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
104-hr-4339,104,hr,4339,Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-10-03,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Condit, Gary A. [D-CA-18]",CA,D,C000670,3,"Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1996 - Amends Clean Air Act provisions regarding State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards to require a State, for each upwind area which causes or significantly contributes to a violation of the ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision that requires the upwind area to either:  (1) reduce emissions of each air pollutant concerned by an amount necessary to mitigate impacts to pollution concentrations in the downwind area; or (2) make payments to the State or the air quality district as compensation to the downwind area for the costs of emission reduction measures. Requires a State, for each Moderate ozone nonattainment area determined to cause or significantly contribute to a violation of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision including all provisions necessary for an enhanced vehicle inspection described in provisions concerning Serious areas and Environmental Protection Agency regulations.  Requires amendment by a State of its plan for maintenance (required when a State requests redesignation of a nonattainment area as an area which has attained the national ambient air quality standard) to include measures for such an inspection program if the State determines that the area concerned is causing or significantly contributing to a violation of such standards for ozone in a downwind area.",2025-08-21T20:15:15Z,
104-s-2185,104,s,2185,Local Growth Management Incentives Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-10-01,1996-10-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]",OR,D,W000779,0,"Local Growth Management Incentives Act of 1996 - Requires each Federal agency to cooperate with qualified State agencies and local land use jurisdictions (those with growth management and land use programs certified under this Act) to reduce duplication of State and local requirements by National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) environmental assessment procedures.  Requires such cooperation to include joint planning processes, environmental research, public hearings, and environmental assessments.  Permits use of one document if State or local law imposes requirements that are in addition to, but not in conflict with, the NEPA requirements.  Requires a NEPA statement to address, and describe the extent to which the State or local entity will reconcile, any inconsistency of a proposed action with any approved plan or other requirement of the entity. Allows States and local land use jurisdictions, upon certification (and with exceptions), additional time to comply with any new Federal requirement in order to integrate a qualified program's requirements with the Federal requirement.  Describes certification procedures (and restrictions) and requires for support of a certification that State or local laws establish a qualified program containing, among other things, mechanisms for:  (1) designating areas of critical environmental concern (those in which development may damage important historic, cultural, or aesthetic values or natural systems or processes or result in a threat to human life and safety from natural hazards); (2) addressing compatibility of land uses; and (3) assessing whether development activity impacts would result in environmental or health law violations.  Describes methods for establishment of such a program.  Requires federally conducted development projects or activities that affect land use or are otherwise regulated under a qualified program to be carried out consistently with the program. Amends Federal law concerning obligation of Federal-aid highway and surface transportation funds to require the Secretary of Transportation to give priority, in discretionary awards of funding, to States and local land use jurisdictions that have in effect a State or local program that meets this Act's certification requirements. Requires the Council on Environmental Quality to report to the Congress regarding:  (1) the impacts of Federal activities on growth and land use; and (2) the effectiveness of growth management and land use programs in addressing the cumulative impacts of Federal activities.",2025-08-21T20:15:18Z,
104-s-2179,104,s,2179,Children's Environmental Protection Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-30,1996-09-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA]",CA,D,B000711,0,"Children's Environmental Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to state U.S. policy regarding the adequacy of protection of children and other vulnerable subpopulations from exposure to environmental pollutants.  Defines ""vulnerable subpopulations"" to include children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with a history of serious illness, and other subpopulations identified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as likely to experience elevated health risks from environmental pollutants. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) work with each State, including by making grants, to develop a family right-to-know initiative requiring disclosure of the details of application of a pollutant in a public area accessible to children, State reports of such information, and provision of data for a nationwide survey; (2) identify and make publicly available a list of hazardous substances and pesticides commonly used in schools and parks; (3) create a list of substances with high hazard risks; (4) develop and issue an EPA-approved warning sign and label for posting in such areas; and (5) prohibit a school or park from using any pollutant on the high hazard risk list. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to:  (1) coordinate and implement research studies of the physiological and pharmacokinetic differences in the effects and toxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on children and other vulnerable subpopulations; (2) conduct surveys and research to document differences between children and adults with respect to exposure; and (3) report to the Congress. Directs the Administrator to evaluate environmental health risks to children and vulnerable subpopulations in all risk assessments and characterizations, environmental or public health standards, or general regulatory decisions and develop and use a separate assessment with respect to vulnerable subpopulations.  Requires a report to the Congress. Requires public availability, subject to restrictions, of information concerning any test of a pesticide, pesticide residue, or other pollutant to determine potential levels of exposure or health effects. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:14:03Z,
104-hr-4283,104,hr,4283,National Invasive Species Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-10-26,Became Public Law No: 104-332.,House,"Rep. LaTourette, Steven C. [R-OH-19]",OH,R,L000553,0,"National Invasive Species Act of 1996 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to mandate regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through ballast water.  Authorizes education, technical assistance, and other measures to promote compliance.  Mandates voluntary guidelines to prevent such introduction and spread in U.S. waters by ballast water and other vessel operations.  Mandates education, technical assistance, and other measures to encourage compliance.  Requires mandatory regulations if guideline compliance is inadequate.  Provides for enforcement through civil and criminal penalties and revocation of clearance.  Encourages negotiations with foreign governments to develop and implement an international program for preventing such introduction and spread.  Allows a vessel to not conduct a ballast water exchange if the exchange would threaten the safety or stability of the vessel.  Allows a vessel that does not, for that reason, conduct an exchange to discharge ballast in any harbor, except in the Great Lakes.  Mandates a study and report to the Congress on the effectiveness of existing shoreside ballast water facilities used by crude oil tankers in the coastwise trade off Alaska in preventing such introduction and spread. Mandates studies of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Honolulu Harbor, the Columbia River system, other estuaries of national significance, and other waters.  Provides for making specified amounts available for research on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control in the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast, the Atlantic Coast, and the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. Establishes a clearinghouse of national data on ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines under this Act. Mandates a ballast water management program for vessels of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. Requires:  (1) a ballast water management program to demonstrate technologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species from being introduced into and spread through ballast water in U.S. waters; and (2) that the installation and construction of those technologies and practices be performed in the United States. Modifies:  (1) the composition and research priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and (2) zebra mussel demonstration program requirements. Mandates research grants regarding environmentally sound methods for controlling the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires research on environmentally sound methods for preventing and reducing dispersal between the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence drainage and the Mississippi River drainage through the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Task Force to encourage the development and use of regional coordination panels and similar entities in regions in addition to the Great Lakes and Western regions. Provides for interstate (in addition to existing State) aquatic nuisance species management plans, allowing Indian tribes as well as States to participate. Authorizes appropriations, including for research on the prevention, monitoring, and control of aquatic nuisance species in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.",2025-04-07T15:29:40Z,
104-hr-4288,104,hr,4288,Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-10-11,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.,House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,9,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  General Provisions      Title II:  Emission Reduction Credits      Title III:  Tax Incentives         Title IV:  Revision of Purchase Mandates      Title V:  Federal Transit Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles      Title VI:  Government Contract Incentives for Natural Gas           Vehicles      Title VII:  Research, Development, and Demonstration           Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Act of 1996 - Title I:  General Provisions - Sets forth the findings of Congress with respect to increased use of domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel. Title II:  Emission Reduction Credits - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an emission reduction credit program for natural gas vehicles, Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV)-certified alternative fuel vehicles, and fueling infrastructure. Title III:  Tax Incentives - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish natural gas vehicle property credits for any of the following property placed in service during the taxable year:  (1) natural gas vehicles (50 percent of the cost); (2) fueling stations (the lesser of $25,000 or ten percent of the cost); and (3) transportation fuel (25 cents per gallon of liquefied natural gas or per gasoline gallon equivalent of compressed natural gas). (Sec. 302) Imposes an excise tax of 3.54 cents per gallon on liquefied natural gas sold for use or used as motor vehicle or motorboat fuel unless there was a taxable sale of such gas. (Sec. 303) Provides for shorter depreciation recovery periods for natural gas vehicles (three years) and refueling property (seven years). Title IV:  Revision of Purchase Mandates - Declares the national policy to be that:  (1) a viable, sustainable market for natural gas and other low emission vehicles requires cooperative efforts by and among fleet operators and other users, fuel providers, and vehicle manufacturers; (2) government mandates requiring private sector fleet purchases do not support such cooperative efforts; (3) the low emission vehicle market should be based on voluntary, economically sound decisions; and (4) market-oriented incentives can provide an appropriate and effective means for developing a self-sustaining market for such vehicles and fuels. (Sec. 402) Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to repeal private fleet mandates.  Sets forth sunset provisions to end the fuel provider mandate and the State fleet mandate. Title V:  Federal Transit Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Amends Federal transportation law to require metropolitan mass transportation planning organizations, in developing plans, to consider opportunities to stimulate the use of natural gas vehicles and ULEV-certified alternative fueled vehicles and the installation of a fueling infrastructure to support such vehicles. (Sec. 504) Declares that research and investigations for which non-profit institutions of higher learning may receive Department of Transportation grants include the relationship between environmental policy and transportation policy, particularly the potential applications for natural gas vehicles and ULEV-certified alternative fueled vehicles in urban settings. (Sec. 505) Requires any Federal grant for a mass transportation project that involves acquiring buses powered by natural gas, or any ULEV-certified alternative fueled bus, and all related fueling property or equipment, to cover at least 90 percent of the project cost. Title VI:  Government Contract Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Amends Federal law for Armed Services acquisitions and the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to direct the Secretary of Defense and Federal civilian agencies, respectively, to give a preference in procurement contracts to contractors and subcontractors using motor vehicles that:  (1) operate on natural gas; or (2) operate on alternative fuel and meet the ULEV standard. Title VII:  Research, Development, and Demonstration Incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles - Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a five-year program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration, including specified activities.",2025-08-21T20:17:00Z,
