States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to States for outdoor recreation maintenance and security. Repeals a restriction on assistance available under the Act to enclose or shelter facilities normally used for outdoor recreation activities. Permits the use of such funds, subject to specified limitations, for: (1) maintenance of facilities acquired and developed with financial assistance provided pursuant to the Act; (2) costs of law enforcement and security personnel and other security measures; and (3) development of sheltered facilities for public health or safety in connection with projects otherwise eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the transfer of funds by grant recipients to private nonprofit organizations, subject to specified requirements, to be used for projects approved in writing by the grantor of the funds in connection with the acquisition of lands (or interests in lands) and the development of recreation facilities, but not for administrative expenses. Sets forth requirements regarding maintenance of expenditures by State and Federal grant recipients.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Title I: Authorization of Appropriations - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1992 - Authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for: (1) operation and maintenance; (2) acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore facilities, vessels, and aircraft; (3) research, development, test, and evaluation; (4) retirement pay and benefits; (5) alteration or removal of bridges; and (6) environmental compliance and restoration. Authorizes the Coast Guard end-of-year strength for active duty personnel and the average military training student loads. Earmarks funds for specified purposes relating to Group Cape Hatteras, North Carolina; Traverse City, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Galveston, Texas; and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. Declares specified bridges in Louisiana and Massachusetts to be unreasonable obstructions to navigation. Title II: Boating Safety - Amends Federal law to create an increased civil penalty for subsequent offenses of operating a vessel while intoxicated. Mandates reports to specified congressional committees regarding: (1) a plan to increase the availability of voluntary safe boating education to individuals under 17 years old; and (2) ways to enlarge the mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and to increase Auxiliary participation in Coast Guard activities. Mandates a demonstration project in the Ninth Coast Guard District in conjunction with other appropriate Government agencies to increase coordination of enforcement of boating laws and regulations. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends Federal law relating to Coast Guard user fees to prohibit a fee or charge for the inspection of training ships operated by State maritime academies. Subjects foreign vessels certified by countries with inspection laws similar to those of the United States to an inspection to ensure that the condition of the vessel is (currently, only the condition of the vessel's propulsion and lifesaving equipment are) as stated in its certificate. Prohibits a foreign vessel (currently, a foreign or domestic vessel of more than a specified size) from departing from a U.S. port with passengers who embarked at that port if the vessel does not comply with the standards stated in the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Mandates submission to specified congressional committees of a report on the application of the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor technology to Coast Guard missions.

Long Island Sound Water Quality Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Long Island Sound Water Quality Research Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to expand the duties of the Environmental Protection Agency Long Island Sound Office to include the conduct of studies of: (1) alternative or innovative technologies to decrease pollution in the Sound; (2) present and foreseeable population and demographic trends in the Sound drainage area and the relation of land use patterns to point source and nonpoint source pollution; (3) a drainage area data base that evaluates the water quality capacity of the area, incorporates resource inventories and analyses, evaluates specified environmental features, and utilizes a format that can be integrated into Federal, State, and local management programs and systems; (4) a land use watershed model for coastal and upland areas of the Sound; (5) sensitive areas for the creation or restoration of degraded mudflats or wetlands in the drainage area; (6) sensitive areas for the remediation of contaminated sediments in the Sound; and (7) methods to refine the Long Island Sound Water Quality Model to improve the analysis of findings of nonpoint source pollutants and to better understand historical water quality trends. Requires the Office to prepare recommendations, using the land use watershed model: (1) for promoting least-cost land use strategies and water quality planning for municipalities in the drainage area; and (2) that incorporate relevant policies adopted by the Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act and extends existing authorizations.

Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to certain proposals of the Environmental Protection Agency to require centralized motor vehicle emissions inspection at facilities which provide no other services.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 1992

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress disapproves of promulgation by the Environmental Protection Agency of any rule under the Clean Air Act which would provide that the only allowable way for States to comply with requirements for vehicle emission inspection and maintenance programs is to establish centralized emission inspection facilities and facilities for emission inspection which provide no other services.

Agreement on the European Economic Area - Annex XX - Environment - List provided for in Article 74

European Union · EUR-Lex · 2 May 1992

5 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Labour the steps he proposes to take to ensure that incidences of intimidation and/or sexual harassment in the work-place, which has recently been recognised as a major problem, are removed from the working environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 April 1992

5 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Labour the steps he proposes to take to ensure that incidences of intimidation and/or sexual harassment in the work-place, which has recently been recognised as a major problem, are removed from the working environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Aviation Noise Improvement and Capacity Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Aviation Noise Improvement and Capacity Act of 1992 - Title I: Airport and Airway Improvement Act Amendments - Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to declare that: (1) it is in the public interest to recognize the effects of airport capacity expansion projects on airport noise; and (2) noncompatible land uses around airports must be reduced, and efforts to mitigate noise must be given a high priority. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for: (1) airport development and planning projects; (2) air navigation facilities; (3) weather reporting services for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); (4) aviation research, engineering and development, and demonstration projects; and (5) enhancing airport capacity. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to assure that sufficient resources are available to develop improved technology for reduction in engine and airframe noise and aircraft emissions. Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for FY 1993 through 1995 for FAA operations. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to revise the minimum Federal appropriation levels which permit imposition of local airport passenger facility fees on airline passengers. Amends the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 to increase the apportionment of airport development and planning funds for: (1) airports which are served by aircraft providing only air cargo (including mail) transportation; and (2) primary airports. Repeals the limitation on the amount of such funds. Decreases the State apportionment of such funds. Limits to no more than 44 percent (currently, 49.5 percent) the apportionment of such funds for primary and cargo service airports in cases where such apportionment has been limited or reduced by an Act of the Congress. Extends the funding for the military airport set-aside program. Increases the noise set-aside apportionment for airport noise compatibility planning programs. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) from obligating funds for airport development projects for the construction or extension of a runway for large aircraft operations at an airport unless it has a noise compatibility program which takes into account such runway extension or construction. Authorizes the increase by a specified percentage of the maximum obligation of the United States for airport development and planning projects for FY 1993 and thereafter for an airport other than a primary airport. Includes as an "aircraft development" activity the: (1) relocation of an air traffic control tower if relocation is necessary to carry out an approved project; and (2) if funded by a grant under this title, construction, reconstruction, repair, or improvement of an airport (or any purchase of capital equipment for an airport) which is necessary for compliance with specified Federal laws, other than construction or purchase of capital equipment which would benefit a revenue-producing area of the airport used by a nonaeronautical business. Requires as a condition precedent to the approval of an airport development project grant application that the Secretary receive assurances that a report of the airport budget will be available to the public at reasonable times and places. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to increase the employment of aviation safety inspectors by a specified ratio percentage. Title II: Federal Aviation Act Amendments - Amends Federal law to limit the term of the Administrator of the FAA appointed after March 1, 1993, to one five-year term. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to require, by regulation, procedures to improve safety of aircraft operations during winter conditions. Requires the Administrator of the FAA to initiate a rulemaking to consider whether it is advisable to require enhanced training or education, especially on the use of autopilot and high altitude flight, for pilots operating high performance, single engine, propeller-driven aircraft. Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the FAA to enter into a contract with a State or political subdivision to permit it to operate a level I visual flight rules airport traffic control tower, provided certain safety and contract requirements are met. Requires all persons to give adequate public notice of the establishment or expansion, or the proposed establishment or expansion, of any structure or sanitary landfill where such notice will promote safety in air commerce and preserve the navigable airspace and airport traffic capacity at public-use airports. Title III: Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission - Airline Consumer Protection and Competition Emergency Commission Act of 1992 - Establishes the Emergency Commission on Airline Consumer Protection and Competition to: (1) assess and report to the President and the Congress on the state of the airline industry and the aircraft manufacturing industry, particularly the full implications of foreign ownership of U.S. carriers; and (2) recommend Government policies to improve the competitive environment for the U.S. airline industry and aircraft manufacturing industry, retard the flow of carrier bankruptcies and accompanying loss of jobs, assure continued ownership and control of U.S. carriers by U.S. citizens, promote adequate levels of competition and service with reasonable fares in all geographic areas of the Nation, and stabilize the work environment of airline industry employees.

Emerging South African Democracy and Open Markets Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Emerging South African Democracy and Open Markets Support Act - Declares that the purposes of this Act are to promote: (1) equitable participation in a competitive free market economy in South Africa and joint ventures between U.S. persons and black South Africans; (2) policies conducive to private sector development by the black population of South Africa; (3) democracy and free market systems; and (4) sectors which promote development. States that in providing assistance under this Act, consideration should be given to the extent to which South Africa is taking steps toward: (1) establishment of democratic systems; (2) respect for human rights; (3) economic reform based on market principles, the development of a private sector, and integration into the world economy; (4) respect for international law; and (5) adherence to responsible security policies and personnel. Directs the President to designate a private, nonprofit organization to receive funds pursuant to this Act. Designates such organization as the South African-American Enterprise Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Permits funds made available to the Fund to be used for: (1) the establishment of Employee Stock Ownership Plans in South Africa that are owned principally by black South Africans; and (2) technical and other assistance to support the development of indigenous credit unions in South Africa. Encourages the Fund to utilize its resources in a fashion which will be supportive of the emergence of strong economies in neighboring countries in southern Africa and of regional cooperation and integration. Requires the Fund, in carrying out this Act, to take into account worker and human rights, environmental factors, U.S. economic and employment effects, and the commercial viability of the activity receiving Fund assistance. Authorizes the Fund to solicit U.S. venture capital for investment purposes. Declares that the Fund should establish financial instruments to enable individuals to invest in commercial enterprises substantially owned and operated by black South Africans. Sets forth auditing, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements.

