bill_id,congress,bill_type,bill_number,title,policy_area,introduced_date,latest_action_date,latest_action_text,origin_chamber,sponsor_name,sponsor_state,sponsor_party,sponsor_bioguide_id,cosponsor_count,summary_text,update_date,url
102-s-3374,102,s,3374,Lake Tahoe Water Quality Protection Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-10-08,1992-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Seymour, John [R-CA]",CA,R,S000269,0,"Lake Tahoe Water Quality Protection Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) establish a continuing comprehensive water quality assessment and management program for Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada); and (2) enter into an agreement with, and award a grant to, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to carry out such program. Requires the Administrator, as part of the program, to establish an ongoing research program for Lake Tahoe and the associated basin by entering into an agreement with, and awarding a grant to, Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, Nevada.  Requires the research program to provide for water quality monitoring and assessment. Directs the Administrator, with the approval of the Governors of California and Nevada, to award water pollution control and prevention grants to political subdivisions located within the Lake Tahoe basin. Authorizes grants for the planning and construction of treatment works and facilities to control or prevent pollution from stormwater and other nonpoint source discharges to Lake Tahoe.  Requires grant recipients to pay 25 percent of the costs of such projects. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:33Z,
102-hr-6199,102,hr,6199,Voluntary Environmental Response Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-10-06,1992-11-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4]",NY,R,L000243,0,"Voluntary Environmental Response Act of 1992 - Applies this Act to any facility where there has been a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance into the environment.  Makes this Act inapplicable to:  (1) any portion of a facility with respect to which a Record of Decision has been issued by the President under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); (2) any portion of a facility with respect to which an administrative or judicial order or consent decree requiring remedial action has been issued under CERCLA, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act, or the Safe Drinking Water Act; (3) any land disposal unit for which a closure notification under RCRA has been submitted and closure requirements have been specified; or (4) any portion of a facility with respect to which a corrective action permit or order has been issued, modified, or amended. Authorizes States to apply to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer the voluntary response program under this Act, subject to certain requirements. Permits any person to submit a notification of intent to conduct a voluntary response and requires such person to agree to pay the direct costs incurred by the Administrator or the State in reviewing the response action plan overseeing the response.  Directs the Administrator to establish procedures for arbitration of disputes concerning reimbursement of costs. Requires persons intending to perform responses to:  (1) conduct a facility investigation which assesses specified factors that are necessary to determine an appropriate response to a release; and (2) set forth such response in a response action plan to be submitted with the facility investigation report to the Administrator or the State. Sets forth response action plan approval procedures.  Provides for waivers of response requirements if:  (1) compliance with response standards under this Act will result in greater health and environmental risks than alternative options; (2) compliance is impracticable from an engineering perspective; (3) the response action will attain a level of protection equivalent to that provided by such standards; or (4) contaminants will not travel the expected exposure pathways. Sets forth recordkeeping and reporting requirements for persons conducting voluntary responses and requires certifications that responses have been completed in accordance with an approved plan. Requires the National Academy of Sciences to review and report to the Administrator on the risk assessment methodology used by EPA to determine response standards for contaminants in soil and groundwater and improvements in such methodology. Directs the Administrator to promulgate numerical response standards for:  (1) soil and groundwater that are protective of human health and the environment for a minimum of the 100 hazardous substances which are most commonly found at facilities subject to this Act; (2) soils on residential, commercial, and industrial property; and (3) groundwater which can be expected to serve as a source of public drinking water.  Requires all voluntary responses, pending promulgation of such standards, to attain response standards derived on a site-specific, case-by-case basis.  Lists satisfactory alternate response standards. Provides that:  (1) no Federal, State, or local permit shall be required for voluntary responses; and (2) performance of a response shall not constitute an admission of liability or be admissible as evidence in citizens' suits or private actions. Authorizes the Administrator to require additional response actions only if:  (1) the voluntary response has not been substantially completed; or (2) there is new information that was not available at the time of response action plan approval that would have justified the application of substantially different conditions at the time of approval. Prescribes penalties for failures to comply with response plan conditions. Deems voluntary responses to be in compliance with specified Federal environmental laws and provides that further response action shall not be required for matters addressed in a voluntary response plan.",2025-08-26T15:14:27Z,
102-s-3352,102,s,3352,Environmental Innovation Research Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-10-06,1992-10-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,0,"Environmental Innovation Research Act of 1992 - Establishes an Office for the Development of Critical Environmental Technology in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires the EPA Administrator, acting through the Office Director, to:  (1) carry out a critical environmental technology research program; and (2) conduct an environmental innovation research program. Requires the heads of covered Federal agencies (agencies for which more than $50,000,000 per fiscal year is made available for environmental research and development or cleanup) to establish research programs for the commercialization of critical environmental technology to:  (1) further the progress of cleanup and pollution prevention activities; and (2) avoid future pollution and cleanup problems.  Directs such agencies to set aside funding for such programs.  Sets forth phases of such programs and authorizes agreements with private businesses to carry out such research. Requires the Office Director to compile an annotated list of critical environmental technologies and provide for periodic list updates. Establishes a Critical Environmental Technology Task Force to coordinate the distribution of critical environmental technology and data, review research proposals, and ensure complementary research efforts. Directs the heads of covered Federal agencies to report annually to the Director on funding agreements under the environmental technology program and the percentage of successful commercialization efforts in critical environmental technology. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for Federal environmental innovation research programs. Directs the Administrator to survey and monitor all phases of the research programs of covered agencies. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:13:41Z,
102-hconres-381,102,hconres,381,Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the use of selective Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) programs as part of State implementation plans under the Clean Air Act.,Environmental Protection,1992-10-05,1992-11-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,0,Declares that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should modify regulations that implement the Clean Air Act to permit any State in nonattainment to adopt a State Implementation Plan that relies on a selective inspection and maintenance program.  States that such program should focus on how best to locate and repair that proportion of the fleet that causes the majority of pollution. Declares that States should adopt the most cost-effective method of locating and fixing gross polluters. States that EPA regulations under such Act should provide that States that opt for a selective program will receive credits that are no less than the actual pollution reduction achieved by such a program and that they may rely on actual data accumulated during the program in determining the reduction achieved. Declares that such regulations should require States to compile information gained through methods of on-road testing and that an individual panel of experts should evaluate such information to report on emission status and trends and the effectiveness of vehicle emission control activities and make recommendations to correct deficiencies and enhance capabilities of EPA's mobile source emission models.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hr-6134,102,hr,6134,Endangered Species Act Reform Amendments of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-10-05,1992-10-05,Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.,House,"Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [D-LA-3]",LA,D,T000058,22,"Endangered Species Act Reform Amendments of 1992 - Title I: Ensuring the Integrity of the Listing, Critical Habitat Designation, and Consultation Processes - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) with respect to improved data collection and analysis, peer review, equal access to judicial review, recognition of State, local, and international activities, priority for species preservation, critical habitat designation, and consultation processes. Title II:  Providing Significance to the Recovery Planning Process - Amends the Act with respect to ensuring the preparation and use of timely, comprehensive, and effective recovery plans. Requires either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested, to report biennially to specified congressional committees on the status of:  (1) efforts to develop and implement recovery plans for listed endangered and threatened species; and (2) all species for which such plans have been developed. Title III:  Ensuring that the Compliance Procedures and Standards for Private Landowners and Other non-Federal Persons Are Not More Burdensome, Time-Consuming, or Costly than Those Applicable to Federal Agencies - Amends the Act to:  (1) make consultation procedures for Federal agencies available to private landowners and other non-Federal agencies available to private landowners and other non-Federal individuals and entities; (2) include permit or license applicants in consultations concerning Federal agency actions; (3) authorize the issuance of general permits for private and other non-Federal activities which have minimal effect on species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (4) facilitate the application for, and processing and issuance of, conservation plans for endangered or threatened species; (5) define the ""take prohibition"" for application in accordance with the intent of the Congress and in a manner providing more precise guidance to all parties wishing to avoid its violation and possible sanctions; (6) establish special limitations on application of take prohibitions; (7) provide for exemptions from the Act for non-Federal individuals and entities and remove payment requirements associated with obtaining such an exemption; and (8) give non-Federal property owners the option of purchase of their property by, or receipt of compensation for diminished value of their property from, the Federal Government when it requires that the property be managed to protect endangered or threatened species. Title IV:  Species Enhancement - Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary to:  (1) enter into cooperative management agreements for governing the administration and management of areas identified as habitats for listed species; (2) provide grants to private property owners for preserving the habitat of threatened or endangered species; and (3) permit activities otherwise prohibited when such actions are carried out by certain organizations for the sole purpose of promoting species conservation and population enhancement. Provides for guidance for the release of experimental populations. Title V:  Reauthorization and Other Amendments - Makes technical amendments regarding application of Endangered Species Act prohibitions to threatened species and citizens suits. Reauthorizes the Endangered Species Act of 1973 at increased levels.",2025-08-26T15:16:48Z,
102-s-3341,102,s,3341,Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biomonitoring Use Act,Environmental Protection,1992-10-05,1992-10-05,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Brown, Hank [R-CO]",CO,R,B000919,0,"Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biomonitoring Use Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that in the control of toxicity it is necessary to include biological monitoring, testing, or assessment methods as a condition of a permit issued to a publicly owned treatment works, the failure of a whole effluent toxicity test shall not result in a violation finding.  Makes it a violation of this Act if the treatment works fails to comply with a schedule or other permit condition to identify and control toxic discharges.",2025-08-26T15:18:01Z,
102-hr-6116,102,hr,6116,Solid Waste Transfer Permitting Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-10-03,1992-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-7]",NY,D,A000022,0,"Solid Waste Transfer Permitting Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations governing the placement and operation of solid waste transfer stations, including standards governing the proximity of stations to water resources and residential areas and permit requirements. Defines ""solid waste transfer station"" as any facility where shipments of solid waste are held during the course of transportation for transfer to another facility for disposal or resource recovery.",2025-08-26T15:16:47Z,
102-hr-6123,102,hr,6123,"To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the preparation of economic impact analyses with respect to certain actions to protect endangered species and threatened species, to provide compensation for economic losses incurred under that Act, and to authorize appropriations to carry out that Act through fiscal year 1997.",Environmental Protection,1992-10-03,1992-10-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-20]",CA,R,T000188,0,"Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit a Federal official or employee from enforcing or implementing a designation of critical habitat, a protective regulation, or a recovery plan without the preparation and publication of an economic impact analysis. Provides for:  (1) the limitation of economic losses resulting from the listing of a species as endangered or threatened; and (2) compensation for loss or diminishment in value. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such Act.",2021-06-02T15:12:36Z,
102-s-3304,102,s,3304,"A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to clarify application of the Act with respect to nitrogen stabilizers.",Environmental Protection,1992-10-02,1992-10-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.,Senate,"Sen. Lugar, Richard G. [R-IN]",IN,R,L000504,2,"Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to include nitrogen stabilizers in the definition of ""pesticide."" Defines a ""nitrogen stabilizer"" as a substance or mixture of substances that is intended, through action upon soil bacteria, to prevent or hinder the process of nitrification, denitrification, ammonia volatization, or urease production.  Excludes from such definition any substance that:  (1) was not registered pursuant to FIFRA prior to January 1, 1992; and (2) was used in a commercial agronomic use prior to such date, with respect to which after such date, the distributor or seller has made no specific claim relating to the prevention of hindering of the processes described in the definition. Exempts mixtures of nitrogen stabilizers and fertilizer products from registration, reregistration, experimental use permit, suspension, recordkeeping, indemnity, and export requirements if the mixture:  (1) is accompanied by labeling required for nitrogen stabilizers; (2) is mixed  or combined in accordance with such labeling; and (3) does not contain any active ingredient other than a nitrogen stabilizer.",2025-01-14T16:41:20Z,
102-hr-6060,102,hr,6060,United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Act,Environmental Protection,1992-09-30,1992-12-22,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Bustamante, Albert G. [D-TX-23]",TX,D,B001172,0,"United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Act - Establishes the United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Fund to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate and respond to conditions which present a threat to the land, air, or water resources of the United States-Mexico border region (Border Environmental Zone). Authorizes the Administrator, whenever conditions exist which present a substantial threat to the land, air, or water resources in such region, to declare an environmental emergency.  Permits the Governors of the States of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas or the governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe to petition for the declaration of an environmental emergency in such region.  Prohibits the Administrator from declaring an emergency if the condition is within the sole jurisdiction of the International Boundary and Water Commission. Authorizes the Administrator to establish a system for information sharing and for early warning to the United States and affected States, political subdivisions, and Indian tribes of environmental problems affecting the Border Environmental Zone. Requires the Administrator to establish a United States-Mexico Border Environmental Zone Protection Advisory Committee to:  (1) monitor and study environmental conditions within the Border Environmental Zone; and (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection in such zone. Directs the Secretary of State, acting through the United States Commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico, to conclude agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Mexico for:  (1) the correction of border sanitation problems in international streams forming or crossing the boundary between the United States and Mexico; and (2) a joint response through the construction of works, repair of existing infrastructure, and other measures to correct border sanitation emergencies in such streams. Defines such emergencies as situations in which untreated or inadequately treated sewage is discharged into surface waters or streams that form or cross the U.S.--Mexican boundary.  Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, to correct border sanitation emergencies in such streams in the United States. Permits the Secretary to enter into agreements with Mexico to establish a binational advisory committee to:  (1) assist EPA and the Mexican environmental agency (SEDUE) in the monitoring and study of environmental conditions within the Zone; (2) make recommendations for ongoing environmental protection within the Zone; and (3) carry out other functions prescribed by EPA and SEDUE. Prohibits the expenditure of U.S. funds for emergency investigation or remediation in Mexico without a cost-sharing agreement unless the Secretary can demonstrate that the expenditure of such funds would be cost-effective and in the U.S. interest. Establishes the United States International Boundary and Water Commission Fund to carry out this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:01Z,
102-hr-6062,102,hr,6062,Environmental Education Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-09-30,1992-10-06,Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.,House,"Rep. Engel, Eliot L. [D-NY-19]",NY,D,E000179,0,Environmental Education Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a joint program to support instructional equipment and facilities for environmental science and technology. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:17:50Z,
102-s-3290,102,s,3290,Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act,Environmental Protection,1992-09-30,1992-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH]",OH,D,G000236,6,Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act - Establishes a Great Lakes Research Council to:  (1) advise and promote the coordination of Federal research activities and ensure greater effectiveness in achieving ecosystem protection of the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; (2) prepare and provide to the Congress and other interested parties a document which includes an assessment of research activities needed to fulfill the goals of the Agreement and of existing Federal expertise in such activities and recommendations for research priorities; (3) identify topics for and participate in workshops and conferences on Great Lakes research issues; (4) make recommendations for the uniform collection of data for enhancing research and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes ecosystem; (5) advise and cooperate in the establishment of a multi-media data base for such ecosystem; and (6) ensure that findings and information regarding such research are disseminated in a timely manner. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:13:55Z,
102-s-3286,102,s,3286,A bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide for a loan program for States and political subdivisions of States.,Environmental Protection,1992-09-29,1992-09-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Seymour, John [R-CA]",CA,R,S000269,0,"Amends the Endangered Species Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to enter into agreements with States, local governments, or groups of States or local governments to provide interest free loans for the acquisition of habitats for rare or endangered species. Authorizes the Secretary to consider the number of species involved when making a habitat agreement determination. Grants the Department of the Interior the right to assume habitat ownership.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-6033,102,hr,6033,Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-09-25,1992-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Wyden, Ron [D-OR-3]",OR,D,W000779,14,"Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State Governor, if requested by an affected local government or local solid waste planning unit, to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal waste in the following landfills or incinerators subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the affected local government:  (1) landfills that begin operations after this Act's enactment date; (2) existing landfills that did not receive out-of-State municipal waste in 1991 or are not in compliance with State laws relating to design and locational standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure and corrective action; and (3) existing incinerators that did not receive such waste during 1991, are not in compliance with standards and monitoring requirements under the Clean Air Act, or are not in compliance with State laws relating to facility design and operations. Authorizes State Governors, if requested by an affected local government or local solid waste planning unit, to limit the amount of out-of-State municipal waste received at landfills or incinerators that received shipments of such waste during 1991 or the first six months of 1992. Permits State Governors, effective in 1993, to limit the disposal of such waste at any landfill or incinerator that receives, on an annual basis, shipments totaling more than 100,000 tons of such waste (that represents more than 30 percent of all municipal waste received during such period) by prohibiting the disposal of out-of-State waste in an annual amount greater than 30 percent of all municipal waste received during the later of 1993 or the first year in which more than 100,000 tons of out-of-State waste was received.  Authorizes Governors, if requested by an affected local government or local solid waste planning unit, to further limit the disposal of such waste by reducing the 30 percent annual volume limitation to 20 percent in 1998 and 1999 and to ten percent in succeeding years. Authorizes a State to impose a fee on the combustion or disposal of out-of-State waste. Prohibits Governors from exercising authority under this Act if such action would result in the violation of a legally binding contract, with exceptions.",2025-08-26T15:13:55Z,
102-hr-6028,102,hr,6028,Save Florida Bay Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-09-24,1992-10-30,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Offshore Energy Resources.",House,"Rep. Shaw, E. Clay, Jr. [R-FL-15]",FL,R,S000303,20,"Save Florida Bay Act of 1992 - Requires the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to establish and coordinate an interagency committee to develop a program for facilitating the restoration of Florida Bay and to define the roles and responsibilities of each agency in facilitating that restoration. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that the Chairman should include Florida Bay in the Coastal America program. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to add Florida Bay, Florida, to the list of areas mandated for priority consideration as an estuary of national significance. Mandates a study of Florida Bay problems, including those from Hurricane Andrew.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:17:43Z,
102-hr-6004,102,hr,6004,"To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the deadline by which permits for discharges for municipal and industrial stormwater discharges are required until October 1, 1994.",Environmental Protection,1992-09-23,1992-09-29,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. Hammerschmidt, John P. [R-AR-3]",AR,R,H000124,24,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend to October 1, 1994, the deadline by which:  (1) a permit for stormwater discharges is required; and (2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue regulations which designate stormwater discharges to be regulated to protect water quality and to establish a program to regulate designated sources.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5990,102,hr,5990,"To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for assessments of contaminated sediments at areas of concern in the Great Lakes, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-09-22,1992-09-29,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. Nowak, Henry [D-NY-33]",NY,D,N000163,0,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Great Lakes National Program Office to:  (1) conduct five demonstration projects of promising technologies to remedy contaminated sediments at appropriate sites; (2) conduct chemical, physical, and biological assessments of contaminated sediments at each area of concern and make recommendations on technologies to remedy contaminated sediments; and (3) report findings and recommendations to the Congress. Establishes deadlines for the publication and submission to the International Joint Commission of lakewide management plans for Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the Great Lakes water quality program through FY 1999.  Allocates funds for assessments and demonstration projects.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5969,102,hr,5969,Commission on the Conservation of Biological Resources Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-09-17,1992-10-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Hoagland, Peter [D-NE-2]",NE,D,H000652,0,"Commission on the Conservation of Biological Resources Act of 1992 - Establishes the National Commission on the Conservation of Biological Resources to:  (1) create a plan for the development of a systematic, ongoing inventory of the biological resources of the United States; (2) identify unprotected biological resources at risk of being lost; (3) identify policies for managing public lands by Federal agencies with responsibility for natural resources; (4) identify mechanisms to coordinate activities with respect to the conservation of biological resources; (5) identify laws and programs needed to ensure conservation and sustainable use of biological resources; (6) identify early warning mechanisms needed to prevent the endangerment of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; (7) identify mechanisms that can be used to help communities bear the economic costs and share the benefits of plans to conserve such resources; (8) make recommendations for increasing public awareness of the importance of conserving such resources; and (9) analyze whether international approaches are conserving biological resources and the need for improving such approaches. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:55Z,