104-hr-4308,104,hr,4308,Quiet Communities Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-10-04,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18]",NY,D,L000480,10,"Quiet Communities Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator, with funds provided for the Office, to conduct a study of airport noise and its physiological effects on surrounding communities in major metropolitan areas. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:16:22Z,
104-hr-4317,104,hr,4317,Relating to disposal of contaminated dredged materials in the Port of New York-New Jersey.,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Directs the Secretary of the Army to:  (1) construct subaqueous borrow pits in Newark Bay, Port of New York-New Jersey, for the disposal of contaminated dredged materials from the Port, which are not eligible for open water disposal; and (2) expedite selection of a method for sediment decontamination. Prohibits the Secretary from constructing sediment containment islands if it would result in the loss of shellfish or other fisheries habitat. Requires designation of any necessary upland disposal site within close proximity of the actual dredging site.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
104-s-2157,104,s,2157,Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Act,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Smith, Bob [R-NH]",NH,R,S000606,0,"Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit persons from disposing of lead-acid batteries (batteries) in a landfill, by incineration, or in any manner other than by return of spent batteries to one of the following authorized recipients:  (1) a retail or wholesale seller of such batteries; (2) a regulated lead smelter; (3) an automotive dismantler or scrap dealer; (4) a collection entity designated to accept such batteries; or (5) a manufacturer of batteries of the same general type.  Specifies respective authorized recipients of returns from retailers, wholesalers, dismantlers, collection entities, and manufacturers. Requires retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers of batteries (with an exception for a low number of sales) to accept spent batteries of the same general type as those sold in a quantity approximately equal to the number of batteries sold. Requires retailers to post a clearly visible notice informing the public of the legal requirement to recycle batteries.  Sets forth labeling requirements, preempting State or local requirements inconsistent with this Act. Permits export of a spent battery for recycling purposes. Imposes civil penalties for violations of this Act and permits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to commence an action for appropriate relief, including injunctions.",2025-08-21T20:15:23Z,
104-s-2160,104,s,2160,Innovative Compliance Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-28,1996-09-28,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT]",CT,D,L000304,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Alternative Strategies for Achieving Superior           Environmental Performance      Title II:  Environmental Market-Based Strategies Innovative Compliance Act of 1996 - Title I:  Alternative Strategies for Achieving Superior Environmental Performance - Allows an owner or operator of a facility that is subject to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule to petition the EPA Administrator to modify or waive the rule with respect to the facility and enter into an enforceable compliance agreement establishing an alternative compliance strategy. (Sec. 104) Requires a petitioner to undertake a stakeholder participation process to facilitate participation of, and notice to, the public, including government agencies and officials. (Sec. 105) Set forth criteria for approval of a petition for a proposed alternative compliance strategy, including that the strategy will achieve better overall environmental results than would be achieved under current and reasonably anticipated future regulatory requirements.  Requires the Administrator to deny a petition involving more than one pollutant or medium if:  (1) at least one stakeholder objects to the strategy; and (2) the Administrator determines that the objection relates to any of the enumerated approval criteria and has a clear and reasonable foundation. (Sec. 106) Requires that priority be given to petitions proposing strategies using pollution prevention approaches and those submitted by persons with strong records of outstanding environmental performance and worker health and safety protection. (Sec. 107) Sets forth petition approval procedures, including those for public notice, preliminary comment, judicial review, and a limitation on the number of petitions considered. (Sec. 113) Requires the Administrator to establish a program to facilitate development, and provide expedited review, of proposals from small business groups. (Sec. 114) Sets forth congressional reporting requirements. (Sec. 116) Requires establishment of an on-line repository of compliance agreements. (Sec. 117) Authorizes appropriations and fees. Title II:  Environmental Market-Based Strategies - Directs the Administrator, where appropriate and before issuing a rule establishing a new program to limit the discharge or emission of a pollutant, to consider including market-based mechanisms in the design and implementation of the program.  Describes such mechanisms as including the authorization to transfer or acquire increments of emissions or discharge reductions according to representative shares of total limits on emissions or discharges affected by the rule. Prohibits consideration of market-based mechanisms if:  (1) resultant levels of pollutant emissions or discharges would exceed those that would be achieved under an alternative program; or (2) the pollutant's properties are such that the environmental or human health purposes for which it is regulated may be achieved only through the imposition of nontransferable source-specific emissions or discharge limitations.",2025-08-21T20:14:40Z,
104-hr-4234,104,hr,4234,Public Right-to-Know and Children's Environmental Health Protection Act,Environmental Protection,1996-09-27,1996-10-11,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,3,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Toxics Reporting and Public Right to Know      Title II:  Children's Environmental Protection Act      Title III:  Endocrine Disruptors Public Right-to-Know and Children's Environmental Health Protection Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States that:  (1) adequate data should be developed with respect to industry's use of and the public's exposure to toxic substances, with priority given to the exposure of children; and (2) such data should be generated by manufacturers, processors, and users of chemical substances and mixtures and then made available to the general public. Title I:  Toxics Reporting and Public Right to Know - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act to revise toxic chemical release form requirements, providing, among other things, for certain additional information to be reported to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about known toxic chemicals at facilities subject to such requirements, including the number of employees and contractors at the facility along with the number of those that have been exposed to the chemical.  Requires the Administrator to:  (1) establish new thresholds for reporting highly toxic chemicals; and (2) develop an EPA plan for integrating and improving access to publicly available information within the jurisdiction of the agency in order to improve the management of information resources and assist agency enforcement, pollution prevention, and multimedia permitting and reporting initiatives. (Sec. 105) Modifies the authority to bring civil actions under this Act, specifically allowing them to be brought for any of the listed failures that are past or ongoing. (Sec. 106) Gives the EPA Administrator the authority to prescribe regulations to carry out the Pollution Prevention Act. Title II:  Children's Environmental Protection Act - Children's Environmental Health Protection Act - Prohibits any person in the course of doing business from knowingly exposing any infant or young child to an-EPA listed hazardous synthetic chemical in any children's food or consumer product without first providing a clear and reasonable warning of the exposure, on or immediately adjacent to the food or product at its point of sale to the retail customer.  Specifies exemptions from this prohibition, including businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and public entities. (Sec. 204) Requires the EPA Administrator to publish annually in the Federal Register a list of all hazardous synthetic chemicals that have been identified or regulated by any Federal agency as carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or neurotoxins.  Authorizes the Administrator to:  (1) publish in the Federal Register a list of children's foods and consumer products that are known or likely to expose children to one or more hazardous synthetic chemicals; and (2) identify any foods and products for which the Administrator has determined that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from any listed hazardous synthetic chemical. (Sec. 206) Provides for the implementation and enforcement, including private citizen enforcement, of this Act, through civil penalties and other means, granting U.S. district courts jurisdiction over civil actions to redress any action or inaction that is alleged to be or to have been in violation of this title. Title III:  Endocrine Disruptors - Requires the EPA Administrator to provide for testing under the screening program authorized by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of any substance to which the Administrator determines a substantial population may be exposed. (Sec. 302) Allows the Administrator to require a warning label on or near any product at its point of sale if such product contains a substance which has an endocrine disrupting effect.  Requires any such warning label to state the name of the substance for which labeling is required, and to state in plain language the potential effects of consumption of endocrine disruptors. Allows any person to petition the EPA Administrator to take action under this title. (Sec. 303) Provides that if, on the basis of the results of such screening process, the EPA Administrator finds that a substance may have an endocrine disrupting effect, such finding shall be sufficient basis for applying certain requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act pertaining to the regulation of hazardous chemical substances and mixtures.",2025-08-21T20:14:43Z,
104-hr-4272,104,hr,4272,Hazardous Waste Facilities Financial Responsibility Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-27,1996-10-04,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Spratt, John M., Jr. [D-SC-5]",SC,D,S000749,0,"Hazardous Waste Facilities Financial Responsibility Act of 1996 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise financial responsibility and post-closure care standards applicable to owners and operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to provide for:  (1) a post-closure care period of at least 30 years where wastes or residuals remain on site; (2) financial responsibility from the issuance of an operating or post-closure permit through closure and the post-closure care period; (3) liability assurances through such period; and (4) post-closure care cost estimate revisions.  Precludes satisfaction of these standards, for any facility closed after enactment of this Act, by means of certain financial tests or a corporate guarantee for closure issued by a parent corporation.",2025-08-21T20:14:13Z,
104-hr-4211,104,hr,4211,Florida Wetlands Mitigation Banking Study Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-26,1996-09-26,Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.,House,"Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8]",FL,R,M000350,0,Florida Wetlands Mitigation Banking Study Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Army to study and report to specified congressional committees and the President on the potential and problems of mitigation banking in Florida.,2025-08-21T20:15:18Z,