To ensure fair treatment of Department of Energy employees during the restructuring of the Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities workforce, to provide assistance to communities affected by such restructuring, to provide medical examinations to certain current and former such employees, to provide medical reinsurance for certain former such employees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 1992

Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to develop and implement a plan for the restructuring of the employee work force of the Department of Energy (DOE) defense nuclear facilities. Outlines plan contents designed to minimize the economic impact of the restructuring upon affected employees and communities. Requires the Secretary to issue annual plan updates to specified congressional committees. Sets forth requirements relating to contracts for environmental restoration and waste management at DOE defense nuclear facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a program to monitor current and former DOE employees subject to significant health risks as a result of their exposure to hazardous or radioactive substances during the course of their employment. Delineates plan contents. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify employees exposed to certain hazardous and radioactive substances of the results of their medical examinations regarding such exposure; (2) collect information regarding such tests and examinations; (3) enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement their respective activities under this Act; and (4) implement a health insurance program to cover the reasonable expenses of health care services incurred by such employees.

Einwirkung auf die USA zur Reduzierung des Energieverbrauchs und zur Sicherung eines Erfolges der Konferenz für Umwelt und Entwicklung (G-SIG: 12042593)

Germany · German Bundestag · 30 April 1992

Regelung der Umwelt- und Lärmschutzfragen vor der Zustimmung zum Übungsbetrieb anderer Streitkräfte als der der USA im Zusammenhang mit der Revision des Zusatzabkommens zum NATO-Truppenstatut (G-SIG: 12042601)

Germany · German Bundestag · 30 April 1992

25 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the responsibility of different Government Ministers, such as the Environment, Justice, Finance and Labour, he will seek the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to consider all aspects of the trade in imported second-hand cars.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 April 1992

25 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the responsibility of different Government Ministers, such as the Environment, Justice, Finance and Labour, he will seek the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to consider all aspects of the trade in imported second-hand cars.

25 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the responsibility of different Government Ministers, such as the Environment, Justice, Finance and Labour, he will seek the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to consider all aspects of the trade in imported second-hand cars.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 29 April 1992

25 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the responsibility of different Government Ministers, such as the Environment, Justice, Finance and Labour, he will seek the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to consider all aspects of the trade in imported second-hand cars.

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1993 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the defense agencies and the Defense Inspector General for procurement and for the destruction of lethal chemical weapons under the chemical demilitarization program. Repeals a provision requiring a separate budget request for the procurement of equipment for the reserves. Title II: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the armed forces and the defense agencies for research, development, test, and evaluation (R&D). Earmarks funds authorized to the defense agencies for: (1) the Deputy Director, Defense Research and Engineering; (2) the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and (3) chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for operation and maintenance for: (1) the armed forces; (2) the defense agencies; (3) the reserves; (4) medical programs, defense; (5) the National Guard; (6) the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice; (7) the Defense Inspector General; (8) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense; (9) the Court of Military Appeals; (10) environmental restoration, defense; (11) humanitarian assistance; and (12) chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for working capital funds for the armed forces and the defense agencies. Empowers the Defense Inspector General with the authority to provide for any emergency or extraordinary expenses which cannot be anticipated or classified. Repeals the Federal ceiling on the number of employees in headquarters and nonmanagement headquarters activities and support activities. Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to reduce the number of civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees employed by industrial- or commercial-type activities. Repeals specified provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 which: (1) limit the authority of the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager to dispose of materials in the NDS; and (2) require the Manager to obligate specified sums for the acquisition of materials in the NDS during FY 1992 and 1993. Provides that during FY 1992 and thereafter, sales of stockpiled material in the NDS Transaction Fund may not exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a moratorium on the acquisition of new material for the NDS in order to reduce existing excess material in the stockpile. Prohibits, except to the extent authorized in appropriation Acts, the use of funds available in the NDS Transaction Fund from being obligated or expended to finance the conduct of R&D activities for the development or production of advanced materials. National Defense Sealift Improvement Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Defense Sealift Fund. Requires the Secretary to administer the Fund, obligating and expending Fund sums for: (1) R&D relating to national defense sealift; (2) construction, purchase, lease, alteration, conversion, or operation and maintenance of sealift vessels for national defense purposes; and (3) such other purposes authorized by law relating to national defense sealift. Authorizes appropriations. States that proceeds from the sale or lease of certain vessels shall be deposited into the Fund. Transfers certain prior unobligated balances into the Fund from Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds. Title IV: Personnel Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1993 - Part A: Active Forces - Authorizes end strengths for active-duty forces for FY 1993. Part B: Reserve Forces - Authorizes end strengths for reserve components of the armed forces for FY 1993. Permits such end strengths to vary no more than two percent. Requires end strength reductions for the Selected Reserve for such fiscal year. Requires such end strength to be increased whenever members of the Selected Reserve are released from active duty. Authorizes end strengths for FY 1993 for members of the reserves on active duty in support of the reserves. Increases the number of certain enlisted and officer personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. Part C: Military Training Student Loads - Authorizes and specifies the average military training student loads for FY 1993. Provides for the adjustment of such student loads consistent with manpower strengths authorized under this Act. Title V: General Provisions - Increases from four to every five years the physical examination requirement for members of the Ready Reserve. National Guard Amendments of 1992 - Adds warrant officers and enlisted members of the National Guard to those females authorized to be in the U.S. militia. Repeals Federal provisions requiring each member of the Army or Air National Guard called into Federal service to undergo a physical examination. Requires all parts of a National Guard unit to be included in a drill and instruction within 90 consecutive days (currently, 30) in order to be credited as an assembly for drill and instruction for purposes of National Guard duty requirements. Waives a required 30-day prior notification of termination for a National Guard technician when such technician: (1) is serving under a temporary appointment; (2) is serving in a trial or probationary period; or (3) has voluntarily ceased to be a member of the National Guard when such membership is a condition of employment. Repeals a current ceiling on the number of such technicians who may be employed at any one time. Includes commissioned officers of the Army or Air National Guard with those officers empowered to declare National Guard property as unserviceable through fair wear and tear. Waives a required increase in the pay and allowances of member of the armed forces in conformity with annual GS-level increases. Provides, in lieu thereof, effective on January 1, 1993, an increase of 3.7 percent in the rates of basic pay, basic allowance for subsistence, and basis allowance for quarters. Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 requiring the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on U.S. expenditures in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Revises the annual date for the report of the Secretary to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (defense committees) with respect to special access programs. Provides lease terms and conditions to be followed by the Secretary when leasing defense property for display or demonstration at international shows or trade expositions or to foreign governments, when the lessee is the manufacturer of the defense equipment. Allows the Secretary to acquire from NATO and its subsidiary bodies logistic support, supplies, and services for elements of the armed forces (currently, only for elements of the armed forces deployed in Europe or adjacent waters). Provides that limitations on the amounts that may be obligated or accrued by the United States for the acquisition of defense supplies shall not apply to a period of active hostilities involving U.S. armed forces (currently, involving NATO). Amends the Arms Export Control Act and similar armed forces provisions to require participants in cooperative R&D projects with friendly foreign countries to share equitably the overhead and administrative costs as well as the costs of claims (currently, only the first two costs are shared). Extends through: (1) FY 1995 the aviation officer retention bonus; (2) FY 1994 the provision of special pay to enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to certain high priority units; (3) FY 1995 provisions determining the computation of creditable service as commissioned officers before mandatory transfer to the Retired Reserve; (4) FY 1995 the grade determination authority for certain reserve medical officers; (5) FY 1995 the promotion authority for certain reserve officers serving on active duty; (6) FY 1995 the provision of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve; (7) FY 1994 the accession bonus for registered nurses serving in military medical facilities; (8) FY 1994 the special pay for nurse anesthetists; (9) FY 1997 the special pay for military enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for active duty forces; (10) FY 1995 the special pay for enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for reserve forces; (11) FY 1993 the provision of special pay for enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to high priority units; (12) FY 1995 the authority for special pay for critically short wartime health specialists in the Selected Reserve; and (13) FY 2001 the major defense acquisition pilot program authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Repeals the authority for the temporary promotion of certain critically-skilled Navy lieutenants. Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1992 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to state as a purpose of such Act the identification of stocks of certain strategic and critical materials. States that the quantity of materials to be stockpiled under the Act should be sufficient to meet the needs of the United States during a national emergency requiring significant (currently, total) mobilization of the economy. Removes a provision prohibiting the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) from being used for budgetary purposes. Requires the handling, storage, security, maintenance, and disposal of materials in the NDS to be done in an environmentally sound manner. Allows materials in the NDS to be replaced by better materials when necessary to prevent deterioration. Allows materials to be timely disposed when becoming obsolete. Removes a current requirement limiting the President's acquisition of interests in real or personal property for storage, security, and maintenance of materials in the NDS to a 20-year period. Authorizes the President to loan NDS materials to Federal agencies when in the interest of national defense. Removes a prohibition against the obligation or appropriation of funds for the acquisition of materials in the NDS unless such funds have been authorized by law. Allows a disposal from the NDS (other than certain excepted disposals) to be made only if it has been included in the materials plan report currently required under Federal law, or the Congress has been properly notified. Removes a requirement prohibiting any disposal the effect of which would be an unobligated balance in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (NDS Fund) in excess of $100,000,000. Prohibits disposals from the NDS in any one fiscal year in excess of $1,000,000,000. Allows any proposed or new expenditures or disposals detailed in a materials plan for a fiscal year to be carried over to the materials plans for subsequent fiscal years. Allows money received from the sale and rotation of materials in the NDS to be used for general purposes of the NDS Fund. (Currently, moneys received from the sale of rotated materials may only be used for the acquisition of replacement material.) Adds to the authorized uses of the NDS Fund: (1) the contracting for materials development and research; (2) the purchase or purchase commitment of strategic and critical materials of domestic origin when needed for the NDS; and (3) the contracting or commitment to contract with domestic facilities for the upgrading, refining, or processing of materials in the NDS when necessary to convert such materials into a form more suitable for storage and subsequent disposition or use in a national emergency. Authorizes the President (currently, the NDS Manager) to barter materials in the stockpile in order to acquire, upgrade, refine, or process other materials. Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the President from delegating his authority to dispose of stockpiled materials and to import strategic and critical materials from non-Communist countries. Adds the definition of "significant change" for purposes of a significant change proposed by the President to the Congress in the required annual materials plans. Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1987 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 which require the President, during FY 1987 through 1933, to award contracts for the conversion of chromium and manganese ores held in the NDS into high carbon ferrochromium and high carbon ferromanganese. Authorizes the NDS Manager to: (1) revise quantities of materials to be stockpiled; and (2) dispose of such materials as authorized by law or as determined by the Manager to be in excess of current stockpile requirements.

