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Bill· HRH.R. 288 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Chesapeake Bay Medical Waste Control Act - Prohibits dumping, discharge, disposal, or transport for such purposes of medical waste into the waters or along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Imposes penalties for violations. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations governing the generation, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of medical waste in the Chesapeake Bay States and to review the adequacy of treatment and disposal methods. Directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to conduct a monitoring and research program under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of medical waste found in and along the Bay. Requires the issuance to all waste generators of guidance on methods to reduce medical waste in the Bay.
Bill· HRH.R. 359 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Product Liability Uniform Standards Act - Sets forth uniform national standards for product liability cases. Preempts inconsistent State laws. Declares that the provisions of this Act shall be inapplicable in certain environmental actions. Makes negligence the sole test for all defective design and failure-to-warn product liability actions. Places the burden of proof on the claimant in such cases. Treats the product seller as the manufacturer (for the purposes of such actions) if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Requires damages to be reduced by the amount of workers' compensation benefits paid. Makes a product manufacturer or seller who acted with reckless disregard for the consumers' safety liable for punitive damages. Lists factors for the trier of fact to consider when determining the amount of punitive damages. Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a Product Liability Damages Review Panel to conduct a study of damages in relation to the product liability litigation system. Authorizes appropriations for such purpose for FY 1990.
Bill· HRH.R. 296 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Department of Environmental Protection Act - Redesignates the Environmental Protection Agency as the Department of Environmental Protection, an executive department to be administered by a Secretary of Environmental Protection appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Bill· HRH.R. 146 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Federal Pesticide Programs Improvement Act of 1989 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to permit Federal agencies to use a registered pesticide unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines that missing or deficient data warrants suspension or cancellation of such registration. Permits Federal agencies to refer to research conducted for EPA pesticide registration in developing their own environmental impact statements. Provides that registration guidelines promulgated by the Administrator may not contain a requirement for applicants to perform human epidemiological studies to obtain or support registrations.
Bill· HRH.R. 37 (101st)reported
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Title I: Water Resources Authority of the Geological Survey - Geological Survey Water Resources Organic Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Geological Survey, to undertake research, investigations, appraisals, surveys, and related activities regarding the Nation's water resources. Authorizes the Secretary to cooperate with other government agencies and to perform such activities on a reimbursable basis, as specified. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992. Title II: Ground Water Research - National Ground Water Research Act of 1989 - Directs the President to coordinate groundwater related activities conducted by Federal agencies. Requires the President to assist States in the conduct of such activities, including disseminating information. Directs the President to establish an Interagency Ground Water Research Committee to coordinate research, development, demonstration, technology transfer, training, and information dissemination activities related to groundwater conducted by the Federal agencies, including establishing priorities. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a report assessing groundwater quality and quantity information systems and data collection and monitoring. Requires the Secretary to submit such report to the Congress with biennial updates. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national groundwater assessment program to assist State and local governments in managing groundwater resources and designing monitoring programs, including recommending protocols to assist such governments in meeting their data collection responsibilities under specified Federal environmental statutes. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and coordinate a research, development, and demonstration program for the protection and management of groundwater resources, including surveys, the development of cost-effective prevention, detection, and mitigation techniques, and the provision of technical assistance. Sets forth demonstration project selection criteria and procedures, based upon the seriousness of the contaminant addressed and a project's applicability to other locations and circumstances. Requires that such project be monitored and evaluated by the Administrator. Authorizes the Administrator to pay the costs of such evaluation, but limits Federal cost sharing for the project in general. Directs the Administrator to conduct and publish a risk assessment analysis for significant groundwater contaminants according to a standard format and prescribed schedule. Directs the Secretary and the Administrator each to establish a technical assistance program to serve other Federal and governmental agencies, including conducting research, surveys, training, and technology transfer. Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain a National Groundwater Information Clearinghouse. Directs the Administrator to establish a media-specific research committee for groundwater resources. Directs the Science Advisory Board established by the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 to review and report to the Congress on EPA's groundwater research programs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and maintain research fellowships. Directs the Administrator to make grants for groundwater research institutes which are to be located in areas making significant use of groundwater. Requires that funds be equitably distributed throughout the United States and that one of the institutes be the National Center for Ground Water Research, a consortium between Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Rice Universities. Limits the Federal share to 50 percent of costs and earmarks funds for technology transfer. Requires the Administrator to review and evaluate such institutes and subjects the institute's research to peer review. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Army to consider the impact on groundwater when evaluating new water resource projects. Authorizes modifications in existing projects to protect groundwater. Requires the Administrator, in cooperation with New Jersey and relevant local governments, to study and report on: (1) the feasibility of removing volatile groundwater contaminants in the New Jersey coastal plain by induced air phase transport; and (2) the problem of trace metal leaching by corrosive groundwater in such coastal plain. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with California and relevant local agencies, to study and report on the feasibility of groundwater replenishment with treated wastewater and of the potential of groundwater contamination through exfiltration of sewage from sewer systems of publicly owned treatment works. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with New York State and relevant local governments, to study and report on the pollution of the Buffalo River by contaminated groundwater in Erie County. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Army, to conduct a research and demonstration program at the Lake Okeechobee ecosystem, Florida, on the relationship between ground and surface water quality and the management and control of aquatic plants. Requires that methods developed be adaptable to other circumstances and be made available to State and local governments. Requires the solicitation of information from other sources, such as scientists and management personnel. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary each to report to the Congress on such program and demonstration project, authorizing other Federal agencies to utilize such report. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the President to report annually to the Congress on groundwater generally and groundwater programs conducted pursuant to this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991. Title III: Agricultural Production and Water Use - Agricultural Ground Water Management Act of 1989 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and report to the Congress on the relationship between agricultural practices and water use and quality, including current and projected status and efforts. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to conduct a joint study of the impact on groundwater and agricultural interests of proposals to dredge from the Hudson River sediments which contain PCBs and dispose of such sediments on land. Directs the Secretary to establish an Agricultural Nitrogen Best Management Practices Task Force to report to the Secretary and the Congress on agricultural best management practices, systems, and technologies for reducing or mitigating any negative effects of agricultural nitrogen on water quality. Authorizes appropriations for three fiscal years. Title IV: Ground Water Radium Contamination - Authorizes the Administrator to assist local governments in demonstrating mitigation of radium contamination in groundwater where such groundwater is used as a source of public drinking water in small communities and the contamination exceeds the level established under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1990 through 1992 for such program.
Bill· HRH.R. 99 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1989 - Title I: Ozone and Carbon Monoxide Nonattainment Areas - Subtitle A: General Provisions - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate rules, within 18 months of this Act's enactment, for enhanced State monitoring of ozone, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. Authorizes States to request the Administrator to redesignate a nonattainment area for an air pollutant for which a national ambient air quality standard is applicable as having attained the standard for such pollutant if the area meets such standard, the State implementation plan is revised to provide for the maintenance of such standard, and contingency provisions of such plan assure prompt correction of violations of the standard. Requires the Administrator to promulgate minimum criteria for the consideration of State implementation plan revisions. Revises ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment areas which are classified as Serious or Severe Areas and are located within Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) or Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSA) to include the entire MSA or CMSA. Authorizes the Administrator to modify nonattainment areas classified as Moderate Class I or Moderate Class II areas to encompass the entire MSA or CMSA if such modification is necessary to obtain the air quality standard for ozone or carbon monoxide. Subtitle B: Provisions Relating Primarily to Ozone Air Pollution - Classifies an ozone nonattainment area as a Moderate Class I, Moderate Class II, Serious Area, or Severe Area depending on the extent to which the area deviates from the ozone air quality standard. Sets forth air quality attainment dates for each classification. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) make no more than two one-year extensions of attainment dates for Moderate Class II or Serious Areas; and (2) reclassify Moderate or Serious Areas as Severe if they cannot meet the ozone standard before December 31, 1997. Sets forth special rules for determining the attainment dates of reclassified areas. Requires each State to submit to the Administrator an emissions inventory of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from all sources in ozone nonattainment areas. Requires stationary sources within such areas to provide the State with such emissions information. Directs the Administrator to complete development of a Regional Oxidant Model and an urban scale photochemical grid model upon which State plan revisions for ozone nonattainment areas shall be based. Charges major stationary sources with modeling and inventory costs. Requires that State implementation plans for ozone nonattainment areas be revised to contain measures necessary for attaining the ozone standard by the applicable date, including enforceable interim schedules of compliance, contingency provisions to deal with the failure of areas to meet such schedules, and new source review provisions. Sets forth federally prescribed measures for ozone nonattainment areas, including limitations, applicable to all such areas, on increased emissions of nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds resulting from the construction or modification of stationary sources. Requires enhanced vehicular inspection and maintenance programs and the application of reasonably available control technology to stationary sources in Moderate Class II, Serious, and Severe ozone nonattainment areas. Requires the use of fill nozzles to recover gasoline vapors escaping when vehicle gas tanks are being filled, increases in the use of vehicles emitting low levels of nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds, and the enhancement of emissions monitoring programs in Serious and Severe Areas. Requires transportation control measures, specified reductions in volatile organic compounds emitted from stationary sources that are not in compliance with emission limitations, and the imposition of civil penalties against the owners or operators of stationary sources that do not obtain such reductions in Severe Areas. Sets forth enforcement provisions. Authorizes the imposition of specified sanctions for violations of this subtitle's requirements or provisions of State implementation plans. Directs the Administrator to upgrade the classification of a Moderate Class I, Moderate Class II, or Serious ozone nonattainment area which fails to attain the air quality standard by the applicable date. Requires States to submit plan revisions for such areas. Imposes restrictions on the construction and modification of stationary sources in Severe Areas which fail to meet such standard by the applicable date. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue and periodically revise control technology guidelines for stationary sources of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds; (2) identify alternative controls for all categories of such stationary sources; and (3) provide States with guidance in evaluating the relative cost-effectiveness of various options for controlling emissions from stationary sources of air pollutants contributing to the nonattainment of ozone or carbon monoxide standards. Directs the Administrator to establish interstate ozone transport regions when there is reason to believe that ozone in one or more States contributes significantly to ozone in another State. Requires the Administrator to create an ozone transport commission for each region to identify the sources of air pollution in the region which should be required to apply reasonably available control technology to reduce ozone pollution elsewhere in the region. Requires the revision of State implementation plans to satisfy commission recommendations which have the Administrator's approval. Authorizes a State to petition the Administrator to require out-of-State sources to install reasonably available control technology upon a finding that such sources contribute to the State's nonattainment of air quality standards. Requires each State in which is located a portion of a multi-State nonattainment area to coordinate the revision and implementation of State implementation plans applicable to the nonattainment area. Allows such a State to escape sanctions upon a showing that it is other States in which such area is located that have violated this subtitle's provisions or caused nonattainment by the applicable date. Subtitle C: Provisions Relating Primarily to Carbon Monoxide Air Pollution - Classifies a carbon monoxide nonattainment area as a Moderate Class I, Moderate Class II, or Severe Area depending on the extent the area deviates from the carbon monoxide air quality standard. Sets forth air quality attainment dates for each classification. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) make no more than one one-year extension of the attainment date for a Moderate Class II Area; and (2) reclassify a Moderate Class II Area as a Severe Area if it cannot meet the carbon monoxide standard before December 31, 1995. Sets forth special rules for determining the attainment dates of reclassified areas. Requires each State in which is located a portion of a multi-State carbon monoxide nonattainment area to coordinate revisions and implementation of State implementation plans applicable to the nonattainment area. Allows such a State to escape sanctions upon a showing that it is other States in which such area is located that have violated this subtitle's provisions or caused nonattainment by the applicable date. Requires that State implementation plans for carbon monoxide nonattainment areas be revised to contain measures necessary for attaining the carbon monoxide standard by the applicable date, including enforceable interim schedules of compliance, a forecast of the vehicle miles to be traveled in the nonattainment area for each year prior to the attainment date, and contingency provisions if the estimate of vehicle miles traveled exceeds the forecast mileage or the area fails to meet the air quality standard by the applicable date. Sets forth federally prescribed measures for carbon monoxide nonattainment areas, including vehicular inspection and maintenance programs in Moderate Class II Areas and enhanced vehicular inspection and maintenance programs, increases in the use of vehicles emitting low levels of carbon monoxide or having dual fuel capability, transportation control measures, and enhanced emissions monitoring programs in Severe Areas. Sets forth enforcement provisions. Authorizes the imposition of specified sanctions for violations of this subtitle's requirements or provisions of