Skip to content
PoliticalRepoPoliticalRepo

Subjects

Environment

Records whose title is actually about this topic. Use a country filter if the list is still too broad.

51 records in 1979

All countriesIreland · 43,209United States · 16,037Austria · 10,118France · 9,357United Kingdom · 4,942European Union · 2,386Netherlands · 1,984Germany · 1,277Belgium · 98Search this topic

Records

Bill· HRH.R. 6212 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require each State to provide for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within that State, to authorize States to enter into agreements or compacts with other States for the establishment of regional disposal sites for low-level radioactive waste, and to provide financial assistance to the States in which such sites are located, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979

States that no license or permit issued under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 for any facility or activity which generates low-level radioactive waste may remain in effect, and no new licenses or permits for such activities may be issued or renewed unless the State in which the licensee or permittee is located has provided for the safe storage and disposal of all low-level radioactive waste generated in such State. Authorizes States to enter into agreements and compacts with other States for the establishment of facilities for the disposal of such wastes. Authorizes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide financial assistance to each State having such a facility to reimburse such State for costs incurred in the preconstruction activities involved in establishing such a facility. Requires that such facilities collect a fee for the receipt of such wastes set at a level necessary to amortize the full costs of construction and operation of the facility over its useful life.

Bill· HRH.R. 6200 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1979

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt the underground injection of natural gas for storage purposes from being regulated under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6196 (96th)referred

A bill to implement the recommendations for Federal action by the Interagency Task Force on Mono Lake, California.

United States · United States Congress · 19 December 1979

Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, and with the California Department of Fish and Game, to conduct a research program on the environmental effects on the Mono Basin, California and Nevada, of activities recommended by the Interagency Task Force on Mono Lake. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay one-third of the costs of Los Angeles, until September 30, 1985, for purchasing water to replace water formerly obtained from Mono Lake.

Bill· SS. 2129 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act with respect to regulations relating to underground injections necessary for oil and natural gas recovery.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to set forth regulations relating to joint studies and review by State and Federal authorities of State control programs to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination resulting from the underground injection of substances for the purposes of waste storage or oil and natural gas recovery. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement regulations if the Administrator determines State programs to protect underground water sources to be ineffective. Prohibits the Administrator from implementing such regulations unless a negative determination of the effectiveness of State programs is made by the Administrator based upon the joint Federal-State studies. Provides for judicial review of all determinations of the Administrator as to the effectiveness and adequacy of State underground water protection programs. Sets forth requirements for receipt by the States of Federal grants for public water system supervision programs.

Bill· HRH.R. 6125 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt the underground injection of natural gas for storage purposes from being regulated under such Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6139 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title XIV of the Public Health Service Act to authorize States with primary enforcement responsibility for drinking water standards to grant variances from turbidity requirements for certain public water systems.

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1979

Amends the drinking water provisions of the Public Health Service Act to authorize a State with primary enforcement responsibility for drinking water standards to grant variances from turbidity requirements to public water systems within their jurisdictions upon a finding that due to compelling factors, including economic factors, the public system is unable to comply with such requirements with respect to not more than one percent of the users of such system and the granting of such variance will not result in an unreasonable risk to health.

Bill· SS. 2118 (96th)referred

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships - Implements the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL Protocol). Applies this Act to ships of United States registry or nationality or of a country party to the MARPOL Protocol and ships registered in or of the nationality of a country not a party to the MARPOL Protocol travelling in all waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Exempts: (1) warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned by the United States while engaged in noncommercial service, subject to standards prescribed by the appropriate Federal department and agencies, and (2) other ships specifically excluded by the MARPOL Protocol. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer, enforce, and prescribe regulations to carry out the provisions of the MARPOL Protocol and this Act, utilizing other Federal departments and agencies as necessary. Authorizes such Secretary to designate persons to issue certificates required by the MARPOL Protocol. Stipulates that (1) certificates shall not be issued to ships of countries not a party to the MARPOL Protocol, and (2) certificates issued by a participating country of the MARPOL Protocol shall be honored. Subjects to inspection any ship required to carry a valid certificate. Directs the Secretary to detain any ship required to have a certificate which either does not have one on board or has a condition in disagreement with the certificate until such ship can proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment. Allows any person whose ship is detained to petition the Secretary. Permits compensation for any loss or damage suffered by a ship unreasonably detained or delayed. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish regulations for determining the adequacy of reception facilities of a port or terminal, and to issue certificates indicating that facilities for receiving residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquid substances from seagoing ships are adequate. States conditions under which such certificate can be inspected, suspended, or revoked. Requires the listing of such certified ports and terminals in the Federal Register. Allows the Secretary to deny entry to any ship retaining residues and mixtures containing oil or noxious liquids to a port or terminal required to have but not holding a valid certificate. Requires immediate reporting of any incident covered by the Protocol to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to investigate any such report of violation and take appropriate action, acting through the Secretary of State in cases involving a ship not of United States registry or nationality. Imposes a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both, and a civil penalty of not more than $10,000, or $1,000 in cases of false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations. Deems a ship liable in rem for any pecuniary fine or penalty incurred. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to refuse or revoke clearance required by R.S. 4197 to any ship liable for such a penalty. Sets forth procedure of action to be taken in accepting a proposed amendment to the MARPOL Protocol received by the United States from the Secretary-General of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization. Permits any person having an interest adversely affected by (1) any person who is alleged to be in violation of these provisions or (2) a Secretary who is alleged to be in neglect in performing duties under this Act to bring a suit against such party, subject to specified procedures and jurisdictions. Authorizes the court to award costs of litigation. Allows the Attorney General to intervene in any action not involving the United States. Repeals the Oil Pollution Act, 1961, and the Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1973. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect vessels subject to this Act, except public vessels engaged in noncommercial service entering navigable waters of and documented under the laws of the United States. Directs the Secretary and the heads of Federal departments to issue regulations, standards, and certificates upon enactment of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 6090 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 December 1979