102-hr-5959,102,hr,5959,Office of National Environmental Technologies Act,Environmental Protection,1992-09-16,1992-10-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,0,"Office of National Environmental Technologies Act - Establishes the Office of National Environmental Technologies within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to:  (1) coordinate Federal environmental restoration and protection planning; (2) identify areas that need technical solutions to maintain environmental security, are not receiving product-oriented research necessary to meet those needs, and exhibit the greatest promise for the development of solutions; (3) support the development of technology having future application in environmental restoration and protection; (4) coordinate the exchange of technological information relating to environmental restoration and protection between Federal agencies and the private sector; (5) support continuing research and development of advanced technologies; (6) monitor research and development being conducted on advanced technologies by private industry; and (7) promote continuing development of a technological industrial base in the United States. Establishes an interagency advisory committee to provide information to the Office with respect to the needs and concerns of specified agencies in the field of environmental technologies. Establishes the Industry and Academia Advisory Council to make recommendations regarding general policy for the Office. Permits the EPA Administrator to transfer to the domestic private sector technology developed with the support of the Office if the technology may have potential application in private activities relating to environmental restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to carry out Office functions, subject to certain conditions. Provides for dissemination of the results of Office research. Prohibits the making of a contract or award until the research project in question has passed a merit review. Directs the Administrator, in determining whether to make an award to a joint venture, to consider whether the joint venture has provided for appropriate participation of U.S. small businesses. Exempts from Federal disclosure requirements information obtained on a confidential basis in connection with business operations or trade secrets of a joint venture.  Prohibits the disclosure by a Federal employee of intellectual property owned by a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, except in accordance with an agreement between the owner and the Administrator.  Entitles the United States to a share of licensing fees and royalty payments made to a joint venture in an amount proportionate to the Federal share of costs incurred.  Provides for the return of unspent Federal funds to the Office if it appears that the recipient is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the project. Entitles the United States, upon dissolution of a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, to a share of the residual assets proportionate to the Federal share of costs. Establishes the Environmental Advanced Research Projects Revolving Fund.  Authorizes the Administrator to use the Fund to provide financial assistance to industrial and nonprofit research centers, universities, and other entities that serve long-term environmental security needs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on: (1) activities of the Office; (2) the extent to which technologies developed with Office assistance have been used; and (3) the extent to which those technologies have been transferred overseas. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:00Z,
102-hjres-550,102,hjres,550,"Designating the week beginning October 18, 1992, as ""National Radon Action Week"".",Environmental Protection,1992-09-15,1992-09-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Census and Population.,House,"Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-11]",NY,D,T000326,223,"Designates the week beginning October 18, 1992, as National Radon Action Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
102-hr-5937,102,hr,5937,Ballona Wetlands Restoration Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-09-15,1992-10-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Anderson, Glenn M. [D-CA-32]",CA,D,A000189,4,"Ballona Wetlands Restoration Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue regulations for the expedited consideration of permit applications submitted under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at the Ballona Wetlands in Los Angeles, California. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a demonstration program to encourage the full restoration of such wetlands.  Provides for mitigation credits to persons who conduct restoration activities.  Permits credits to be used for obtaining permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material between Point Conception, California, and the Mexican border. Requires the Administrator to establish a mitigation banking system and authorizes the sale of credits to third parties with the Administrator's approval. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:55Z,
102-s-3231,102,s,3231,Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-09-14,1992-09-14,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.,Senate,"Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI]",RI,D,P000193,0,"Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1992 - Title I: Amendment to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to set forth U.S. policy with respect to the protection of Antarctica. Revises provisions concerning prohibited acts to make it unlawful for any person (currently, U.S. citizen) to:  (1) engage in any taking or harmful interference in Antarctica; (2) introduce into Antarctica any nonnative species; (3) enter any Antarctic specially protected area; or (4) discharge, dispose of, or introduce any waste or pollutant within Antarctica, except as permitted by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Exempts from such prohibition any act committed under emergency circumstances that involves the safety of human life or of ships, aircraft, or equipment or facilities of high value or the protection of the environment. Revises requirements for the issuance of permits authorizing takings or harmful interferences or introductions of nonnative species in Antarctica.  Authorizes permits to be issued to provide for unavoidable consequences of scientific activities or of the construction and operation of scientific support facilities. Adds to the list of permit requirements that such permits ensure that no more native mammals, birds, or plants are taken than are necessary to provide specimens for scientific or cultural uses. Adds to the list of requirements for permits authorizing the taking of specially protected species that such takings involve nonlethal techniques, where appropriate. Allows permits for entry into any Antarctic specially protected area to be issued only in accordance with a specified management plan. Provides that permits authorizing the importation of nonnative species shall:  (1) not be issued unless allowed under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty of October 1991; (2) require such species to be removed from Antarctica and disposed of in a specified manner; (3) not permit the importation of dogs or living birds; and (4) require that precautions be taken to prevent the introduction of microorganisms not present in native fauna and flora. Sets forth restrictions on the importation of animal food products into Antarctica. Requires certain regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State to apply to any person's (currently, U.S. citizen's) advance notification of expeditions to, and within, Antarctica.  Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require nongovernmental activities in Antarctica for which the United States is required to give advance notice under the Antarctic Treaty to provide for prompt response actions to emergencies and to comply with contingency plans. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to implement the environmental impact assessment provisions of the Protocol with respect to nongovernmental activities in Antarctica. Directs the Secretary to designate the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection. Increases the ceiling on civil penalties and expands the scope of criminal penalties for specified violations of the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978.  Authorizes civil actions with respect to violations. Title II:  Prohibition of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities; Repeal of Antarctic Protection Act - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide the legislative authority necessary to implement the provisions of the Protocol relating to Antarctic mineral resource activity by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Makes it unlawful for any person to:  (1) engage in, provide assistance to, or knowingly finance any Antarctic mineral resource activity; (2) violate any provision of this title; (3) ship, sell, purchase, import, export, or have control of any Antarctic mineral resource which the person knows was recovered as the result of Antarctic mineral resource activity, without regard to the citizenship of the person that engaged in the activity; (4) refuse to permit any authorized U.S. employee to board a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft subject to this title for conducting any serarch or inspection in connection with enforcement; or (5) interfere with any search or resist a lawful arrest or detention or interfere with such an arrest or detention. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title.  Sets forth enforcement procedures and provisions concerning forfeitures and searches and seizures. Declares that this title shall prevail over any inconsistent provision of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. Repeals the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:14:33Z,
102-hr-5857,102,hr,5857,To provide for standards for the cleanup of domestic nuclear energy industry facilities and other radiologically contaminated sites.,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Kostmayer, Peter H. [D-PA-8]",PA,D,K000319,0,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate standards to protect public health, safety, and the environment from the hazards of radiologically contaminated sites. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-15T18:51:50Z,
102-hr-5863,102,hr,5863,Ocean Dumping Ban Improvement Act,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-09-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Manton, Thomas J. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,M000117,1,"Ocean Dumping Ban Improvement Act - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the construction or operation of any facility for the land-based management alternative of sewage sludge before the issuance:  (1) by State or local authorities of a valid permit for the facility; and (2) of a final environmental impact statement for the facility pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.  Bars the building of such a facility within a two-mile radius of a residential neighborhood. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish guidance to assist States and local governments in siting such facilities that:  (1) are protective of human health and the environment; and (2) consider the cumulative impact of the siting of multiple facilities on the health and well-being of nearby residents and local property values. Makes the prohibition on building such facilities within a two-mile radius of a residential neighborhood effective January 1, 1992, and applicable to facilities for which construction is completed after such date.",2025-08-26T15:17:08Z,
102-hr-5874,102,hr,5874,Brownsville Wetlands Policy Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-10-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. Ortiz, Solomon P. [D-TX-27]",TX,D,O000107,0,"Brownsville Wetlands Policy Act of 1992 - Authorizes the establishment of a wetlands policy center to be maintained by the Port of Brownsville, Texas, with programs to be administered by the University of Texas at Brownsville. Requires the primary mission of the Center to be to utilize the unique wetlands property at the Port and adjacent waters to focus on wetland matters for purposes of protecting, restoring, and maintaining the Lagoon Ecosystems of the western Gulf of Mexico region. Establishes a Board of Directors to oversee the management and financial affairs of the Center. Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make grants to the Center.  Authorizes the Director to enter into a long-term lease with the Port for use by the Center of wetlands property owned by the Port.  Authorizes appropriations. Prohibits funds appropriated pursuant to this Act to be used to relocate any of the administrative operations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from the Center for Environmental Studies and Services Building on the campus of Corpus Christi State University to the Center established by this Act.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5875,102,hr,5875,National Environmental Sciences and Technology Agency Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-08-31,Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-3]",NJ,D,P000034,2,National Environmental Sciences and Technology Agency Act of 1992 - Establishes the National Environmental Sciences and Technology Agency whose primary responsibility shall be to maintain a scientific and technological base to enhance environmental regulation and help U.S. industry to be more competitive. Provides for:  (1) an Administrator; (2) a Deputy Administrator; (3) five Assistant Administrators; and (4) an interagency executive committee. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:16:19Z,
102-s-3188,102,s,3188,Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Act,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-08-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL]",FL,D,G000352,0,"Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue the Water Quality Program established under the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act. Requires the Administrator and the Governor of Florida to establish a Steering Committee to set guidance and policy for the implementation of the Program. Directs the Administrator to establish a Florida Keys Liaison Office in Florida to:  (1) assist in the implementation of the Program and to support local, State, and Federal agencies in implementing specific action plans to carry out the Program; (2) coordinate the actions of the EPA with other Federal agencies and State and local authorities in developing strategies to protect and improve water quality in the Florida Keys; (3) make information related to the water quality in the Keys available to the public; and (4) report biennially to the Congress on the Program. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to State agencies, local governments, and nonprofit, private organizations for projects or studies to implement the Program. Provides for establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee to assist in the design and prioritization of grants and programs for scientific research and monitoring. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:17:14Z,
102-s-3189,102,s,3189,Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-08-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.,Senate,"Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000148,1,"Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of State to appoint a U.S.  officer or employee as the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection (Committee) under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Treaty) (done at Madrid in October 1991). Makes it unlawful for any person to:  (1) conduct an activity within Antarctica in a manner inconsistent with the Protocol; (2) engage in, finance, or knowingly provide assistance to any Antarctica mineral resource activity; (3) introduce a prohibited product within Antarctica (defined as polychlorinated biphenyls, nonsterile soils, polystyrene or similar packaging, pesticides, and other designated products); (4) conduct open burning, operate a landfill at a U.S. coastal facility, or operate an incinerator after December 31, 1994; (5) bring a dog into Antarctica; (6) use leaded fuel at a U.S. facility within Antarctica or in any vessel or aircraft subject to U.S.  jurisdiction; (7) transport passengers to, from, or within Antarctica by a vessel subject to U.S.  jurisdiction unless the owner or operator is required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships; (8) discharge untreated sewage into Antarctic waters or onto Antarctic ice shelves; (9) engage in specified activities without a permit; (10) violate any terms of this Act; (11) ship, sell, purchase, import, export, or have control of a native bird, mammal, plant, invertebrate, or mineral resource which the person knows was taken in violation of this Act; (12) refuse to permit an authorized U.S.  employee to board a U.S. vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction for conducting any search or inspection in connection with enforcement; or (13) interfere with any search or resist a lawful arrest or detention or interfere with such an arrest or detention.  Waives the prohibition on activities conducted without a permit under emergency circumstances to prevent the loss of human life or involving the safety of a ship or aircraft. Prohibits the following activities in Antarctica, except in accordance with a permit:  (1) the conduct of an expedition of more than ten persons to, from, or within Antarctica; (2) the operation of U.S. facilities within Antarctica, including the construction or decommissioning of a U.S. base, building, or airfield; (3) taking within Antarctica a native mammal, bird, or plant in such quantities that their local distribution or abundance would be significantly affected; (4) taking within Antarctica a specially protected species; (5) introducing an animal or plant not indigenous to Antarctica; (6) entering a specially protected area; or (7) operating an incinerator on or prior to December 31, 1994. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, to issue general permits for any category of such activities if the activities are similar in nature and will cause no more than a minor environmental impact when performed cumulatively.  Establishes a specific procedure for permit applications requesting authority to undertake actions with respect to:  (1) native marine mammals covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972; (2) endangered or threatened species; (3) native birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; or (4) the discharge of treated sewage into Antarctic waters  or onto Antarctic ice shelves. Prohibits the issuance of a permit unless there is sufficient information to assess possible environmental impacts and if required, an environmental impact statement (EIS) has been prepared and circulated to Treaty parties and to the Committee. Provides that permits which authorize any taking may only be issued for providing specimens for scientific study or institutions or for the unavoidable consequences of scientific research activities and shall ensure that only small numbers are taken, the variety of the species and balance of the ecological systems are maintained, and the taking is determined by peer review to further a bona fide scientific purpose. Authorizes permits for takings of specially protected species to be issued only if:  (1) there is a compelling scientific purpose as determined by peer review of the proposed permit; (2) the actions authorized will not jeopardize any existing natural ecological systems or the survival or recovery of the species; and (3) nonlethal techniques are used, if appropriate. Requires permits which authorize the introduction of any nonindigenous animal or plant to be issued only for animals and plants to be used in a laboratory and requires the removal of such plants or animals from Antarctica prior to the expiration of the permit, unless they pose no risk to native mammals, birds, or plants. Authorizes the issuance of a permit that allows the entry into any specially protected area only if:  (1) there is a compelling scientific purpose for the entry; and (2) the actions will not jeopardize the natural ecological system and are in accordance with any management plan. Authorizes permits for the operation of U.S. facilities within Antarctica to be issued for five-year periods.  Provides for annual inspections of such facilities and permit renewals, as appropriate. Requires permits which authorize the construction or operation of incinerators to:  (1) ensure that emissions are reduced to the maximum extent practicable; (2) restrict the material which may be incinerated to food and food-contaminated waste; and (3) prohibit the operation of incinerators after 1994 unless the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, reports to the Congress that there is no alternative for the disposal of food. Requires permits which authorize the disposal of sewage within Antarctica to minimize environmental impacts. Provides that permits which authorize expeditions of ten or more passengers to, from, or within Antarctica may be:  (1) effective for up to three years; and (2) issued only if consistent with the Protocol and this Act and allow observers on vessels to monitor compliance. Permits judicial review of permit issuance decisions.  Authorizes permit modification, suspension, or revocation.  Provides for permit application fees. Requires Federal agencies planning to conduct activities in Antarctica to determine whether such activities will have more than a minor or transitory impact on the environment.  Authorizes such activities if the agency monitors them to assess and verify the minor or transitory impact.  Directs Federal agencies, if activities will have more than a minor or transitory environmental impact, to prepare an EIS. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to issue regulations establishing procedures for the environmental assessment of nongovernmental activities in Antarctica. Provides for review of an EIS by the Treaty parties and the Committee prior to permission for an activity to proceed. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to develop a plan for monitoring activities within Antarctica that have more than a minor or transitory environmental impact. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to conduct a program for monitoring the health of the waters of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean as part of a global ocean observing system. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, to develop requirements for contingency plans for response to incidents with adverse environmental impacts in Antarctica. Requires the Secretary of State to circulate to all Treaty parties all inspection and compliance reports and all actions taken to ensure compliance with the Protocol and to bring to the attention of the other parties all known incidents of noncompliance with the Protocol by the nationals of those parties. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act.   Sets forth enforcement procedures and establishes authorities for searches and seizures and forfeitures. Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply Annex IV of the Protocol to all ships of U.S. registry and all ships under U.S. jurisdiction.  Applies Protocol requirements to ships currently excluded from the requirements of such Act. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer the Protocol.  Directs the Secretary to ensure that such ships, before entering Antarctica, have:  (1) sufficient capacity to retain all oil, noxious liquid substances, and garbage; and (2) concluded arrangements to discharge such substances at reception facilities outside of Antarctica. Makes enforcement and inspection provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships applicable to violations of the Protocol. Repeals the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 and the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Sets forth procedures with respect to acceptance of amendments to the Protocol. Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) the prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities should remain in effect permanently or indefinitely; (2) the Secretary of State should enter into negotiations with other Treaty parties to conclude an agreement on procedures for liability for damage arising from activities in Antarctica; and (3) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, should ensure that the results of all investigations relating to geological processes and structures are made available to the public.",2025-08-26T15:13:31Z,
102-s-3216,102,s,3216,Long Island Sound Comprehensive Improvement Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-12,1992-08-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY]",NY,D,M001054,0,"Long Island Sound Comprehensive Improvement Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the Long Island Sound to:  (1) consolidate certain ongoing studies; and (2) develop a comprehensive long-range plan of improvement for the Sound that includes provisions for the control of water quality, commercial and recreational navigation, storm protection, water pollution control and remediation, beach erosion control and recreation, technical data and modeling support for the Management Conferences of the Long Island Sound Study (Study), and other areas of concern. Requires the Secretary, with respect to the Sound and its principal tributaries, to:  (1) develop a three-dimensional mathematical model; and (2) construct, operate, and maintain in the State of New York a large-scale hydraulic model and, in association with that model, construct a center for public education. Directs that the models and center be available, in conjunction with any research, investigation, or study conducted by the entity concerning the Sound, for use by:  (1) any Federal agency; (2) the governments of New York and Connecticut; and (3) the Study. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a reconnaissance-level plan to implement this Act, including an inventory of ongoing related studies, an examination of known water resource problems and needs, an implementation plan for locating and constructing the hydraulic model, and a framework for participation by States and the public in the investigation; and (2) report to specified congressional committees. Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study, with respect to the Sound, to:  (1) fully explore water resources problems; and (2) develop alternative plans that include an assessment of costs, benefits, and environmental impacts. Specifies that:  (1) the principal focus of the study shall be the development of cost-effectiveness criteria against which to evaluate identified solutions to water resources problems of the Sound; and (2) the study shall fully evaluate the environmental consequences and future costs of refraining from taking any Federal action. Directs the Secretary to submit to specified congressional committees a feasibility report that includes the findings of the study. Requires that the full cost of developing and preparing the reconnaissance plan and report be paid by the Federal Government. Sets the Federal share of developing and preparing the feasibility report at 50 percent.  Directs that 50 percent of such costs be paid from non-Federal sources. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:13:39Z,