National Environmental Technologies Agency Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

National Environmental Technologies Agency Act - Establishes the National Environmental Technologies Agency to: (1) coordinate Federal environmental restoration and protection planning; (2) identify areas that need technical solutions to maintain environmental security, are not receiving product-oriented research necessary to meet those needs, and exhibit the greatest promise for the development of solutions; (3) support the development of technology having future application in environmental restoration and protection; (4) coordinate the exchange of technological information relating to environmental restoration and protection between Federal agencies and the private sector; (5) support continuing research and development of advanced technologies; (6) monitor research and development being conducted on advanced technologies by private industry; and (7) promote continuing development of a technological industrial base in the United States. Establishes an interagency advisory committee to provide information to the Agency with respect to the needs and concerns of specified agencies in the field of environmental technologies. Establishes the Industry and Academia Advisory Council to make recommendations regarding general policy for the Agency. Permits the Agency Administrator to transfer to the domestic private sector technology developed with the support of the Agency if the technology may have potential application in private activities relating to environmental restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to carry out Agency functions, subject to certain conditions. Provides for dissemination of the results of Agency research. Prohibits the making of a contract or award until the research project in question has passed a merit review. Directs the Administrator, in determining whether to make an award to a joint venture, to consider whether the joint venture has provided for appropriate participation of U.S. small businesses. Exempts from Federal disclosure requirements information obtained on a confidential basis in connection with business operations or trade secrets of a joint venture. Prohibits the disclosure by a Federal employee of intellectual property owned by a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, except in accordance with an agreement between the owner and the Administrator. Entitles the United States to a share of licensing fees and royalty payments made to a joint venture in an amount proportionate to the Federal share of costs incurred. Provides for the return of unspent Federal funds to the Agency if it appears that the recipient is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the project. Entitles the United States, upon dissolution of a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, to a share of the residual assets proportionate to the Federal share of costs. Establishes the Environmental Advanced Research Projects Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Administrator to use the Fund to provide financial assistance to industrial and nonprofit research centers, universities, and other entities that serve long-term environmental security needs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on: (1) activities of the Agency; (2) the extent to which technologies developed with Agency assistance have been used; and (3) the extent to which those technologies have been transferred overseas. Authorizes appropriations.

Used Oil Energy Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Used Oil Energy Production Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require a producer or importer of 100,000 gallons or more per year of lubricating oil to increase annually the percentage (set by the Secretary) of recycled oil either: (1) by refining, rerefining, or reprocessing it into petroleum products (including fuels); or (2) by purchasing certain oil recycling credits. Exempts certain facilities from such requirements. Requires annual reports to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not to list or identify used oil as a hazardous waste for certain purposes.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, military family housing functions within the Department, and the homeowners assistance program. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Extends certain FY 1990 military construction projects. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Navy for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and for military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, architectural and engineering design services, conforming storage facilities, certain base closure and realignment activities, repair of real property, and military family housing functions within DOD. Authorizes prior-year unobligated funds to be made available for military construction projects authorized in this title. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for such contributions. Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, repair of real property, and construction of facilities for the Guard and reserve forces in specified amounts. Title VII: Expiration of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through VI on October 1, 1995, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1996, whichever is later, with specified exceptions. Title VIII: General Provisions - Expands authorized military construction activities to include alteration and repair with respect to a military installation. Requires a cost of over $15,000 which extends the useful life of a facility in order to be considered a military construction project. Includes repair activities within the definition of minor military construction. Requires any such repair within a minor military construction project to cost more than $15,000 and to extend the useful life of the facility. Provides that unspecified minor construction and repair projects funded by working capital funds may be so funded without being subject to the dollar limitations prescribed for such construction and repair activities. Repeals a Federal provision authorizing the Secretary of the military department concerned to carry out facility renovation projects that combine maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects for an entire single-purpose facility, or one or more areas of a multipurpose facility, using operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes a reserve forces facilities acquisition project costing $15,000 (currently, $300,000) or less to be carried out with operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to carry out an emergency construction project five days (currently, 21) after notification to the Congress. Allows funds from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account or from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 to be used for base closure and realignment activities under either the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act or the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1991. Revises the funding limitations contained in each such Act to conform to such change. Defines further the base closure and realignment activities authorized under each such Act as the environmental restoration, community economic adjustment assistance, and disposal of property at bases selected for closure under such Acts. Revises the computation of the amount of proceeds obtained from the sale or transfer of property in connection with a base closure or realignment which are to be transferred to a reserve account and used for acquiring, constructing, or improving commissary stores and nonappropriated fund instrumentalities under the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey all U.S. rights and interest in real property consisting of the operations portion of the Marine Corps Air Station, Tustin, California, in exchange for the construction of replacement facilities at either the Tustin location, the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California, or the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, or a combination of each such facility. Requires such conveyance authority to expire 12 months after enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary makes certain determinations with respect to such conveyance. Provides that, upon such expiration of authority, the closure of the Tustin facility shall proceed as a closure under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer available DOD funds to a fund established under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 for persons eligible under such Act for homeowners assistance. Waives certain congressional reporting requirements with respect to real property acquisitions or leases by DOD in excess of specified amounts in the event of a declaration of war or national emergency, or for real property transactions required in connection with a contingency operation. Requires each military department Secretary who exercises such waiver to notify the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 30 days after its exercise. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the authorization requested by DOD for construction costs resulting from closing or realigning each installation (currently, for each military construction project) does not exceed the cost estimate provided by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake (and to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to undertake) military construction projects not otherwise authorized by law in the event of a declaration of a contingency operation by the Secretary. (Currently, this authority is permitted only in the declaration of war or national emergency.) Makes inapplicable to unspecified minor military construction or repair projects certain authorized cost variation limitations for a military construction project or for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of a military family housing project.