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt from applicable Federal regulations any State having in effect a law, rule, or regulation applicable to underground injection control related to the production or recovery of oil or natural gas unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that such law, rule, or regulation fails to protect underground sources of drinking water. Provides that any State for which such finding is made may amend its law, rule, or regulation in order to benefit from such exemption where approved by the Administrator. Exempts from the Federal underground injection well permit requirements any State having in effect such law, rule, or regulation approved by the Administrator. Amends the definition of "underground injection" to exclude the underground injection of natural gas for purposes of storage. Exempts from the administrative procedure and judicial review requirements of the United States Code any action relating to national interim primary drinking water regulations, revised national primary drinking water regulations, and regulations for State underground injection control programs, except as expressly provided by this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a docket for such actions, and sets forth notice and public and agency commenting requirements for any proposed rulemaking. Sets forth procedures and other requirements for promulgating rules concerning drinking water regulations, and establishes procedures for judicial review of such actions. Amends the definition of "primary drinking water regulation" to revise the standard for the promulgation of such regulations, and makes conforming amendments as necessary. Amends such definition to delete the provision calling for the specification of treatment techniques for those contaminants for which it is not feasible to establish maximum levels, and deletes subsequent references to treatment technique requirements. Requires any State having primary enforcement responsibility to submit notice to the Administrator that its public water system supervision program conforms to any revision or amendment to any national primary drinking water regulation made by the Administrator. States that failure to submit such notice shall be grounds for withdrawal of State primary enforcement responsibility. Amends such Act to authorize a State having such enforcement responsibility to exempt from maximum contaminant level requirements any public water system not having any reasonable alternative source of drinking water available. Revises the dates for compliance by public water systems with contaminant level requirements. Extends the effective date for State underground injection control regulations approved by the Administrator. Authorizes the waiver of the prohibition against State grants being made for any period beginning more than one year after the date of a State's first grant having been made for a period of 18 months after the effective date of any amendment or revision of the national primary drinking water regulations if the State has assumed primary enforcement responsibility and is making diligent efforts to comply with such amendment or revision. Prohibits the Administrator from making grants to any State unless the State has assumed primary enforcement responsibility within two years after the Administrator promulgates State underground injection control program regulations. Amends the emergency powers provisions of such Act to limit the Administrator's authority to issue orders necessary to protect the health of persons to those situations where the commencement of a civil action alone would not be practicable and limits the duration of such orders to 24 hours unless such civil action is commenced. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) conduct a study of any health effects which result from exposure to barium, barium ion, radium, or any combination thereof, in concentrations greater than the maximum level specified in the interim regulations; and (2) conduct an epidemiological study of the occurrence of fluorosis in areas served by public water systems subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act in which fluoride from natural resources occurs in concentrations greater than the maximum contaminant level specified in such regulations. Requires that a report on the results of such studies be submitted to Congress as promptly as possible. Exempts from the application of national interim primary drinking water regulations any drinking water system which serves an area in which barium, barium ion, radium, or fluoride from natural resources exceeds the maximum contaminant level specified in such regulations. Exempts, until one year after the submission of the report required above, from the application of revised natural primary drinking water regulations any such area containing such substances.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 459 (96th)referred

A joint resolution proposing that a Presidential commission be established to study full implications of compliance with the Clean Air Act, as amended, and adjusting the criteria that is used in monitoring air quality.

United States · United States Congress · 6 December 1979

Directs the President to appoint an ad hoc commission to conduct a study of the effects that full compliance with the Clean Air Act by every State would have on: (1) employment; (2) the economic situation of our communities; (3) the health and safety of the United States population; and (4) energy supplies and demands. Prohibits, during the study and for six months thereafter, the monitoring of stationary source stack emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency on any time schedule less than an average of the previous 30 days.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 500 (96th)referred

A resolution urging the President to take certain actions with respect to ongoing negotiations to conclude an agreement between the United States and Canada concerning air quality.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 1979

Urges the President to report to Congress on the progress of negotiations entered into with Canada for a cooperative agreement concerning air quality and the prospects for concluding such an agreement. Urges the President to include in such an agreement a provision, in the case of unresolved disputes, for binding arbitration or giving citizens of each nation equal access to the remedies of both nations.

Bill· HRH.R. 5923 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Secretary of Energy or the Secretary of Defense to notify State legislatures whenever construction of a radioactive waste storage facility in a State is proposed and to permit a State legislature to disapprove of the use of any site within the jurisdiction of the State for radioactive waste storage.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 1979

Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of the 1974 and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to require the Secretaries of Energy and Defense to notify State legislatures whenever construction of of a radioactive waste storage facility in a State is proposed, and to permit such State legislatures to disapprove of the use of any such site within the jurisdiction of such State. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to prohibit the issuance of a permit or license for the construction of a radioactive waste disposal facility at a site in a State if the State legislature of such State has disapproved of the use of such site for that purpose. Prohibits the issuance of a license or permit to the Secretaries of Energy and Defense for the construction of a radioactive waste storage facility unless the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has complied with the notification requirements described above.