102-hr-5818,102,hr,5818,Small Lakes Restoration Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-11,1992-08-24,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Jontz, Jim [D-IN-5]",IN,D,J000265,0,Small Lakes Restoration Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States to:  (1) carry out specified procedures to restore water quality and biological integrity of small lakes; and (2) assist local entities in obtaining information to demonstrate their need for assistance for lake water quality assessment activities. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:18:22Z,
102-s-3168,102,s,3168,Acid Mine Drainage Abatement Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-11,1992-08-12,Referred to Subcommittee on Mineral Resources Development.,Senate,"Sen. Sarbanes, Paul S. [D-MD]",MD,D,S000064,0,Acid Mine Drainage Abatement Act of 1992 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize the States to set aside:  (1) up to ten percent of their annual grants for a special trust fund to redress public health and safety problems beyond 1995; and (2) up to 30 percent for an acid mine drainage abatement and treatment trust fund. Permits States that receive funds for acid mine drainage treatment to apply to the Secretary of the Interior for grants for such projects which do not exceed 50 percent of project costs.,2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
102-hr-5801,102,hr,5801,Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-10,1992-09-24,Referred to the Subcommittee On Insular and International Affairs.,House,"Rep. Boucher, Rick [D-VA-9]",VA,D,B000657,1,"Antarctic Environmental Protection Act of 1992 - Title I: Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to set forth U.S. policy with respect to the protection of Antarctica. Revises provisions concerning prohibited acts to make it unlawful for any person (currently, U.S. citizen) to:  (1) engage in any taking or harmful interference in Antarctica; (2) introduce into Antarctica any nonnative species; (3) enter any Antarctic specially protected area; or (4) discharge, dispose of, or introduce any waste or pollutant within Antarctica, except as permitted by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Exempts from such prohibition any act committed under emergency circumstances that involves the safety of human life or of ships, aircraft, or equipment or facilities of high value or the protection of the environment. Revises requirements for the issuance of permits authorizing takings or harmful interferences or introductions of nonnative species in Antarctica.  Authorizes permits to be issued to provide for unavoidable consequences of scientific activities or of the construction and operation of scientific support facilities. Adds to the list of permit requirements that such permits ensure that no more native mammals, birds, or plants are taken than are necessary to provide specimens for scientific or cultural uses. Adds to the list of requirements for permits authorizing the taking of specially protected species that such takings involve nonlethal techniques, where appropriate. Allows permits for entry into any Antarctic specially protected area to be issued only in accordance with a specified management plan. Provides that permits authorizing the importation of nonnative species shall:  (1) not be issued unless allowed under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty of October 1991; (2) require such species to be removed from Antarctica and disposed of in a specified manner; (3) not permit the importation of dogs or living birds; and (4) require that precautions be taken to prevent the introduction of microorganisms not present in native fauna and flora. Sets forth restrictions on the importation of animal food products into Antarctica. Requires certain regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State to apply to any person's (currently, U.S. citizen's) advance notification of expeditions to, and within, Antarctica.  Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to require nongovernmental activities in Antarctica for which the United States is required to give advance notice under the Antarctic Treaty to provide for prompt response actions to emergencies and to comply with contingency plans. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations to implement the environmental impact assessment provisions of the Protocol with respect to nongovernmental activities in Antarctica. Directs the Secretary to designate the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection. Increases the ceiling on civil penalties and expands the scope of criminal penalties for specified violations of the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978.  Authorizes civil actions with respect to violations. Title II:  Prohibition of Antarctic Mineral Activities; Repeal of Antarctic Protection Act - Declares that the purpose of this title is to provide the legislative authority necessary to implement the provisions of the Protocol relating to Antarctic mineral resource activity by persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Makes it unlawful for any person to:  (1) engage in, provide assistance to, or knowingly finance any Antarctic mineral resource activity; (2) violate any provision of this title; (3) ship, sell, purchase, import, export, or have control of any Antarctic mineral resource which the person knows was recovered as the result of Antarctic mineral resource activity, without regard to the citizenship of the person that engaged in the activity; (4) refuse to permit any authorized U.S. employee to board a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft subject to this title for conducting any search or inspection in connection with enforcement; or (5) interfere with any search or resist a lawful arrest or detention or interfere with such an arrest or detention. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this title.  Sets forth enforcement procedures and provisions concerning forfeitures and searches and seizures. Declares that this title shall prevail over any inconsistent provision of the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. Repeals the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:14:25Z,
102-s-3159,102,s,3159,Progressive Endangered Species Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-10,1992-08-10,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Symms, Steven D. [R-ID]",ID,R,S001138,6,"Progressive Endangered Species Act of 1992 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exclude subspecies, distinct populations, and similarly appearing but unlisted species from its coverage. Changes the standards for determining whether species are endangered or threatened.  Requires the destruction of a species to be imminent, not merely threatened.  Requires overutilization to be present or imminent.  Requires that consideration of natural or manmade factors affecting continued existence of a species be indicated by adequate and verifiable scientifically valid data. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to make such determination solely on the basis of analysis of adequate and verifiable scientifically valid data sufficient to reach conclusions meeting reasonable scientific standards. Subjects such determinations to judicial review if sought by an affected party. Repeals the requirement that, in developing and implementing recovery plans, the Secretary give priority to species that are, or may be, in conflict with construction or other development projects or other forms of economic activity. Requires any recovery plan, among other things, to describe:  (1) the costs to the Federal, State, and local governments of carrying it out; (2) the least costly alternatives for conservation; (3) the projected economic impact by economic sector; (4) identifiable economic and social benefits of conserving the species; (5) private property expected to be adversely impacted by species conservation and private property rights to be taken as a result of plan implementation, as well as the cost of compensation for the property and property rights; and (6) conflicts and potential conflicts with State laws. Prohibits any professional scientific organization or person who has been directly or indirectly involved in the petition process for the listing of a species or designation of a critical habitat from participating in the preparation of a recovery or stabilization plan for the species or receiving compensation for such participation. Requires the Secretary to develop a less expensive species stabilization plan whenever the total cost of developing and implementing a recovery plan exceeds $10,000,000.  Requires a stabilization plan to address many of the issues required by this Act for recovery plans. Delists, by a certain date, any species for which a stabilization plan is required unless listing is extended by law. Requires the Secretary to ensure that at least 30 percent of total annual expenditures of grants, and at least one third of the total projects in at least one third of the States receiving grant funds, shall be spent on voluntary, cooperative efforts to enhance the habitat, habitat availability, or population of endangered, threatened, or candidate species on private property. Allows such efforts to include purchase of conservation easements of up to 20 years in duration. Creates the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. Abolishes the Endangered Species Committee. Allows the:  (1) taking of endangered species of fish or wildlife within the United States or its territoral sea if necessary for the protection of human life; and (2) the sale or offer for sale of such species if such actions serve to better the chances of species survival. Declares that, in granting permission for importation or exportation of African elephant ivory, the Secretary shall not vary the requirements for obtaining the permission on the basis of the value or quantity of ivory imported or exported under the permission. Prohibits the designation of any release habitat without prior, written permission of the landowner. Creates a defense against any charge of harm or harass if a property owner (or authorized agent) has modified or managed non-critical habitat or -reserved property for at least three years in a manner designed to benefit a listed species if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service, as appropriate, is notified in writing of possible adverse effect on the species in question before commencing the habitat modification.  Authorizes the Secretary to notify the party giving such notice of any scientific analysis and determination that a proposed action does not constitute a net benefit to the species. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Fish and Wildlife Service, to report annually to the Congress an accounting on a species-by-species basis of all reasonably identifiable and unidentified Federal expenditures by year and as a running total made primarily for the conservation for stabilization of endangered or threatened species. Directs the Secretary to request the National Academy of Science to determine and report to specified congressional committees an objective and measurable definition of subspecies. Declares that no regulation under this Act shall become effective until the issuing agency is certified by the Attorney General to be in compliance with specified procedures established to assess the potential for the taking of private property in the course of Federal regulatory activity, with the goal of minimizing the taking if possible. Allows to private property owners a Federal income tax credit for 110 percent of the State and local taxes assessed in a calendar year against any such property that has been designated as critical habitat, or is occupied by an introduced population and is managed primarily for conservation or stabilization of an endangered or threatened species.  Allows as a deduction against adjusted gross income any expenses incurred with respect to the manipulation or preservation of habitat or other actions taken to benefit a candidate or endangered or threatened species. Establishes the United States Biodiversity Foundation, which shall award grants and contracts for projects (recommended by a National Biodiversity Science Advisory Panel) that will further the conservation, management, propagation, or sustainable use of rare, threatened, or endangered fish, wildlife, and plant resources. Declares that any actions taken pursuant to and in accordance with a Foundation grant or contract shall be considered in compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and shall not require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:13:33Z,
102-s-3164,102,s,3164,Economic Opportunity and Environmental Improvement Through Recycling Land Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-10,1992-08-10,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]",MI,D,R000249,1,"Economic Opportunity and Environmental Improvement Through Recycling Land Act of 1992 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out a program to provide for grants to local governments to demonstrate:  (1) the economic feasibility of redevelopment or reuse of impacted (environmentally contaminated) sites; (2) the environmental, economic, and social benefits to distressed communities from focusing financial resources and cooperative action on the redevelopment or reuse of such sites and the beneficial impacts on patterns of community development and use of public resources of such redevelopment or reuse; (3) the feasibility of cooperative action between Federal, State, and local agencies that have jurisdiction over response actions and redevelopment or reuse of such sites; and (4) the use of response actions as an integral part of a facility redevelopment or reuse project. Limits the number of sites selected for grants to 50 and the number of sites selected in any one State to three.  Sets forth non-Federal contribution requirements.  Authorizes total Federal funding for a project, subject to specified conditions. Authorizes the Administrator, in lieu of awarding grants to local governments, to award grants to States for the administration of the grant program under this Act. Provides for recovery of Federal assistance, subject to certain conditions, if a grant recipient recovers compensation for carrying out a response action from another person or does not initiate and complete response actions or redevelopment and reuse by certain deadlines. Excludes from impacted sites selected for grant awards by the Administrator sites:  (1) on or expected to be included on the National Priority List maintained by EPA under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; and (2) controlled or to be remediated by a military department, defense agency, or the Department of Energy. Prohibits assistance under this Act for the removal or replacement of (or other response actions with respect to) underground storage tanks for which assistance may be obtained from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. Directs the Administrator to conduct the grant program in a manner that does not:  (1) relieve from liability regarding environmental contamination any person who, prior to a response action assisted by a grant award, was potentially liable for the action with respect to the impacted site; and (2) reduce the incentive of such person to participate in funding the non-Federal contribution. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:17:46Z,
102-hres-547,102,hres,547,"Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a Presidential commission should be established to investigate whether there has been any measurable depletion of stratospheric ozone beyond that caused by natural phenomena, whether it has been proven that the use of chloroflourocarbons damages stratospheric ozone, and whether the phaseout of chloroflourocarbons will have any effect on stratospheric ozone.",Environmental Protection,1992-08-06,1992-10-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Dannemeyer, William E. [R-CA-39]",CA,R,D000044,8,Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that:  (1) a presidential commission should be established to investigate whether there has been any measurable depletion of stratospheric ozone beyond the seasonal variations caused by natural phenomena; (2) such commission should investigate whether it has been proven that the use of man-made chlorofluorocarbons damages stratospheric ozone and whether the phaseout of chlorofluorocarbons will have any effect on ozone levels in the stratosphere; and (3) the membership of the commission should be equally apportioned between representatives from the scientific community whose published research shows that chlorofluorocarbons have a negligible effect on ozone depletion and representatives whose research makes contrary claims.,2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
102-s-3149,102,s,3149,Local Innovation and Coastal Protection Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-06,1992-08-06,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.,Senate,"Sen. Bradley, Bill [D-NJ]",NJ,D,B001225,0,"Local Innovation and Coastal Protection Act of 1992 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Director (Director) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make grants ($500,000 maximum with matching fund requirements) from the Coastal Erosion Control Fund (established by this Act) to States and qualifying communities for an erosion mitigation demonstration program. Gives grant priority to projects that:  (1) have multiple location applicability; (2) broaden existing erosion control techniques; or (3) rely on natural designs rather than structural alterations. Sets forth reporting requirements.  Authorizes appropriations. Establishes in the Treasury the Coastal Erosion Control Fund. Requires the Director to:  (1) assess an annual five-dollar flood insurance premium mitigation surcharge to be paid into such Fund, unless the Fund's balance exceeds $15,000,000; (2) evaluate and publish a list of the most effective erosion mitigation measures; and (3) provide flood insurance rate incentives for erosion mitigation efforts.",2025-08-26T15:18:27Z,
102-hr-5766,102,hr,5766,To require the promulgation of standards for the cleanup of radiologically contaminated sites.,Environmental Protection,1992-08-04,1992-09-14,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Kostmayer, Peter H. [D-PA-8]",PA,D,K000319,0,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate standards to protect public health, safety, and the environment from the hazards of radiologically contaminated sites. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-15T18:51:50Z,
102-s-3130,102,s,3130,Enterprise Zone Environmental Restoration Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-04,1992-08-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Wofford, Harris [D-PA]",PA,D,W000665,0,Enterprise Zone Environmental Restoration Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to award grants for environmental testing and characterization on land owned by political subdivisions of States to political subdivisions that submit approved applications and have jurisdiction over:  (1) an area designated as an enterprise zone pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987; or (2) an area that receives a similar designation under any Federal law. Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:15:44Z,
102-s-3122,102,s,3122,Gulf of Mexico Commission Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-08-03,1992-08-03,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Bentsen, Lloyd M. [D-TX]",TX,D,B000401,2,"Gulf of Mexico Commission Act of 1992 - Requires the President to establish a Gulf Coast Commission, upon receiving the agreement of each Gulf State Governor, for purposes of promoting the environmental and economic interests of the Gulf of Mexico by coordinating the public authorities and private organizations that are engaged in evaluating and responding to problems relating to the Gulf. Directs the Commission to prepare a plan to guide the development, use, management, and conservation of Gulf resources.  Requires the Commission, as part of such plan, to make recommendations regarding: (1) improvement in the Gulf's management system; (2) cooperation among governmental entities in the Gulf region, including cooperation between the United States and Mexico; (3) the role of the U.S. Government in management and protection of Gulf resources; (4) laws or regulations relating to such resources; (5) agreements between the United States and Mexico that would positively affect such resources and mutual arrangements in legislation promulgated by the Congress and the Mexican Congress; (6) improvements to the transportation infrastructure in the Gulf; and (7) improvement and maintenance of the productivity of industries doing business in the Gulf. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:41Z,
102-hr-5730,102,hr,5730,Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-07-31,1992-10-01,Executive Comment Received from Labor.,House,"Rep. Swift, Al [D-WA-2]",WA,D,S001115,1,"Lead Exposure Reduction Act of 1992 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the importing, manufacturing, or processing of certain products exceeding a specified percentage of lead content.  Exempts from lead content regulation products used:  (1) for medical purposes; (2) for purposes in the paramount interest of the United States; (3) for radiation protection; (4) in the mining industry to determine the presence of noble metals in geological materials; and (5) as radiation shielding in electronic devices and in specialized electronic uses where no appropriate substitutes for lead are available. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether there are primer paints suitable for use as electrocoat or electrodeposition primers on motor vehicle parts that:  (1) contain less than a specified percentage of lead; (2) have corrosion inhibition and related performance characteristics equivalent to primer paints in use for corrosion inhibition; and (3) do not pose a greater risk to human health and the environment than such primer paints.  Prohibits the importing, manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of any electrocoat or electrodeposition primer paint with a lead level exceeding that identified by the Administrator if the Administrator determines that one or more primer paints meeting such characteristics exist and are economically feasible to use.  Sets alternative lead content limitations on such paints if the Administrator determines that no paints meeting such characteristics exist.  Sets forth similar requirements and restrictions on paints and primers for agricultural, construction, industrial, and forestry equipment and paints containing lead chromate pigments. Exempts from lead content restrictions:  (1) artist paint (pursuant to a specified labeling requirement); and (2) zinc enriched industrial paint that does not exceed a specified incidental lead presence limit. Prohibits the sale or distribution in commerce of:  (1) any packaging or product in packaging that includes any additive to which lead has been intentionally introduced, beginning 48 months after this Act's enactment; and (2) any packaging exceeding specified levels for the incidental presence of lead.  Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from such requirements:  (1) packaging manufactured prior to this Act's enactment date; and (2) packaging to which lead has been added to comply with Federal, State, or local health or safety requirements.  Requires certificates of compliance with lead requirements to be retained by packaging manufacturers or distributors. Authorizes the Administrator to modify the allowable lead percentage for a product or packaging, subject to certain conditions. Directs the Administrator to develop an inventory of all lead-containing products sold or distributed in commerce.  Lists products that shall comprise the inventory if the Administrator fails to establish the inventory by a specified deadline.  Provides for modifications of the inventory. Requires the Administrator to promulgate a list of lead-containing products that may present a risk to health or the environment due to exposure to lead and to specify the maximum concentration of lead found in such products.  Authorizes persons to petition for the addition or deletion of products to or from the list.  Requires persons who manufacture, process, or import a product which uses a higher concentration of lead than that specified by the Administrator to notify the Administrator.  Directs the Administrator to amend the inventory to include such products, as appropriate.  Sets forth alternative requirements if publication of the final list is delayed. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the rate of diversion of small sealed lead-acid batteries from the solid waste stream and the quantity of lead entering the solid waste stream in the form of such batteries.  Includes such batteries on the list for which maximum lead percentages are specified if relevant information is not available. Exempts specified products from requirements relating to the list. Directs the Administrator to promulgate labeling requirements for products on the list (except for lead-acid batteries that are subject to labeling regulations under other Federal law and products regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act). Requires the Administrator to promulgate final regulations governing lead-based paint abatement activities, including requirements for the accreditation of lead-based paint abatement training programs for individuals involved in such activities, the licensing of lead-based paint abatement contractors, and standards for conducting such activities. Requires the Administrator to:  (1) promulgate guidelines for the conduct of renovation and remodeling activities which may create a risk of exposure to lead; (2) study the extent to which persons engaged in such activities are exposed to lead or disturb lead and create a lead hazard; and (3) require the licensing of lead-based paint abatement contractors engaged in such activities that create lead hazards. Imposes annual fees on persons operating training programs and contractors licensed under this Act.  Provides for the suspension or revocation of accreditations or licenses for violations of this Act's requirements. Requires the Administrator to establish an Advisory Committee on Lead Poisoning Prevention. Directs the Administrator to promulgate a rule requiring States to conduct and report on inspections of:  (1) covered schools and day care facilities to detect lead-based paint that is chipping, peeling, flaking, or chalking; and (2) each room and playground area in significant use by children in kindergarten or by younger children to detect such paint and any interior dust or exterior soil which contains a dangerous level of lead.  Directs States to place a priority on inspecting schools and facilities located in areas with the highest suspected lead hazard.  Requires owners or operators, in cases where inspections indicate the presence of lead-based paint or dust or soil containing dangerous levels of lead, to submit risk disclosure information (to be prescribed by the Administrator) to school or day care personnel and parents of children attending the school or day care facility. Establishes requirements for covered schools and day care facilities with respect to renovations and assurances that renovations do not result in dangerous lead levels. Requires the Administrator to make grants to States for testing for, and abating, lead-based paint and dust or soil containing a dangerous lead level in covered schools and day care facilities.  Allocates funds to a State in an amount that bears the same ratio to the appropriated amount as the number of children up to age six bears to the total number of children in all States.  Bars payments to a State in a fiscal year unless the aggregate State expenditures for comparable lead inspection and abatement programs equalled or exceeded such expenditures for the most recent fiscal year. Prescribes penalties for violations of inspection and disclosure requirements. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations for:  (1) the identification of dangerous levels of lead in interior dust and exterior soil; and (2) contractors who inspect for, or abate, dangerous levels of lead in exterior soil for compensation. Authorizes States, subject to the Administrator's approval, to administer the lead-based paint abatement training and licensing program and the school and day care lead inspection and abatement program.  Requires the Administrator to establish a model State program.  Authorizes grants to States for administering such programs. Directs the Administrator to conduct a program to promote monitoring, detection, and abatement of lead-based paint and other lead exposure hazards. Requires the Administrator to chair an Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention to coordinate Federal lead poisoning prevention programs and to make recommendations for Federal, State, and local lead poisoning prevention programs. Directs the Administrator to establish:  (1) standards for laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil, and dust; and (2) programs to certify laboratories as qualified to test substances for lead content, unless voluntary accreditation programs are operating nationwide.  Requires the Administrator to make a list of certified or accredited environmental sampling laboratories available to the public.  Provides for the review of such programs. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, and the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health to study the sources of lead exposure in children who have elevated blood lead levels.  Directs the Secretary to study a means to reduce hazardous occupational lead abatement exposure.  Provides for reports to the Congress on such studies. Directs the Administrator to sponsor public education and outreach activities to increase awareness of lead poisoning and other components of a lead poisoning prevention program. Requires the Administrator to develop information to be distributed by retailers of home improvement products to provide consumers with information related to the hazards of renovation and remodeling where lead-based paint may be present. Directs the Administrator to establish a National Clearinghouse on Childhood Lead Poisoning and a lead hazard hotline. Requires the President to establish by rule criteria, testing protocols, and performance characteristics necessary to ensure that deleading, encapsulating, testing, or similar lead-based paint abatement products introduced into commerce are effective for the intended use described by the manufacturer. Applies Federal, State, interstate, and local lead hazard control requirements to Federal facilities in the same manner as such requirements apply to nongovernmental entities. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue an interim final regulation regulating occupational exposure to lead in the construction industry.  Requires such regulation to provide employment and places of employment to employees which are as safe and healthful as those which would prevail under specified Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines. Amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to authorize the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to make grants to nonprofit organizations for the training and education of workers who are engaged in lead-based paint abatement activities.  Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for periodic assessments of grantee training programs. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct States to complete testing for lead contamination in drinking water from coolers and other drinking water outlets at schools.  Requires the Administrator to establish parallel testing requirements for day care facilities for kindergarten or younger children. Requires local educational agencies or day care facilities, if testing results show tap water lead concentrations exceeding 15 parts per billion, to provide risk disclosure information (to be prescribed by the Administrator) to school and day care personnel and to parents of children enrolled in the school or day care facility. Directs the Administrator to identify brands and models of drinking water coolers imported or manufactured before the enactment of the Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988 which contribute 20 parts per billion or more of lead to drinking water. Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue an order that such coolers are hazardous consumer products and to require manufacturers and importers to repair, replace, recall, or provide a refund for coolers located in schools or day care facilities. Requires the Administrator to make grants to States for testing for, and remedying, lead in drinking water in schools and day care facilities (currently, schools).  Allocates funds to a State in an amount that bears the same ratio to appropriated amounts as the number of children up to age 17 in the State bears to the number of children in all States.  Authorizes appropriations. Imposes civil penalties upon local educational agencies and day care facilities that fail to comply with testing and remedial action requirements. Requires pipe or plumbing fittings used in public water systems or in plumbing providing water for human consumption to be lead-free. Makes it unlawful to:  (1) introduce into commerce any pipe or pipe or plumbing fitting that is not lead-free; (2) sell solder or flux that is not lead-free; or (3) introduce into commerce any solder or flux which is not lead-free unless it bears a label stating that it is illegal to use the material in the installation or repair of plumbing providing water for human consumption. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations setting a health-effects based performance standard establishing minimum leaching levels of lead from new plumbing fittings conveying drinking water.  Sets alternative restrictions on the lead content of such fittings if regulations are not promulgated. Prescribes civil penalties for violations related to requirements for pipe or plumbing fittings. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a food to be adulterated if the packaging used for such food contains lead that has been intentionally introduced or if the incidental presence of lead exceeds specified percentages. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards and testing procedures with respect to lead in ceramic and crystal wares as necessary to make food that contacts such wares unadulterated. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to reduce lead in processed food. Prohibits the introduction or delivery into interstate commerce of ceramic or crystal ware or processed food that is not in compliance with regulations or requirements under this Act.",2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
102-s-3106,102,s,3106,"A bill to extend the deadline for compliance with certain drinking water regulations, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-07-30,1992-07-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM]",NM,D,B000468,0,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to extend for one year the deadline for small- and medium- size water systems that serve 10,000 or fewer customers to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act with respect to:  (1) the national primary drinking water regulations for lead and copper; (2) phase II drinking water regulations for 26 synthetic organic chemicals and seven inorganic chemicals; and (3) phase V drinking water regulations for 18 synthetic organic chemicals and five inorganic chemicals. Requires the Administrator, with respect to such regulations, to conduct sufficient research and report to the Congress on:  (1) the degree of health risks from non-compliance by small- and medium-size water systems; (2) the economic cost of compliance for the systems; and (3) other impacts on the systems.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5694,102,hr,5694,Land and Water Conservation Fund Equity Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-07-24,1992-07-30,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Rhodes, John J., III [R-AZ-1]",AZ,R,R000189,0,"Land and Water Conservation Fund Equity Act of 1992 - Amends the Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require the submission with the annual budget of the United States a comprehensive statement of the estimated requirements during the ensuing fiscal year for appropriation from the Fund for land acquisition by eligible Federal agencies and by States and local governments.  Requires 50 percent of such requirements to be designated for Federal purposes. Sets forth requirements with respect to allocations from the Fund for State purposes, including provisions for:  (1) treatment of all Indian tribes and Alaska Native Village Corporations as one State for which funds shall be apportioned accordingly; and (2) State matching requirements for multipurpose acquisitions. Requires each statewide outdoor recreation plan for FY 1995 and each year thereafter to include:  (1) an assessment of the impact requested projects will have on open space areas in the region for all metropolitan areas in excess of 100,000 people; and (2) a plan for maximizing use of National Park Service technical assistance available to the State for developing such regional open space assessment and for determining the needs and priorities for projects qualified for assistance under this Act. Sets forth requirements regarding maintenance of expenditures by State and Federal grant recipients.",2025-08-26T15:15:26Z,
102-sres-326,102,sres,326,A resolution to express the sense of the Senate that a National Institutes for the Environment should be established.,Environmental Protection,1992-07-23,1992-07-23,Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Sanford, Terry [D-NC]",NC,D,S000055,2,"Expresses the sense of the Senate that the National Institutes for the Environment should be established to:  (1) provide a coordinated, nationwide program for establishing comprehensive environmental research priorities; and (2) support competitively awarded environmental research and training aimed at preventing and solving environmental problems.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5609,102,hr,5609,Superfund Equitable Liability and Improved Cleanup Act,Environmental Protection,1992-07-09,1992-07-23,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Owens, Wayne [D-UT-2]",UT,D,O000156,0,"Superfund Equitable Liability and Improved Cleanup Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to revise liability provisions to make the following persons liable for costs and damages under such Act:  (1) owners or operators of a site or facility if such persons should have known that disposal was likely to result in the release of a hazardous substance that would endanger public health or welfare or the environment; and (2) any person if the person violated any applicable environmental statute, plan, or order in effect at the time of disposal and the violation contributed to such endangerment or the person's action contributed to such endangerment and the person should have known that the disposal would cause such endangerment or would result in liability under common law. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations establishing numerical standards for each hazardous substance, pollutant, and contaminant. Applies such standards to remedial actions at each site on the National Priorities List unless the Administrator:  (1) determines that the standards are not sufficiently protective of human health or the environment; or (2) grants a waiver of the standards at the site in response to a petition from a party responsible for cleanup at the site. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing deadlines for any person who is liable with respect to a site for the completion of remedial action investigation, design, and implementation.  Prescribes civil penalties for violations of deadlines. Prohibits the President from selecting the capping of a site as a remedial action unless the President determines that compliance with the numerical cleanup standards is not technologically feasible. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the amount of excess minimum taxable income upon which environmental tax is imposed (thereby making an increased amount of corporate income subject to the tax).",2025-08-26T15:16:58Z,
102-hr-5579,102,hr,5579,Urban Environmental Initiative Act,Environmental Protection,1992-07-08,1992-07-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Shays, Christopher [R-CT-4]",CT,R,S001144,3,"Urban Environmental Initiative Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) study and report to the Congress on health-based State laws and standards for the cleanup of sites at which hazardous substances were released or disposed; and (2) make recommendations, as part of such study, to States on such standards, including guidance on the development of standards for sites in urban areas. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on State property transfer laws and whether such laws:  (1) promote better land management practices; (2) help locate sites on which hazardous substances have been released or disposed; and (3) provide better protection for the buyer. Directs the Administrator to establish a computer data base that contains a national Superfund site inventory and includes information on any Federal action at a site or facility at which a hazardous substance was released or disposed. Requires the Administrator to:  (1) prepare a list of Superfund sites located in urban areas that would be suitable for economic development (""targeted sites""); and (2) carry out a study of the effectiveness of technologies for conducting response actions at targeted sites. Authorizes the Administrator, in any case in which a person purchases a targeted site for purposes of economic development, to provide a covenant not to sue such person concerning liability to the United States under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) resulting from a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance at such site. Requires such covenants to:  (1) not take effect unless the person enters into an agreement to complete remedial action at the site; and (2) include an exception that allows the Administrator to sue for future liability where such liability arises out of conditions unknown at the time the Administrator enters into a remedial action agreement. Directs the Administrator, in determining which sites to give priority for response action under CERCLA, to give preference to targeted sites that are located in the most populous areas, pose the greatest threat to human health, and have the greatest potential for economic development.  Authorizes cities containing targeted sites to petition the Administrator for expedited decisions on whether a site will be placed on the National Priorities List.  Requires potentially responsible parties to carry out site assessments for purposes of determining whether a site will be included on the List. Directs the Administrator to establish guidelines defining the actions necessary to fulfill the requirement to undertake ""appropriate inquiry"" by persons seeking to minimize liability based on lack of knowledge that a hazardous substance was released at a facility at the time the facility was acquired.  Defines ""appropriate inquiry"" as an investigation of the real property, conducted by environmental professionals, to determine the presence of a threatened release of a hazardous substance and a review of specified sources of information concerning the previous ownership and uses of the property. Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical and financial assistance to States for implementing this Act and CERCLA. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:18:11Z,
102-hr-5534,102,hr,5534,To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a cooperative agreement with the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom.,Environmental Protection,1992-07-02,1992-10-06,See S.1704.,House,"Rep. Berman, Howard L. [D-CA-26]",CA,D,B000410,0,"Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to enter into cooperative agreements:  (1) with appropriate organizations or groups, on the basis of equal-dollar matching, in order to promote education concerning the natural and cultural resources of the Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area and adjacent lands; (2) with the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom whereby the Secretary agrees to maintain the facilities at 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive in Beverly Hills, California, for nine years and to provide funding for Classroom programs that utilize such facilities for a maximum of nine years and whereby the Classroom agrees that at the end of the term of such agreement, all right, title, and interest in such facilities shall be donated to the United States for addition to, and operation as a part of, the Area; and (3) with the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore Foundation and the University of California at Los Angeles (jointly) for completion of an archeological survey, vegetation mapping, historical context, and history of lands within the Area.  Authorizes Federal funds to be expended on non-Federal property located within the Area pursuant to any such agreement.  Authorizes appropriations. Amends the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 to require the Secretary, at the time the President submits a budget request for FY 1995, to submit to the Congress a detailed acquisition-priority list (developed with appropriate public involvement) and cost estimates for completion of acquisitions within the Area in accordance with the land-protection plan or revisions.",2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
102-hr-5546,102,hr,5546,San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Restoration Act of 1990,Environmental Protection,1992-07-02,1992-07-16,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-5]",CA,D,P000197,8,"San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Restoration Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an Executive Council of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary and an Office of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. Directs the Executive Council to oversee and coordinate implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the San Francisco Estuary.  Requires the Director of the Office to:  (1) support implementation of the Management Plan; (2) conduct or commission research and other activities necessary for strengthened implementation of the Management Plan; (3) coordinate grant, research, and planning programs; (4) coordinate activities with other Federal agencies which have jurisdiction over the Estuary, the federally approved State coastal management program for San Francisco Bay, and national and regional marine monitoring and research programs; (5) carry out the Council's public education program; and (6) convene conferences for purposes of coordinating Federal, State, and local legislative efforts to facilitate the environmental restoration of the Estuary and implementation of the Management Plan. Authorizes the Administrator, acting through the Director, to make grants for projects to implement the Management Plan.  Sets forth limitations on Federal funding. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:13:31Z,
102-s-2953,102,s,2953,Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-07-02,1992-07-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Metzenbaum, Howard M. [D-OH]",OH,D,M000678,3,"Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1976 to apply its interagency consultation provisions to U.S.-backed projects abroad. Grants standing to bring a civil suit under such Act to a person who has by study, visits, or other means demonstrated an aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, professional, recreational, or scientific interest in an endangered or threatened species.",2025-08-26T15:14:52Z,
102-s-2980,102,s,2980,Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-07-02,1992-07-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.,Senate,"Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]",HI,D,I000025,17,"Minor Crop Protection Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to define ""minor use"" as the use of a pesticide on a commercial agricultural crop or site where:  (1) the total U.S. acreage for the crop is less than 300,000 acres; (2) the acreage expected to be treated as a result of that use is less than 300,000 acres annually or the agricultural crop represents production from less than 300,000 acres annually; (3) the use does not provide sufficient economic incentive to support initial or continuing registration; and (4) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not determined that the use presents an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Permits the Administrator, in handling the registration of a pesticide for a minor use, to waive applicable data requirements if determined that the absence of data will not prevent the Administrator from determining the incremental risk presented by the minor use and that such risk would have an unreasonable adverse environmental effect. Prohibits data that relates solely to a minor use, without the permission of the original data submitter, from being considered by the Administrator to support a minor use application by another person for ten years following the submission of the data.  Terminates the exclusive use of such data if the registration is voluntarily cancelled or if the data are used to support a nonminor use. Provides for expedited review (within six months of submission) of applications to support minor use pesticide registrations. Grants registrants who make good faith requests for minor use waivers regarding required data and whose requests are denied a full time period for providing such data. Requires the Administrator, upon the request of a registrant, to extend the deadline for the production of data required solely to support a minor use pesticide up to four years if the registrant provides data to support other uses of the pesticide and a schedule to assure that the data production will be completed before the expiration of the extension.  Applies the same extension conditions to data for reregistrations. Requires the Administrator to conditionally amend a registration to permit additional minor uses even if data is insufficient if the applicant has submitted satisfactory data pertaining to the proposed minor use and amending such registration would not increase environmental risks.  Prohibits amendments if the pesticide meets or exceeds risk criteria associated with human dietary exposure and other specified conditions. Provides for extensions of minor use registration and data submission deadlines in cases where a registrant is not providing data to support a minor use but is providing data in a timely fashion to support other uses. Requires the Administrator, when a minor use registration application is filed no later than two years after another registrant voluntarily cancels registration for a similar use, to evaluate such application as if the voluntary cancellation had not yet taken place for purposes of data use, subject to environmental risk considerations. Directs the Administrator to assure coordination of minor use issues through the establishment of a minor use program within the Office of Pesticide Programs. Establishes and authorizes funding for a Department of Agriculture matching fund minor use program.  Requires the program to be used to ensure the continued availability of minor use crop protection chemicals, including the data to support minor use pesticide registrations.",2025-08-26T15:14:24Z,
102-hr-5522,102,hr,5522,Alien Species Prevention and Enforcement Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-07-01,1992-07-09,Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime and Criminal Justice.,House,"Rep. Mink, Patsy T. [D-HI-2]",HI,D,M000797,0,"Alien Species Prevention and Enforcement Act of 1992 - Amends Federal law to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to screen all mail to Hawaii to:  (1) identify and obtain a search warrant to inspect mail likely to contain any plant pest or injurious animal; (2) remove, examine, and destroy the prohibited material; (3) notify the intended recipient; and (4) determine whether the situation warrants prosecution. Increases specified Federal penalties relating to the introduction of plant or animal pests. Directs:  (1) the Postmaster General to offer to enter into a two-year cooperative agreement with Hawaii to enforce specified postal restrictions on mailed plants; (2) the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to enter into similar agreements with Hawaii to enforce laws under their respective jurisdictions; and (3) the Postmaster General, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior to jointy establish a public information program about the prohibitions and penalties against shipping alien species into Hawaii and other areas of the United States.",2025-08-26T15:17:44Z,
102-hr-5525,102,hr,5525,To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to use the facilities of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to develop and implement a program to use drought resistant species of plants in the landscaping of public lands.,Environmental Protection,1992-07-01,1992-08-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands.,House,"Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-5]",CA,D,P000197,1,"Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service and utilizing the lands and facilities of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, to establish a technical assistance program in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce (acting through the Paul F. Romberg Tiburon Center in Marin County, California), to assist universities and nonprofit organizations in the development and implementation of projects to use drought resistant plant species which require minimal watering and upkeep in landscaping applications where the use of such species will be compatible with native plant species and will conserve scarce water resources. Authorizes appropriations.",2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
102-s-2919,102,s,2919,Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-07-01,1992-07-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,0,"Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require permit applications submitted by persons who plan to construct a hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility to contain assurances that the following procedures have been carried out:  (1) an announcement of the intent to apply for the permit to site a hazardous waste disposal facility and the location of any property to be purchased has been published in a newspaper of general circulation before the filing of the application; (2) the applicant requested the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish an advisory committee; (3) the applicant submitted to the Administrator and to the appropriate official of the host community a prospectus that details the criteria for the selection of a site and the nature of the planned facility; (4) the applicant submitted to the Administrator and the host community advisory committee a compliance history; (5) the host community advisory committee conducted at least one public meeting and hearing on the planned facility and the applicant paid the expenses associated with the hearing; (6) the applicant submitted to the Administrator a detailed analysis of the proposed site, the technologies and treatment to be used at the site, and the annual capacity of the facility; (7) the applicant submitted to the Administrator a finding by the State that requirements under State law concerning the necessity for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal in the State require the siting of additional facilities; and (8) the applicant requested the appropriate official of the host community for written consent to site the facility. Directs the Administrator, upon the request of an applicant, to establish a host community advisory committee. Requires permit applications to:  (1) contain a statement by the appropriate official as to whether the consent for the facility was issued; and (2) contain assurances that the State will provide grants to the host community advisory committee until a final decision is made concerning the application.  Directs the Administrator to establish a host community advisory committee assistance grant program.  Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator, prior to issuing a permit for a new hazardous waste disposal facility or for any such facility that has not received an operating permit as of January 1, 1992, to:  (1) receive assurances that the permit application procedures have been completed; and (2) determine whether a facility would conform with applicable capacity assurance plans submitted in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA).  Prohibits the issuance of a permit if the Administrator determines that the facility could cause the State to exceed its capacity needs, unless the State cannot fulfill capacity requirements under capacity assurance plans submitted under CERCLA.  Prohibits a facility, as a permit condition, from managing hazardous waste generated outside of the State unless the owner or operator enters into an agreement with the host community authorizing the treatment, storage, or disposal of such waste. Bars the Administrator from authorizing a State hazardous waste program unless the State program provides for appointment of host community committees and review procedures for permit applicants. Amends CERCLA to direct the Administrator to:  (1) establish guidelines for the biennial gathering of capacity assurance reporting data; and (2) promulgate regulations that require any State that documented a capacity shortfall in a quantity exceeding 50,000 tons per year or that is a net exporter of hazardous waste to submit specified information.  Prescribes civil penalties for failures to submit such information. Requires the Administrator to:  (1) establish guidelines for the inclusion of toxic chemical release information required to be submitted under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 in the capacity assurance data required under CERCLA; (2) develop a model capacity assurance plan to assist States in complying with the data gathering process required to prepare a capacity assurance plan; and (3) publish in the Federal Register a statement concerning whether the United States has adequate capacity to treat and dispose of hazardous waste during the 20-year period following the statement's publication.",2025-08-26T15:13:32Z,