Gulf of Mexico Preservation Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Gulf of Mexico Preservation Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Gulf of Mexico Program to: (1) assess trends in environmental quality in the Gulf; (2) collaborate with specified entities to identify causes of environmental problems; and (3) provide for the development of a management, protection, and restoration plan. Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Program Office within EPA. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of environmental problems in the Gulf that are not confined to the jurisdiction of any Federal, State, or foreign entity; and (2) enter into memoranda of understanding and cooperative agreements and participate in a joint commission with the Mexican Government and any other appropriate foreign country to address such problems. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of activities in the Gulf. Requires the Administrator to prepare an assessment of Gulf environmental quality that shall: (1) describe the existing state of knowledge concerning the Gulf's environmental quality; (2) include an inventory of relevant environmental research and monitoring programs; (3) identify gaps in knowledge and research needed for the development of the management plan; and (4) assess the environmental impact of specified types of pollution, erosion, dissolved oxygen, bacterial infection in fish, and oil spill response activities. Directs the Administrator to design a strategy for monitoring the environmental quality of the Gulf. Requires the Administrator to develop a management, protection, and restoration plan for the Gulf. Requires the Plan to: (1) establish priority schedules for addressing environmental problems in the Gulf; (2) outline specific activities to be conducted under the Program; (3) provide for cooperative activities by public and private entities under the Program; (4) set forth recommendations for actions by Federal, State, and local agencies to prevent, abate, or remediate pollution in the Gulf or to improve environmental quality; and (5) include a summary of the assessment and the monitoring strategy. Provides for periodic reviews of the Plan. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States for purposes of furthering the development and implementation of the Plan. Prohibits grants from being used to relieve any person of liability for environmental damages, response costs, or related relief under Federal or State law. Authorizes appropriations. Earmarks at least 70 percent of appropriations for the grant program. Requires the Administrator to request that funding of the Program Office be included as a separate line item in any annual budget proposal submitted by the President to the Congress.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1993 - Title I: Procurement - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force for aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the defense agencies and the Defense Inspector General for procurement and for the destruction of lethal chemical weapons under the chemical demilitarization program. Repeals a provision requiring a separate budget request for the procurement of equipment for the reserves. Title II: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for the armed forces and the defense agencies for research, development, test, and evaluation (R&D). Earmarks funds authorized to the defense agencies for: (1) the Deputy Director, Defense Research and Engineering; (2) the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; and (3) chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Title III: Operation and Maintenance - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for operation and maintenance for: the armed forces; the defense agencies; the reserves; medical programs, defense; the National Guard; the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice; the Defense Inspector General; drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense; the Court of Military Appeals; environmental restoration, defense; humanitarian assistance; and chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 for working capital funds for the armed forces and the defense agencies. Empowers the Defense Inspector General with the authority to provide for any emergency or extraordinary expenses which cannot be anticipated or classified. Repeals the Federal ceiling on the number of employees in headquarters and nonmanagement headquarters activities and support activities. Repeals a Federal provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to reduce the number of civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees employed by industrial- or commercial-type activities. Repeals specified provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 which: (1) limit the authority of the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Manager to dispose of materials in the NDS; and (2) require the Manager to obligate specified sums for the acquisition of materials in the NDS during FY 1992 and 1993. Provides that during FY 1992 and thereafter, sales of stockpiled material in the NDS Transaction Fund may not exceed $1,000,000,000. Authorizes the Secretary to impose a moratorium on the acquisition of new material for the NDS in order to reduce existing excess material in the stockpile. Prohibits, except to the extent authorized in appropriation Acts, the use of funds available in the NDS Transaction Fund from being obligated or expended to finance the conduct of R&D activities for the development or production of advanced materials. National Defense Sealift Improvement Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Defense Sealift Fund. Requires the Secretary to administer the Fund, obligating and expending Fund sums for: (1) R&D relating to national defense sealift; (2) construction, purchase, lease, alteration, conversion, or operation and maintenance of sealift vessels for national defense purposes; and (3) such other purposes authorized by law relating to national defense sealift. Authorizes appropriations. States that proceeds from the sale or lease of certain vessels shall be deposited into the Fund. Transfers certain prior unobligated balances into the Fund from Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds. Title IV: Personnel Authorizations for Fiscal Year 1993 - Part A: Active Forces - Authorizes end strengths for active-duty forces for FY 1993. Part B: Reserve Forces - Authorizes end strengths for reserve components of the armed forces for FY 1993. Permits such end strengths to vary no more than two percent. Requires end strength reductions for the Selected Reserve for such fiscal year. Requires such end strength to be increased whenever members of the Selected Reserve are released from active duty. Authorizes end strengths for FY 1993 for members of the reserves on active duty in support of the reserves. Increases the number of certain enlisted and officer personnel authorized to be on active duty in support of the reserves. Part C: Military Training Student Loads - Authorizes and specifies the average military training student loads for FY 1993. Provides for the adjustment of such student loads consistent with manpower strengths authorized under this Act. Title V: General Provisions - Increases from four to every five years the physical examination requirement for members of the Ready Reserve. National Guard Amendments of 1992 - Adds warrant officers and enlisted members of the National Guard to those females authorized to be in the U.S. militia. Repeals Federal provisions requiring each member of the Army or Air National Guard called into Federal service to undergo a physical examination. Requires all parts of a National Guard unit to be included in a drill and instruction within 90 consecutive days (currently, 30) in order to be credited as an assembly for drill and instruction for purposes of National Guard duty requirements. Waives a required 30-day prior notification of termination for a National Guard technician when such technician: (1) is serving under a temporary appointment; (2) is serving in a trial or probationary period; or (3) has voluntarily ceased to be a member of the National Guard when such membership is a condition of employment. Repeals a current ceiling on the number of such technicians who may be employed at any one time. Includes commissioned officers of the Army or Air National Guard with those officers empowered to declare National Guard property as unserviceable through fair wear and tear. Waives a required increase in the pay and allowances of member of the armed forces in conformity with annual GS-level increases. Provides, in lieu thereof, effective on January 1, 1993, an increase of 3.7 percent in the rates of basic pay, basic allowance for subsistence, and basic allowance for quarters. Repeals a provision of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 requiring the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on U.S. expenditures in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Revises the annual date for the report of the Secretary to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (defense committees) with respect to special access programs. Provides lease terms and conditions to be followed by the Secretary when leasing defense property for display or demonstration at international shows or trade expositions or to foreign governments, when the lessee is the manufacturer of the defense equipment. Allows the Secretary to acquire from NATO and its subsidiary bodies logistic support, supplies, and services for elements of the armed forces (currently, only for elements of the armed forces deployed in Europe or adjacent waters). Provides that limitations on the amounts that may be obligated or accrued by the United States for the acquisition of defense supplies shall not apply to a period of active hostilities involving U.S. armed forces (currently, involving NATO). Amends the Arms Export Control Act and similar armed forces provisions to require participants in cooperative R&D projects with friendly foreign countries to share equitably the overhead and administrative costs as well as the costs of claims (currently, only the first two costs are shared). Extends through: (1) FY 1995 the aviation officer retention bonus; (2) FY 1994 the provision of special pay to enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to certain high priority units; (3) FY 1995 provisions determining the computation of creditable service as commissioned officers before mandatory transfer to the Retired Reserve; (4) FY 1995 the grade determination authority for certain reserve medical officers; (5) FY 1995 the promotion authority for certain reserve officers serving on active duty; (6) FY 1995 the provision of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve; (7) FY 1994 the accession bonus for registered nurses serving in military medical facilities; (8) FY 1994 the special pay for nurse anesthetists; (9) FY 1997 the special pay for military enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for active duty forces; (10) FY 1995 the special pay for enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for reserve forces; (11) FY 1993 the provision of special pay for enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to high priority units; (12) FY 1995 the authority for special pay for critically short wartime health specialists in the Selected Reserve; and (13) FY 2001 the major defense acquisition pilot program authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Repeals the authority for the temporary promotion of certain critically-skilled Navy lieutenants. Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Revision Act of 1992 - Amends the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act to state as a purpose of such Act the identification of stocks of certain strategic and critical materials. States that the quantity of materials to be stockpiled under the Act should be sufficient to meet the needs of the United States during a national emergency requiring significant (currently, total) mobilization of the economy. Removes a provision prohibiting the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) from being used for budgetary purposes. Requires the handling, storage, security, maintenance, and disposal of materials in the NDS to be done in an environmentally sound manner. Allows materials in the NDS to be replaced by better materials when necessary to prevent deterioration. Allows materials to be timely disposed when becoming obsolete. Removes a current requirement limiting the President's acquisition of interests in real or personal property for storage, security, and maintenance of materials in the NDS to a 20-year period. Authorizes the President to loan NDS materials to Federal agencies when in the interest of national defense. Removes a prohibition against the obligation or appropriation of funds for the acquisition of materials in the NDS unless such funds have been authorized by law. Allows a disposal from the NDS (other than certain excepted disposals) to be made only if it has been included in the materials plan report currently required under Federal law, or the Congress has been properly notified. Removes a requirement prohibiting any disposal the effect of which would be an unobligated balance in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (NDS Fund) in excess of $100,000,000. Prohibits disposals from the NDS in any one fiscal year in excess of $1,000,000,000. Allows any proposed or new expenditures or disposals detailed in a materials plan for a fiscal year to be carried over to the materials plans for subsequent fiscal years. Allows money received from the sale and rotation of materials in the NDS to be used for general purposes of the NDS Fund. (Currently, moneys received from the sale of rotated materials may only be used for the acquisition of replacement material.) Adds to the authorized uses of the NDS Fund: (1) contracting for materials development and research; (2) purchase or purchase commitment of strategic and critical materials of domestic origin when needed for the NDS; and (3) contracting or commitment to contract with domestic facilities for the upgrading, refining, or processing of materials in the NDS when necessary to convert such materials into a form more suitable for storage and subsequent disposition or use in a national emergency. Authorizes the President (currently, the NDS Manager) to barter materials in the stockpile in order to acquire, upgrade, refine, or process other materials. Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting the President from delegating his authority to dispose of stockpiled materials and to import strategic and critical materials from non-Communist countries. Adds the definition of "significant change" for purposes of a significant change proposed by the President to the Congress in the required annual materials plans. Repeals provisions of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1987, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 which require the President, during FY 1987 through 1933, to award contracts for the conversion of chromium and manganese ores held in the NDS into high carbon ferrochromium and high carbon ferromanganese. Authorizes the NDS Manager to: (1) revise quantities of materials to be stockpiled; and (2) dispose of such materials as authorized by law or as determined by the Manager to be in excess of current stockpile requirements.

Clean Fuels Infrastructure and Incentives Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Clean Fuels Infrastructure and Incentives Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for providing grants to eligible States to fund the construction of clean fuel refueling facilities in ozone nonattainment areas classified as Serious, Severe, or Extreme under the Clean Air Act. Authorizes appropriations. Provides for the distribution of funds based on the pro rata number of licensed motor vehicles in a State. Limits the total amount of funds to be received by a State. Requires recipient States to distribute at least 50 percent of funds to persons for the installation of clean fuel refueling facilities in the private sector. Makes a State eligible for a grant only if it has: (1) submitted a revision of the applicable implementation plan pursuant to the Clean Air Act expressing its intention to adopt standards under the California clean fuel vehicle pilot test program; and (2) has adopted such standards no later than model year 1996.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 - Title I: Army - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Army for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, military family housing functions within the Department, and the homeowners assistance program. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Extends certain FY 1990 military construction projects. Title II: Navy - Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Navy for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title III: Air Force - Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes the Secretary to construct or acquire military family housing units, to carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design, and to improve existing military family housing units in specified amounts at specified installations. Authorizes appropriations to the Air Force for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, repair of real property, architectural and engineering design services, and for military family housing functions within the Department. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title IV: Defense Agencies - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for military construction projects, unspecified minor construction projects, architectural and engineering design services, conforming storage facilities, certain base closure and realignment activities, repair of real property, and military family housing functions within DOD. Authorizes prior-year unobligated funds to be made available for military construction projects authorized in this title. Limits the total cost of construction projects authorized by this title. Title V: North Atlantic Treaty Organization Infrastructure - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Infrastructure Program. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for such contributions. Title VI: Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years beginning after 1992 for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, repair of real property, and construction of facilities for the Guard and reserve forces in specified amounts. Title VII: Expiration of Authorizations - Terminates all authorizations contained in titles I through VI on October 1, 1995, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY 1996, whichever is later, with specified exceptions. Title VIII: General Provisions - Expands authorized military construction activities to include alteration and repair with respect to a military installation. Requires a cost of over $15,000 which extends the useful life of a facility in order to be considered a military construction project. Includes repair activities within the definition of minor military construction. Requires any such repair within a minor military construction project to cost more than $15,000 and to extend the useful life of the facility. Provides that unspecified minor construction and repair projects funded by working capital funds may be so funded without being subject to the dollar limitations prescribed for such construction and repair activities. Repeals Federal provisions authorizing the Secretary of the military department concerned to carry out facility renovation projects that combine maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects for an entire single-purpose facility, or one or more areas of a multipurpose facility, using operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes a reserve forces facilities acquisition project costing $15,000 (currently, $300,000) or less to be carried out with operation and maintenance funds. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to carry out an emergency construction project five days (currently, 21) after notification to the Congress. Allows funds from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account or from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 1990 to be used for base closure and realignment activities under either the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act or the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1991. Revises the funding limitations contained in each such Act to conform to such change. Defines further the base closure and realignment activities authorized under each such Act as the environmental restoration, community economic adjustment assistance, and disposal of property at bases selected for closure under such Acts. Revises the computation of the amount of proceeds obtained from the sale or transfer of property in connection with a base closure or realignment which are to be transferred to a reserve account and used for acquiring, constructing, or improving commissary stores and nonappropriated fund instrumentalities under the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991. Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey all U.S. rights and interest in real property consisting of the operations portion of the Marine Corps Air Station, Tustin, California, in exchange for the construction of replacement facilities at either the Tustin location, the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California, or the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, or a combination of each such facility. Requires such conveyance authority to expire 12 months after enactment of this Act, unless the Secretary makes certain determinations with respect to such conveyance. Provides that, upon such expiration of authority, the closure of the Tustin facility shall proceed as a closure under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer available DOD funds to a fund established under the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development Act of 1966 for persons eligible under such Act for homeowners assistance. Waives certain congressional reporting requirements with respect to real property acquisitions or leases by DOD in excess of specified amounts in the event of a declaration of war or national emergency, or for real property transactions required in connection with a contingency operation. Requires each military department Secretary who exercises such waiver to notify the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within 30 days after its exercise. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993 to direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the authorization requested by DOD for construction costs resulting from closing or realigning each installation (currently, for each military construction project) does not exceed the cost estimate provided by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Authorizes the Secretary to undertake (and to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to undertake) military construction projects not otherwise authorized by law in the event of a declaration of a contingency operation by the Secretary. (Currently, this authority is permitted only in the declaration of war or national emergency.) Makes inapplicable to unspecified minor military construction or repair projects certain authorized cost variation limitations for a military construction project or for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of a military family housing project.