Bill· SS. 2003 (96th)referred

White Clay Creek Watershed Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1979

White Clay Creek Watershed Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a plan to conserve the natural resource values of the White Clay Creek Watershed, Delaware and Pennsylvania, which is to be submitted to Congress after public hearings. Provides for the joint participation of or consultation with the Governors of Delaware and Pennsylvania. Requires such plan to: (1) provide for a resource assessment; (2) propose boundaries to protect the resources of such watershed; and (3) recommend State and Federal actions to protect the natural resource value of such watershed.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 441 (96th)referred

A joint resolution proposing that a Presidential commission be established to study full implications of compliance with the Clean Air Act, as amended, and adjusting the criteria that is used in monitoring air quality.

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 1979

Directs the President to appoint an ad hoc commission to conduct a study of the effects that full compliance with the Clean Air Act by every State would have on: (1) employment; (2) the economic situation of our communities; (3) the health and safety of the United States population; and (4) energy supplies and demands. Prohibits, during the study and for six months thereafter, the monitoring of stationary source stack emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency on any time schedule less than an average of the previous 30 days.

Bill· HRH.R. 5849 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize a demonstration project for the reclamation of the Hudson River.

United States · United States Congress · 8 November 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements with the State of New York for a demonstration project for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls from the Hudson River and storing such toxic substances in secure landfills. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State for 75 percent of the costs of such project.

Bill· HRH.R. 5809 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to authorize States to enter into agreements or compacts with other States for the establishment of regional disposal sites for low-level radioactive waste, to establish certain rules respecting the ownership of low-level radioactive waste, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979

Authorizes States to enter into agreements or compacts with other States for the establishment of a system of regional disposal sites to be used for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within such region. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to issue rules concerning the ownership of low-level radioactive waste.

Bill· HRH.R. 5819 (96th)referred

Low Level Radioactive Waste Storage and Technology Demonstration Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1979

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Storage and Technology Demonstration Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish, operate, and maintain at least nine but no more than 14 low-level radioactive waste repositories located at appropriate sites in the continental United States; (2) recover the costs of operating and maintaining the repositories from fees charged for disposing of low-level radioactive wastes in or by such repositories; and (3) establish a research and development program associated with new and improved methods for the concentration, solidification, and safe storage of low-level radioactive wastes and their residues.

Bill· HRH.R. 5790 (96th)referred

Hazardous Waste Response Fund Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 1979

Hazardous Waste Response Fund Act of 1979 - States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to oil or other pollution of navigable waters. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a hazardous waste response program for dealing with emergencies involving the release or threat of release of hazardous waste into the environment from sites now regulated under Federal law. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take such emergency response actions as determined to be immediately necessary to prevent or minimize any harm to public health or the environment when any hazardous waste is released or is threatened to be released into the environment. Stipulates that where the Administrator determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of such waste, any other person responsible for such release or threatened release, or the State or local government concerned, will take such emergency actions, the Administrator shall not exercise such emergency response authority. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such emergency actions where it is determined that such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of emergency actions which are authorized. Authorizes the Administrator to remove, contain, and clean up hazardous waste at or associated with any hazardous waste site which may present a danger to public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator not to exercise such authority if he determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of waste treated, stored or disposed of at such site, any other person responsible for such site, or the State or local government concerned, will take the action referred to in this paragraph. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such actions where it is determined that such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of containment and removal actions which are authorized. Authorizes the Administrator to provide special rapid emergency assistance to State and local governments and to take such action, or assist other Federal agencies in taking actions as are deemed necessary to protect health and the environment from hazardous substances released into the environment in a manner which may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health or the environment. Stipulates that such assistance may be rendered and actions taken even where the Administrator is unable to immediately determine the applicability of any Federal law other than this Act or the existence of any authority to take remedial action with respect to such hazardous substance release. Requires the Administrator or such other Federal agency or instrumentality to reimburse the Fund established under this Act for amounts expended for emergency assistance or actions where it is determined that such action taken or assistance provided is authorized under any authority of law other that this Act. Directs the Administrator to issue a National Hazardous Waste Response Plan after appropriate public review and public hearings are completed. Sets forth the components of such plan, and requires that hazardous waste removal and containment and emergency assistance for releases of such wastes shall be in accordance with such plan. Requires that such plan set forth recommended methods, procedures, criteria, and equipment for handling released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to provide equipment and other items necessary for damage assessment and response capability of Federal, State, and local strike forces or other emergency response teams. Limits the Federal share of the cost of actions taken by the Administrator under this Act. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Waste Response Fund to finance emergency response, removal, containment, cleanup, and other actions authorized by this Act, including administrative and personnel costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for such fund. Includes in such fund: (1) fees collected under this Act; (2) damage payments received for liability for hazardous waste releases; (3) reimbursements for emergency assistance or for the costs of actions taken for removal, containment, or cleanup of hazardous waste releases; (4) penalties assessed under this Act; and (5) amounts authorized to be appropriated. Imposes fees to be set by the Administrator on: (1) suppliers of petrochemical feedstocks; (2) suppliers of inorganic elements and compounds; and (3) refiners and exporters of crude oil. Specifies the aggregate amounts of fees imposed under this Act which are to be collected from such parties. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such fees upon his determination that any such feedstock, element, or compound is derived from the waste stream of a production process or from recycled materials. Imposes civil penalties for the failure or refusal to pay such fees. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations prohibiting the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Requires owners or operators of hazardous waste sites and persons responsible for hazardous waste releases or threatened releases violating the regulations issued under this Act to notify the Administrator thereafter. Prohibits any person from knowingly destroying or concealing records relating to hazardous wastes or hazardous waste sites. Authorizes the Administrator to require, by order, any owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or generator of hazardous waste to take such action as may be required for removal, containment, or cleanup of released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action against any person to impose a civil penalty for violation of regulations issued under this Act, up to $50,000 for single violations, and $250,000 for willful and knowing violations. Authorizes the Administrator to issue abatement orders or to seek equitable relief in the event of hazardous waste releases endangering or threatening to endanger public health or safety. States that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant such relief. Authorizes criminal penalties and imprisonment upon the owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or upon any other party responsible for a hazardous waste release for failure to comply with the notification requirements of this Act. Authorizes anyone taking actions under this Act as authorized by the Administrator to exercise the entry, inspection, and other authority contained in the applicable inspection provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Imposes strict liability upon any person causing or contributing to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste into the environment. Specifies the damages and costs for which such person shall be liable and states that such liability shall be to the governmental entity which incurred costs relating to removal, containment, emergency assistance or other actions, and to persons who sustained damages for personal injury, injury to property, and economic loss resulting from such release or threatened release. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of any person under any other law except that the amount recovered under such other laws shall reduce the amount recoverable under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5749 (96th)referred