102-hjres-519,102,hjres,519,Proposing a constitutional amendment to protect natural resources and the environment.,Environmental Protection,1992-06-29,1992-07-27,Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-3]",NJ,D,P000034,0,Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits the Congress and the States from making or enforcing any law that would cause or contribute to the reckless pollution or degradation of the environment.,2021-06-02T14:03:54Z,
102-hr-5508,102,hr,5508,"To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, eligible for priority consideration under the national estuary program.",Environmental Protection,1992-06-29,1992-07-13,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-13]",NJ,R,S000097,9,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to give priority consideration to the inclusion of Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, in the National Estuary Program.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
102-s-2898,102,s,2898,"A bill to authorize a project to identify, map and assess transboundary aquifers along the border between the United States and Mexico, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-06-25,1992-06-25,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ]",AZ,R,M000303,0,"Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Geological Survey, to map each transboundary aquifer (aquifers that cross the U.S.-Mexican border). Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director, to conduct an assessment and study of each aquifer, including a study of the uses of water from each aquifer.  Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director, to quantify:  (1) in any aquifer used as a drinking water source, anthropogenic pollutants present in a quantity that exceeds a standard under the Safe Drinking Water Act; and (2) in any case in which an aquifer connects with surface water, such pollutants in a quantity that exceeds a standard under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to enter into negotiations for an agreement with the Mexican Government to facilitate cooperation in groundwater mapping and quality assessment and remediation activities. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) identify the sources of anthropogenic pollutants present in a transboundary aquifer in a quantity that exceeds standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; and (2) take action to ensure compliance with all Federal environmental laws. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-s-2891,102,s,2891,"A bill to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide career training through the hazardous substance research center program of the Environmental Protection Agency to qualified military personnel and qualified Department of Energy personnel to enable such individuals to acquire proficiency in hazardous and radioactive waste management, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-06-24,1992-06-24,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Dole, Robert J. [R-KS]",KS,R,D000401,4,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to:  (1) establish a program for qualified military and Department of Energy (DOE) personnel to enable such individuals to acquire career training in environmental engineering or environmental sciences in fields related to hazardous waste management and cleanup; and (2) implement, as part of such program, an academic program at institutions of higher education at undergraduate and graduate levels. Requires the Administrator to award grants to the hazardous substance research centers described under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to pay the full cost of the academic program. Provides funding for the program, subject to certain limitations, from amounts allocated for:  (1) the EPA under CERCLA; (2) the Defense Environmental Restoration Account; and (3) DOE environmental cleanup activities.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5448,102,hr,5448,Interstate Solid Waste Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-22,1992-07-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Carr, Bob [D-MI-6]",MI,D,C000178,0,"Interstate Solid Waste Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to make it lawful for any State to exclude from treatment, storage, or disposal solid waste from any other State which does not have a substantially equivalent State law promoting or requiring the recycling of any portion of the solid waste products involved. Includes within such laws a law prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or introduction into commerce of nonreturnable beverage containers with respect to which no refundable money deposit is required by the consumer.",2025-08-26T15:16:37Z,
102-hr-5459,102,hr,5459,Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-22,1992-09-29,"Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 102-932, Part I.",House,"Rep. Jones, Walter B. [D-NC-1]",NC,D,J000256,11,"Antarctic Environmental Protection Protocol Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of State to appoint a U.S.  officer or employee as the U.S. representative to the Committee for Environmental Protection (Committee) under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Treaty) (done at Madrid in October 1991). Makes it unlawful for any person to:  (1) conduct an activity within Antarctic in a manner inconsistent with the Protocol; (2) engage in, finance, or knowingly provide assistance to any Antarctic mineral resource activity; (3) introduce any prohibited product within Antarctica (defined as polychlorinated biphenyls, nonsterile soils, polystyrene or similar packaging, pesticides, and other products designated by the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere); (4) conduct open burning or operate a landfill at a U.S. coastal facility within Antarctica; (5) bring any dog into Antarctica; (6) use leaded fuel at a U.S. facility within Antarctica or in any vessel or aircraft subject to U.S.  jurisdiction; (7) transport passengers to, from, or within Antarctica by a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction unless the owner or operator is required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships; (8) engage in specified activities without a permit; (9) violate any terms of this Act; (10) ship, sell, purchase, import, export, or have control of any native bird, mammal, plant, or invertebrate or mineral resource which the person knows was taken in violation of this Act; (11) refuse to permit any authorized U.S. employee to board a U.S. vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction for conducting any search or inspection in connection with enforcement; or (12) interfere with any search or resist a lawful arrest or detention or interfere with such an arrest or detention.  Waives the prohibition on activities conducted without a permit under emergency circumstances to prevent the loss of human life involving the safety of a ship or aircraft. Prohibits the following activities in Antarctica, except in accordance with a permit:  (1) the conduct or support of an expedition by vessel of more than ten passengers to, from, or within Antarctica; (2) the operation of U.S. facilities within Antarctica, including the construction or decommissioning of a U.S. base, building, or airfield; (3) taking within Antarctica any native mammal, bird, or plant in such quantities that their local distribution or abundance would be significantly affected; (4) taking within Antarctica any specially protected species; (5) introducing any animal or plant not indigenous to Antarctica; (6) entering any specially protected area; (7) discharging untreated sewage into the waters or ice shelves of Antarctica; or (8) operating an incinerator. Authorizes the Secretary to issue general permits for any category of activity if the activities are similar in nature and will cause no a minor environmental impact when performed cumulatively. Establishes a specific procedure for permit applications requesting authority to undertake actions with respect to:  (1) native marine mammals covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972; (2) endangered or threatened species; (3) native birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; or (4) the discharge of any untreated sewage into Antarctic waters or onto Antarctic ice shelves other than by a vessel. Prohibits the issuance of a permit unless there is sufficient information to assess possible environmental impacts and if required, an environmental impact statement (EIS) has been prepared and circulated to Treaty parties and to the Committee. Provides that permits which authorize any taking may only be issued for providing specimens for scientific study or institutions or for the unavoidable consequences of scientific research activities and shall ensure that only small numbers are taken, the variety of the species and balance of the ecological systems are maintained, and the taking is determined to further a bona fide scientific purpose. Authorizes permits for takings of specially protected species to be issued only if:  (1) there is a compelling scientific purpose as determined by peer review of the proposed permit; (2) the actions authorized will not jeopardize any existing natural ecological systems or the survival or recovery of the species; and (3) nonlethal techniques are used, if appropriate. Requires permits which authorize the introduction of any nonindigenous animal or plant to be issued only for animals and plants to be used in a laboratory and requires the removal of such plants or animals from Antarctica prior to the expiration of the permit, unless they pose no risk to native mammals, birds, or plants. Authorizes the issuance of a permit that allows the entry into any specially protected area only if:  (1) there is a compelling scientific purpose for the entry; and (2) the actions will not jeopardize the natural ecological system and are in accordance with the management plan.  Authorizes permits for the operation of U.S. facilities within Antarctica to be issued for five-year periods.  Provides for annual inspections of such facilities and permit renewals, as appropriate. Requires permits which authorize the construction or operation of incinerators to:  (1) ensure that emissions are reduced to the maximum extent practicable; (2) restrict the material which may be incinerated to food and food-contaminated waste; and (3) prohibit the operation of incinerators after 1994, unless the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, reports to the Congress that there is no alternative for the disposal of food. Requires permits which authorize the disposal of sewage within Antarctica, other than from a vessel, to minimize environmental impacts. Provides that permits which authorize expeditions of ten or more passengers to, from, or within Antarctica may be:  (1) effective for up to three years; and (2) issued only if consistent with the Protocol and this Act and allow observers on vessels to monitor compliance. Permits judicial review of permit issuance decisions.  Authorizes permit modification, suspension, or revocation.  Provides for permit application fees. Requires Federal agencies planning to conduct activities in Antarctica to determine whether such activities will have a minor or transitory impact on the environment.  Authorizes such activities if the agency monitors them to assess and verify the minor or transitory impact.  Directs Federal agencies, if activities will have more than a minor or transitory environmental impact, to prepare an EIS. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to issue regulations establishing procedures for the environmental assessment of nongovernmental activities in Antarctica. Provides for review of an EIS by the Treaty parties and the Committee prior to permission for an activity to proceed. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to implement a plan for monitoring activities within Antarctica that have more than a minor or transitory environmental impact. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to conduct a program for monitoring the health of the waters of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean as part of a global ocean observing system. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary to develop requirements for contingency plans for responses to incidents with adverse environmental impacts in Antarctica. Requires the Secretary of State to circulate to all Treaty parties all inspection and compliance reports and all actions taken to ensure compliance with the Protocol and to bring to the attention of the other parties all known incidents of noncompliance with the Protocol by the nationals of those parties. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Sets forth enforcement procedures and establishes authorities for searches and seizures and forfeitures. Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply Annex IV of the Protocol to all ships of U.S. registry and all ships under U.S. jurisdiction.  Applies Protocol requirements to ships currently excluded from the requirements of such Act. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer the Protocol.  Directs the Secretary to ensure that such ships, before entering Antarctica, have:  (1) sufficient capacity to retain all oil, noxious liquid substances, and garbage; and (2) concluded arrangements to discharge such substances at reception facilities outside of Antarctica. Makes enforcement and inspection provisions of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships applicable to violations of the Protocol. Repeals the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 and the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990. Sets forth procedures with respect to acceptance of amendments to the Protocol. Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) the prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities should remain in effect permanently or indefinitely; (2) the Secretary of State should enter into negotiations with other Treaty parties to conclude an agreement on procedures for liability for damage arising from activities in Antarctica; and (3) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary, should ensure that the results of all investigations relating to geological processes and structures are made available to the public. Authorizes appropriations.",2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
102-hr-5436,102,hr,5436,Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Grants Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-18,1992-08-07,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Williams, Pat [D-MT-1]",MT,D,W000520,8,"Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Grants Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for the establishment of small community environmental infrastructure funds.  Makes such funds available to small communities for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities and for assuring that underground storage tanks are in compliance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Sets forth provisions concerning grant payment schedules and allotment and reallotment requirements. Requires States to establish funds to receive such grants.  Sets forth specific requirements for the use of such funds and for the grants to be provided to small communities.  Permits States to provide assistance only to community wastewater treatment and solid waste management facilities and public water systems that are in compliance with plans under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as appropriate.  Requires States to submit plans to the Administrator that identify the intended use of the funds.  Directs States to reserve the greater of one percent of fund sums or $100,000 to carry out planning.  Provides for the withholding of grant payments if a State is not in compliance with this Act's requirements. Requires the Administrator to establish an Office of Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance to:  (1) oversee and manage the grants and funds made under this Act; and (2) provide specified environmental and financial information to small communities. Authorizes the Office to provide grants to States, Indian tribes, and not-for-profit organizations to assist small communities in assessing issues related to the financing of environmental facilities, compliance with environmental laws, and the construction, operation, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities.  Requires such grants to be matched by non-Federal funds. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) establish a program and plan to provide financial assistance to Indian tribes for carrying out the same environmental infrastructure projects on Federal Indian reservations; and (2) administer an environmental infrastructure fund for providing such assistance.  Sets forth a matching requirement for such assistance. Authorizes and allocates appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:39Z,
102-hr-5441,102,hr,5441,Gulf of Mexico Environmental and Economic Restoration and Protection Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-18,1992-07-02,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Laughlin, Greg [D-TX-14]",TX,D,L000119,30,"Gulf of Mexico Environmental and Economic Restoration and Protection Act of 1992 - Expresses the sense of the Congress with respect to environmental restoration of the Gulf of Mexico. Establishes a program for protection and preservation of the economic and environmental resources of the Gulf, to be known as the Gulf of Mexico Program. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Gulf of Mexico Program Office within EPA. Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Executive Board to:  (1) prepare and update a joint plan for the Federal, State, interstate, local, and nongovernmental development of economic, ecological, and aesthetic resources of the Gulf and protection of the ecosystem; (2) develop long-range schedules for the collection and analysis of data and for planning and completion of projects in the Gulf and surrounding areas; and (3) approve and fund studies of economic, ecological, and aesthetic resource problems in the Gulf and surrounding areas.  Sets forth required contents of the plan and requires the Administrator to submit the plan to the Congress.  Provides for State cost-sharing of Gulf restoration activities. Requires the Administrator to award grants for the conduct of research to develop baseline scientific data regarding environmental quality of the Gulf for use in evaluating and implementing the plan.  Authorizes grants to be awarded to any Gulf State agency, non-profit research organization, or university which meets eligibility requirements.  Sets forth grant proposal, application, and cost-sharing requirements. Authorizes and allocates appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:14:15Z,
102-s-2877,102,s,2877,Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-18,1992-12-22,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,Senate,"Sen. Baucus, Max [D-MT]",MT,D,B000243,7,"Interstate Transportation of Municipal Waste Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize a State Governor, if requested by an affected local government and an affected local solid waste planning unit, to:  (1) prohibit the disposal of out-of-State municipal waste in any landfill or incinerator subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor or the affected local government; or (2) with respect to landfills covered by the exception under this Act, limit the amount of out-of-State municipal waste received at such landfills to an amount equal to the amount of out-of-State waste received during 1991 or twice the volume of the first six months of 1992, whichever is less. Requires such governments and planning units to provide for public comment before submitting such requests. Prohibits Governors from exercising authority under this Act if such action would result in the violation of a legally binding contract for:  (1) receipt of waste generated outside the jurisdiction of the affected local government; (2) disposal of such waste, except to the extent that the amount of such waste exceeds the amount imported under such a contract in 1991 or twice the volume of the first six months of 1992, whichever is less; or (3) for disposal of such waste that was entered into after June 18, 1992, as the result of a host agreement or a legally binding contract that authorizes the receipt of such waste by a landfill or incinerator. Permits Governors of States identified as having received more than 1,000,000 tons of out-of-State waste during 1991 to limit the disposal of out-of-State waste at landfills subject to exceptions under this Act without a request from an affected local government and solid waste planning unit.  Authorizes Governors, with respect to such landfills and if requested by an affected local government and solid waste planning unit, to prohibit the disposal of such waste in landfill cells that do not meet design and locational standards and leachate collection and groundwater monitoring requirements of State laws and regulations in effect on January 1, 1992, for new landfills.  Authorizes further restrictions, beginning in 1999, on the disposal of out-of-State waste in States receiving more than 1,000,000 tons of such waste by prohibiting the annual volume of out-of-State waste from exceeding 20 percent of all waste received at the landfill in 1999 and ten percent of all waste received in each succeeding year. Prohibits discrimination against any particular landfill and against shipments of out-of-State waste on the basis of State of origin with respect to limitations and responses to requests by local governments. Exempts from a Governor's authority to prohibit the disposal of out-of-State waste:  (1) landfills that received documented shipments of such waste in 1991 and are in compliance with State laws relating to design and locational standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and post-closure and corrective action; (2) proposed landfills that, prior to April 29, 1992, received an approval from the affected local government to receive municipal waste generated outside of the county or State and a State notice of decision to grant a construction permit; or (3) incinerators that received documented shipments of such waste during 1991 and are in compliance with performance standards under the Clean Air Act and State laws relating to facility design and operations. Bars a Governor, after January 1, 1997, from prohibiting or limiting the disposal of such waste unless all operating municipal waste landfill cells in the State:  (1) meet the design and location standards applicable to such cells after October 1993; or (2) are on enforceable schedules to stop receiving waste by January 1, 2000, and to implement closure plans. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on:  (1) solid waste management issues associated with anticipated increased border use at such time as the North American Free Trade Agreement may become effective; and (2) border traffic of solid waste resulting from the U.S.--Canadian Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.--Canadian border region. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the General Accounting Office to conduct a study of the interstate transportation of non-hazardous industrial manufacturing wastes.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hr-5422,102,hr,5422,"To repeal section 201(d) of the Act of February 16, 1988, authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to preserve certain wetlands and historic and prehistoric sites in the St. Johns River Valley, Florida, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-06-17,1992-07-22,Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands.,House,"Rep. Bennett, Charles E. [D-FL-3]",FL,D,B000371,0,"Repeals provisions of Federal law that state that nothing in an Act authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to preserve certain wetlands and historic and prehistoric sites in the St. Johns River Valley, Florida, shall affect the multiunit residential resort project proposed for Fort George Island or be construed to affect any Federal, State, or local law applicable to such project.",2024-02-07T13:32:55Z,
102-hr-5424,102,hr,5424,To establish a Commission on Environment and Development.,Environmental Protection,1992-06-17,1992-07-22,Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.,House,"Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10]",IL,R,P000444,19,"Establishes the Commission on Environment and Development. Requires the Commission to:  (1) monitor the actions of the signatories to documents of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) that reflect compliance with or violations of the goals of the Articles of Agenda 21 of UNCED, the Statement of Principles on the Maintenance, Conservation, and Development of All Forests, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Convention on Biological Diversity; and (2) monitor and encourage the development of U.S. Government and private programs with a view toward advancing the objectives of UNCED. Authorizes appropriations.",2024-02-07T11:38:03Z,