Regulatory Review Sunshine Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 1992

Regulatory Review Sunshine Act of 1992 - Requires executive branch regulatory review entities to establish procedures to provide public access to information concerning each agency rulemaking activity under review. Describes the information to be made available to the public upon request, in a manner consistent with the Freedom of Information Act, within a week of its receipt or creation by the entity for review, and copying, in a public reading room. Requires a review entity to transmit to the rulemaking agency copies of any written communications between the entity and any person not employed by the Federal Government concerning the substance of a rulemaking activity of that agency. Requires a review entity to disclose to the rulemaking agency all oral communications between any such person and the review entity concerning the substance of a rulemaking activity of that agency. Requires the review entity to: (1) advise the rulemaking agency of the date, participants, and substance of such communications; and (2) invite the rulemaking agency head to meetings involving such communications. Requires a review entity to provide the rulemaking agency with a written explanation of any significant review action taken by the reviewing entity concerning an agency rulemaking activity. Requires that for each proposed and final rule, a rulemaking agency shall explain in its rulemaking notice any significant changes made to such rule as a consequence of regulatory review. Requires a rulemaking agency to place in the appropriate rulemaking record all of the documents received from a review entity as required above. Requires a review entity, within 60 days after the receipt of a rulemaking activity, to conclude its review of such activity. Provides that if the President reviews for resolution an issue arising out of a regulatory review, the review time limits may be extended, although any such issue shall be resolved as promptly as practicable, and such review shall be subject to the public disclosure and agency notice requirements of this Act. Requires a review entity to notify the rulemaking agency of an extension beyond 60 days and provide public notice. Requires the rulemaking agency to promptly publish a notice of any such extension in the Federal Register. Requires each rulemaking agency to publish in the Federal Register a list of all rulemaking activities undergoing regulatory review during the preceding month. Excludes from coverage under this Act oral communications with the President, Vice President, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Director of OMB, and executive department heads.

A joint resolution to designate the week of October 18, 1992 as "National Radon Action Week".

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Designates the week of October 18 through 24, 1992, as National Radon Action Week.

Rescinding certain budget authority, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Title I: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies - Rescinds specified appropriations made available to the Department of Agriculture for: (1) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (2) the Cooperative State Research Service; (3) the National Agricultural Library; and (4) the Farmers Home Administration. Title II: Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies - Rescinds certain appropriations made available to: (1) the Department of Commerce for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and (2) the Board for International Broadcasting for the Israel Relay Station. Title III: Department of Defense - Military - Rescinds specified appropriations made available to the Department of Defense for: (1) military personnel, Army; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) procurement; (4) research, development, test and evaluation; (5) the Pentagon Reservation Maintenance Revolving Fund; and (6) the Intelligence Community Staff. Title IV: Energy and Water Development - Rescinds certain appropriations made available to: (1) the Department of the Army for the Civil Corps of Engineers; and (2) the Department of Energy for general science and research activities and departmental administration. Title V: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs - Rescinds specified appropriations made available to the President for multilateral economic assistance, bilateral economic assistance, and military assistance. Title VI: Department of the Interior and Related Agencies - Rescinds certain funds made available to the Department of the Interior for the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Title VII: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies - Rescinds one percent of the funds delayed for obligation until September 30, 1992, under the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992. Excepts payments to States for child care assistance from such rescission. Rescinds certain funds made available to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health Service. Title VIII: Legislative Branch - Rescinds certain funds made available to the House of Representatives for salaries and expenses, and reduces funds for official mail costs. Title IX: Department of Defense - Military - Rescinds specified funds provided in Military Construction Appropriations Acts. Title X: Department of Transportation and Related Agencies - Rescinds funds made available to the Federal Highway Administration for bridges on dams and the Federal Railroad Administration for local rail freight assistance. Title XI: Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies - Rescinds specified funds made available to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for: (1) Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere Grants (HOPE Grants); (2) the Home Investment Partnerships Program; (3) annual contributions for assisted housing; and (4) the Flexible Subsidy Fund. Rescinds specified funds made available to: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency for construction grants; and (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and development.

Environmental Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Environmental Fairness Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exempt a person from liability under such Act caused by acts or omissions of third parties if the defendant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the actions taken with respect to the hazardous substance occurred before December 11, 1980; (2) the defendant exercised due care and acted in good faith to properly dispose of or recycle the hazardous substance; and (3) such actions were performed in accordance with all applicable Federal and State laws. Authorizes the United States, in the case of an action to recover costs of removal or remedial action, to recover only the portion of such costs that the person against whom the action is brought is directly responsible for, as established by a preponderance of the evidence.

To amend title 35, United States Code, to impose a 5-year moratorium on the granting of patents on invertebrate or vertebrate animals, including those that have been genetically engineered, in order to provide time for the Congress to fully assess, consider, and respond to the economic, environmental, and ethical issues raised by the patenting of such animals.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 1992

Imposes a five-year moratorium on the granting of patents on invertebrate or vertebrate animals.

Bedeutung des Schutzes von Kultur- und Wirtschaftsformen einheimischer Völker im Zusammenhang mit dem Umweltschutz (G-SIG: 12042545)

Germany · German Bundestag · 24 April 1992

La gestion des déchets très faiblement radioactifs

France · Senate · 22 April 1992

La gestion des déchets très faiblement radioactifs

A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of algal blooms off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1992

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the causes of recent algal blooms off the northwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii, and to research alternatives for the improved management of chemicals present in wastewater treatment and fresh water runoff. Authorizes the Administrator to establish: (1) a grant program to enable eligible entities to conduct study activities; and (2) demonstration projects to implement best management practices for the control of nonpoint source pollution from erosion and agricultural runoff. Authorizes appropriations.

Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, 1992 (Helsinki Convention revised in 1992)

European Union · EUR-Lex · 9 April 1992

Dry Cell Battery Management Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Dry Cell Battery Management Act of 1992 - Prohibits the sale or offer for promotional purposes of alkaline manganese batteries with a mercury content that was intentionally introduced and exceeds the mercury concentration levels under this Act. Lists concentration levels as: (1) 250 parts per million by weight for batteries that are not button- or coin-shaped and are manufactured on or after January 1, 1993; (2) one part per million by weight for batteries that are not button- or coin-shaped and are manufactured on or after January 1, 1996; and (3) 25 milligrams of mercury per battery for button- or coin-shaped batteries that are manufactured on or after January 1, 1993. Prohibits the sale or offer for promotional purposes of: (1) zinc-carbon batteries exceeding a mercury concentration level of one part per million by weight that are manufactured on or after January 1, 1993; (2) consumer mercuric-oxide batteries on or after January 1, 1994; and (3) any mercuric-oxide battery on or after July 1, 1993, except in compliance with labeling requirements. Requires mercuric-oxide batteries to contain labels that state that the batteries contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of properly and that set forth the chemical symbol for mercury. Prohibits, on or after July 1, 1993, the manufacture of any rechargeable consumer product unless: (1) the rechargeable battery is easily removable from the product or is contained in a battery pack that is separate and easily removable from the product; (2) the battery, battery pack, or product with the nonremovable battery has a brand name affixed to it; (3) the product, the package containing the product, and the battery are labeled in accordance with this Act; and (4) the instruction manual for the product includes information explaining methods to ensure proper recycling or disposal of the used batteries. Requires rechargeable batteries, rechargeable consumer products, battery packs containing rechargeable batteries, and packages for such products that are manufactured after July 1, 1993, to: (1) be labeled in a manner visible to consumers; (2) include the standard abbreviation for the chemical composition of the battery or battery pack; and (3) inform consumers that rechargeable batteries when no longer reusable must be collected, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Authorizes exemptions to labeling requirements for two-year periods, based on specified evidence and subject to the approval of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Permits exemption renewals subject to specified conditions. Prohibits the sale or offer for promotional purposes of mercuric-oxide batteries, rechargeable batteries, or rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries unless the manufacturer of the battery or product has in effect an approved battery management plan. Directs the Administrator to promulgate requirements for battery management plans. Requires plans to provide for the environmentally sound collection, transportation, and recycling or disposal of mercuric-oxide or rechargeable batteries and rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries. Makes manufacturers liable for the costs of such activities. Prohibits the disposal of such batteries and products: (1) by incineration for purposes of reducing waste volume or generating energy; or (2) in a solid waste disposal facility other than a facility that is the subject of a permit issued in accordance with subpart C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Authorizes two or more manufacturers to submit group plans with respect to any specific battery or product in lieu of an individual plan. Sets forth plan approval, modification, and review procedures. Requires mercuric-oxide or rechargeable battery manufacturers to report annually to the Administrator on the recovery, recycling, and reclamation rates for such batteries and for rechargeable consumer products with nonremovable batteries. Applies reclamation and storage requirements applicable to spent lead-acid batteries under the Code of Federal Regulations to mercuric-oxide or rechargeable batteries collected and stored under this Act. Prohibits: (1) manufacturers of rechargeable batteries, battery packs, or rechargeable consumer products from refusing to receive spent batteries, battery packs, or rechargeable products sold by such manufacturers from a customer or municipal solid waste collection authority; and (2) the recycling or disposal of such items in a manner inconsistent with this Act. Directs the Administrator to require State solid waste management plans under the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) ensure compliance with this Act; and (2) provide for programs to collect used batteries and rechargeable consumer products from consumers and institutions. Requires the Administrator to establish an outreach program to provide information to the public concerning the proper handling and disposal of batteries and rechargeable consumer products. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations to require manufacturers of dry cell batteries manufactured or offered for sale in the United States to encode such batteries to identify the brand name and electrode type for purposes of facilitating battery separation, recycling, and disposal. Exempts button- and coin-shaped batteries (except consumer mercuric-oxide batteries) from coding regulations. Directs the Administrator to require the coding of exempted batteries if it would not interfere with electrical conductivity or cause unfavorable effects. Prohibits States or local governments from enforcing any coding requirement unless identical to this Act's requirements. Grants EPA employees access to information and facilities to enforce this Act. Authorizes civil actions to compel compliance with inspections. Directs the Administrator to establish a Battery Management Advisory Committee. Authorizes appropriations.