Hazardous Waste Response Fund Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979

Hazardous Waste Response Fund Act of 1979 - States that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to oil or other pollution of navigable waters. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a hazardous waste response program for dealing with emergencies involving the release or threat of release of hazardous waste into the environment from sites now regulated under Federal law. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take such emergency response actions as determined to be immediately necessary to prevent or minimize any harm to public health or the environment when any hazardous waste is released or threatened to be released into the environment. Stipulates that where the Administrator determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of such waste, any other person responsible for such release or threatened release, or the State or local government concerned, will take such emergency actions, the Administrator shall not exercise such emergency response authority. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such emergency actions where such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of authorized emergency actions. Authorizes the Administrator to remove, contain, and clean up hazardous waste at or associated with any hazardous waste site which may present a danger to public health or the environment. Directs the Administrator not to exercise such authority if he determines that the owner or operator of such site, the generator of waste treated, stored or disposed of at such site, any other person responsible for such site, or the State or local government concerned, will take action referred to in this paragraph. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with, State or local governments to undertake such actions where such entities have the capability to carry out those actions. Sets forth the types of authorized containment and removal actions. Authorizes the Administrator to provide emergency assistance to State and local governments and to take such actions, or assist other Federal agencies in taking actions to protect health and the environment from hazardous substances released into the environment which may present an imminent and substantial danger. Stipulates that such assistance may be rendered and actions taken even where the Administrator is unable to immediately determine the applicability of any Federal law other than this Act or the existence of any authority to take remedial action. Requires the Administrator or such other Federal agency or instrumentality to reimburse the Fund established under this Act for emergency expenditures or action where it is determined that such assistance is authorized under any authority of law other than this act. Directs the Administrator to issue a National Hazardous Waste Response Plan after appropriate public review and public hearings are completed. Sets forth the components of such plan, and requires that hazardous waste removal and containment and emergency assistance for releases of such wastes shall be in accordance with such plan. Requires that such plan set forth recommended methods, procedures, criteria, and equipment for handling released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to provide equipment and other items necessary for damage assessment and response capability of Federal, State, and local strike forces or other emergency response teams. Limits the Federal share of the cost of actions taken by the Administrator under this Act. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Waste Response Fund to finance emergency response, removal, containment, cleanup, and other actions authorized by this Act, including administrative and personnel costs. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1981 through 1984 for such fund. Includes in such fund: (1) fees collected under this Act; (2) damage payments received for liability for hazardous waste releases; (3) reimbursements for emergency assistance or for the costs of actions taken for removal, containment, or cleanup of hazardous waste releases; (4) penalties assessed under this Act; and (5) amounts authorized to be appropriated. Imposes fees to be set by the Administrator on: (1) suppliers of petrochemical feedstocks; (2) suppliers of inorganic elements and compounds; and (3) refiners and exporters of crude oil. Specifies the aggregate amounts of fees imposed under this Act which are to be collected from such parties. Authorizes the Administrator to reduce such fees upon a determination that any such feedstock, element, or compound is derived from the waste stream of a production process or from recycled materials. Imposes civil penalties for the failure or refusal to pay such fees. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations prohibiting the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Requires owners or operators of hazardous waste sites and persons responsible for hazardous waste releases or threatened releases to notify the Administrator thereafter. Prohibits any person from knowingly destroying or concealing records relating to hazardous wastes or hazardous waste sites. Authorizes the Administrator to require, any owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or generator of hazardous waste to take such action as may be required for removal, containment, or cleanup of released hazardous waste. Authorizes the Administrator to commence a civil action for violation of regulations issued under this Act (up to $50,000 for single violations, and $250,000 for willful and knowing violations). Authorizes the Administrator to issue abatement orders or to seek equitable relief in the event of hazardous waste releases endangering or threatening to endanger public health or safety. States that the United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to grant such relief. Authorizes criminal penalties and imprisonment upon the owner or operator of a hazardous waste site or upon any other party responsible for a hazardous waste release for failure to comply with the notification requirements of this Act. Authorizes anyone taking actions under this Act to exercise the entry, inspection, and other authority contained in the applicable inspection provisions of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Imposes strict liability upon any person causing or contributing to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste into the environment. Specifies the damages and costs for which such person shall be liable and states that such liability shall be to the governmental entity which incurred costs relating to removal, containment, emergency assistance or other actions, and to persons who sustained damages for personal injury, injury to property, and economic loss resulting from such release or threatened release. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of any person under any other law except that the amount recovered under such other laws shall reduce the amount recoverable under this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 5764 (96th)referred