102-hr-5374,102,hr,5374,National Environmental Technologies Agency Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-11,1992-07-08,Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.,House,"Rep. Bentley, Helen Delich [R-MD-2]",MD,R,B000392,20,"National Environmental Technologies Agency Act - Establishes the National Environmental Technologies Agency to:  (1) coordinate Federal environmental restoration and protection planning; (2) identify areas that need technical solutions to maintain environmental security, are not receiving product-oriented research necessary to meet those needs, and exhibit the greatest promise for the development of solutions; (3) support the development of technology having future application in environmental restoration and protection; (4) coordinate the exchange of technological information relating to environmental restoration and protection between Federal agencies and the private sector; (5) support continuing research and development of advanced technologies; (6) monitor research and development being conducted on advanced technologies by private industry; and (7) promote continuing development of a technological industrial base in the United States. Establishes an interagency advisory committee to provide information to the Agency with respect to the needs and concerns of specified agencies in the field of environmental technologies. Establishes the Industry and Academia Advisory Council to make recommendations regarding general policy for the Agency. Permits the Agency Administrator to transfer to the domestic private sector technology developed with the support of the Agency if the technology may have potential application in private activities relating to environmental restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to carry out Agency functions, subject to certain conditions. Provides for dissemination of the results of Agency research. Prohibits the making of a contract or award until the research project in question has passed a merit review. Directs the Administrator, in determining whether to make an award to a joint venture, to consider whether the joint venture has provided for appropriate participation of U.S. small businesses. Exempts from Federal disclosure requirements information obtained on a confidential basis in connection with business operations or trade secrets of a joint venture.  Prohibits the disclosure by a Federal employee of intellectual property owned by a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, except in accordance with an agreement between the owner and the Administrator.  Entitles the United States to a share of licensing fees and royalty payments made to a joint venture in an amount proportionate to the Federal share of costs incurred.  Provides for the return of unspent Federal funds to the Agency if it appears that the recipient is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the project.  Entitles the United States, upon dissolution of a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, to a share of the residual assets proportionate to the Federal share of costs. Establishes the Environmental Advanced Research Projects Revolving Fund.  Authorizes the Administrator to use the Fund to provide financial assistance to industrial and nonprofit research centers, universities, and other entities that serve long-term environmental security needs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on: (1) activities of the Agency; (2) the extent to which technologies developed with Agency assistance have been used; and (3) the extent to which those technologies have been transferred overseas. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:15:16Z,
102-s-2842,102,s,2842,"A bill to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 with respect to certain Federal property selected for disposal, leasing, and transfer, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-06-11,1992-06-11,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC]",SC,D,H000725,2,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to make specified contract notice requirements currently applicable to property transferred by Federal agencies on which a hazardous substance was stored, released, or disposed applicable to leases of, or granting of easements with respect to, such property. Directs the heads of Federal agencies to identify, with respect to real property owned by the United States on which the Government plans to terminate operations or transfer or dispose of the property, property for which no remedial action is necessary to protect health and the environment.  Requires the identification to be based on:  (1) an investigation of the property to determine evidence of the likely presence of a release of hazardous substances; and (2) an environmental sampling, as appropriate.  Sets forth specified sources of information to be reviewed as part of the identification.  Makes identification results available to the public. Considers remedial action to have been taken on transferred Federal property on which a hazardous substance was stored, released, or disposed of if:  (1) no action was required to protect health and the environment; or (2) the construction and installation on the property of a remedial action for treatment under an approved plan has been completed and the remedy is operating successfully. Requires deeds for the transfer of such property to include a covenant that grants the United States access to such property in any case in which remedial action is found to be necessary after the date of transfer. Authorizes the President to arrange for the removal of any hazardous substance on real property regardless of whether a danger to the public health or welfare or environment exists. Permits Federal agencies to subdivide property subject to this Act for purposes of disposal by sale, lease, grant of easement, or other transfer. Directs the Secretary of Defense to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the following persons from and against all suits, claims, demands or actions, liabilities, judgments, and costs arising out of the release of hazardous substances or pollutants from Department of Defense activities at any military installation that is closed pursuant to a base closure law:  (1) States, political subdivisions, or other persons that acquire ownership or control of any military installation facility (to the extent that they did not contribute to a release); and (2) any successor, assignee, transferee, lender, or lessee of such persons or entities.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-s-2828,102,s,2828,Community Environmental Response Facilities Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-10,1992-06-10,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME]",ME,D,M000811,2,"Community Environmental Response Facilities Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require Federal agencies that plan to terminate operations on real property owned by the United States to identify property on which neither hazardous substances nor petroleum products or derivatives were stored for one year or more, released, or disposed.  Requires the identification to be based on an investigation of the property to determine the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products.  Sets forth minimum requirements for the identification.  Requires identifications to be made:  (1) at least six months before the termination of operations on the property; and (2) with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the appropriate State official. Provides that, in the case of the sale or transfer of an identified property, the deed entered into for the sale or transfer of the property by the United States to any other person shall contain:  (1) a covenant warranting that any response or corrective action found to be necessary after the date of such sale or transfer shall be conducted by the United States; and (2) a clause granting the United States access to the property in any case in which a response or corrective action is necessary at the property or on adjoining property. Declares that, in the case of a covenant required in deeds for the transfer of U.S. property on which a hazardous substance was stored or released, remedial action has been taken if the construction and installation of an approved remedial design has been completed and the remedy is operating properly.  Requires such covenants to contain a clause granting the United States access to the property in any case in which remedial action is found to be necessary after the date of such transfer. Directs Federal agencies that plan to terminate operations on U.S. property on which hazardous substances or petroleum products were stored for one year or more, released, or disposed of to notify the State in which the property is located of any lease that will encumber the property beyond the date of termination of operations.",2025-08-26T15:14:31Z,
102-s-2831,102,s,2831,Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Financing Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-10,1992-06-10,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,3,"Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Financing Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 1999. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Requires States to submit estimates of the need for assistance for implementing and monitoring such plans.  Prohibits the submission of such estimates unless the estimates are approved by the appropriate management conference under the National Estuary Program. Makes States that fail to submit approved estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans.  Permits loans made with amounts in such Accounts to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship.  Allows States to use interest earned on amounts in such Accounts to subsidize up to 90 percent of the principal portion of debt service of certain entities that are financially unable to carry out a necessary project for an estuary plan.  Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans.  Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the total cost of implementation.  Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 1999. Revises provisions concerning the purposes of management conferences. Directs the Administrator to issue a guidance document that establishes requirements for:  (1) management conferences to follow in developing, implementing, and monitoring conservation and management plans; and (2) approving and implementing interim actions to protect water quality of estuaries for which plans are developed. Requires management conferences to be convened for periods of at least five years (currently, up to five years).  Permits the extension of a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur in the extension and the extension is necessary to meet requirements.  Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes such procedures for interim actions.",2025-08-26T15:17:20Z,
102-hr-5347,102,hr,5347,Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-09,1992-08-03,Similar Provisions Incorporated in H.R.4310.,House,"Rep. Abercrombie, Neil [D-HI-1]",HI,D,A000014,1,Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act - Designates an area off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  Provides for the development of a comprehensive management plan.  Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:15:56Z,
102-hr-5349,102,hr,5349,National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Improvements Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-09,1992-06-19,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Oceanography, Great Lakes, and the Outer Continental Shelf.",House,"Rep. Davis, Robert W. [R-MI-11]",MI,R,D000131,8,"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Improvements Act - Establishes in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a Great Lakes Office in the District of Columbia area to promote and coordinate Administration research, monitoring, and assessment work in the Great Lakes region consistent with Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement goals.",2025-08-26T15:14:47Z,
102-hr-5350,102,hr,5350,Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Tissue Bank Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-09,1992-10-06,See H.R.5013.,House,"Rep. Davis, Robert W. [R-MI-11]",MI,R,D000131,9,"Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Tissue Bank Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to:  (1) coordinate existing facilities for the storage, preparation, examination, and archiving of tissues from selected Great Lakes fish and wildlife, to be known as the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Tissue Bank; (2) maintain a central data base to track and assess data from the Bank; and (3) establish criteria for data base access by the public.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
102-hr-5351,102,hr,5351,Great Lakes Regional Marine Center Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-09,1992-06-22,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Davis, Robert W. [R-MI-11]",MI,R,D000131,7,"Great Lakes Regional Marine Center Act - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to include the U.S. waters of the Great Lakes in the definition of ""marine and coastal waters."" Adds the Great Lakes region, comprised of such Great Lakes waters, to the list of regions for which a Regional Marine Research Board must be established. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to  modify the required contents of an annual report to the Congress on Great Lakes water quality.  Requires the Great Lakes Research Council (currently, the Great Lakes National Program Office and the Great Lakes Research Office jointly) to prepare a research plan for all Federal Great Lakes environmental research activities.  Removes provisions establishing the Great Lakes Research Office.",2025-08-26T15:13:52Z,
102-hr-5352,102,hr,5352,Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act,Environmental Protection,1992-06-09,1992-09-30,"Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Public Works + Transportation. H. Rept. 102-742, Part II.",House,"Rep. Davis, Robert W. [R-MI-11]",MI,R,D000131,8,Great Lakes Federal Effectiveness Act - Establishes a Great Lakes Research Council to:  (1) advise and promote the coordination of Federal research activities and ensure greater effectiveness in achieving ecosystem protection of the Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; (2) prepare and make available to the Congress and the public a report which includes an assessment of research activities needed to fulfill the goals of the Agreement and of existing Federal expertise in such activities and recommendations for research priorities; (3) identify topics for and participate in workshops and conferences on Great Lakes research issues; (4) make recommendations for the uniform collection of data for enhancing research and management protocols relating to the Great Lakes ecosystem; (5) advise and cooperate in the establishment of a multi-media monitoring data base for such ecosystem; and (6) ensure that findings and information regarding such research is disseminated in a timely manner.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
102-hr-5326,102,hr,5326,Environmental Justice Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-04,1992-07-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Safety.,House,"Rep. Lewis, John [D-GA-5]",GA,D,L000287,32,"Environmental Justice Act of 1992 - Title I:  Identification of Environmental High Impact Areas - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a list, in rank order, of the total weight of toxic chemicals present in each county in the most recent five-year period for which data are available.  Designates the 100 counties with the highest total weight as Environmental High Impact Areas.  Requires the Administrator to:  (1) publish the methods to be used to calculate the total weight of toxic chemicals in waste, process, or other materials for public comment; and (2) revise and republish the list at least every five years. Title II:  Enforcement Initiatives - Directs the Administrator and the Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to conduct compliance inspections or reviews of all toxic chemical facilities in such Areas at least every two years. Title III:  Community Participation - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make a grant to individuals who may be affected by a release from any toxic chemical facility in an Environmental High Impact Area. Requires grants to be:  (1) designed to facilitate access by representatives of such Areas to the public participation provisions of this and other Acts; and (2) used to obtain technical assistance relating to inspections, reviews, and studies.  Limits the amount of grants and sets forth cost-sharing requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish a system of user fees or assessments on toxic chemical facilities in such Areas to substitute for appropriations as the funding mechanism for the grant program. Title  IV:  Identification and Prevention of Health Impacts - Requires the Secretary to issue for public comment a report identifying the nature and extent of acute and chronic impacts on human health in such Areas as compared to other counties. Requires the President, if the report identifies significant adverse impacts of environmental pollution on human health in such Areas as a group, to report proposed legislation to the Congress to remedy and prevent such impacts.  Includes within such legislation: (1) expansion of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to include additional facilities or chemicals or reduced quantities of chemicals triggering reporting obligations; (2) a means to redress regulatory loopholes (such as wastes exempt from or subject to lessened regulatory requirements); and (3) taxes on emissions or restrictions on releases within such Areas to induce source reduction. Establishes a moratorium on the siting or permitting of any toxic chemical facility in such Areas that may emit toxic chemicals in quantities that cause adverse health impacts if the report identifies adverse health impacts of environmental pollution. Authorizes the siting or permitting of such a facility during this period only if:  (1) the need for the activity is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary; and (2) the facility demonstrates that it will minimize uncontrolled releases into the environment. Continues the moratorium until certain health-based levels have been attained in the Area.",2025-08-26T15:15:57Z,
102-hr-5320,102,hr,5320,Rural Community Environmental Assistance Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-03,1992-06-15,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-4]",WV,D,R000011,20,"Rural Community Environmental Assistance Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds through FY 2000. Requires each State to establish a rural community environmental assistance account in such fund and to deposit at least 25 percent of the amount of the grant received for the establishment of the fund into such account. Permits monies in such accounts to be used only for the construction of wastewater treatment works and public water systems in economically distressed rural communities, subject to certain loan and grant conditions.  Requires States to determine the amount of interest to be charged on loans and to establish grant eligibility criteria. Permits assistance to be provided only if:  (1) the wastewater treatment works is consistent with planning requirements under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) the public water system is approved by the State agency with primary enforcement authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Requires States, in providing such assistance, to give priority to an economically distressed rural community in which:  (1) there is a need for collector sewers and interceptors to improve access to wastewater treatment facilities; (2) residents rely on inadequate wastewater treatment facilities or drinking water systems that are determined by public health officials to be a hazard; or (3) residents rely on public water systems which do not meet requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Authorizes States to provide such assistance for eligible innovative projects only after conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Requires States to submit plans for the intended uses of amounts in rural community environmental assistance accounts to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  Requires the Administrator to approve or disapprove such plans.  Reserves one percent of funds in such accounts per fiscal year for planning activities.  Permits the submission of a plan only if it has been approved by a State Rural Environmental Infrastructure Advisory Panel. Requires such panels to assist in plan preparation, review, and approval. Sets forth accounting and auditing requirements.  Withholds payments from States that fail to comply with requirements for rural community environmental assistance accounts. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) make grants to regional, State, and local agencies and not-for-profit organizations to assist economically distressed rural communities by providing technical assistance for the financing, operation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment works and public water systems; and (2) set aside a specified percentage of appropriations for such grants.",2025-08-26T15:17:08Z,
102-s-2806,102,s,2806,Environmental Justice Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-06-03,1992-06-03,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN]",TN,D,G000321,0,"Environmental Justice Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a list, in rank order, of the total weight of toxic chemicals present in each county in the most recent five-year period for which data are available. Designates the 100 counties with the highest total weight as Environmental High Impact Areas.  Requires the Administrator to:  (1) publish the methods to be used to calculate the total weight of toxic chemicals in waste, process, or other materials for public comment; and (2) revise and republish the list at least every five years. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Labor to conduct compliance inspections or reviews of all toxic chemical facilities in such Areas at least every two years. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award a grant to individuals who may be affected by a release from any toxic chemical facility in an Environmental High Impact Area.  Requires grants to be:  (1) designed to facilitate access by representatives of such Areas to the activities that involve public participation; and (2) used to obtain technical assistance relating to inspections, reviews, and studies.  Limits the amount of grants and sets forth cost-sharing requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish a system of user fees or assessments on toxic chemical facilities in such Areas to fund the grant program. Requires the Secretary to issue for public comment a report identifying the nature and extent of acute and chronic impacts on human health in such Areas as compared to other counties. Requires the President, if the report identifies significant adverse impacts of environmental pollution on human health in such Areas as a group, to report proposed legislation to the Congress to remedy and prevent such impacts.  Includes within such legislation: (1) expansion of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require additional facilities or chemicals to be subject to reporting requirements, or a reduction in threshold quantities of chemicals that trigger reporting requirements; (2) a means to redress regulatory loopholes (such as wastes exempt from, or subject to reductions in, regulatory requirements); and (3) taxes on emissions or restrictions on releases within such Areas to induce source reduction. Establishes a moratorium on the siting or permitting of any toxic chemical facility in such Area that may emit toxic chemicals in quantities that cause adverse health impacts if the report identifies adverse health impacts of environmental pollution. Authorizes the siting or permitting of such a facility during this period only if:  (1) the need for the activity is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary; and (2) the owner or operator demonstrates that the facility will minimize uncontrolled releases into the environment.  Continues the moratorium until certain health-based levels have been attained in the Area.",2025-08-26T15:17:54Z,
102-hr-5276,102,hr,5276,Used Oil Recycling Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-28,1992-06-05,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [D-LA-3]",LA,D,T000058,82,"Used Oil Recycling Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the listing or identification of used oil destined for recycling, used oil to be burned for energy recovery, recycled oil, or affiliated material as hazardous wastes.  Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) promulgate regulations for the management of used oil and to encourage recycling of such oil; and (2) take into account the effect of such regulatons on small businesses.  Exempts from such regulations used oil generated, collected, or stored by an individual who removes oil from the engine of a motor vehicle, aircraft, household appliance, or item of domestic equipment if owned by such individual and used only for personal purposes. Sets forth regulation requirements for used oil generators, including to:  (1) prohibit the storage of used oil in an underground tank unless it meets specified requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal Act; (2) prohibit the storage of used oil for more than 12 months; (3) make used oil in above ground tanks subject to the Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Control Plan requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (4) require owners or operators of such tanks or other used oil containers to notify the Administrator of releases of used oil in excess of 25 gallons and to clean up such releases and comply with closure or disposal requirements. Authorizes the transfer of used oil by generators only to:  (1) a permitted used oil recycling facility or a burner of used oil for energy recovery that complies with specifed regulations; (2) a permitted hazardous waste management facility; or (3) a used oil transporter obligated by contract to deliver used oil to another such transporter or to one of the aforementioned facilities. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements for generators, transporters, and recyclers and requires records to be maintained for at least three years. Applies used oil storage and transfer requirements for generators to transporters, except permits transporters to store such oil for only 60 days before transferring it to another transporter or authorized facility.  Requires transporters to:  (1) comply with all requirements of the Secretary of Transportation for the shipping of used oil; (2) comply with financial responsibility requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act; and (3) have identification numbers provided by the Administrator. Sets forth regulation requirements for recyclers of used oil. Exempts from regulations used oil generated by:  (1) petroleum refining or exploration, production or transportation facilities, or bulk terminals which is to be refined or processed along with normal process streams at a refining facility; and (2) a manufacturer or processor or by an electric or gas utility that is processed, reclaimed, or refined by such generator or its parent, subsidiary, or corporate affiliate, provided that the oil is reused by such entities and such activities meet certain storage, shipping, financial responsibility, contingency, and release detection requirements under this Act. Applies storage requirements similar to those for generators and transporters to recyclers, as well as requiring:  (1) aboveground storage tanks and containers of used oil recyclers to comply with hazardous waste storage standards; (2) recyclers to maintain contingency plans to minimize unanticipated damage from used oil; (3) recyclers to comply with requirements for maintenance and operation of used oil recycling facilities and training of personnel; (4) detection of releases of used  oil at recycling facilities and cleanup; (5) testing by recyclers, prior to processing, of all used oil received for levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, halogens, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other materials, as appropriate, and for the testing of fuel for such materials before it leaves the facility; (6) the separate storage of used oil contaminated with any hazardous waste for a specified time period; (7) financial responsibility equivalent to that required for hazardous waste facilities; and (8) class permits for recycling facilities. Requires the Administrator to conduct annual inspections of used oil recycling facilities to determine compliance with permit requirements.  Makes a facility ineligible to apply for a permit if:  (1) the facility has utilized any pit, pond, lagoon, or other surface impoundment for containing used oil; and (2) there has been a release from such impoundments which requires corrective action or is otherwise subject to post closure care requirements. Permits States to be authorized by the Administrator to carry out permit programs. Prohibits:  (1) the placement of used oil in such impoundments or in any uncovered tank; (2) the mixing of used oil with a hazardous waste unless the mixture is managed as a hazardous waste; and (3) the use of used oil as a dust suppressant. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations for the closure of such impoundments and tanks containing used oil, to include requirements for:  (1) corrective action or postclosure care; (2) allowable fuel specification levels for lead and halogens for the burning of used oil for energy recovery; and (3) lead levels for the burning of industrial specification used oil. Requires oil fuels failing to meet lead limitations to be burned in specified facilities. Directs the Administrator to implement education activities to inform the public about the hazards associated with the improper handling and disposal of used oil and the benefits derived from legitimate used oil recycling.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines to assist State and local governments and other public service organizations in the development of used oil collection programs. Makes used oil generators who comply with this Act eligible for an exclusion from cost recovery authorities of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Directs the Administrator to propose regulations establishing guidelines for the procurement of used oil by Federal agencies and other governmental entities.",2025-08-26T15:14:26Z,