Innovative Ecological Wastewater Treatment Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Innovative Ecological Wastewater Treatment Promotion Act - Amends the Clean Water Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct up to five demonstration projects to: (1) determine the feasibility and effectiveness of advanced ecologically engineered technologies for wastewater treatment, reclamation, and reuse; (2) examine the potential applications of such technologies for warm- and cold-weather municipal wastewater treatment, municipal septage treatment, and agricultural wastewater purification and recycling; and (3) run for up to five years. Directs the Administrator to give priority to the following projects: (1) a project for Harwich, Massachusetts, to satisfy highly variable municipal septage treatment requirements; (2) a project for San Francisco, California, to produce water which meets specified Safe Drinking Water Act standards by treating effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment facility; (3) a project in Vermont to process municipal sewage in a cold-climate application; (4) an agricultural project to purify a specified amount of wastewater generated in conjunction with feedlot activities and to reclaim such water; and (5) other projects to examine the application of such technologies. Authorizes appropriations.

Federal Facilities Toxics Release Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Federal Facilities Toxics Release Act - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act to require Federal facilities that are subject to safety or chemical inventory reporting requirements under such Act or that manufacture or use a toxic chemical listed under such Act in excess of threshold amounts to comply with all Federal, State, and local requirements respecting emergency planning, notification, and reporting on substances covered by such Act. Waives sovereign immunity and the immunity of Federal employees for purposes of enforcement and injunctive relief. Authorizes the President to exempt a facility from requirements for one year if it is in the U.S. interest. Prohibits such an exemption due to lack of appropriations unless the President has specifically requested the appropriation as part of the budgetary process and the Congress failed to make it available. Authorizes additional exemptions for periods of up to one year. Permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to commence administrative enforcement actions against Federal agencies pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on making chemicals used by Federal facilities subject to toxic chemical release form requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act.

Ozone Protection and Clean Technology Competitive Enhancement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Ozone Protection and Clean Technology Competitive Enhancement Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit: (1) the production of class I or II ozone depleting substances (defined under the Clean Air Act) after 1992; (2) the production and use, within 30 and 90 days of this Act's enactment, respectively, of methyl bromide; and (3) the production of methyl chloroform after 1992. Makes exemptions to such prohibition for pharmaceutical applications and, in the case of class I or II substances, for critical fire protection. Prohibits: (1) the use of chlorine or other chlorinated oxidizing agents in the pulp and paper industry within five years of this Act's enactment; (2) the use of mercury as a biocide and in batteries after 1994; and (3) the sale or promotion of any packaging or product in packaging which includes additives containing lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium after 1994. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress on: (1) sunset candidates (toxic substances with a capacity for bioaccumulation or persistence in the environment), along with a list of alternatives to such substances and recommendations for their phaseout; (2) organochlorines and organobromines produced in quantities of more than 25,000 pounds per year, uses of such substances, and recommendations for eliminating their use; and (3) uses of elemental chlorine and chlorinated oxidizing agents of more than 1,000 tons per year, alternatives for such substances, and recommendations for eliminating their use. Prohibits any facility from replacing the manufacture, import, processing, use, or sale of any sunset candidate with any substitute toxic substance with a known or probable carcinogen, teratogen, or mutagen or with any alternative product or process that creates new public health or environmental risks. Directs the Administrator to establish a fee on the manufacture, import, or sale of sunset candidates. Requires fee proceeds to be used solely for worker retraining, adjustment, and education, and for jobs development programs for workers displaced by the phaseout of sunset candidates.

Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire title to the Elwha River Hydroelectric Project and the Glines Canyon Hydroelectric Project (the Projects), both in the State of Washington, including all rights and interests in the Projects and the electric power generated by the Projects held by the owner of the Projects and by the pulp and paper mill on Ediz Hook in Port Angeles, Washington (the mill). Grants consideration in the forms of: (1) deeming satisfied or assumed obligations and liabilities of the owner and the mill to the United States, including project removal and any ecosystem, fish and wildlife mitigation, or restoration obligations; and (2) the United States providing to the mill, through Port Angeles City Light, power to replace the power generated by the Projects. Authorizes the Projects to continue to operate under the terms and conditions of licenses and permits issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission until title is transferred under this Act. Mandates a power exchange agreement between the Secretary and the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration. Regulates the power supplied to the mill, including price and a term of 40 years. Mandates interim and final operating plans for the Projects designed to promote the purposes of ecosystem, fisheries, and wildlife restoration, protection, and enhancement and the other purposes of this Act, with electric power production incidental and subordinate to the purposes of this Act and such production reduced or terminated as necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. Establishes the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Task Force, and requires it to prepare a comprehensive and multidisciplinary analysis of the most effective and reliable alternatives to carry out the purposes of this Act. Requires: (1) in carrying out construction, dam removal, fishery restoration, or monitoring under this Act, preference to the employment of members of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe; and (2) in carrying out the final plan, satisfaction of the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct an assessment of present conditions of the ecosystem, water quality, fisheries, and wildlife of the Elwha River Basin and to monitor and evaluate subsequent changes thereto associated with implementation of the final plan. Directs the Secretary, if the final plan requires removal of the Projects, to protect the continued availability of high quality water for users of Elwha River water. Makes the Secretary responsible, if removal is begun but, for budgetary reasons, is not completed, for all fishery mitigation and correction of water quality problems. Establishes the Elwha River National Fish Refuge, comprised of lands acquired by the United States under this Act that are located outside of the exterior boundaries of the Olympic National Park. Authorizes the Secretary to manage lands acquired by the United States under this Act, outside the Park, and not needed for the refuge for the benefit of the Tribe for housing, cultural, or economic development. Reduces any repayment obligations of the Administration to the United States by the value of replacement power supplied to the mill, less the value of power delivered to the Administrator. Directs the Secretary to retain surplus Federal land on Ediz Hook, Washington, and authorizes the Secretary to transfer title to such lands to the Tribe for tribal economic development if the Tribe and the city of Port Angeles agree concerning development of the land. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act.