Acid Precipitation Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979

Acid Precipitation Act of 1979 - Establishes an Acid Precipitation Task Force to prepare a comprehensive plan of action to ameliorate the harmful effects of acid precipitation within ten years. Requires such plan to focus the combined efforts of the private and public sectors on such problem. Sets forth the composition of such Force, including representatives from specified Federal agencies. Sets forth the elements of such plan, including programs for: (1) establishing and operating a nationwide monitoring network; (2) identifying and measuring the sources of such precipitation; (3) understanding the airborne chemistry responsible for such precipitation; (4) assessing economic, social, health, and environmental impacts; (5) effecting scientific interchanges with appropriate foreign countries; (6) documenting all current Federal activities relevant to the problem; (7) considering various regulatory and nonregulatory solutions; (8) establishing performance evaluations standards; (9) describing a role for affected and contributing states. Makes such plan the basis for determining goals and establishing diplomatic initiatives and bilateral treaties with other countries involved in acid precipitation programs. Requires the submission of such plan to Congress one year after the enactment and annually thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for the implementation of this Act for ten fiscal years. Stipulates that such funds be appropriated and administered through the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bill· HRH.R. 5767 (96th)referred

A bill to amend title I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize a demonstration project for the reclamation of the Hudson River.

United States · United States Congress · 31 October 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into agreements with the State of New York for a demonstration project for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls from the Hudson River and storing such toxic substances in secure landfills. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State for 75 percent of the costs of such project.

Bill· SS. 1934 (96th)referred

Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 24 October 1979

Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Act of 1979 - Establishes a price support loan program authorizing the Secretary of Energy to enter into agreements with resource recovery project owners or operators to make payments to such persons for recovered energy produced at such projects. Allows such payments to be made for a period of up to seven years. States that the terms of such agreements shall require full repayment of the cumulative total of amounts disbursed by the Secretary, beginning in the eighth year and over the balance of the project amortization period. Makes such loan payments contingent upon the production and sale of an energy product to a buyer. Terminates the Secretary's authority to make such price support payments on December 31, 1994.

Bill· HRH.R. 5676 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide for a study of the health effects of barium and radium in drinking water and to suspend the national interim primary drinking water standards for such contaminants pending the completion of such study and the promulgation of new standards for such contaminants.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of any health effects which result from exposure to barium, barium ion, radium, or any combination thereof, in concentrations greater than the maximum level specified in the interim regulations. Requires that a report of such study be submitted to Congress. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a revised national primary drinking water regulation for such substances following completion of such study. Exempts from the application of such regulation any drinking water system which serves an area in which barium, barium ion, or radium from natural sources exceeds the maximum contaminant level specified in such regulation.

Bill· HRH.R. 5675 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to change the requirements for establishing national primary drinking water regulations, to require the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of the health effects of barium and radium in drinking water, to suspend the standards for barium and radium pending the completion of the study, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 October 1979

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to change the criteria for establishing national primary drinking water regulations from requiring that such regulations specify contaminants "which pose a substantial health hazard." Makes such amendment applicable only to primary drinking water regulations promulgated or amended after November 1, 1979. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study of any health effects which result from exposure to barium, barium ion, radium, or any combination thereof, in concentrations greater than the maximum level specified in the interim regulations. Requires that a report of such study be submitted to Congress. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a revised national primary drinking water regulation for such substances following completion of such study. Exempts from the application of such regulation any drinking water system which serves an area in which barium, barium ion, or radium from natural sources exceeds the maximum contaminant level specified in such regulation.

Bill· HRH.R. 5668 (96th)referred

A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to engage in feasibility studies of certain potential water resource and water quality developments in Contra Costa County, California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 1979

Authorizes feasibility studies by the Secretary of the Interior of the following projects in California: (1) the relocation of the intake of the Contra Costa County Water District canal; (2) pump-generating plant at the Los Vaqueros Dam; and (3) revisions in the study of the Kellogg Unit. Requires the Secretary to make recommendations to Congress to assure the nondeterioration of the water quality and ecology of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta or the San Francisco Bay estuarine system as a result of such projects.