104-hr-4218,104,hr,4218,Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-26,1996-10-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials, and in addition to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9]",NY,D,S000148,3,"Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act of 1996 - Provides that, upon motion of the United States, any person found guilty of a criminal violation of specified Federal environmental laws, or conspiracy to violate such laws, may be ordered to pay the costs incurred by a State, local, or tribal government or an agency thereof for assistance to the Federal Government's investigation and criminal prosecution of the case, with the payments used solely for environmental law enforcement. Imposes penalties upon individuals and organizations that commit a criminal violation of listed Federal environmental laws which causes ""serious bodily injury"" to or the death of any other person, including a Federal, State, local, or tribal government employee performing official duties as a result of the violation. Environmental Crimes Training Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish within EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance a State, Local, and Tribal Enforcement Training Program to train State, local, and tribal law enforcement personnel in the investigation of environmental crimes. Sets a five-year statute of limitations (longer in cases of concealment of the offense by an affirmative act) for violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, specified Federal environmental laws. Amends various Federal environmental laws to cover attempts to engage in proscribed conduct. Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the court to order restitution for listed Federal environmental crimes, including, in the case of an offense resulting in pollution of or damage to the environment, payment for removal and remediation of the pollution or damage and restoration of the environment.  Defines ""victim"" of the offense in such cases to include a community or communities, whether or not the members are individually identified. Authorizes the court to issue prejudgment orders to prevent alienation or disposal of assets needed to remedy environmental harms caused by environmental crimes.",2025-08-21T20:16:19Z,
104-hr-4175,104,hr,4175,Environmental Defense Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-25,1996-10-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education, Training and Life-Long Learning.",House,"Rep. Lazio, Rick [R-NY-2]",NY,R,L000155,0,"Environmental Defense Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of Education to investigate, and report to the Congress on, the feasibility of the Federal Government's establishing a National Environmental Science and Policy Academy.",2025-08-21T20:14:33Z,
104-hr-4126,104,hr,4126,California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act,Environmental Protection,1996-09-19,1996-10-03,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Baker, Bill [R-CA-10]",CA,R,B000078,47,"California Bay-Delta Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 for the initial Federal share of the cost of developing and implementing:  (1) a specified portion of an ecosystem protection plan for the San Francisco Bay Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed (Bay-Delta) in California; and (2) the ecosystem restoration elements of the long-term California-Federal Bay-Delta Program.  Requires such appropriated funds to be administered in accordance with procedures established by such Program until the Congress authorizes an entity recommended by the Program to carry out this Act. Requires funds authorized to be appropriated to agencies that are currently or that subsequently become Program participants to be in addition to the baseline funding levels established in this Act for currently authorized projects and programs under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act and other currently authorized Federal programs for the purpose of Bay-Delta ecosystem protection and restoration. Authorizes agencies and departments that are or that become participants in the Program to undertake the activities and programs for which Federal cost sharing is provided by this Act.  Requires the United States to immediately initiate coordinated consultations and negotiations with California to expeditiously execute a specified cost-sharing agreement signed by its Governor on July 11, 1996. Directs the Office of Management and Budget to submit to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, as part of the President's FY 1998 Budget, an interagency budget crosscut that displays Federal spending for FY 1993 through 1998 on ecosystem restoration and other purposes in the Bay-Delta Region, separately showing funding provided previously or requested under pre-existing authorities and new authorities granted by this Act.",2025-08-21T20:16:28Z,
104-s-2096,104,s,2096,Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-19,1996-09-19,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,L000123,2,"Environmental Crimes and Enforcement Act of 1996 - Provides that, upon motion of the United States, any person found guilty of a criminal violation of specified Federal environmental laws, or conspiracy to violate such laws, may be ordered to pay the costs incurred by a State, local, or tribal government or an agency thereof for assistance to the Federal Government's investigation and criminal prosecution of the case, with the payments used solely for environmental law enforcement. Sets penalties for individuals and organizations that commit a criminal violation of listed Federal environmental laws which causes ""serious bodily injury"" to or the death of any other person, including a Federal, State, local, or tribal government employee performing official duties as a result of the violation. Environmental Crimes Training Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish within EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance a State, Local, and Tribal Enforcement Training Program to train State, local, and tribal law enforcement personnel in the investigation of environmental crimes. Sets a five-year statute of limitations (longer in cases of concealment of the offense by an affirmative act) for violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, specified Federal environmental laws. Amends various Federal environmental laws to cover attempts to engage in proscribed conduct. Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize the court to order restitution for listed Federal environmental crimes, including, in the case of an offense resulting in pollution of or damage to the environment, payment for removal and remediation of the pollution or damage and restoration of the environment.  Defines ""victim"" of the offense in such cases to include a community or communities, whether or not the members are individually identified.",2025-08-21T20:15:03Z,
104-hr-4107,104,hr,4107,"To direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise water quality criteria for ammonia, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1996-09-18,1996-09-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Peterson, Collin C. [D-MN-7]",MN,D,P000258,0,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise and publish water quality criteria for ammonia under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that such criteria reflect the latest and best scientific knowledge.  Prohibits the Administrator, pending the issuance of such final revised criteria, from:  (1) using, or requiring a State to use, water quality criteria for ammonia issued before enactment of this Act in establishing effluent limitations for ammonia; and (2) initiating or continuing, or requiring a State to initiate or continue, any enforcement action for a violation of a permit requirement based on such existing criteria.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
104-hr-4077,104,hr,4077,Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-12,1996-09-12,Referred to the House Committee on Resources.,House,"Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]",AK,R,Y000033,2,"Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (the Act) to prohibit persons from taking migratory game birds:  (1) with a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol, swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10 gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machine gun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive, or stupefying substance or with a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells; (2) from or by means, aid, or use of a sinkbox or any other type of low floating device having a depression affording a hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water; (3) from or by means, aid or use of any motor vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance, or aircraft of any kind, except that paraplegics and persons missing one or both legs may take from any stationary motor vehicle or stationary motor-driven land conveyance; (4) from or by means of any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached, or any sailboat, unless the motor has been completely shut off and or the sails furled, and its progress therefrom has ceased (allows a powered craft to be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds, except that crippled birds may not be shot from such craft except in the seaduck area, as provided by regulations issued by the Secretary of the Interior); (5) by means or aid of any motor-driven land, water, or air conveyance or any sailboat used for the purpose of, or resulting in, the concentrating, driving, rallying, or stirring up of any migratory bird; (6) by the use or aid of live birds as decoys, including on areas where tame or captive live ducks or geese are present, unless such birds are and have been for a period of ten consecutive days before such taking, confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl; (7) by the use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds or of imitations thereof; or (8) while possessing shot (either in shotshells or loose shot for muzzle-loading) other than steel shot, bismuth-tin shot, or such other shot as may be approved as nontoxic by the Secretary (applicable to the taking of Anatidae (ducks, geese, including brant, and swans), coots (Fulica americana) and any species that make up aggregate bag limits during concurrent seasons with the former in areas designated as nontoxic shot zones by the Secretary). Prohibits persons from taking migratory birds by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area, where they know or should have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence that bait was present. (Sec. 4) Requires all fines and penalties assessed and recovered under this Act to be deposited into the migratory bird conservation fund to be used only for the location, ascertainment, and acquisition of suitable areas for migratory bird refuges under the Act. (Sec. 5) Amends penalty provisions of such Act to provide that in lieu of seizing any personal property, the Secretary shall permit the owner or operator of such property to post bond or other surety pending the disposition of any proceeding under the Act.",2025-08-21T20:17:00Z,
104-hr-4048,104,hr,4048,California Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act,Environmental Protection,1996-09-11,1996-09-23,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Baker, Bill [R-CA-10]",CA,R,B000078,7,"California Environmental Enhancement and Water Security Act - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 2000 for the Federal share of the cost of implementing the program described in the document entitled ""Principle for Agreement on Bay-Delta Standards Between the State of California and the Federal Government,"" dated December 15, 1994.  Makes this Act effective on the date of passage of 1996 California State proposition 204.",2025-08-21T20:14:47Z,
104-hr-4049,104,hr,4049,To permit States to prohibit the disposal of solid waste imported from other nations.,Environmental Protection,1996-09-11,1996-09-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Gillmor, Paul E. [R-OH-5]",OH,R,G000210,0,Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to allow any State to prohibit disposal in the State of any solid waste imported from a foreign country.  Exempts from such a prohibition foreign-generated waste received pursuant to an existing host community agreement that explicitly authorizes such receipt by a facility owner or operator that complies with all of the agreement's terms and conditions.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
104-hr-4028,104,hr,4028,Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-05,1996-09-10,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans.",House,"Rep. LaTourette, Steven C. [R-OH-19]",OH,R,L000553,8,"Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1996 - Amends the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 to:  (1) include among the Act's purposes to develop and implement proposals for the restoration of fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin (Basin); and (2) include microorganisms within the definition of ""nonindigenous species."" Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to:  (1) ensure that proposals resulting from recommendations of the Great Lakes fishery resources restoration study or identified through an annual request to specified State and tribal entities are developed and that the highest priority proposals are implemented; and (2) annually request that State Directors and Indian Tribes submit fish and wildlife resources restoration proposals based on the results of the study or other sources. Requires the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to retain authority and responsibility for formulation and implementation of a comprehensive program for eradicating or minimizing sea lamprey populations in the Basin.  Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, at the Commission's request, to construct and improve water resources projects related to sea lamprey management. Establishes the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Proposal Review Committee.  Directs the Secretary to select proposals to be implemented and, within available appropriations, fund their implementation.  Sets forth cost-sharing requirements.  Authorizes appropriations for the operation of the three offices for each of FY 1998 through 2002. Revises the Act to require the Director to maintain the functions of the Great Lakes Coordination Office in East Lansing, Michigan, and of the Upper and Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Offices and to provide administrative and technical support services. Requires the Director, within six months after the end of every second fiscal year, to submit to specified congressional committees a report describing actions taken to implement the process for the indentification, review, and implementation of proposals, and the results of proposals so implemented. Authorizes appropriations for implementation of specified fish and wildlife restoration proposals for FY 1996 through 2002.",2025-08-21T20:14:46Z,