Defense Economic Reinvestment Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Defense Economic Reinvestment Act of 1992 - Title I: Worker and Member Assistance Programs - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to assist displaced defense workers (workers displaced as the result of the closure of defense facilities or reductions in defense spending) and members involuntarily separated from active duty in the armed forces to obtain reemployment in defense distressed areas (areas in which a minimum workforce reduction has occurred as the result of defense spending reductions or the closure of a defense facility). Directs the Secretary to enter into agreements with public or private employers that agree to extend employment positions to separated members and displaced defense workers. Requires: (1) the Secretary to pay 25 percent of the first-year's wages paid to each displaced defense worker or separated member; (2) the employer to hire a specified number of such individuals during the agreement period for at least 180 days and to place such individuals in positions located in, or relocate them outside of, a defense dependent area. Requires repayment to the Secretary by an employer breaching such agreement. Authorizes the Secretary to implement an incentive program to assist a facility in rehiring employees terminated or laid off as the result of the curtailment, completion, elimination, or realignment of a defense contract or program. Requires the Secretary to pay 12.5 percent of the first-year's wages of employees rehired under such program. Requires the facility involved to continue to pay the health insurance premium for health care elected by such employees. Authorizes appropriations to carry out both programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional credit against Federal unemployment tax (not to exceed 12 percent) for employers who contribute to a reemployment assistance fund maintained under a State law certified by the Secretary of Labor. Changes the rate of Federal unemployment tax on employers to the sum of 5.4 percent of total wages paid and .25 percent of the total Federal taxable wages paid. (The current rate of tax is 6.2 percent for 1988 through 1995 and 6.0 percent for 1996 and thereafter.) Replaces the $7,000 threshold in the definition of wages, for purposes of Federal taxable wage, with the average annual wage in employment covered under State unemployment compensation laws for the most recent calendar year. Revises the method of computing installment payments of Federal unemployment tax to take into account the additional credit allowed against such tax. Directs the Secretary to establish a program under which the Secretary makes grants to eligible entities to provide: (1) retraining services to enable displaced defense workers and involuntarily separated members of the armed forces who have experience in the field of engineering to obtain employment in the field of environmental engineering; and (2) fellowship assistance to such individuals while they are receiving such retraining. Makes eligible for such grants certain public research universities having a facility located within 50 miles of a defense distressed community. Outlines selection criteria. Limits such grants to $2,000,000 per entity. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Defense Economic Development Grants - Directs the Secretary to make grants to communities, including defense distressed communities located in defense dependent areas, to assist such communities in the economic transition necessary due to reductions in defense expenditures or the closure of defense facilities. Provides a grant preference to certain communities. Outlines authorized fund uses. Authorizes the Secretary to perform administrative services on a reimbursable basis on behalf of a grant recipient. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Defense Industrial and Technology Base Initiatives - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) upon completion of the recommendations by a government-industry committee concerning the rights of the United States in technical data produced in its Federal laboratories, the Secretary should report to the Congress concerning such recommendations and related regulations; (2) upon completion of a final report of an advisory panel concerning the streamlining and codification of defense acquisition laws, the Secretary should transmit such report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees (defense committees), together with comments; and (3) the Secretary should make every effort to facilitate technology dissemination to U.S. private industry to the extent practical with fiscal prudence and national security. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to make grants to support the enhancement of existing programs of alternative technology development, and the establishment of new alternative technology development programs, regarding biotechnology, photonics, and agro-environmental and marine science. Makes eligible as grant recipients certain public research universities with facilities located within a defense dependent area or an independent nonprofit research institution with an advanced degree program. Requires the Secretary to give a preference in the award of such grants to universities that conduct research as part of a State comprehensive economic development and conversion plan. Requires applicants to be chosen on a merit basis pursuant to competitive procedures. Outlines selection criteria. Authorizes appropriations. Title IV: Administration of Economic Adjustment Programs in the Department of Defense - Establishes the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Economic Adjustment to be responsible for the overall supervision of economic adjustment programs in the Department of Defense (DOD). Establishes in DOD an Office for Economic Adjustment, directed by the Assistant Secretary. Outlines Office duties relating to the economic adjustment and industrial diversification of industries, communities, and workers adversely affected by the termination or reduction of defense spending or defense-related contracts. Requires the Office to provide economic adjustment assistance to such industries, communities, and workers on a Federal, State, and local community level. Authorizes appropriations. Title V: Notification of Defense Facilities Closings and Employee Layoffs - Requires a defense facility, as soon as practicable after receiving actual or constructive notice of the cancellation or delay of a defense contract, to notify the following persons or entities about the contract and any plant closing or layoff of 50 or more employees likely to occur as a result of the cancellation or delay: (1) the Office of Economic Adjustment of DOD; (2) each labor representative of any employee affected, or if none, the employee; and (3) the chief elected official of the State in which the facility is located. Prohibits an employer (generally, one employing 100 or more full-time employees) from ordering a plant closing or employee layoff until 60 days after the employer serves notice to such individuals and entities. Allows the employer to shut down a single site of employment before such 60-day period in limited circumstances. Requires no notification when such closing or layoff is due to a natural disaster. Provides that a layoff of more than six months which, at its outset, was announced as a layoff of six months or less, shall be treated as an employment loss unless: (1) the extension beyond six months is caused by unforeseen business circumstances; and (2) notice is given at the time it becomes foreseeable that the extension will be required. States that such notification requirements shall not apply to a plant closing or layoff if it: (1) involves a temporary facility; or (2) constitutes a strike or lockout not intended to evade the requirements of this title. Provides for civil actions against employers found to be in violation of the requirements of this title. Requires employees who suffer an employment loss without proper notification to receive back pay and certain benefits under employee benefit plans for the period of violation up to 60 days. Outlines administrative procedures in connection with such civil action. States that the remedies provided under this title for lack of due notification shall be the exclusive remedies for such violation, allowing no Federal court to enjoin a plant closing or layoff. Provides that rights and remedies provided to employees by this title are in addition to any other statutory rights and remedies of such employees.

To amend title II of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to conduct a pilot program for the deposit of authorized waste on the deep seabed.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to direct the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to: (1) conduct a pilot program to demonstrate the feasibility of disposing of authorized waste by depositing it on the deep seabed; and (2) issue three permits, as part of such program, to authorize the deposit of such waste at a specified site on the seabed. Requires permits to: (1) specify sites for deposit in the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans or the Gulf of Mexico; (2) provide that such waste is deposited in a manner that prevents the waste from contacting the water column before reaching the vicinity of the deep seabed; (3) authorize deposits for a five-year period; and (4) direct the authorized person to conduct monitoring of the waste site and report to the Under Secretary and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Directs the Under Secretary and the Administrator to jointly conduct a program for monitoring environmental conditions at waste sites and nearby areas.

Technology Transfer Committee Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Technology Transfer Committee Act of 1992 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 to establish a committee to: (1) support the commercial adaption of research and development in the civilian technology area; (2) place a heavy emphasis on critical technologies that will ensure the long-term superiority of U.S. technology; (3) be specifically designed to address the constructive advancement of civilian technology; (4) identify technological needs, problems, and opportunities within and across industrial sectors that, if addressed, could make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy; (5) support projects that range from idea exploration to prototype development and address long-term, high risk areas of technology research, development, and application that are not otherwise being adequately developed by the private sector, but are likely to yield important benefits to the Nation; (6) identify emerging national technology problems and support research pertinent to those problems; (7) support development of solutions to applied research programs; (8) determine the relationships of technological developments and international technology transfers to the output, employment, productivity, and world trade performance of the United States and foreign industrial sectors; (9) investigate the potential of advancing U.S. technological innovation and exploiting innovations of foreign origin; (10) secure the translation of technology into timely, cost competitive, high quality manufactured products and provide an efficient technological infrastructure; (11) support applied research and development that falls outside the purview of other Federal agencies that should be supported in the national interest; (12) generally promote and assist in the development of advanced technologies and the generic application of such technologies of civilian products, processes, and services; (13) assess whether the capital, technical, and other resources available to domestic industrial sectors which are likely to generate new technologies are adequate to meet private and social demands for goods and services and to promote productivity and economic growth; and (14) promote research that contributes to the scientific basis of health, safety, and environmental regulations for the purposes of improving regulatory actions and minimizing duplicative research. Requires the committee to promote: (1) technology transfer from the Federal Government to private enterprise; and (2) government-industry cooperation to halt the penetration of U.S. markets by foreign competitors. Provides for participation by foreign countries in projects supported by the committee. Requires the committee to be headed by a director who shall make grants and enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with research and development entities or other arrangements with entities that are deemed most useful by the committee to accomplish the purposes of this Act. Requires the committee to provide the funding for research and development concerning the adaption of technology. Requires the committee to coordinate efforts with other Federal agencies to make certain there are no disputes over grants, loans, and contracts. Requires the committee to report annually to the President, both Houses of the Congress, and the Council on Industrial Competitiveness on its past year actions and any recommendations for appropriate legislative actions.

Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production Waste Management Improvement Act of 1991

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production Waste Management Improvement Act of 1991 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to make wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas subject to hazardous waste management requirements effective January 1, 1994. Exempts wastes from the exploration, development, and production of geothermal energy from such requirements unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that regulation of such wastes is necessary to protect human health and the environment. Directs the Administrator to promulgate changes to the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure to ensure that it accurately predicts the leaching potential of wastes containing significant concentrations of oil or grease. Bans the use of produced water for dust suppression or road treatment. Defines "produced water" as water brought up from the hydrocarbon strata during the extraction of oil and gas that may include formation or injection water and any chemicals added downhole or during the oil-water separation process. Applies requirements regarding State hazardous waste management programs to programs for produced water, drilling fluids, and radioactive waste from the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas. Directs States which seek to obtain authorization to administer and enforce a regulatory program for produced water, drilling fluids, and radioactive waste to maintain programs to evaluate and remediate sites containing such wastes that may not be adequately addressed by hazardous waste management requirements. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review such programs biennially; and (2) conduct and collect permit fees for such activities for States that are not authorized to carry them out. Requires the Administrator to collect annual fees from owners or operators of facilities required to obtain operating or postclosure permits to cover costs of administering the permit program. Prohibits a State from administering a program unless the State demonstrates that it will collect an amount that adequately reflects permit program costs. Directs the Administrator to review such programs biennially. Authorizes the Administrator to collect fees from such facilities if a State is not adequately enforcing an approved fee program. Prescribes penalties for failures to pay fees. Prescribes criminal penalties for certain knowing violations concerning the management of produced water, drilling fluid, or waste associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the management of produced water, drilling fluids, and radioactive waste associated with such activities, including minimum requirements for design and construction of storage facilities, closure, corrective action, and financial assurances. Requires surface impoundments receiving produced water to meet specified requirements with respect to liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and leak detection. Prohibits, after 1993, the discharge of produced water to surface water, except as provided in a permit issued pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act that contains discharge limitations for at least the organic, radioactive, and chloride constituents of such water. Requires permits for the treatment, storage, or disposal of produced water or a permit-by-rule for fully enclosed tanks. Allows the disposal of drilling fluids at a drilling site after 1993 in units only if: (1) the fluids are tested and do not exhibit a hazardous waste characteristic; (2) the records containing the test data are retained for at least five years at a location specified by the Administrator; (3) the disposal units meet certain design, construction, operating, monitoring, wildlife protection, and location standards; and (4) the units are properly closed within six months of completion of drilling operations at the site. Permits the disposal of drilling fluids exhibiting a hazardous waste characteristic at an offsite facility after 1993 only if the facility has a certain permit and meets applicable standards. Requires permits for the treatment, storage, or disposal of drilling fluids or a permit-by-rule for onsite facilities and offsite treatment and storage facilities. Prohibits, until regulations regarding radioactive waste under this Act are promulgated: (1) the transfer of land for unrestricted use where the concentration of radium-226 in soil exceeds certain levels; and (2) the transfer of facilities or equipment for unrestricted use where the maximum radiation exposure level exceeds 50 microroentgens per hour at any accessible point. Authorizes the Administrator to require owners or operators of facilities, equipment, or property to undertake corrective action with respect to releases of radioactive waste from the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas to protect human health and the environment. Requires a license for the treatment, storage, or disposal of such waste or a permit-by-rule for the storage of waste in fully enclosed tanks and containers. Sets forth provisions concerning interim status for facilities in the process of applying for permits under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator or a State to require such facilities to undertake corrective action with respect to releases of produced water, drilling fluids, or radioactive waste. Prescribes civil penalties for failures to comply with corrective action orders. Authorizes and directs the Administrator to: (1) carry out a program of research, development, and demonstration of technologies which may be utilized to reduce the toxicity of produced water and other wastes from the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas; and (2) conduct a field investigation of Class II underground injection wells and compile an inventory of well failures.