Bill· HRH.R. 5617 (96th)referred

Hazardous Waste Disposal Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979

Hazardous Waste Disposal Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to set forth criteria upon which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is to base performance standards for owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities, including: (1) the utilization of recycling, where feasible; (2) the detoxification and use of other techniques for making hazardous wastes environmentally acceptable where recycling is not feasible; and (3) the incineration of such wastes or its storage and disposal in a landfill only when treatment or disposal would not be environmentally acceptable and where recycling would not be feasible. Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to add provisions requiring States to prepare an inventory of each site within each State at which hazardous waste has been stored or disposed of. Requires that such inventories contain descriptions of the locations of such sites; information relating to the amount, nature and toxicity of the waste at such sites; the name and address or corporate headquarters of the owners of each such site; an identification of the treatment techniques used; and information as to the current status of the site. Authorizes the States conducting such inventories to inspect such sites and to have the same rights of access as States having an authorized hazardous waste program. Sets forth requirements for the establishment of standards relating to the location of hazardous waste facilities, including the prohibition against locating such facilities in close proximity to inhabited areas. Directs the Administrator to develop a site classification system to reflect the suitability of various different types of sites for storage, treatment, or disposal of hazardous waste classified according to specified characteristics. Requires that after the effective date of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, each hazardous waste facility be located on Federally-owned lands or on State-owned lands in the case of a State having an authorized program, which meets the standards established by the Administrator relating to location of such facilities. Stipulates that when a facility's permit is revoked for reasons of safety or improper location, the Administrator or the authorized State shall order the removal of such waste as may be necessary to ensure compliance with appropriate standards. Directs the Administrator to select at least one location in each State on public lands meeting the appropriate standards for a hazardous waste facility to insure that each generator of such waste has access to such facility. Directs the Administrator or the authorized State to acquire privately-owned hazardous waste facilities when treatment and disposal operations are terminated at such facilities and to provide for the necessary maintenance thereof. Amends the public participation provisions of such Act. Amends such Act to provide that nothing in such Act may be construed to permit a State to prohibit the interstate transportation of hazardous waste. Directs the President to issue regulations designating as hazardous substances, in addition to those defined under this Act, such elements and compounds which may present substantial danger to the public health or the environment if discharged or released. Prohibits the discharge of any hazardous substance in violation of the Clean Water Act or the release or disposal of any such substance into or upon groundwater, air, land, or navigable waters or where it would affect Federally-owned or managed natural resources. Requires persons in charge of onshore facilities to report to the appropriate Federal agency of any release or disposal of hazardous substances, in violation of this Act, and establishes criminal penalties for failure to comply with such notification requirement. Provides that any person who may be subject to liability for a hazardous waste disposal site not in compliance with a permit or accorded interim status shall notify the Administrator of the existence of such site, and any known or suspected discharges of such substances from such site. Imposes criminal penalties upon any person who fails to so notify the Administrator and adds that such person shall not be entitled to any limitation of liability or to any defenses to liability under this or any other law. Establishes criminal penalties for knowingly destroying or concealing any records relating to hazardous substances or a hazardous substance disposal site. Authorizes the Administrator to establish and enforce such control or removal requirements as are deemed appropriate to protect the public health and environment from any hazardous substance disposal site not in compliance. Authorizes the President to take any emergency response measure including removal or containment, necessary to protect the public health or the environment whenever a hazardous substance is discharged or released into the environment, unless it is determined that the owner or operator of the source of the release will properly remove such substance. Directs the President, within a specified period, to revise and republish the National Contingency Plan for the removal of oil and hazardous substances to reflect and effectuate the responsibilities and powers created by this Act. Specifies that such revision include a National Hazardous Substance Disposal Site Response Plan, such plan to include: (1) methods for discovering and investigating such sites; (2) methods for evaluating and containing any actual or threatened discharges or releases from such sites which pose a substantial danger to the public health or the environment; (3) methods and criteria for determining the appropriate extent of emergency response, containment, and other methods authorized by this Act; (4) appropriate roles and responsibilities for various governmental and nongovernmental entities in effectuating the Plan; (5) provision for response equipment and supplies; and (6) provision for reporting the existence of and any releases of hazardous substances from sites which may be located on federally-owned or controlled properties. Authorizes the Administrator: (1) to require any person involved in activities which may present a danger to public health or the environment related to the handling, storage, treatment, transportation, or disposal of any hazardous substance to take any necessary actions to ascertain in the nature and extent of such danger; or (2) to bring suit in the appropriate United States district court to require any such person to take such actions. Makes the owner or operator of an onshore facility from which a hazardous substance is discharged jointly, severally and strictly liable for specified damages resulting from such discharge, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the President or the authorized representative of a State to act on behalf of the public as trustee of any natural resources damaged or lost as a result of such discharge and to recover for such damages. Stipulates that each department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Federal Government shall be subject to and comply with this Act. Imposes liability upon any generator or transporter of any hazardous substance for such discharge by the facility which was the source of the discharge if such generator or transporter could have reasonably anticipated such discharge. Imposes punitive damages upon the owner or operator of a hazardous substance disposal site for failure to properly provide emergency response or containment upon request of the President. Establishes in the United States Treasury a Hazardous Substance Response Fund to be constituted from specified fees, and all moneys recovered on behalf of the Fund or recovered or collected under the Clean Water Act. Requires manufacturers, importers, and generators of hazardous substances to pay fees on each unit of hazardous substance produced, manufactured, or imported into the United States and each unit of hazardous waste generated. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate rules and regulations relating to the collection of such fees, and sets forth civil and criminal penalties for violation of such regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to invest any excess of the Fund in interest-bearing special obligations of the United States. Directs the President to issue notes or other obligations to the Secretary in the event the moneys available in the fund are inadequate to meet the obligations of the fund. Sets forth the purposes for which Fund moneys may be used. Authorizes the President to delegate his duties under this Act to the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, departments, and instrumentalities. Directs the President to establish a national priority system for responding to releases of hazardous substances and a system whereby States affected by such discharges may act to provide emergency response and be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred therefor. Sets forth procedures for the disposition of claims resulting from such discharges. Establishes a six year statute of limitation for claims presented or actions commenced under this Act. Subrogates to the United States Government all rights of a claimant to recover the costs of removal or damages from the person responsible for a hazardous substance discharge prior to payment of any claim by the Fund. Subrogates any person, including the Fund, who pays compensation pursuant to this Act to any claimant for damages or removal costs of such claimant. Directs the Attorney General upon request of the President, to commence an action on behalf of the Fund to recover any compensation paid by the Fund to any claimant pursuant to this Act. Directs the President, acting through the Administrators of the EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, to issue regulations for the assessment of damages for injury to or loss of natural resources resulting from a discharge of hazardous substances. Directs the Comptroller General to provide for auditing of all payments and other uses of the Fund. Requires owners and operators of onshore facilities to post a bond in an amount determined by the Administrator as sufficient to insure proper maintenance and storage of hazardous wastes for twenty years after the termination by such person of the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes at such facility. Authorizes judicial review of any regulation issued under this Act only in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Grants jurisdiction to the United States district courts over all controversies arising under this Act. Makes conforming amendments to the Clean Water Act. Transfers to the Fund one-half of any sums appropriated under the oil and hazardous substances liability provisions of such Act and all of the sums appropriated under the emergency powers provisions of this Act. Terminates the authority to establish and collect fees under this Act on October 1, 1986.