104-hr-4030,104,hr,4030,New Jersey Marine Ecosystem Protection Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-05,1996-09-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,1,"New Jersey Marine Ecosystem Protection Act of 1996 - Prohibits the transport of dredged material for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters at the New York Bight Dredged Material Disposal Site (Mud Dump Site), other than for remediation pursuant to this Act, on and after September 1, 1997. Prohibits, after the date of this Act's enactment, the transport of:  (1) dredged material for such purpose, other than Category I or II dredged material; and (2) Category II dredged material for such purpose unless the applicant for a transport permit has certified, and the Secretary of the Army has published a finding, that the affected States or ports were requested to provide alternate disposal sites and failed to provide a reasonable alternative site, and that dumping at the Mud Dump Site will not increase the elevation of the ocean bottom at such Site beyond a certain point. Directs:  (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a remediation and restoration plan in accordance with applicable laws and regulations for the Mud Dump Site and surrounding areas and to designate such Site and areas that have been used for disposal of contaminated material as the Historic Area Remediation Site (to be managed as specified); and (2) the Secretary and Administrator to modify environmental assessment activities at the Mud Dump Site as appropriate to reflect the provisions of this Act. Prohibits the transport of dredged material for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters in the New York Bight Apex outside the Historic Area Remediation Site, or into waters of the New York-New Jersey Harbor on and after September 1, 1997.  Prohibits the Administrator from designating any new site for ocean dumping of dredged material within the Apex, and the Secretary from issuing any permit for transportation of dredged material for the purpose of dumping it in the Apex, except in accordance with this Act. Prescribes penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish, operate, and maintain a confined dredged material disposal facility or facilities within the confines of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:14:24Z,
104-hr-4034,104,hr,4034,Ocean Dumping Termination Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-09-05,1996-09-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3]",NJ,R,S000097,4,"Ocean Dumping Termination Act of 1996 - Prohibits the ocean dumping (or transporting for dumping) of any material (including Category II dredged material) at the Mud Dump Site (the New York Bight Dredged Material Disposal Site), notwithstanding certain provisions of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 or any permit issued under any Federal law after enactment of this Act. Requires that violations be treated as violations under that Act.",2025-08-21T20:14:30Z,
104-hr-3961,104,hr,3961,"To provide that customs officers and immigration officers have the authority to deny entry into the United States of certain foreign motor vehicles that do not comply with applicable laws governing motor vehicle emissions, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1996-08-02,1996-09-04,Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.,House,"Rep. Bilbray, Brian P. [R-CA-49]",CA,R,B000461,8,Directs:  (1) Federal departments and agencies to cooperate with State and local enforcement of State auto emission standards; and (2) U.S. customs and immigration officers to deny U.S. entry to noncommercial motor vehicles that do not meet certain auto emission standards.,2025-01-02T17:39:18Z,
104-hr-4009,104,hr,4009,Hazardous Waste Facilities Public Accountability Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-08-02,1996-08-12,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Spratt, John M., Jr. [D-SC-5]",SC,D,S000749,0,"Hazardous Waste Facilities Public Accountability Act of 1996 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to:  (1) prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from authorizing a State hazardous waste program unless the State promulgates standards for the acceptable location of new (or expansion of existing) treatment, storage, and disposal facilities as may be necessary to protect human health and the environment, including standards related to seismic and geological features, ecological resources, proximity to residences and certain public facilities, complex hydrogeology, and groundwater resources; and (2) require the Administrator to promulgate such standards with respect to the State if the State does not do so. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations setting requirements for the payment of permit fees by owners and operators of hazardous waste facilities sufficient to cover reasonable costs of administering the permit program. Prohibits authorization of a State program unless the State demonstrates that it will collect such amounts.  Requires regular review of programs for compliance with these requirements and allows the Administrator to collect fees directly from owners and operators in the event the State does not adequately do so.  Imposes penalties for fee nonpayment. Prohibits a person from obtaining or renewing a permit for a facility or expanding or transferring the facility unless the person makes certain demonstrations regarding environmental and public health law compliance, payment of outstanding fines or penalties, and the availability to the public of a disclosure statement concerning previous violations of law.",2025-08-21T20:16:40Z,
104-s-2028,104,s,2028,Brownfields and Environmental Cleanup Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-08-02,1996-08-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,L000123,4,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup      Title II:  Prospective Purchasers      Title III:  Fiduciary and Lender Liability      Title IV:  Innocent Landowners Brownfields and Environmental Cleanup Act of 1996 - Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide grants to local governments to inventory brownfield sites and conduct site characterizations of affected sites at which cleanups are being conducted or are proposed under a State program.  Defines an ""affected site,"" with exceptions, as a facility that has or is suspected of having environmental contamination that:  (1) could prevent the timely use, development, reuse, or redevelopment of the facility; and (2) is relatively limited in scope or severity and can be comprehensively characterized and readily analyzed. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide grants to State and local governments for capitalization of loan programs for affected site cleanup by either the State or locality or by an owner or prospective purchaser. (Sec. 104) Makes amounts in the Hazardous Substance Superfund (the Fund) available to carry out the grant programs of this Act. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund. (Sec. 105) Authorizes appropriations to EPA to carry out the site characterization and loan capitalization programs.  Requires reports to the Congress regarding the programs. (Sec. 107) Imposes funding limitations, including a restriction on use of funds for administrative costs and a prohibition on the use of grants to pay fines or penalties. Title II:  Prospective Purchasers - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to absolve from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility.  Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecovered costs for which the owner is not liable by reason of the facility's fair market value being increased above that which existed 180 days before the action was taken. Title III:  Fiduciary and Lender Liability - Amends CERCLA to limit the liability of a fiduciary for the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance to the assets held in such capacity that are available to indemnify the fiduciary, subject to certain conditions. Revises the definition of ""owner or operator"" to further describe ""participation in management,"" for purposes of limiting the liability of lenders for releases.  (The definition of ""owner or operator"" excludes persons who, without participating in management of a vessel or facility, hold indicia of ownership to protect security interests.)  Deems a final EPA rule regarding lender liability issued on April 29, 1992, to have been validly issued pursuant to the authority of CERCLA and to have been effective according to the final rule's terms. Precludes jurisdiction of a court to review the rule. Title IV:  Innocent Landowners - Amends CERCLA, with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that an environmental site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements.  Revises provisions regarding the making of appropriate inquiry by a defendant to require the Administrator to issue or designate standards and practices that are considered generally accepted good commercial and customary standards and practices for purposes of such inquiry. Specifies factors to be considered.",2025-08-21T20:16:10Z,
104-s-2041,104,s,2041,Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-08-02,1996-08-02,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,2,"Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping in Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound of dredged material from any Federal or non-Federal project containing constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants, subject to exception. Requires any dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound from a Federal project (or pursuant to Federal authorization) by a non-Federal applicant exceeding 25,000 cubic yards to comply with specified criteria.",2025-08-21T20:16:51Z,
104-hr-3948,104,hr,3948,Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act,Environmental Protection,1996-08-01,1996-08-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5]",CO,R,H000444,0,"Publicly Owned Treatment Works Biological Monitoring Use Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require criteria for whole effluent toxicity based on laboratory biological monitoring or assessment methods to employ an aquatic species that is indigenous to the type of waters, a species that is representative of such a species, or an appropriate species that indicates the toxicity of the effluent in the receiving waters, taking into account the accepted analytical variability associated with such methods in defining an exceedance of such criteria. Requires permits to establish procedures for responding to an exceedance of such criteria that includes analysis, identification, reduction, or (where feasible) elimination of any effluent toxicity. Specifies that the failure of a biological monitoring or whole effluent toxicity test shall not result in a finding of a violation under this Act unless the permittee failed to comply with such procedures. Requires permits to allow such procedures to be discontinued if the permittee:  (1) is an entity other than a publicly owned treatment works and demonstrates to the permitting authority through a field bioassessment study that a balanced and healthy population of aquatic species indigenous to the type of waters exists in the waters affected by the discharge, and if the applicable numerical water quality standards for specific pollutants are met for such waters; or (2) is a publicly owned treatment works, if the source or cause of such toxicity cannot be identified.",2025-08-21T20:15:42Z,
104-s-2009,104,s,2009,Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-08-01,1996-08-01,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Breaux, John B. [D-LA]",LA,D,B000780,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Oil Pollution Act Amendments      Title II:  Marine Science Enhancement for Oil Spill           Prevention and Response      Title III:  Deepwater Port Modernization Oil Pollution Act Amendments of 1996 - Title I:  Oil Pollution Act Amendments - Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue not later than September 30, 1996, a final rule under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) regarding operational requirements applicable to tank vessels over 5,000 gross tons without double hulls that the Secretary determines will provide environmental protection as substantial as is economically and technologically feasible. (Sec. 102) Amends OPA to add provisions for rules regarding operational safety of single-hull barges.  Requires captains of ports in which tank vessels operate to establish minimum under-keel clearances for entering or departing port. Amends Federal law to allow the Secretary to require the installation, maintenance, and use of a fire suppression system or other equipment on board towing vessels. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary of Transportation to:  (1) review existing requirements regarding oil lighterage in the U.S.  Exclusive Economic Zone, considering economic burdens of regulation and international standards; (2) coordinate with the National Research Council a study into how the designation of shipping lanes and waters through which tankers transport oil affects the risk of an oil spill; and (3) report to the Congress a plan to increase reporting of vessel accidents to appropriate State law enforcement officials.  Imposes monetary penalties for failing to report a casualty under a State marine casualty reporting system. (Sec. 105) Amends OPA to exclude from the definition of a vessel owner or operator:  (1) persons with security interests in or security titles to vessels; and (2) lessors or charterers unless they have actual possession or control, or participate in the management, of the vessel at the time of oil discharge.  