Wetlands Delineation Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Wetlands Delineation Fairness Act - Requires Federal wetlands delineation criteria regarding wetland hydrology to apply uniformly to all areas, including areas known as playas, playa lakes, prairie potholes, vernal pools, and pocosins. Defines "wetland hydrology" as the number of consecutive days that an area must be inundated or saturated with water.

Western Hemisphere Environmental, Labor, and Agricultural Standards Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

Western Hemisphere Environmental, Labor, and Agricultural Standards Act of 1992 - Declares that any free-trade area agreement negotiated under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA) in furtherance of the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative with any country in the Western Hemisphere outside North America must include the achievement of certain environmental, labor, and agricultural standards as principal negotiating objectives in addition to any other OTCA mandates. Sets forth worker rights and standards, including among others: (1) freedom of association and the right to organize free and independent unions, bargain collectively, and strike; (2) certain minimum ages for the employment of children in specified circumstances; (3) the right to a healthy working environment; (4) equal protection; and (5) humane standards of wages and hours of work. Sets forth principal negotiating objectives for environmental quality and protection, including among others: (1) protection of the integrity of ecosystems; (2) a process for full public disclosures of kinds, quantities, and risks of toxic chemical and hazardous substance discharges; and (3) prevention of the export of toxic and hazardous substances and products, and of products manufactured, extracted, or grown under environmental or workplace safety and health conditions that undermine comparable standards in the importing country. Requires adoption, in any such agreement, of the principle that systematic denial or practical negation of such labor and environmental standards constitutes an actionable unfair trade practice. Requires any such agreement to establish a comprehensive dispute resolution process with specified provisions, including one for a multilateral commission with authority to investigate, adjudicate, and issue timely binding judgments. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology to establish, through the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology, an interagency committee to provide technical assistance to U.S. experts on the multilateral dispute resolution commission.

North American Environmental, Labor, and Agricultural Standards Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1992

North American Environmental, Labor, and Agricultural Standards Act of 1992 - Declares that any free-trade area trade agreement negotiated under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA) with Canada and Mexico (NAFTA) must include the achievement of certain environmental, labor, and agricultural standards as principal negotiating objectives in addition to any other OTCA mandates. Sets forth worker rights and standards, including among others: (1) freedom of association and the right to organize free and independent unions, bargain collectively, and strike; (2) certain minimum ages for the employment of children in specified circumstances; (3) the right to a healthy working environment; (4) equal protection; and (5) humane standards of wages and hours of work. Sets forth principal negotiating objectives for environmental quality and protection, including among others: (1) protection of the integrity of ecosystems; (2) a process for full public disclosure of kinds, quantities, and risks of toxic chemical and hazardous substance discharges; and (3) prevention of the export of toxic and hazardous substances and products, and of products manufactured, extracted, or grown under environmental or workplace safety and health conditions that undermine comparable standards in the importing country. Requires adoption, in any such agreement, of the principle that systematic denial or practical negation of such labor and environmental standards constitutes an actionable unfair trade practice. Requires any such agreement to establish a comprehensive dispute resolution process with specified provisions, including one for a trinational commission with authority to investigate, adjudicate, and issue timely binding judgments. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology to establish, through the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology, an interagency committee to provide technical assistance to U.S. experts on the trinational dispute resolution commission.

GREEN PAPER on the impact of Transport on the Environment - A Community strategy for "sustainable mobility"

European Union · European Commission · 9 April 1992

Alien Species Prevention and Enforcement Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Alien Species Prevention and Enforcement Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to screen all mail to Hawaii to: (1) identify and obtain a search warrant to inspect mail likely to contain any plant pest or injurious animal; (2) remove, examine, and destroy the prohibited material; (3) notify the intended recipient; and (4) determine whether the situation warrants prosecution. Increases specified Federal penalties relating to the introduction of plant or animal pests. Directs: (1) the Postmaster General to offer to enter into a two-year cooperative agreement with Hawaii to enforce specified postal restrictions on mailed plants; and (2) the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to enter into similar agreements with Hawaii to enforce laws under their respective jurisdictions.

Hard Rock Mining Reclamation Acceleration Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Hard Rock Mining Reclamation Acceleration Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to implement a project demonstrating the effectiveness of a least cost, low maintenance reclamation alternative for the remediation of land and water contamination caused by past hard rock mining activities. Requires the project to be conducted: (1) through a cost-sharing arrangement between Federal, State, and local governmental entities by which at least 20 percent of the total remediation costs shall be borne by State and local governments; and (2) at a specified site where mines are threatening to contaminate local water supplies with excessive loadings of toxic metals. Authorizes appropriations.

A joint resolution calling for the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to enter into agreements with Canada to protect the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, for the Secretary of the Interior to ensure that Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve is not degraded by potential mine developments in Canada, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to enter immediately into negotiations with Canada to provide protection for the entire Alsek River watershed to preserve its fisheries, wildlife, water quality, and recreational and wilderness values. Requires the Secretary (acting through the Director of the National Park Service) to ensure that the internationally significant natural resource values of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, including all interests of the United States protected by international treaty, are not degraded by proposed open-pit copper mine developments within Canada. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to study and report to the Congress on the potential impacts to the Park and Preserve caused by the proposed mine development in British Columbia. Directs the Secretary of State to seek the agreement of the Canadian Government that the International Joint Commission be referred, pursuant to a specified Treaty, to: (1) examine comprehensively the potential adverse environmental and social impacts of the proposed mining activity; and (2) issue no permits required to develop such project before completion of such study. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to seek the cooperation of the Canadian Government to obtain World Heritage Site status and protection for the entire Alsek and Tatshenshini River watershed.

Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Complex Reconfiguration Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 1992

Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Complex Reconfiguration Commission Act - Establishes the Department of Energy Nuclear Weapons Complex Reconfiguration Commission (appointed by the President) to review and report to the Congress on: (1) segmentation decisions by the Department of Energy (DOE) with respect to programmatic environmental impact statements (PEIS) prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, including DOE proposals to segment the issue of nonnuclear consolidation from the PEIS process; (2) environmental assessments and any findings of no significant impact made by DOE as a result of a PEIS or segmentation of a DOE-prepared PEIS; (3) the DOE record of decision with respect to any DOE-prepared PEIS regarding the structural reconfiguration of the nuclear weapons complex; (4) the need for supplemental environmental impact statements (SEIS) to be prepared by DOE, and to review such SEIS; (5) the adjustment assistance plan for nuclear weapons facility workers proposed by DOE; and (6) DOE analyses of the cost of the structural reconfiguration of the nuclear weapons complex. Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to report biannually to the Commission on DOE actions, assessments, and decisions with respect the Commission's enumerated duties. Requires the Commission, after receiving the Secretary's report, to submit to the President an evaluation of its reviews, and a justification of any proposals that differ from those of DOE. Prescribes procedures for approval or disapproval of Commission recommendations by either the President or the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to postpone implementation of any DOE proposal to segment the issue of nonnuclear consolidation from the PEIS process until the Commission makes a recommendation in favor of such proposal which the President approves and the Congress does not disapprove.

To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to define the term "yard waste".

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 1992

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to define "yard waste" for purposes of such Act as discarded leaves, grass clippings, tree or shrubbery trimmings, Christmas trees, gardening residues, or other similar refuse materials composed of vegetative matter.

Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1992

Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define "minor use" as the use of a pesticide on a commercial agricultural crop or site where: (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; (2) the acreage expected to be treated as a result of that use is less than 300,000 acres annually or the agricultural crop represents production from less than 300,000 acres annually; (3) the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support initial or continuing registration; and (4) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not determined that the use presents an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if it is determined that the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the incremental risk presented by the minor use and that such risk would have an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Prohibits data that relates solely to a minor use, without the permission of the original data submitter, from being considered by the Administrator to support a minor use application by another person for ten years following the submission of the data. Terminates the exclusive use of such data if the registration is voluntarily cancelled, or if the data are used to support a nonminor use. Provides for expedited review (within six months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Grants registrants who make good faith requests for minor use waivers regarding required data, and whose requests are denied, a full time period for providing such data. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of data required solely to support a minor use pesticide up to four years if the registrant provides data to support other uses of the pesticide and a schedule to assure that the data production will be completed before the expiration of the extension. Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Requires the Administrator to conditionally amend a registration to permit additional minor uses even if data is insufficient if the applicant has submitted satisfactory data pertaining to the proposed minor use and amending such registration would not increase environmental risks. Prohibits amendments if the pesticide meets or exceeds risk criteria associated with human dietary exposure and other specified conditions. Provides for extensions of minor use registration and data submission deadlines in cases where a registrant is not providing data to support a minor use but is providing data in a timely fashion to support other uses. Requires the Administrator, when a minor use registration application is filed no later than two years after another registrant voluntarily cancels registration for a similar use, to evaluate such application as if the voluntary cancellation had not yet taken place for purposes of data use, subject to environmental risk considerations. Directs EPA to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program within the Office of Pesticide Programs. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture matching fund minor use program. Requires the program to be utilized to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals, including the data to support minor use pesticide registrations.

Cofiring Promotion Act of 1992

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1992

Cofiring Promotion Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) implement a program of research and demonstration of cofiring (of natural gas and coal) in utility and large industrial boilers in order to determine optimal natural gas injection levels for environmental and operational benefits; and (2) provide financial assistance for half the costs of such cofiring technology projects. Requires the Secretary to provide a status report to the Congress by a specified deadline. Authorizes appropriations.