Bill· HRH.R. 5618 (96th)referred

A bill to insure the minimum degree of economic disturbance in the agricultural sector of the economy consistent with protection of the public health and welfare, by clarifying the administrative standards to be used in determining when secondary ambient air quality standards have been met in areas with rural fugitive dust.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 1979

Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit including concentrations of rural fugitive dust when determining whether or not an implementation plan meets the requirements of the Act with respect to national secondary ambient air quality standards for total suspended particulates.

Bill· HRH.R. 5577 (96th)referred

Ixtoc I Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 1979

Ixtoc I Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to compensate U.S. claimants for economic losses resulting from oil pollution from the blowout of Ixtoc I in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. Sets forth the procedure for making such claims or settling such claims. Permits a claimant, whose claim is denied or not settled within 60 days of presentation, to commence a district court action against the Secretary in lieu of resubmitting such claim to the Secretary for a decision. Prohibits claimants receiving compensation from recovering under any other Federal or State law for the same injury. Permits States to impose additional requirements or liability. Directs the Secretary to make a grant to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the construction and operation of a saltwater fish hatchery. Stipulates that the amount of compensation payable to Texas shall be reduced by the amount of such grant.

Bill· HRH.R. 5504 (96th)referred

Cigarette Safety Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 1979

Cigarette Safety Act - Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to prescribe regulations to ensure that any cigarette or little cigar will stop burning within five minutes if it is not smoked during that time, effective January 1, 1981. Prohibits the manufacture of cigarettes or little cigars which are not in accord with such regulations. Sets forth criminal penalties for violations. Gives jurisdiction to U.S. district courts to restrain such violations. Exempts from such regulations cigarettes and little cigars manufactured for export or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of internal revenue laws (except for those manufactured for sale or distribution to the U.S. Armed Forces).

Bill· SS. 1821 (96th)referred

Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979

Nuclear Waste Management Reorganization Act of 1979 - Title I: Declarations of Findings and Purposes; Definitions - Sets forth the purposes of this Act. Title II: Nuclear Waste Management Authority - Creates the Nuclear Waste Management Authority as an independent executive agency. Transfers to such Authority all authority of the Department of Energy with regard to nuclear waste management, storage and disposal. Sets forth the functions of such Authority as: (1) the acquisition of existing nuclear waste facilities not owned by the United States; (2) the establishment of control over existing Federal nuclear waste facilities; (3) the design, construction, and operation of all such facilities in the United States; (4) the establishment of programs for the handling of nuclear wastes and spent nuclear fuel, including related research and development activities; (5) the establishment of and collection and deposit of fees in the Nuclear Waste Management Fund; (6) the establishment of a Nuclear Waste Treatment and Disposal Plan; and (7) the promulgation of necessary rules to implement the authority granted under this Act. Maintains the regulatory authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Transfers to such Authority all authority of the Department of Energy concerning radioactive mine and mill tailings, but maintains the regulatory authority of Federal agencies, States, Indian tribes, or private entities under the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. Sets forth provisions relating to officers, personnel and administration of the Authority. Authorizes the departments and agencies of the executive branch to furnish any information requested by the Executive Director of such Authority deemed necessary to carry out his duties under this Act. Title III: Long-Term Surface Storage - Authorizes the Executive Director to study the feasibility of long-term surface storage of nuclear waste and spent fuel. Directs the Director to select a site or sites and to construct facilities for such storage. Requires the Executive Director to assure that a long-term facility shall be available to store spent fuel by January 1, 1988. Directs the Executive Director to submit a report to the President, Congress, and the Governor of the State selected for such facilities on his recommendations as to the establishment of such facilities. Directs the Executive Director to enter into contracts to accept and take title to, and to provide long-term storage and disposal of spent fuel and nuclear waste, under terms and conditions established by him. Provides for congressional oversight of the criteria used to establish such terms and conditions. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to include spent fuel storage within the licensing and related regulatory authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over Retrievable Surface Storage Facilities and other nuclear storage facilities. Requires compliance by the Executive Director with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to the establishment of long-term storage facilities. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from denying or otherwise delaying the granting of nuclear power reactor licenses based upon findings or determinations concerning the status or progress of long-term storage or disposal programs and facilities. Title IV: Nuclear Waste Treatment and Disposal - Directs the Authority to submit to Congress a Nuclear Waste Treatment and Disposal Plan. Enumerates items to be covered by such Plan. Directs the Authority to submit to Congress individual site development plans for liquid waste treatment plants and high-level and transuranic nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel repositories. Sets forth components of such plans. Authorizes the Executive Director to amend the general plan or individual site plans, and provides for congressional oversight of such site plans. Directs the Authority to submit to Congress a plan designed to assess the need for additional low-level waste sites and the need for any remedial action for existing low-level facilities. Includes research and development as part of such plan. Provides for State participation in the development of plans for the establishment of any nuclear waste treatment facility or permanent repository within any particular State. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect the licensing and regulatory authority of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission over high-level radioactive waste storage and disposal. Requires that the Authority comply with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act unless stated otherwise. Title V: Funding - Establishes within the Treasury a Nuclear Waste Management Fund to be administered by the Executive Director without the requirement of annual congressional authorization. States that the purpose of such Fund is to provide capital and operating expenses necessary for planning and administration, research and development, management, transport, treatment and disposal, and perpetual care and maintenance of commercially generated nuclear wastes, and such other financial needs as arise in the implementation of this Act. Authorizes the Executive Director to issue and sell securities and Fund bonds and to prescribe and impose fees and charges for services rendered by the Authority pursuant to this Act. Stipulates that the proceeds from the issuance of such bonds, the income and gains realized by the Fund from any investment of excess moneys from the Fund and the income from fees and charges established pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the Fund. Directs the Authority to adopt criteria for setting fees, establishing fees schedules, and collecting fees from commercial users of its facilities. Stipulates that if the Federal Government determines that spent nuclear fuel is to be reprocessed, the Authority shall revise its fee schedules to include provisions for the return of spent nuclear fuel to facility users upon their request. Directs the Authority to provide for planning, administration, research and development, management, transport, treatment, disposal, and perpetual care and maintenance of all noncommercially generated nuclear waste and spent fuel. Directs the Congress to approve Authority budgets, and directs the Authority to compensate the Treasury out of the Fund for the cost of research and development performed by the Authority. Directs the Authority to take title to any existing nuclear waste disposal facility now under United States ownership. Title VI: International Cooperation - Directs the Authority to provide technical assistance to the Department of State in developing policies for international cooperation in nuclear waste management. Directs the Director to appoint a commission to study and recommend policies for such international cooperation and to identify foreign sites feasible as nuclear waste repositories.