102-hr-5294,102,hr,5294,Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act,Environmental Protection,1992-05-28,1992-06-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-4]",WV,D,R000011,13,"Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish an Office of Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance within the Directorate of Civil Works of the Office of the Chief of Engineers. Requires the Office to:  (1) manage projects pursuant to this Act; and (2) provide information and guidance to communities in economically distressed areas with respect to eligible projects, economic and organizational issues, and construction, operation, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities. Directs the Secretary to:  (1) establish an environmental infrastructure assistance program to be administered through the Office; and (2) use funds under this Act for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities.  Provides that funds shall be available only for publicly-owned environmental infrastructure projects serving fewer than 25,000 persons that are located in economically distressed areas. Authorizes State Governors to submit State priority project plans to the Secretary.  Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit priority project plans for eligible projects on Indian reservations. Directs the Secretary to:  (1) submit annual economically distressed areas environmental infrastructure assistance plans to the Congress; (2) enter into local cooperation agreements to provide for the planning, design, and construction of environmental infrastructure projects; and (3) assure that such agreements are executed for a project from each State submitting a priority project plan. Requires the Administrator to publish guidelines for the design of wastewater treatment, public water supply, and solid waste disposal facilities pursuant to this Act.  Provides for the review and revision of such guidelines at least every five years. Authorizes appropriations.  Reserves at least 15 and five percent of such funds, respectively, for colonias and Indian reservations.",2025-08-26T15:16:10Z,
102-hr-5264,102,hr,5264,Aboveground Storage Tank Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-26,1992-06-05,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Moran, James P. [D-VA-8]",VA,D,M000933,6,"Aboveground Storage Tank Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to regulate aboveground storage tanks used to store regulated substances. Requires owners of such tanks to provide State or local authorities with all relevant particulars about such tanks, including age, size, type, location, and uses.  Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue notification and performance standards for such tanks.  Requires the State to inventory all such tanks containing regulated substances, one inventory for petroleum, and another for all other regulated substances. Requires the Administrator to issue release detection, prevention, and correction regulations, including leak detection systems, reporting requirements, requirements for release prevention, closure and upgrade requirements, and evidence of financial responsibility. Provides for interim measures before such regulations become effective. Permits corrective actions by the Administrator or State to protect human health and the environment, but makes owners or operators of tanks liable for costs. Authorizes States to conduct Administrator-approved programs to enforce this Act.  Directs the Administrator to provide technical assistance to States, local governments, and owners and operators to assist in compliance with State programs. Sets forth authorized actions when a facility owner or operator has not complied with or cannot meet financial responsibility requirements. Requires owners or operators of tanks to furnish the relevant government employees with all necessary information, including submitting their facilities to inspection and monitoring.  Provides for confidentiality of such information and criminal penalties for prohibited disclosure. Authorizes the use of compliance orders to enforce this Act, providing daily civil penalties for noncompliance. Includes tanks under Federal jurisdiction under this Act, permitting exemptions of up to one year upon the President's specific request. Requires that all exemptions be reported annually to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to study aboveground storage tanks used for both the storage of petroleum and of other regulated substances. Requires that the results of such studies be reported to the President and to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:23Z,
102-hr-5249,102,hr,5249,Gulf of Mexico Preservation Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-21,1992-06-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Ireland, Andrew P. [R-FL-10]",FL,R,I000029,6,"Gulf of Mexico Preservation Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Gulf of Mexico Program to:  (1) assess trends in environmental quality in the Gulf; (2) collaborate with specified entities to identify causes of environmental problems; and (3) provide for the development of a management, protection, and restoration plan. Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Program Office within EPA. Authorizes the Administrator to:  (1) conduct a study of environmental problems in the Gulf that are not confined to the jurisdiction of any Federal, State, or foreign entity; and (2) enter into memoranda of understanding and cooperative agreements and participate in a joint commission with the Mexican Government and any other appropriate foreign country to address such problems. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of activities in the Gulf. Requires the Administrator to prepare an assessment of Gulf environmental quality that shall:  (1) describe the existing state of knowledge concerning the Gulf's environmental quality; (2) include an inventory of relevant environmental research and monitoring programs; (3) identify gaps in knowledge and research needed for the development of the management plan; and (4) assess the environmental impact of specified types of pollution, erosion, dissolved oxygen, bacterial infection in fish, and oil spill response activities. Directs the Administrator to design a strategy for monitoring the environmental quality of the Gulf.  Authorizes the Administrator to carry out the assessment and strategy by making grants to specified public and private entities. Requires the Administrator to develop a management, protection, and restoration plan for the Gulf.  Requires the Plan to:  (1) establish priority schedules for addressing environmental problems in the Gulf; (2) outline specific activities to be conducted under the Program; (3) provide for cooperative activities by public and private entities under the Program; (4) set forth recommendations for actions by Federal, State, and local agencies to prevent, abate, or remediate pollution in the Gulf or to improve environmental quality; and (5) include a summary of the assessment and the monitoring strategy.  Provides for periodic reviews of the Plan. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States for purposes of furthering the development and implementation of the Plan.  Prohibits grants from being used to relieve any person of liability for environmental damages, response costs, or related relief under Federal or State law. Authorizes appropriations.  Earmarks at least 70 percent of appropriations for the grant program. Requires the Administrator to request that funding of the Program Office be included as a separate line item in any annual budget proposal submitted by the President to the Congress.",2025-08-26T15:17:54Z,
102-s-2770,102,s,2770,National Marine Sanctuaries Program Amendments of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-21,1992-05-21,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,0,"National Marine Sanctuaries Program Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to include the cost of long-term monitoring in the definition of ""damages."" Requires, in order to designate an area as a sanctuary, a determination that existing State and Federal authorities should be supplemented (currently, that such authorities are inadequate) to ensure coordinated and comprehensive conservation and management. Modifies procedures for:  (1) proposing designation of an area as a sanctuary; and (2) the taking effect of a designation. Requires title III (Marine Sanctuaries) of the Act and regulations under certain provisions of that title (currently, requires those regulations) to be applied in accordance with international law, treaties, and conventions to which the United States is a party.  Includes the U.S. territorial sea and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the application of the Act and its regulations and permits. Replaces provisions mandating research and education programs with provisions making it unlawful to violate the Act or to refuse or interfere with searches or inspections. Increases the dollar limit on fines for violations.  Declares that:  (1) a civil penalty constitutes a maritime lien on the vessel used in the violation of the title and allows in rem recovery; and (2) the proceeds from forfeiture of a vessel or its equipment, stores, or cargo constitute a separate recovery in addition to any civil penalty. Allows penalties and forfeitures to be used for enforcement costs and the costs of any liens or mortgages against forfeited property. Replaces provisions mandating the promotion and coordination of research with provisions directing the Secretary of Commerce to:  (1) conduct research, monitoring, evaluation, and education to carry out the title; and (2) promote and coordinate research, monitoring, and education. Replaces provisions mandating cooperative agreements with provisions authorizing cooperative agreements, grants, contracts, or other agreements to carry out the title.  Authorizes solicitation and acceptance of donations to carry out the title. Declares that nothing in a specified Federal law relating to the liability of a vessel owner shall limit liability under this Act. Allows the defense (to liability for harm to a sanctuary resource) that the activity was specifically authorized by Federal or State law only if the activity was conducted in compliance with the terms of any required permit or license.  Requires recovery, with interest, of administrative costs and expenses in connection with damage assessment and restoration planning, any restoration, replacement, or acquisition, and actions to recover damages.  Requires amounts recovered with respect to sanctuary resources under State jurisdiction to be used in accordance with the court decree or settlement agreement as well as with an agreement entered into by the Secretary and the Governor of that State, provided the agreement involving the Governor is entered into by a certain period after recovery of the amounts.  Requires any amounts remaining after disposition under certain provisions to be deposited in the General Fund of the Treasury. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the title. Authorizes establishment of advisory councils with regard to the designation or management of one or more national marine sanctuaries. Requires protection and management of any historical resource located in a sanctuary consistent with the title.  Makes any shipwreck abandoned or otherwise in a national marine sanctuary subject to the Secretary's authority to protect and manage the sanctuary and its resources.",2025-08-26T15:18:21Z,
102-s-2781,102,s,2781,Rural Communities Hazardous Waste Information Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-21,1992-05-21,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH]",OH,D,G000236,0,"Rural Communities Hazardous Waste Information Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the issuance of permits for off site hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities to be located in a rural community unless a rural community impact statement has been prepared.  Makes such statements available for public review.  Sets forth requirements concerning the selection of independent contractors to prepare such statements. Provides for the imposition of fees on permit applicants.  Requires such fees to be in an amount necessary to cover the cost of preparing impact statements. Requires impact statements to describe:  (1) the economic and social impacts of the proposed facility on each rural community which is within a 20-mile radius of the facility site, including effects on employment, recreational amenities, tourism, public safety and emergency preparedness, and transportation systems; and (2) the costs of mitigating such impacts.",2025-08-26T15:15:35Z,
102-s-2786,102,s,2786,Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act,Environmental Protection,1992-05-21,1992-05-21,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]",HI,D,I000025,1,Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act - Designates an area off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  Provides for the development of a comprehensive management plan.  Authorizes appropriations.,2025-08-26T15:14:13Z,
102-s-2788,102,s,2788,National Marine Sanctuaries Program Amendments Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-21,1992-09-18,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 684.,Senate,"Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000148,3,"National Marine Sanctuaries Program Amendments Act of 1992 - Title I:  Amendments to Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to include the cost of long-term monitoring in the definition of ""damages."" Requires, in order to designate an area as a sanctuary, a determination that existing State and Federal authorities should be supplemented (currently, that such authorities are inadequate) to ensure coordinated and comprehensive conservation and management. Requires, when determining whether to designate an area, consideration of:  (1) governmental as well as commercial or recreational resource uses; and (2) past, present, or proposed future disposal of materials in the area, including hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, or radioactive wastes. Modifies procedures for:  (1) proposing designation of an area as a sanctuary; and (2) the taking effect of a designation.  Makes Federal agency actions internal or external to a national marine sanctuary that are likely to injure any sanctuary resource or quality subject to review by and consultation with the Secretary. Mandates review of sanctuary management plans at least every five years. Requires title III (Marine Sanctuaries) of the Act and regulations under certain provisions of that title (currently, requires those regulations) to be applied in accordance with international law, treaties, and conventions to which the United States is a party.  Includes the U.S. territorial sea and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the application of the Act and its regulations and permits.  Mandates cooperation with other governments and international organizations in furtherance of the title. Replaces provisions mandating research and education programs with provisions making it unlawful to violate the Act or to refuse or interfere with searches or inspections. Increases the dollar limit on fines for violations.  Declares that:  (1) a civil penalty constitutes a maritime lien on the vessel used in the violation of the title and allows in rem recovery; and (2) the proceeds from forfeiture of a vessel or its equipment, stores, or cargo constitute a separate recovery in addition to any civil penalty. Allows penalties and forfeitures to be used for enforcement costs and the costs of any liens or mortgages against forfeited property. Replaces provisions mandating the promotion and coordination of research with provisions directing the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) conduct research, monitoring, evaluation, and education to carry out the title; and (2) promote and coordinate research, monitoring, and education. Replaces provisions mandating cooperative agreements with provisions authorizing cooperative agreements, grants, contracts, or other agreements to carry out the title.  Authorizes solicitation and acceptance of donations to carry out the title. Declares that nothing in a specified Federal law relating to the liability of a vessel owner shall limit liability under this Act. Allows the defense (to liability for harm to a sanctuary resource) that the activity was specifically authorized by Federal or State law only if the activity was conducted in compliance with the terms of any required permit or license.  Removes provisions allowing the defense to such liability that the harm was negligible.  Requires recovery, with interest, of administrative costs and expenses in connection with damage assessment and restoration planning, any restoration, replacement, or acquisition, and actions to recover damages.  Removes provisions regulating the use of civil penalties.  Requires amounts recovered with respect to sanctuary resources under State jurisdiction to be used in accordance with the court decree or settlement agreement as well as with an agreement entered into by the Secretary and the Governor of that State, provided the agreement involving the Governor is entered into by a certain period after recovery of the amounts. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the title. Authorizes establishment of advisory councils with regard to the designation or management of one or more national marine sanctuaries. Designates the Provasoli-Guillard Center for the Culture of Marine Phytoplankton in West Boothbay Harbor, Maine, as a National Center and Facility. Title II:  Hawaii Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary - Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act - Designates an area off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands as the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  Provides for the development of a comprehensive management plan.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
102-hr-5169,102,hr,5169,To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exempt pesticide rinse water degradation systems from subtitle C permit requirements.,Environmental Protection,1992-05-14,1992-05-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Bilirakis, Michael [R-FL-9]",FL,R,B000463,1,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exempt owners or operators of pesticide rinse water degradation systems from obtaining a permit for the treatment or disposal of pesticide rinse water if the system: (1) uses evaporation and biological degradation to treat or dispose of such water; (2) contains an above-ground tank or double-walled tank that can be inspected for leaks; (3) includes a secondary containment system capable of collecting and containing any leaks from the tank; (4) does not discharge fluid; (5) is protected from rainfall; and (6) when it is dismantled or any matrix or media used in the tank is replaced, if the matrix or media contains any hazardous waste, the matrix or media is treated, stored, or disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste management requirements. Applies this Act to systems in operation as of January 1, 1987.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hr-5162,102,hr,5162,Earth Summit Leadership Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-13,1992-06-01,"Referred to the Subcommittee on International Development, Finance, Trade and Monetary Policy.",House,"Rep. Owens, Wayne [D-UT-2]",UT,D,O000156,39,"Earth Summit Leadership Act of 1992 - Title I:  Foundation for Sustainable Development - Establishes the Foundation for Sustainable Development to:  (1) encourage the growth of development institutions indigenous to developing countries which respond to the needs of the poor and promote environmental protection and conservation of natural resources; (2) support efforts to increase the productivity of the poor; (3) support self-help activities at the local level to enlarge opportunities for community development; (4) support efforts at community-based, environmentally sustainable management of natural resources; (5) stimulate and assist the process of people participating in the processes that affect their lives; (6) replicate successful projects promoting sustainable and equitable development funded by specified foundations; and (7) disseminate insights gained in the Foundation's work to the American public and citizens in developing countries. Authorizes the Foundation to provide grant assistance to indigenous organizations in developing countries or entities working in partnership with such organizations to carry out it purposes.  Limits the total amount of assistance for a single project. Authorizes appropriations. Title II:  Regional Development Foundations - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 to increase the authorization amount for the Inter-American Foundation for FY 1993 and to authorize appropriations for FY 1994. Amends the African Development Foundation Act to authorize appropriations for the African Development Foundation for FY 1993 and 1994. Makes available an additional amount of economic support fund assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for Appropriate Technology International to enable it to emphasize large-scale replication of successful projects and partnerships with major development and financial institutions. Title III:  Reduction in International Security Assistance - Places a ceiling on the total amount of international security assistance provided by the United States for FY 1993 and 1994. Expresses the sense of the Congress that international security assistance for FY 1995 and 1996 should be further reduced to promote global demilitarization and make available additional resources for sustainable development programs. Title IV:  Multilateral Organizations - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. executive directors of specified multilateral development banks to promote the following actions:  (1) to make available to the public information on physical, institutional, and economic details and the environmental, public health, and sociocultural impacts of proposed bank operations; (2) to ensure that poverty reduction becomes a higher priority, including increases for lending for health care and basic education to at least five percent of the bank's lending; (3) to ensure that all structural adjustment loans after July 1993 are presented with documentation on how such loans will affect incomes of the poor, the diversification of industrial and agricultural production, the delivery to low-income people of essential social and technical services, and the integrity of the natural resource base; (4) to ensure the development of sustainable energy systems by ensuring that all energy sector loans are based on end-use efficiency and renewable energy applications; (5) to establish a comprehensive water resource policy that will require a least-cost approach to planning for and investing in water resource development projects; and (6) to purchase commercial debt obligations of developing countries on the secondary market and forgive those debts in return for adoption of sustainable development policies. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should follow up U.S. participation in the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) by taking an active role during the General Assembly session to ensure full implementation of UNCED recommendations on institutional reform issues. Title V:  Domestic Environmental Policies - Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) all budgetary subsidies and tax advantages for unsustainable exploitation of natural resources should be eliminated as long as adequate provision is made to retrain displaced individuals and to assist poor people who are least able to bear the cost implied by such eliminations; (2) the director of the Office of Management and Budget should identify all current budgetary subsidies and tax advantages for the exploitation of nonrenewable energy, forest, and water resources and should estimate their cost to taxpayers as the basis for future congressional action to eliminate them; and (3) each Federal agency should conduct a survey of cost-effective renewable energy technologies which it could adopt for the conduct of its work and should begin conversion to those technologies as soon as possible. Directs the President to:  (1) design a plan for reducing, by 2005, U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide to a level no greater than 80 percent of the 1990 level; and (2) formulate a national strategy for sustainable development.",2025-08-26T15:15:35Z,
102-hr-5131,102,hr,5131,"To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to regulate the manufacture, collection, and disposal of batteries.",Environmental Protection,1992-05-11,1992-05-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT-At Large]",VT,I,S000033,0,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the placement in mixed municipal solid waste of a battery containing added mercury, silver, lead, nickel, cadmium, or zinc. Requires users to return all batteries subject to such prohibition to the supplier that provided the battery or to a collection facility designated by the battery manufacturer. Requires manufacturers of such batteries to:  (1) ensure that a system for the proper collection, transportation, segregation by type, and processing of waste batteries exists for purchasers; and (2) clearly inform each purchaser of the prohibition on disposal of waste batteries and of the availability of such system.  Directs manufacturers, to ensure that such a system exists, to identify a collection chain through which batteries should be returned to the manufacturer or to designated collection sites. Requires manufacturers of button cell batteries that are to be sold at retail in interstate commerce to ensure that such batteries are clearly identifiable as to the type of electrode used in such batteries. Prohibits the retail sale or distribution for sale of alkaline manganese batteries containing more than .30 percent of mercury by weight and after January 1, 1994, .025 percent mercury by weight. Bars the sale of batteries containing any added mercury effective January 1, 1996.  Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to exempt specific types of batteries from such prohibitions if there are no substitutes available. Prohibits, after January 1, 1994:  (1) the retail sale or distribution for sale of button cell alkaline manganese batteries that contain more than 25 milligrams of mercury; and (2) the retail sale of button batteries containing added mercury unless they contain fewer than 25 milligrams of mercury. Prohibits the retail sale or distribution for sale in any State of a rechargeable battery consumer product unless:  (1) the battery can be easily removed by the consumer or is contained in a battery pack that is separate from the product and can be easily removed; and (2) the product, the battery, and the package are labeled in a manner that is clearly visible, indicate that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly, and are marked with specified recycling symbols. Authorizes exemptions from such prohibition if:  (1) the product cannot be reasonably designed to comply with such requirements; (2) the redesign of the product would result in danger to public health or safety; or (3) the battery poses no unreasonable hazard when placed in and processed or disposed of as part of mixed municipal solid waste. Limits exemptions to two-year periods and permits only one renewal. Prohibits the knowing disposal, after July 1, 1993, of any lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other rechargeable battery in landfills, incinerators, or municipal solid waste composting facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to suspend such prohibition, as it applies to the operator of a solid waste management facility, upon finding that insufficient markets exist and alternate uses are not available.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hr-5105,102,hr,5105,Environment and Economic Stability Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-07,1992-05-25,Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Chandler, Rod D. [R-WA-8]",WA,R,C000293,10,"Environment and Economic Stability Act of 1992 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require an analysis of the economic costs and benefits of determining that a species is endangered or threatened before including it on either of such lists.  States that such analysis shall be separate from any determination of a species' endangered or threatened status. Prohibits the regulatory taking of private property under such Act unless the Attorney General has certified that the issuing agency is in compliance with a specified executive order or a similar procedure regarding such assessments. Transfers authority of the Endangered Species Committee (Committee) to grant Federal agency exemptions to the appropriate Secretaries (Interior, Commerce, or Agriculture). Establishes a right of appeal to the Committee for the denial of an exemption permit. Revises provisions regarding:  (1) prohibitions with respect to endangered species; and (2) status determinations, including data collection, peer review, and species estimation. Requires the Secretary to make certain determinations before a subspecies or distinct population segment of a species may be considered endangered or threatened. Transfers authority to develop and implement species recovery plans from the Secretary to the appropriate Secretaries (Interior, Commerce, or Agriculture).  Provides for the consideration of alternatives and public participation in the development of such plans. Provides, with regard to experimental populations, for:  (1) release in National Park or National Wildlife Refuge lands whenever possible; and (2) efforts to protect public and domestic animal safety and welfare in cases of release outside such lands.",2025-08-26T15:18:02Z,