Restricts to single hull tank vessels and double-hull tank vessels over 20 years old application of the exception to the limit on liability of a responsible party where the incident was caused by violation of an applicable Federal safety, construction, or operating regulation. (Sec. 106) Revises litigation procedures to allow a responsible party or guarantor, after the filing of a claim for costs or damages, to petition a district court for limitation of or exoneration from liability under defenses and limitation provisions of OPA, after which such court shall retain jurisdiction over the actions and enjoin prosecution of proceedings against the vessel, responsible party, guarantor, or their property in any other court. (Sec. 107) Deems removal costs and damages resulting from a vessel's discharge (or substantial threat of discharge) of oil to be a maritime lien and recoverable in an action in rem in the district court for the district in which the vessel is found. (Sec. 108) Exempts from the tank vessel double-hull construction requirements:  (1) documented vessels equipped with a double hull before August 12, 1992; (2) certain barges operating in or adjacent to the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Arctic Ocean and in the waters of the Aleutian Islands and the Alaskan Peninsula of specified longitude; and (3) certain vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.  Permits operation of barges in other waters on such conditions as the Secretary of Transportation may require. (Sec. 109) Amends Federal shipping law to define ""oil spill response vessel"" and provide for regulation of such vessels separately with respect to liquid bulk dangerous cargo carriage, manning, presence of licensed individuals, merchant mariner documentation, and towing vessel requirements.  Subjects such vessels to inspection. Title II:  Marine Science Enhancement for Oil Spill Prevention and Response - Amends the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise procedures by which emergency regulations changing fishery management plans, in response to a public health emergency or an oil spill, may remain in effect. (Sec. 202) Amends OPA to require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish and maintain a scientific support team to respond to oil spills. (Sec. 203) Requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research to disseminate and compile information on previous spills.  Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Under Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior to maintain and update a body of information on the environmental effects of various types of spills and how best to mitigate them. (Sec. 204) Requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a non-regulatory program to:  (1) reduce risk of oil spills through navigation safety improvements; (2) promote prompt and effective response and remediation when oil spills occur; (3) enhance recovery and restoration efforts; and (4) advance other purposes of this Act. Requires local or regional elements of the program to be developed in consultation with local maritime commerce and coastal management communities.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the Administrator to withdraw from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund up to $15 million per year for each of ten fiscal years to use to modernize commercial marine navigation activities.  Imposes requirements of maximum private sector procurement of charting survey ship support.  Transfers from NOAA to the Federal Aviation Administration certain aeronautical chart surveying, data dissemination, and pricing functions. Title III:  Deepwater Port Modernization - Deepwater Port Modernization Act - Amends the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 to add specified statements concerning the promotion of safe oil, including that of outer continental shelf (OCS) oil, to the congressionally declared purposes of the Act.  Revises the definition of ""deepwater port"" to, among other things, include references to transportation of OCS oil. (Sec. 304) Makes revisions to deepwater port licensing procedures regarding:  (1) utilization restrictions; (2) anticompetitive effects determinations; (3) addressing of conditions required to carry out the Act; (4) statements of port operating procedures; (5) changes from plans, methods, and procedures by a licensee or transferee; (6) amendment, transfer, or reinstatement consistency requirements; and (7) exemption from information filing requirements. (Sec. 306) Eliminates the requirement of antitrust review of license issuance by the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission. (Sec. 307) Requires deepwater ports and storage facilities to accept and convey without discrimination all oil delivered with respect to which their licenses are issued. (Sec. 308) Adds requirements of public involvement and enforcement by a licensee's operations manual to procedures for protecting the marine environment and minimizing the adverse impact of deepwater port construction and operation.",2025-08-21T20:16:43Z,
104-hr-3906,104,hr,3906,"To encourage the development and use of new and innovative environmental monitoring technology by accelerating the move toward performance-based monitoring methods, establishing target dates for implementing a new regulatory approach across all environmental programs, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1996-07-25,1996-08-09,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Baker, Bill [R-CA-10]",CA,R,B000078,1,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the Performance-Based Monitoring Methods Advisory Committee to:  (1) advise the Administrator on performance-based monitoring technologies; and (2) assist the Administrator in the development of a process and a plan for the acceptance of performance-based monitoring methods. Requires, no later than two years after enactment of this Act, that the  Administrator establish a performance-based monitoring methods approval process to be used uniformly in all environmental programs for purposes of monitoring compliance with environmental laws and permits. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-02T17:39:00Z,
104-hr-3893,104,hr,3893,Waste Export and Import Prohibition Act,Environmental Protection,1996-07-24,1996-08-09,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10]",NY,D,T000326,0,"Waste Export and Import Prohibition Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit:  (1) solid waste exports from the United States to a foreign country not a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); and (2) effective January 1, 1999, solid waste exports to or imports from an OECD member country. Specifies exceptions from the first prohibition for certain waste paper, textiles, and glass intended for recycling and not regulated as hazardous waste and an additional exception from the latter for certain scrap metals. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in the case of an export violation, to:  (1) ensure that the exported waste is retrieved (if the recipient country is agreeable to retrieval), either pursuant to a compliance order issued under this Act or by direct retrieval; or (2) dispose of or clean up such waste (to the extent agreed to) if the country is not agreeable to retrieval. Sets forth procedures for issuance of compliance orders.  Establishes civil and criminal penalties.  Authorizes commencement of citizen lawsuits by foreign governments. Repeals existing prohibitions on the export of hazardous waste.",2025-08-21T20:16:36Z,
104-hr-3862,104,hr,3862,Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-07-22,1996-09-17,Committee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Chenoweth-Hage, Helen [R-ID-1]",ID,R,C000345,49,Citizen's Fair Hearing Act of 1996 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that any person who satisfies the requirements of the Constitution and demonstrates having suffered or being threatened with economic or other injury resulting from a violation of such Act or a failure of the Secretary of Commerce to act in accordance with it shall be deemed to be within the zone of protected interests of such Act and shall have standing to commence a civil suit on his or her own behalf.,2025-08-21T20:15:57Z,
104-hr-3849,104,hr,3849,To amend the Clean Air Act and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to clarify the listing of a unique chemical substance.,Environmental Protection,1996-07-18,1996-08-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Burr, Richard [R-NC-5]",NC,R,B001135,41,"Amends the Clean Air Act to delete from the glycol ether category in the list of hazardous air pollutants ethylene glycol monobutyl ether as used or emitted by metal or composite can manufacturing. Amends the toxic chemical release forms provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to delete from the lists of toxic chemicals and extremely hazardous substances employed under such Act any substance that has been deleted or removed from the hazardous air pollutants list unless the Administrator demonstrates on the basis of convincing evidence significant human health or environmental threats posed by the substance's storage, use, or release.",2025-01-02T17:38:59Z,
104-hr-3818,104,hr,3818,To amend the Clean Air Act to exclude beverage alcohol compounds emitted from aging warehouses from the definition of volatile organic compounds.,Environmental Protection,1996-07-16,1996-07-19,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Hamilton, Lee H. [D-IN-9]",IN,D,H000114,6,"Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude from the definition of ""volatile organic compound"" beverage alcohol compounds (ethanol) emitted from aging warehouses.",2025-01-02T17:38:53Z,
104-hr-3824,104,hr,3824,To provide for the refunding of expenses incurred by innocent persons in the State of Maine required to comply with automobile inspection and maintenance requirements negligently imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.,Environmental Protection,1996-07-16,1996-07-26,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Longley, James B., Jr. [R-ME-1]",ME,R,L000431,0,"Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide a grant, in a specified amount, to the State of Maine to be used for refunds to persons (including governmental entities) for testing, repair, and other costs incurred pursuant to automobile inspection and maintenance requirements adopted by the State for Clean Air Act purposes.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-02T17:38:53Z,
104-hr-3811,104,hr,3811,Endangered Species Incentive Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-07-12,1996-07-19,Executive Comment Requested from Interior.,House,"Rep. Shadegg, John B. [R-AZ-4]",AZ,R,S000275,0,"Endangered Species Incentive Act of 1996 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a voluntary conservation agreement for up to five years with any State, Indian tribe, or local government, if requested, with the goal of preventing endangerment. Requires agreements to contain specified information, including: (1) objective, measurable scientific criteria which, if met, would prevent endangerment; (2) a description of actions  that will be taken to minimize any adverse social or economic impacts; and (3) a method of monitoring the success of the agreement. Directs the Secretary to establish a Conservation Assistance Fund. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to:  (1) seek to work cooperatively with private landowners in the conservation of threatened and endangered species; and (2) establish a Community Assistance Program within each field office of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, a private landowner cooperative agreement program, and voluntary incentive programs for conserving species on private lands. (Sec. 5) Allows habitat conservation plans to cover multiple species or habitats.  Directs the Secretary to issue standards and guidelines for the development and approval of such plans. (Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary to provide technical advice and assistance to non-Federal persons who wish to participate in achieving the conservation objectives for a species under the Act. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to:  (1) prepare and make publicly available a manual providing guidance to States and local communities regarding the establishment of a community-based recovery planning process; (2) publish reliable and timely information regarding upcoming listings of species, designations of critical habitat, and issuance of recovery plans; (3) provide technical assistance and guidance regarding how to conserve endangered species and their habitats, how the Act affects landowners, and how to obtain permits authorizing incidental takings; and (4) identify and publish, upon the inclusion of a species in a list of endangered species, lists of known activities affecting the species or its habitat that are and are not prohibited under the Act.",2025-08-21T20:14:30Z,
104-s-1950,104,s,1950,"Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996",Environmental Protection,1996-07-12,1996-07-12,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,L000123,1,"Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue water quality criteria for pathogens in coastal recreation waters.  Requires States to adopt consistent water quality standards. Requires the Administrator to publish regulations specifying methods to be used by States to monitor coastal recreation waters during periods of use by the public for compliance with standards. Requires notification of local governments and the public of water quality standards violations. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in coastal recreation waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Requires studies and reports to the Congress on developing better indicators for detecting harmful bacteria and viruses in coastal recreation waters. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:17:01Z,