State implementation plans. Directs the Administrator to upgrade the classification of a Moderate Class I or Moderate Class II carbon monoxide nonattainment area which fails to attain the air quality standard by the applicable date. Requires States to submit plan revisions for such areas. Mandates annual three percent carbon monoxide emissions reductions in Severe Areas which fail to meet such standard by the applicable date. Title II: Provisions Relating to Mobile Sources - Sets standards for emissions of nonmethane hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from passenger cars and light duty trucks manufactured after model year 1992. Requires carbon monoxide emissions testing at 40 degrees Fahrenheit of passenger cars and light duty trucks manufactured after model year 1992. Sets emission standards at such temperature. Adds an idle test to the Federal Test Procedure for emissions from light duty vehicles. Continues the application of model year 1992 standards for emissions of nonmethane hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides from passenger cars and light duty trucks through model year 1997 when conducting in-use emissions testing. Directs the Administrator to complete and publish the results of a study by January 1, 1992, regarding the practicality of applying the new standards for nonmethane hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides to vehicles in actual use during their useful life. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate rules, within two years after such study, relating to in-use compliance with emission standards. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review, revise, and republish, within 9 months of this Act's enactment, the guidance for State motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide in ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment areas; and (2) determine, within two years of this Act's enactment, whether a nationwide program of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance for heavy-duty trucks and buses would be an effective ozone or carbon monoxide control measure. Expands the scope of the prohibition against tampering with vehicle emission control devices or design elements. Authorizes the Administrator to consider information collected under a State vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance program in determining the compliance of vehicles in use with emissions standards. Requires the Administrator to establish at least one high altitude testing center to determine the compliance of vehicles with emission standards when in actual use throughout their useful life. Directs the Administrator to promulgate standards for emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds from non-road engines which are significant contributors to ozone or carbon monoxide concentrations in more than one ozone or carbon monoxide nonattainment area. Provides for the enforcement of such standards. Requires the Administrator to review and, if necessary, revise aircraft emissions standards. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards requiring the use of hydrocarbon control technology on light duty vehicles if such technology is determined to be feasible and desirable. Provides that, if such standards are not applied to all light duty vehicles, States in which there is an ozone nonattainment area must require the use of a fill nozzle to collect hydrocarbon vapors and prevent spillage. Collects fees from vehicle manufacturers for vapor recovery controls. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to reduce evaporative emissions from gasoline by establishing standards for gasoline volatility. Prohibits the sale of leaded gasoline for vehicles on streets or highways after 1990. Permits a two-year delay of such prohibition if such prohibition reduces the availability of leaded gasoline for farm vehicles and alternatives to leaded gasoline for use in farm vehicles are unavailable. Requires the Administrator to promulgate a rule requiring a reduction in the sulfur content of motor vehicle diesel fuel. Directs the Administrator to provide guidance to States in which there are located ozone or carbon monoxide nonattainment areas on the use of vehicles having low emissions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, or carbon monoxide. Requires the Administrator to determine whether and to what extent required increases in the use of low emission vehicles in ozone and carbon monoxide nonattainment areas can be extended to fleets of heavy-duty vehicles. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate standards, within two years of this Act's enactment, applicable to on-board natural gas storage cylinders. Requires that, of the vehicles obtained for a Federal Government fleet of passenger cars and light-duty trucks, 30 percent of those obtained in 1994, 50 percent of those obtained during 1995 and 1996, and 90 percent of those obtained thereafter be alternative fuel vehicles. Requires Federal facilities supplying such vehicles with alcohol or natural gas to offer such fuel for sale to the public. Requires that other Federal gasoline-powered vehicles which are not dual energy vehicles and are operated in Severe carbon monoxide nonattainment areas be supplied after March 31, 1989, with fuel that blends oxygenates with gasoline. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study and report to the Congress by October 1, 1991, on the air pollutant emissions, air quality impact, and human health risks associated with the storage, distribution, and use of significant amounts of alcohols or natural gas as transportation fuels as compared to diesel and gasoline fuels. Authorizes FY 1990 appropriations for such study. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1993 through 1996 for the extra costs of acquiring low-emission vehicles for Federal fleets. Requires that all buses ordered after 1989 for a Federal bus fleet operating in an ozone or carbon monoxide nonattainment area and having a central refueling station available to it be low emittors of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic chemicals, or carbon monoxide. Directs the Administrator to provide States with guidance on the use of transportation control measures. Title III: Other Provisions - Includes a movable stationary source within the term "stationary source" if it emits pollutants from equipment or processes other than its means of propulsion. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of emissions of volatile organic compounds into the air from various substances, products, or activities to: (1) determine their potential to contribute to ozone levels; and (2) establish criteria for selecting substances, products, and activities to be regulated. Authorizes the Administrator to regulate such substances, products, and activities or issue control technology guidance if such guidance will be substantially as effective as regulations in reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds. Requires specified reductions in emissions of volatile organic compounds from commercial and consumer solvents, architectural coatings, traffic coatings, and aerospace coatings. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines, within one year of this Act's enactment, for the improved enforcement of requirements applicable to the control of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide. Sets forth air pollution control penalty and enforcement provisions. Requires the Administrator to: (1) periodically review and, if necessary, revise the methods used to determine the quantity of emissions of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides from pollutant sources; and (2) establish methods to determine the quantity of such emissions from sources for which methods have not yet been established. Directs the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study and report to the Congress within three years of this Act's enactment on whether the methodology used by the EPA for establishing a design value for ozone provides a reasonable indicator of the ozone air quality of ozone nonattainment areas; (2) conduct a study and report to the Congress, within two years of this Act's enactment, on the role of nitrogen oxide emission reductions in reductions of ozone levels at different peak ozone concentrations and volatile organic compound-to-nitrogen oxide ratios; and (3) jointly fund, with the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, research into new engine designs which are more fuel efficient and less polluting, and into alternative fuels. Requires the Administrator to make information regarding emission control technology available to States and the public through a central database. Authorizes appropriations for the implementation of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Clean Air Act Amendments of the 101st Congress- Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a list of all categories and subcategories of major sources of listed air pollutants and simultaneously designate 50 percent of such categories for emission regulation. Requires that the remaining major stationary sources which present risks warranting regulation be designated for regulation within five years of this Act's enactment. Permits the Administrator to designate other stationary sources warranting regulation. Establishes a schedule for the promulgation of emission standards applicable to designated categories or subcategories of pollutant sources. Requires the Administrator, within seven years of promulgating emission standards for a source category, to evaluate public health risks remaining after application of such standards and make such standards more stringent if risks remain significant. Provides for variances from, and extensions of, the implementation of such standards. Prohibits the construction of a new source, modification of an existing source, or emissions from a major source which is subject to emission standards unless such activity is conducted in compliance with a permit issued by the Administration or an approved State permit program. Requires that such permits be for a fixed term not exceeding ten years. Directs the Administrator to establish an air toxics clearinghouse, control technology center, and risk information center to assist States in reducing air pollutant emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States for the development and implementation of a permit program. Authorizes the President to exempt a source from compliance with emission standards if the means of complying are unavailable and the source is required for national security purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 48 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
California Ocean Sanctuary and Fisheries Enhancement Act of 1989 - Designates a specified area of the Outer Continental Shelf extending 200 miles seaward from the seaward boundary of California as the California Ocean Sanctuary, prohibiting oil and gas leasing and exploration and ocean dumping and incineration, as specified.
Bill· HRH.R. 49 (101st)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Arctic Coastal Plain Leasing Act of 1987 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. States that this Act shall be considered the primary land management authorization for all exploration and production activities on the Coastal Plain. Provides that no land management review shall be required except as specifically authorized by this Act. Mandates that all receipts from sales, rentals, bonuses, and royalties on leases under this Act be deposited into the Treasury. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to ensure that oil and gas exploration and transportation activities are conducted to achieve the reasonable protection of animal and environmental resources (including subsistence uses of the Coastal Plain). States that the "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, Coastal Plain Resource Assessment," prepared by the Secretary, satisfies all legal requirements for such promulgation and that no further studies or assessments shall be required. Directs the Secretary to provide impact aid and other assistance to communities on the North Slope and elsewhere in Alaska in order to ensure the public services needed to accommodate oil and gas production and transportation activities on the Coastal Plain.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 23 (101st)open
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1989
Authorizes and requests the President to designate the last Friday of April each year as National Arbor Day.