102-hr-5110,102,hr,5110,Public Health Pesticides Protection Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-07,1992-05-11,"Executive Comment Requested from USDA, EPA.",House,"Rep. Herger, Wally [R-CA-2]",CA,R,H000528,14,"Public Health Pesticides Protection Act of 1992 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to consider the risks and benefits of public health pesticides separate from the risks and benefits of other pesticides.  Requires the Administrator, in weighing any regulatory action concerning a public health pesticide, to weigh any risks of the pesticide against the health risks to be controlled by the pesticide. Defines:  (1) a ""public health pesticide"" as a minor use pesticide registered for use and used predominantly in public health programs for vector control or other health protection uses; and (2) ""vector"" as any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent of human disease or of producing human discomfort or injury. Exempts from reregistration fees public health pesticides of which more than 50 percent of usage (or at least 50 percent in the case of certain end use products) is devoted to the promotion of public health. Provides for expedited processing and review of pesticide applications that propose the initial or amended registration of an end use pesticide that, if registered as proposed, would be used solely for agricultural minor uses or as a public health pesticide. Provides for review by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of registrations of public health pesticides proposed for cancellation. Directs the Administrator to identify pests of significant public health importance and to implement programs to improve and facilitate the safe use of methods to combat and control such pests. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on the uses of public health pesticides to promote human health protection in the United States.",2025-08-26T15:13:40Z,
102-hr-5121,102,hr,5121,Federal Facilities Community Oversight for Public Health Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-07,1992-05-29,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Richardson, Bill [D-NM-3]",NM,D,R000229,4,"Federal Facilities Community Oversight for Public Health Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish a citizens advisory board for each Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons facility, whose duties shall be to:  (1) evaluate DOE performance of environmental restoration, waste management, and health activities at the facility; (2) evaluate the exercise of regulatory authority by certain Federal and State agencies; (3) submit annually to certain Federal and State agencies an independent policy and technical evaluation of significant decisions made by them with respect to environmental restoration, waste management, and health activities at such facilities; (4) forward community views regarding such activities to the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Governor of the State in which the facility is located; and (5) submit an annual status report to the Congress and the Governor of the State in which the facility is located. Establishes the National Citizens' Advisory Board for DOE Nuclear Weapons Facilities to:  (1) annually submit to DOE, EPA, and the National Governors' Association national policy and technical recommendations on environmental restoration, waste management, and health activities occurring at those facilities; and (2) submit an annual status report to the Congress. Directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to perform public health actions in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 for each DOE nuclear weapons facility included in certain DOE programmatic environmental impact statements.  Permits any person to petition the ATSDR Administrator for public health assessments. Directs the ATSDR Administrator to:  (1) establish and maintain an integrated data base (with specified contents) that is specific to DOE nuclear weapons facilities that are the subject of a health assessment under this Act; (2) report annually to the Congress on how the data base will be used to conduct health assessments and protect human health and the environment; and (3) establish and maintain a registry of persons exposed to hazardous substances as a result of a release from a DOE nuclear weapons facility where the inclusion of such persons would be valuable for specific scientific studies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to submit a priority list to the ATSDR Administrator of hazardous substances most commonly found at DOE nuclear weapons facilities.  Directs the ATSDR Administrator to ensure the timely completion of a toxicological profile of such substances. Requires the ATSDR Administrator to submit a comprehensive plan to the Congress for implementing this Act and for ensuring the substantive involvement of affected States, Indian tribes, communities, and the public in the conduct of ATSDR activities. Requires the Secretary of Energy to provide information to the ATSDR Administrator that may be helpful to implement this Act. Requires such Secretary and Administrator to enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding implementation of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:14:54Z,
102-s-2668,102,s,2668,Global Climate Protection Act,Environmental Protection,1992-05-07,1992-05-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN]",TN,D,G000321,18,"Global Climate Protection Act - Directs the President to promulgate final regulations that will achieve stabilization of carbon dioxide emissions by January 1, 2000. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate and report biennially to the Congress on the progress made pursuant to such regulations.  Directs the President to promulgate additional regulations to achieve stabilization if the Administrator finds that the regulations will not achieve stabilization. Permits citizen suits against officers of the United States for failures to perform duties in accordance with this Act.",2025-08-26T15:15:44Z,
102-hr-5070,102,hr,5070,DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Financing Act,Environmental Protection,1992-05-06,1992-05-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-20]",NY,D,L000480,50,"DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Financing Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 1999. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Requires States to submit estimates of the need for assistance for implementing and monitoring such plans.  Prohibits the submission of such estimates unless the estimates are approved by the appropriate management conference under the National Estuary Program. Makes States that fail to submit approved estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans.  Permits loans made with amounts in such Accounts to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship.  Allows States to use interest earned on amounts in such Accounts to subsidize up to 90 percent of the principal portion of debt service of certain entities that are financially unable to carry out a necessary project for an estuary plan.  Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans.  Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of the total cost of implementation.  Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 1999. Revises provisions concerning the purposes of management conferences. Directs the Administrator to issue a guidance document that establishes requirements for:  (1) management conferences to follow in developing, implementing, and monitoring conservation and management plans; and (2) approving and implementing interim actions to protect water quality of estuaries for which plans are developed. Requires management conferences to be convened for periods of at least five years (currently, up to five years).  Permits the extension of a conference for an additional five years if the affected Governors concur in the extension and the extension is necessary to meet requirements.  Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishes such procedures for interim actions.",2025-08-26T15:14:17Z,
102-hr-5077,102,hr,5077,Resource Conservation and Recovery Financial Responsibility Improvement Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-06,1992-05-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Erdreich, Ben [D-AL-6]",AL,D,E000201,0,"Resource Conservation and Recovery Financial Responsibility Improvement Act of 1992 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to collect and maintain information relating to, and report annually to the Congress on, compliance with financial responsibility requirements by hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Prohibits the authorization of State hazardous waste programs unless such programs provide for maintaining such information in a format similar to that used by the Administrator.",2025-08-26T15:13:37Z,
102-hr-5089,102,hr,5089,"To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the owner or operator of a solid waste disposal facility to obtain authorization from the affected local government before accepting waste generated outside of the State, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1992-05-06,1992-05-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5]",KY,R,R000395,0,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to make it unlawful for owners or operators of landfills, incinerators, or other waste disposal facilities in a State from receiving municipal solid waste generated outside the State unless they obtain authorization from the affected local government or meet other conditions under this Act. Requires local governments to notify the State Governor of such authorization.  Permits a State Governor to disapprove an authorization if the authorization will result in the disposal of municipal solid waste generated outside of the State in an amount exceeding 30 percent of the total volume of such waste disposed of in the State in the preceding year.  Authorizes local governments, in issuing such authorizations, to impose fees and limitations on the amount of waste received for disposal.  Terminates an authorization if a facility's operating permit is revoked or suspended or if a permit renewal application is denied. Exempts from this Act's prohibition owners or operators of landfills that:  (1)  meet certain State and Federal requirements concerning design standards, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and financial assurance for closure and corrective action; (2) received waste generated outside the State in a manner consistent with a written contract during February 1992; and (3) for each year between 1992 and 1996, did not receive municipal solid waste generated outside the State in an amount exceeding the total amount received in 1991.  Exempts owners or operators of incinerators or other waste disposal facilities that meet the contract requirements and amount limitations applicable to landfills, as well as new source performance standards and other requirements of the Clean Air Act. Considers expansions of landfills, incinerators, or waste disposal facilities to be separate facilities requiring authorization.  Exempts owners or operators of such facilities from the requirement to obtain additional authorization if:  (1) at the time they obtained authorization, they owned or possessed an option to purchase the land on which the expansion is proposed to occur; and (2) the area of expansion was indicated in documents filed with the affected local government before obtaining authorization. Directs State Governors to submit State municipal solid waste management plans to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  Requires such plans to cover a period of at least ten years and to be reviewed by the Governor at least every five years. Makes it unlawful for owners or operators of landfills, incinerators, or other waste disposal facilities to receive municipal solid waste generated in another State if the exporting State does not have an approved plan.  Permits such owners or operators located in a State without an approved plan to receive municipal solid waste generated outside the State if the exporting State has a plan in effect. Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Authorizes States to impose fees for the disposal of solid waste generated outside the State if the State uses such amounts to fund solid waste management activities.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
102-hconres-315,102,hconres,315,Expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to certain proposals of the Environmental Protection Agency to require centralized motor vehicle emissions inspection at facilities which provide no other services.,Environmental Protection,1992-05-05,1992-05-29,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.,House,"Rep. Solomon, Gerald B. H. [R-NY-24]",NY,R,S000675,0,Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Congress disapproves of promulgation by the Environmental Protection Agency of any rule under the Clean Air Act which would provide that the only allowable way for States to comply with requirements for vehicle emission inspection and maintenance programs is to establish centralized emission inspection facilities and facilities for emission inspection which provide no other services.,2025-01-15T18:51:50Z,
102-hr-5066,102,hr,5066,Long Island Sound Water Quality Research Act,Environmental Protection,1992-05-05,1992-05-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-8]",NY,D,S000124,0,"Long Island Sound Water Quality Research Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to expand the duties of the Environmental Protection Agency Long Island Sound Office to include the conduct of studies of:  (1) alternative or innovative technologies to decrease pollution in the Sound; (2) present and foreseeable population and demographic trends in the Sound drainage area and the relation of land use patterns to point source and nonpoint source pollution; (3) a drainage area data base that evaluates the water quality capacity of the area, incorporates resource inventories and analyses, evaluates specified environmental features, and utilizes a format that can be integrated into Federal, State, and local management programs and systems; (4) a land use watershed model for coastal and upland areas of the Sound; (5) sensitive areas for the creation or restoration of degraded mudflats or wetlands in the drainage area; (6) sensitive areas for the remediation of contaminated sediments in the Sound; and (7) methods to refine the Long Island Sound Water Quality Model to improve the analysis of findings of nonpoint source pollutants and to better understand historical water quality trends. Requires the Office to prepare recommendations, using the land use watershed model:  (1) for promoting least-cost land use strategies and water quality planning for municipalities in the drainage area; and (2) that incorporate relevant policies adopted by the Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study. Authorizes appropriations to carry out this Act and extends existing authorizations.",2025-08-26T15:14:22Z,
102-s-2654,102,s,2654,Land and Water Conservation Fund Amendments of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-05-05,1992-05-06,"Referred to Subcommittee on Public Lands, National Parks.",Senate,"Sen. DeConcini, Dennis [D-AZ]",AZ,D,D000185,4,"Land and Water Conservation Fund Amendments of 1992 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require the submission with the annual budget of the United States of a comprehensive statement of the estimated requirements during the ensuing fiscal year for appropriation from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for land acquisition by eligible Federal agencies and by States and local governments. Sets forth requirements with respect to:  (1) allocations from the Fund, including funds for Indian tribes and Alaska Native Village Corporations; and (2) multipurpose acquisition by States. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to States for outdoor recreation maintenance and security. Repeals a restriction on assistance available under the Act to enclose or shelter facilities normally used for outdoor recreation activities.  Permits the use of such funds, subject to specified limitations, for: (1) maintenance of facilities acquired and developed with financial assistance provided pursuant to the Act; (2) costs of law enforcement and security personnel and other security measures; and (3) development of sheltered facilities for public health or safety in connection with projects otherwise eligible for assistance under the Act. Authorizes the transfer of funds by grant recipients to private nonprofit organizations, subject to specified requirements, to be used for projects approved in writing by the grantor of the funds in connection with the acquisition of lands (or interests in lands) and the development of recreation facilities, but not for administrative expenses. Sets forth requirements regarding maintenance of expenditures by State and Federal grant recipients.",2026-03-24T12:48:03Z,
102-hr-5016,102,hr,5016,Clean Fuels Infrastructure and Incentives Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-04-29,1992-05-29,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Gallo, Dean A. [R-NJ-11]",NJ,R,G000025,2,"Clean Fuels Infrastructure and Incentives Act of 1992 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for providing grants to eligible States to fund the construction of clean fuel refueling facilities in ozone nonattainment areas classified as Serious, Severe, or Extreme under the Clean Air Act. Authorizes appropriations.  Provides for the distribution of funds based on the pro rata number of licensed motor vehicles in a State.  Limits the total amount of funds to be received by a State. Requires recipient States to distribute at least 50 percent of funds to persons for the installation of clean fuel refueling facilities in the private sector. Makes a State eligible for a grant only if it has:  (1) submitted a revision of the applicable implementation plan pursuant to the Clean Air Act expressing its intention to adopt standards under the California clean fuel vehicle pilot test program; and (2) has adopted such standards no later than model year 1996.",2025-08-26T15:13:44Z,
102-s-2627,102,s,2627,Gulf of Mexico Preservation Act of 1992,Environmental Protection,1992-04-29,1992-04-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Gramm, Phil [R-TX]",TX,R,G000365,4,"Gulf of Mexico Preservation Act of 1992 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Gulf of Mexico Program to:  (1) assess trends in environmental quality in the Gulf; (2) collaborate with specified entities to identify causes of environmental problems; and (3) provide for the development of a management, protection, and restoration plan. Establishes a Gulf of Mexico Program Office within EPA. Authorizes the Administrator to:  (1) conduct a study of environmental problems in the Gulf that are not confined to the jurisdiction of any Federal, State, or foreign entity; and (2) enter into memoranda of understanding and cooperative agreements and participate in a joint commission with the Mexican Government and any other appropriate foreign country to address such problems. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of activities in the Gulf.  Requires the Administrator to prepare an assessment of Gulf environmental quality that shall:  (1) describe the existing state of knowledge concerning the Gulf's environmental quality; (2) include an inventory of relevant environmental research and monitoring programs; (3) identify gaps in knowledge and research needed for the development of the management plan; and (4) assess the environmental impact of specified types of pollution, erosion, dissolved oxygen, bacterial infection in fish, and oil spill response activities. Directs the Administrator to design a strategy for monitoring the environmental quality of the Gulf.  Requires the Administrator to develop a management, protection, and restoration plan for the Gulf.  Requires the Plan to:  (1) establish priority schedules for addressing environmental problems in the Gulf; (2) outline specific activities to be conducted under the Program; (3) provide for cooperative activities by public and private entities under the Program; (4) set forth recommendations for actions by Federal, State, and local agencies to prevent, abate, or remediate pollution in the Gulf or to improve environmental quality; and (5) include a summary of the assessment and the monitoring strategy.  Provides for periodic reviews of the Plan. Directs the Administrator to make grants to States for purposes of furthering the development and implementation of the Plan.  Prohibits grants from being used to relieve any person of liability for environmental damages, response costs, or related relief under Federal or State law. Authorizes appropriations.  Earmarks at least 70 percent of appropriations for the grant program. Requires the Administrator to request that funding of the Program Office be included as a separate line item in any annual budget proposal submitted by the President to the Congress.",2025-08-26T15:14:31Z,
102-s-2632,102,s,2632,National Environmental Technologies Agency Act,Environmental Protection,1992-04-29,1992-07-21,Committee on Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 102-1064.,Senate,"Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD]",MD,D,M000702,4,"National Environmental Technologies Agency Act - Establishes the National Environmental Technologies Agency to:  (1) coordinate Federal environmental restoration and protection planning; (2) identify areas that need technical solutions to maintain environmental security, are not receiving product-oriented research necessary to meet those needs, and exhibit the greatest promise for the development of solutions; (3) support the development of technology having future application in environmental restoration and protection; (4) coordinate the exchange of technological information relating to environmental restoration and protection between Federal agencies and the private sector; (5) support continuing research and development of advanced technologies; (6) monitor research and development being conducted on advanced technologies by private industry; and (7) promote continuing development of a technological industrial base in the United States. Establishes an interagency advisory committee to provide information to the Agency with respect to the needs and concerns of specified agencies in the field of environmental technologies. Establishes the Industry and Academia Advisory Council to make recommendations regarding general policy for the Agency. Permits the Agency Administrator to transfer to the domestic private sector technology developed with the support of the Agency if the technology may have potential application in private activities relating to environmental restoration and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to carry out Agency functions, subject to certain conditions. Provides for dissemination of the results of Agency research. Prohibits the making of a contract or award until the research project in question has passed a merit review. Directs the Administrator, in determining whether to make an award to a joint venture, to consider whether the joint venture has provided for appropriate participation of U.S. small businesses.  Exempts from Federal disclosure requirements information obtained on a confidential basis in connection with business operations or trade secrets of a joint venture.  Prohibits the disclosure by a Federal employee of intellectual property owned by a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, except in accordance with an agreement between the owner and the Administrator.  Entitles the United States to a share of licensing fees and royalty payments made to a joint venture in an amount proportionate to the Federal share of costs incurred.  Provides for the return of unspent Federal funds to the Agency if it appears that the recipient is not making satisfactory progress toward successful completion of the project. Entitles the United States, upon dissolution of a joint venture that receives funding under this Act, to a share of the residual assets proportionate to the Federal share of costs. Establishes the Environmental Advanced Research Projects Revolving Fund.  Authorizes the Administrator to use the Fund to provide financial assistance to industrial and nonprofit research centers, universities, and other entities that serve long-term environmental security needs. Requires the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on: (1) activities of the Agency; (2) the extent to which technologies developed with Agency assistance have been used; and (3) the extent to which those technologies have been transferred overseas. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-26T15:16:10Z,
102-hr-4994,102,hr,4994,Environmental Fairness Act,Environmental Protection,1992-04-28,1992-05-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.,House,"Rep. Dannemeyer, William E. [R-CA-39]",CA,R,D000044,0,"Environmental Fairness Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exempt a person from liability under such Act caused by acts or omissions of third parties if the defendant establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that:  (1) the actions taken with respect to the hazardous substance occurred before December 11, 1980; (2) the defendant exercised due care and acted in good faith to properly dispose of or recycle the hazardous substance; and (3) such actions were performed in accordance with all applicable Federal and State laws. Authorizes the United States, in the case of an action to recover costs of removal or remedial action, to recover only the portion of such costs that the person against whom the action is brought is directly responsible for, as established by a preponderance of the evidence.",2025-08-26T15:17:53Z,