104-hr-3789,104,hr,3789,"Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996",Environmental Protection,1996-07-11,1996-07-25,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue water quality criteria for pathogens in coastal recreation waters.  Requires States to adopt consistent water quality standards. Requires the Administrator to publish regulations specifying methods to be used by States to monitor coastal recreation waters during periods of use by the public for compliance with standards. Requires notification of local governments and the public of water quality standards violations. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in coastal recreation waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Requires studies and reports to the Congress on developing better indicators for detecting harmful bacteria and viruses in coastal recreation waters. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:17:09Z,
104-hr-3780,104,hr,3780,Common Sense Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting and Permitting Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-07-10,1996-07-26,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Souder, Mark E. [R-IN-4]",IN,R,S001143,0,"Common Sense Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting and Permitting Act of 1996 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to add to standards applicable to hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities under the Act and under State and local law the requirement that States and local permitting authorities develop siting criteria which, at a minimum, impose restrictions on facility location:  (1) within specified distances of densely populated areas or schools, churches, day care centers, or other buildings frequented by persons under age 18; (2) on or within specified distances of aquifers or recharge areas used as sources of drinking or irrigation water, bodies of water, or prime farm land (as defined in this Act); and (3) based upon environmental redlining (selection of sites predominantly on the basis of the income of residents in the surrounding area). Requires States and local permitting authorities to develop siting procedures which meet specified minimum standards concerning the application process, host community advisory committee recommendations, official consent of the host community, and a restricted appeals process.",2025-08-21T20:15:59Z,
104-s-1935,104,s,1935,Public Trust and Environmental Accountability Act,Environmental Protection,1996-07-09,1996-07-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Bradley, Bill [D-NJ]",NJ,D,B001225,0,"Public Trust and Environmental Accountability Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a plan to implement policies, programs, and methods for integrating and making publicly available information regarding the environment and public health policy concerns within EPA's jurisdiction.  Requires coordination of these activities with those of other governmental agencies and allows integration and dissemination of publicly available information not collected by EPA.  Allows the Administrator to set charges for providing information.  Requires policies to include support services to encourage public use of EPA-maintained information. Requires the Administrator to establish an award program to recognize companies for source reduction programs.",2025-08-21T20:14:50Z,
104-hr-3746,104,hr,3746,To amend title IX the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make the development of brownfield sites eligible for assistance.,Environmental Protection,1996-06-27,1996-07-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8]",MA,D,K000110,11,Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to permit financial assistance authorized under such Act to be used for the development of brownfield sites (land containing abandoned or underused commercial or industrial facilities the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances).,2025-01-02T17:39:00Z,
104-hr-3692,104,hr,3692,Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-06-20,1996-07-05,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3]",NC,R,J000255,4,"Wetlands Restoration and Improvement Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to declare that it is national policy to:  (1) achieve, through regulatory and nonregulatory opportunities involving all levels of government and supported by private initiatives, the conservation and restoration of wetlands to increase the quantity and quality of, and no overall net loss of, the wetlands resource base of the United States; and (2) foster wetlands mitigation banking as a means to mitigate wetlands loss by providing a stable, practical, and workable regulatory framework for the use of mitigation banking, making appropriate use of existing, successful State programs for mitigation banking, taking into account regional variations in wetlands conditions. Directs the Secretary of the Army to issue a mitigation bank charter to a person whose application satisfies specified criteria.  Requires an applicant to submit an application signed by a responsible official which contains specified information, including:  (1) the proposed restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation projects proposed to be included in the scope of the charter; (2) the proposed service area for each proposed project; (3) reliable assurances of an adequate source of water; (4) adequate legal control over the real property in the proposed project; (5) adequate financial assurances; (6) an adequate operations and maintenance plan to assure continued viability of the proposed project after completion of project construction; and (7) adequate legal protection to assure permanent protection of the wetlands in the mitigation bank that are used as the basis for selling credits. Sets forth provisions regarding annual reports, decision deadlines, and other procedural matters, including State approval of mitigation bank projects. Authorizes a mitigation bank, upon receipt of its charter, to offer mitigation credits for sale, subject to specified requirements.  Directs the Secretary to propose regulations which set forth objective criteria by which:  (1) the number of credits to be yielded by a mitigation banking project may be determined; and (2) mitigation bank service areas are to be determined.  Requires such regulations to establish a preference for in-kind compensation of wetland impacts. Directs the Secretary to develop a State-by-State implementation strategy.  Sets forth reporting requirements.",2025-08-21T20:14:35Z,
104-hr-3639,104,hr,3639,To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.,Environmental Protection,1996-06-13,1996-06-24,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Blute, Peter I. [R-MA-3]",MA,R,B000576,1,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants:  (1) under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Act) to appropriate instrumentalities for the construction of treatment works (including combined sewer overflow facilities) to serve coastal localities; and (2) to States for assistance for the construction of treatment works and alternative wastewater treatment systems to serve small communities.  Authorizes appropriations. Modifies the Act's:  (1) definition of ""treatment works"" to include acquisition of the land that will be an integral part of the treatment process or will be used for ultimate disposal of residues resulting from such treatment and acquisition of other lands, and interests in lands, which are necessary for construction; and (2) policy on cost effectiveness to provide that a project for waste treatment and management undertaken with Federal assistance by any State, municipality, or intermunicipal or interstate agency shall be that system which constitutes the most economical and cost-effective treatment works, subject to specified requirements. Requires that each permit issued for a discharge from a combined storm and sanitary sewer conform with the combined sewer overflow control policy signed by the Administrator on April 11, 1994. Authorizes the Administrator or a State with an approved program to issue a permit for such a discharge that includes a schedule for compliance with a long-term control plan under the control policy up to 15 years, subject to extension under specified circumstances. Modifies the Act to allow sums available to each State water pollution control revolving fund to be used only for providing financial assistance to activities which have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters to a municipality, intermunicipal, interstate, or State agency or other person.  Extends the repayment period for loans from a State water pollution control revolving fund for disadvantaged communities. Permits the State, in making a loan to a disadvantaged community, to charge a negative interest rate of not to exceed two percent to reduce the unpaid principal of the loan, subject to specified limitations. Revises Act provisions regarding the allotment of funds to set forth a table of percentages of sums authorized for various States for FY 1996 through 2000. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-02T17:38:46Z,
104-hr-3645,104,hr,3645,National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-06-13,1996-06-28,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",House,"Rep. Klug, Scott L. [R-WI-2]",WI,R,K000274,42,"National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require development of curricula, materials, and training programs supported by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education to be balanced and scientifically sound.  Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA.  Eliminates requirements for a Director and a minimum number of staff.  Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Reduces the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000.  Prohibits use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Eliminates provisions for environmental internships and fellowships. Eliminates all environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council.  Revises requirements for membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education to require that it be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education.  (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.)  Eliminates specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the Foundation for Environmental Education. Increases the size of the Board of the Directors.  Removes the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Authorizes appropriations.  Revises funding limitations.  Limits amounts available for administrative costs.",2025-08-21T20:15:27Z,
104-s-1873,104,s,1873,National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-06-13,1996-09-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families.",Senate,"Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]",OK,R,I000024,16,"National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require development of curricula, materials, and training programs supported by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education to be balanced and scientifically sound.  Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA.  Eliminates requirements for a Director and a minimum number of staff.  Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Reduces the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000.  Prohibits use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Eliminates provisions for environmental internships and fellowships. Eliminates environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council.  Revises requirements for membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education to require that it be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education.  (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Eliminates specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the Foundation for Environmental Education. Increases the size of the Board of the Directors.  Replaces the prohibition on transmission of logos or other means of identification on donated educational materials with a provision that allows the Foundation to acknowledge receipt of donations by means of listing of donor names but prohibits such acknowledgment from:  (1) appearing in materials presented to students; or (2) identifying a donor by means of a logo or other corporate commercial symbol, slogan, or product. Authorizes appropriations. Revises funding limitations.  Limits amounts available for administrative costs.",2025-07-21T19:44:15Z,
104-hr-3619,104,hr,3619,To provide off-budget treatment for the land and water conservation fund.,Environmental Protection,1996-06-12,1996-06-17,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology.",House,"Rep. Campbell, Tom [R-CA-15]",CA,R,C000100,5,Provides for off-budget treatment for the land and water conservation fund by prohibiting its receipts and disbursements from being counted in any of specified ways for purposes of:  (1) the Federal budget as submitted by the President; (2) the congressional budget; or (3) the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act).  Exempts such trust fund from any general statutory budget limitation.,2026-03-23T12:17:56Z,