Bill· HRH.R. 5390 (96th)referred

Pacific Southwest Water Yield and Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 1979

Pacific Southwest Water Yield and Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1979 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make loans to persons and local organizations for the implementation of water yield improvement plans on lands located in the Colorado River Basin. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to tribal organizations for the implementation of such plans on reservation lands located in the Colorado River Basin and owned or controlled by such organizations. Sets forth requirements for applying for such assistance and the terms and conditions thereof. Describes the necessary components of water yield improvement plans. Conditions the making of loans or grants above specified limits upon the submission by the Secretary to appropriate Federal, State, and local government agencies and to the public of an environmental evaluation equivalent to an environmental impact statement as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sets forth the manner of distribution of funds for loans and grants authorized by this Act. Requires that the administration of this Act and plans for and execution of water yield improvement practices hereunder shall be as consistent as is practicable with the provisions of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954, the National Forest Management Act of 1976, the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, and other land management laws.

Bill· HRH.R. 5356 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the payment of claims resulting from the oil spill at Ixtoc I, Bay of Campeche, Mexico, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to entitle U.S. claimants to recover specified damages caused by the oil spill in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico, from the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Permits such claimants to file an action to recover damages if the Secretary denies their damages. Increases the authorization of appropriations to the revolving fund established to carry out the clean up provisions.

Bill· HRH.R. 5338 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the payment of claims resulting from the oil spill at Ixtoc I, Bay of Campeche, Mexico, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to entitle U.S. claimants to recover specified damages caused by the oil spill in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico, from the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Permits such claimants to file an action to recover damages if the Secretary denies their damages. Increases the authorization of appropriations to the revolving fund established to carry out the clean up provisions.

Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 188 (96th)referred

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a temporary commission to evaluate damage caused by the oil spill resulting from the blowout of the oil well known as Ixtoc I, situated near the coast of Mexico, and should enter into negotiations to establish an international agreement applicable to determining liability, and obtaining compensation, for environmental damage caused by oil spills at sea.

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 1979

Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should establish a temporary commission to evaluate the damage caused by the oilspill in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico, and disseminate information regarding actions to minimize the harmful effects, and information regarding the availability of financial assistance. Declares that the President should negotiate an international agreement regarding liability and compensation for damage caused by oilspills. Asks the President to report to Congress annually regarding actions taken pursuant to this resolution.

Bill· SS. 1767 (96th)referred

A bill to amend Title III of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 1979

Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to limit financial responsibility in claims against the owner or operator of any vessel (except a non-self-propelled barge that does not carry oil as fuel or cargo) which uses an offshore facility, to the amount stated in the presentation of evidence of financial responsibility required by such Act.

Bill· SS. 1754 (96th)referred

Acid Precipitation Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 1979

Acid Precipitation Act of 1979 - Establishes an Acid Precipitation Task Force to prepare a comprehensive plan of action to ameliorate the harmful effects of acid precipitation within ten years. Requires such plan to focus the combined efforts of the private and public sectors on such problem. Sets forth the composition of such Force, including representatives from specified Federal agencies. Sets forth the elements of such plan, including programs for: (1) establishing and operating a nationwide monitoring network; (2) identifying and measuring the sources of such precipitation; (3) understanding the airborne chemistry responsible for such precipitation; (4) assessing economic, social, health, and environmental impacts; (5) effecting scientific interchanges with appropriate foreign countries; (6) documenting all current Federal activities relevant to the problem; (7) considering various regulatory and nonregulatory solutions; (8) establishing performance evaluations standards; and (9) describing a role for affected and contributing States. Makes such plan the basis for determining goals and establishing diplomatic initiatives and bilateral treaties with other countries involved in acid precipitation programs. Requires the submission of such plan to Congress one year after the enactment and annually thereafter. Authorizes appropriations for the implementation of this Act for ten fiscal years. Stipulates that such funds be appropriated and administered through the Environmental Protection Agency.

Page 1 of 2Next