104-hr-3604,104,hr,3604,Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-06-10,1996-07-17,Laid on the table. See S. 1316 for further action. (consideration: CR  H7740),House,"Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-7]",VA,R,B000556,40,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Public Water Systems           Subtitle A:  Promulgation of National Primary Drinking                Water Regulations           Subtitle B:  State Primary Enforcement Responsibility                for Public Water Systems           Subtitle C:  Notification and Enforcement           Subtitle D:  Exemptions and Variances           Subtitle E:  Lead Plumbing and Pipes           Subtitle F:  Capacity Development      Title II:  Amendments to Part C      Title III:  General Provisions Regarding Safe Drinking Water           Act      Title IV:  Miscellaneous      Title V:  Additional Assistance for Water Infrastructure and           Watersheds      Title VI:  Drinking Water Research Authorization Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 - Title I:  Public Water Systems - Subtitle A:  Promulgation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (the Act) to: (1) repeal a provision requiring the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set new standards for 25 additional contaminants every three years; (2) require the Administrator to publish a list of contaminants that are not subject to proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water (NPDW) regulations, that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems (systems), and that may require regulation; and (3) direct the Administrator, every five years, to determine whether to regulate not fewer than five contaminants on the list based on findings that such contaminants are known or are likely to occur in systems with a frequency and at a level of public health concern and that their regulation presents a meaningful opportunity for public health risk reduction. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) judicial review; (2) contaminant selection priorities; (3) promulgation of maximum contaminant level (MCL) goals and NPDW regulations; and (3) publication of health advisories. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to promulgate an information collection rule to obtain information that will facilitate further revisions to the NPDW regulation for disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, including microbial contaminants such as cryptosporidium. (Sec. 103) Authorizes a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to establish treatment requirements as an alternative to filtration in the case of systems having uninhabited, undeveloped watersheds in consolidated ownership and having control over access to, and activities in, those watersheds, if the State determines (and the Administrator concurs) that the quality of the source water and the alternative treatment requirements established by the State ensure greater removal or inactivation efficiencies of pathogenic organisms for which NPDW regulations have been promulgated or that are of public health concern than would be achieved by the combination of filtration and chlorine disinfection. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator, at the time an NPDW regulation is proposed, to publish a determination of whether the MCL benefits justify the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level other than the feasible level if the technology, treatment techniques, and other means used to determine the feasible level would result in an increase in the health risk from drinking water by increasing the concentration of other contaminants in drinking water, or by interfering with the efficacy of drinking water treatment techniques or processes used to comply with other NPDW regulations. (Sec. 105) Modifies the Act to require the Administrator to promulgate NPDW regulations requiring disinfection as a treatment technique for all systems at any time in the period beginning three years after enactment of this Act until the date on which the Administrator promulgates a Stage II rulemaking for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts. (Sec. 106) Makes NPDW regulations effective three years after promulgation, with exceptions. (Sec. 107) Directs the Administrator to:  (1) use the best available science in regulatory decisionmaking; (2) ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects is comprehensive, informative, and understandable; and (3) prepare a health risk reduction and cost analysis for new regulations. (Sec. 108) Requires the Administrator to:  (1) withdraw any existing proposed radon regulation and, within three years, propose and promulgate an NPDW regulation for radon under this Act's standard- setting procedures, taking into account the costs and benefits of control programs for radon from other sources; (2) promulgate an NPDW regulation for arsenic by January 1, 2000; (3) jointly conduct a study with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP Director) to establish a reliable dose-response relationship for potential adverse human health effects from sulfate exposure in drinking water.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 109) Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate an interim NPDW regulation for a contaminant without making a determination as to whether the benefits justify the costs and without performing a health risk reduction and cost analysis to address an urgent public health threat. (Sec. 110) Directs the Administrator:  (1) to promulgate a regulation to govern the recycling of filter backwash water within the treatment process of a system; and (2) when issuing new regulations, to identify affordable treatment technologies for small public water systems serving populations of 3,300 to 10,000, populations of 500 to 3,300, and populations of 25 to 500. Subtitle B:  State Primary Enforcement Responsibility for Public Water Systems - Modifies the Act to grant a State primary enforcement responsibility for systems during any period for which the Administrator determines that such State, not later than two years after NPDW regulations are promulgated, has adopted drinking water regulations which are no less stringent than the NPDW regulations, with two-year extensions permitted under specified circumstances. Specifies that a State with primary enforcement authority with respect to each existing NPDW regulation shall be considered to have primary enforcement authority over each new or revised NPDW regulation during a specified period. Subtitle C:  Notification and Enforcement - Modifies the Act to require each system owner or operator to give notice to its customers of the concentration level of any unregulated contaminant for which the Administrator has required public notice. Authorizes States to establish alternative notification requirements.  . Sets forth reporting requirements for the State and the Administrator.  Directs the Administrator to issue regulations to require each community water system to mail to each customer of the system at least annually a report on the level of contaminants in the drinking water purveyed by that system (""consumer confidence report""), which shall also provide for an EPA toll-free hotline that consumers can call for more information. Authorizes the Governor of a State to determine not to apply such mailing requirement to a community water system serving fewer than 10,000 persons.  Requires any such system to inform its customers that it will not be complying with such requirement, make information available upon request to the public regarding the quality of the water supplied by such system, and publish the report annually in one or more local newspapers serving the area in which customers of the system are located. (Sec. 132) Revises enforcement provisions of the Act to require the Administrator to notify an appropriate local elected official prior to taking action to force a system to comply with Act requirements or commencing a civil suit.  Requires notice and opportunity for a public hearing in cases where civil penalties are sought. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) system owner or operator submission of a plan for consolidation, or transfer of ownership, of the system (which, if approved, limits enforcement actions); (2) State authority for administrative penalties; and (3) judicial review. Subtitle D:  Exemptions and Variances - Specifies that for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons, the maximum exemption period from any requirement regarding an MCL, any treatment technique requirement, or both, shall be four years if the State is exercising primary enforcement responsibility and determines that:  (1) the system cannot meet the MCL or install Best Available Affordable Technology (BAAT) due to compelling economic circumstances and could not comply with the MCL through the use of alternate water supplies; (2) granting the exemption will provide a drinking water supply that protects public health given the duration of the exemption; and (3) the State has examined the system's technical, financial, and managerial capabilities to operate in, and maintain, compliance with the Act, has determined if management or restructuring changes that will result in compliance or improve the quality of the drinking water can reasonably be made, and, if so, requires such changes and a schedule therefor as a condition of the exemption. Sets forth similar conditions under which a State having primary enforcement responsibility shall grant a system serving 3,300 persons or fewer a variance allowing the use of BAAT where:  (1) no best technology or other means is listed under the Act for the applicable category of systems; and (2) the Administrator has identified BAAT for that contaminant pursuant to certain procedures. Subtitle E:  Lead Plumbing and Pipes - Modifies the Act to expand lead ban provisions to prohibit:  (1) the use of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux, in the installation or repair of any system or any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption that is not lead free; (2) the sale (or other introduction into commerce), two years after enactment, of pipes and pipe or plumbing fittings or fixtures that are not lead free, except for pipes that are used in manufacturing or industrial processing; and (3) persons in the business of selling plumbing supplies, except manufacturers, from selling solder or flux that is not lead free (and requires any person selling solder or flux to label the product to indicate that it is illegal to use such solder or flux in the installation or repair of any plumbing providing water for human consumption). Provides that if voluntary standards for lead leaching from new plumbing fittings and fixtures are not established within one year, the Administrator, within two years, must issue regulations setting a performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels for fixtures intended to dispense water for human consumption (and, alternatively, if regulations are required but not issued within five years, bans the use of such plumbing or fixtures that contain more than four percent lead). Subtitle F:  Capacity Development - Requires each State to obtain the legal authority or other means to ensure that all new community water systems and new nontransient, noncommunity water systems commencing operation after October 1, 1999, demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capacity with respect to each NPDW regulation in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of commencement of operations. Requires each State to:  (1) prepare, periodically update, and submit to the Administrator a list of such systems that have a history of significant noncompliance and the reasons for noncompliance; and (2) develop and implement a strategy to assist systems in acquiring and maintaining technical, managerial, and financial capacity.  Establishes reporting requirements.  Directs the Administrator to support the States in developing capacity development strategies. Title II:  Amendments to Part C - Requires the Administrator to:  (1) publish guidance for States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to carry out a source water assessment program within the State's boundaries; and (2) conduct a project to demonstrate the most effective and protective means of assessing and protecting source waters serving large metropolitan areas and located on Federal lands.  Requires the State to make the results available to the public.  Sets guidelines for approval and disapproval of State programs. (Sec. 202) Requires each Federal department or agency that owns or operates any facility in a wellhead protection area, that is engaged in any activity at such facility resulting in the contamination of water supplies, or that owns or operates any system to comply with all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements respecting the protection of such areas and systems.  Waives U.S. immunity regarding any such requirement. Authorizes:  (1) the Administrator to issue an order assessing a penalty against a Federal agency found to have violated such a requirement; and (2) any interested person to obtain review of a penalty order so issued. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) limits on State use of funds collected from the Federal Government; and (2) citizen enforcement. Title III:  General Provisions Regarding Safe Drinking Water Act - Directs:  (1) the Administrator to promulgate regulations specifying minimum standards for certification (and recertification) of the operators of community and nontransient noncommunity systems; and (2) any State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems to adopt and implement such requirements within two years, with an exception where the State has an operator certification program in effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical assistance to small systems to enable them to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable NPDW regulations, which may include preliminary engineering evaluations.  Authorizes appropriations.  Bars the use of any portion of a State revolving fund (SRF) for lobbying expenses.  Directs that three percent of the total amount appropriated be used for technical assistance to systems owned or operated by Indian tribes. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations for the public water system supervision (PWSS) program.  Permits the Administrator to:  (1) use a State's PWSS funds if the Administrator assumes primary enforcement responsibility for a State program; and (2) reserve a portion of SRFs from such a State if the PWSS grant appropriation is insufficient to fully administer a program in such State. (Sec. 304) Revises monitoring and information gathering requirements of the Act, including:  (1) granting the Administrator authority to obtain information on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a person subject to an NPDW regulation has acted or is acting in compliance with such requirements; and (2) requiring every person subject to an NPDW regulation to provide such information as the Administrator may reasonably require to assist in establishing regulations. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) review the monitoring requirements for not fewer than 12 contaminants identified by the Administrator and promulgate any necessary modifications; and (2) promulgate regulations establishing criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants. Grants States exercising primary enforcement responsibility for systems specified interim and permanent monitoring relief authority. Requires the Administrator to review new analytical methods to screen for regulated contaminants.  Authorizes the Administrator to approve such methods as are more accurate or cost-effective than established methods for use in compliance monitoring. (Sec. 305) Directs the Administrator to assemble and maintain a national drinking water occurrence data base, using information on the occurrence of both regulated and unregulated contaminants in systems and reliable information from public and private sources. (Sec. 306) Specifies that pending State, as well as Federal, court actions to require compliance with the Act may serve as a bar to civil law suits. (Sec. 307) Modifies the Act regarding whistle blower protection, including:  (1) extending the time frame for an employee to file a discrimination complaint; (2) permitting the Secretary to determine that a violation has occurred only if the complainant has demonstrated that the involvement in an enforcement action was a contributing factor in the unfavorable personnel action; and (3) prohibiting relief from being ordered if the employer demonstrates that it would have taken the same personnel action in the absence of such behavior. (Sec. 308) Creates a State Revolving Fund program to provide financial assistance to facilitate compliance with NPDW standards and for projects to further the health protection objectives of the Act. Directs the Administrator to enter into agreements to make capitalization grants to eligible States, contingent upon their establishment of a drinking water treatment revolving loan fund. Sets forth provisions regarding the allocation of funds to States, permissible uses of funds, intended use plans, fund management, assistance for disadvantaged communities, State contributions, administration, a needs survey, allocations for Indian tribes and other areas, and set-asides.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to reserve $10 million for health effects studies on drinking water contaminants, giving priority to studies of cryptosporidium, disinfection byproducts, arsenic, and of subpopulations at greater risk of adverse effects. (Sec. 309) Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for water conservation plans for systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons, serving between 3,300 and 10,000 persons, and serving more than 10,000 persons.  Authorizes a State to require a system seeking a loan or grant from an SRF to submit a water conservation plan consistent with such guidelines. Title IV:  Miscellaneous - Modifies the definition of:  (1) ""primary drinking water regulation"" to authorize the Administrator, at any time after promulgating a regulation, to issue guidance allowing the use of other equally effective methods to comply with the monitoring requirements of the regulation; and (2) ""public water system"" to mean a system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 402) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. (Sec. 403) Authorizes the Administrator to provide financial assistance to New York State for demonstration projects implemented as part of the New York City watershed protection program.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 404) Directs the Administrator to develop and implement a program to identify and regulate substances that may have effects on humans similar to those produced by naturally occurring estrogen or other endocrine effects. Provides authority for the testing of other substances which may be found in sources of drinking water, including where the Administrator determines that a substantial population may be exposed to the substance. Directs the Administrator to order registrants, manufacturers, or importers to conduct tests under the program and submit their results.  Provides for suspension of the sale or distribution of a substance by a registrant who fails to comply with a test order concerning that substance.  Makes any other person subject to a test order who fails to comply liable for penalties and sanctions as provided in the Toxic Substances Control Act. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 405) Requires the Administrator to report every two years to the Congress on the implementation of this Act for States and Indian tribes where the Administrator has revoked primary enforcement responsibility. (Sec. 406) Specifies that water supplies from a system regulated under this Act shall not be used in connection with operation of geothermal heat pumps. (Sec. 407) Increases the penalty for violating an emergency order issued under Act provisions involving imminent and substantial endangerment to health. (Sec. 408) Requires the CDCP Director and the Administrator to jointly establish:  (1) pilot waterborne disease occurrence studies for at least five major U.S. communities or systems, including a report on the findings and a national estimate of such occurrence; and (2) a national health care provider training and public education campaign.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 409) Directs the Administrator to conduct a continuing program of studies to identify groups within the general population that are at greater risk than the general population of adverse health effects from exposure to contaminants in drinking water.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 410) Modifies the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to:  (1)  establish standard of quality regulations for bottled water for each contaminant for which an NPDW regulation is issued by the Administrator, unless the Secretary determines that such regulation is not necessary because the contaminant is contained in water in systems but not in water used for bottled drinking water; (2) either promulgate a standard of quality regulation for such contaminants or make a determination that such regulation is unnecessary; and (3) establish a level for the contaminant in bottled water which is no less stringent than the MCL provided in the NPDW regulations for the same contaminant or requirements which are no less protective of public health than those applicable to water provided by systems using the treatment technique required by the NPDW regulation. Specifies that if the Secretary does not promulgate standard of quality regulations within specified time frames, the NPDW regulation for such contaminant shall be considered as the regulation applicable to bottled water. Title V:  Additional Assistance for Water Infrastructure and Watersheds - Authorizes the Administrator to provide technical and financial assistance in the form of grants:  (1) to States for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of water supply systems and for source water quality protection programs to address pollutants in navigable waters for the purpose of making such waters usable by water supply systems; (2) for a source water quality protection program for the New York City Watershed; (3) to Alaska for the benefit of rural and Alaska Native villages.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 504)  Sets forth provisions regarding the acquisition of lands, the Federal share, and a condition on authorizations. Title VI:  Drinking Water Research Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for drinking water research. (Sec. 602) Directs the Administrator to assign to the Assistant Administrator for Research and Development the duties of:  (1) developing a strategic plan for drinking water research activities throughout EPA; (2) integrating that plan into ongoing EPA planning activities; and (3) reviewing all EPA drinking water research to ensure such research is of high quality and non-duplicative of any other research being conducted by EPA. Sets forth reporting requirements.",2025-04-07T15:29:56Z,
104-hr-3573,104,hr,3573,Oil Spill Prevention and Response Improvement Act,Environmental Protection,1996-06-04,1996-06-17,Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.,House,"Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13]",NJ,D,M000639,1,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Enhancement of Oil Spill Prevention      Title II:  Improvement of Responses to Oil Spills Oil Spill Prevention and Response Improvement Act - Title I: Enhancement of Oil Spill Prevention - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) to deem effective as final rules, if they do not become effective by specified dates, certain rules proposed by the Secretary of Transportation regarding operational and structural standards applicable to tank vessels over 5,000 gross tons without double hulls.  Adds provisions regarding operational safety of single-hull barges and minimum under-keel clearances of tank vessels without double bottoms for entering or departing port. (Sec. 102) Makes applicable otherwise inapplicable limitations of liability, where the incident was proximately caused by a violation of a Federal safety, construction, or operating regulation, to a responsible party in the case of a vessel that is either:  (1) equipped with a double hull as of enactment of this Act; or (2) one that is double-hulled and replacing a single-hulled vessel at least five years prior to the required retirement date. (Sec. 103) Deems effective as a final rule, if it does not become effective by a specified date, a proposed rule on navigation safety equipment for towing vessels.  Directs the Secretary to require by rule a fire suppression system or fire suppression equipment aboard such vessels. (Sec. 104) Requires a study with the National Research Council into how the designation of shipping lanes and waters through which tankers transport oil affects the risk of an oil spill. Directs the Secretary to include in oil and hazardous material lighterage regulations requirements of environmental protection that is as substantial as is economically and technologically feasible. Title II:  Improvement of Responses to Oil Spills - Amends OPA to provide, with respect to oil pollution damages resulting from loss of profits or earning capacity, that: (1) recovery may be partial; and (2) payment of interim, short-term damages representing less than the full amount to which the claimant may be entitled does not preclude recovery of damages not reflected in the paid or settled partial claim.  Makes related revisions to procedures for making claims, advertising, and subrogation. (Sec. 202) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to require the President to issue guidance for Area Committees (under the oil and hazardous substance National Response System) for use in advance planning and decision making regarding closing and reopening of fishing grounds.  Modifies provisions concerning State and local cooperation and the contents of Area Contingency Plans to include these considerations. (Sec. 203) Adds to exceptions from appropriation Act limitations amounts made available from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for: (1) conducting (current law refers to ""initiation"") the assessment of natural resources damages; and (2) development of initial phases of implementation of restoration plans. (Sec. 204) Makes the Fund available for payment of costs to mitigate ecological injury.  Amends FWPCA to require Area Contingency Plans to compile lists of expert local scientists to provide information or participate in a scientific support team convened in response to an oil spill.  Amends OPA to require the Secretary to establish a process to convene such a team immediately in response to a spill. Requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research to disseminate and compile information on previous spills. Amends FWPCA to require the National Response Unit to maintain and keep in a form readily transmittable to response teams information on the environmental effects of various types of spills and how best to mitigate them. (Sec. 205) Revises FWPCA standards for compliance by owners or operators cooperating in removal actions to allow deviation from the response plan only if this would result in a more expeditious or effective response.",2025-08-21T20:14:47Z,
104-hr-3518,104,hr,3518,To amend the Clean Air Act to permit the exclusive application of State regulations regarding reformulated gas in certain areas.,Environmental Protection,1996-05-23,1996-05-31,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Bilbray, Brian P. [R-CA-49]",CA,R,B000461,18,Amends the Clean Air Act to allow reformulated gasoline rules of States for which a certain waiver is in effect (permitting them to enforce State motor vehicle emissions standards) to apply in an ozone nonattainment area in lieu of Environmental Protection Agency-promulgated requirements if the State rules will achieve reductions in emissions of ozone-forming compounds and toxic air contaminants at least as great as would result from application of the Federal requirements.,2025-01-02T17:38:27Z,
104-hr-3519,104,hr,3519,Clean Air Act Amendments of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-05-23,1996-05-31,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,0,"Clean Air Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Clean Air Act to define permit program ""applicable requirements.""  Revises Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for permit programs regarding:  (1) permitting authorities' requirements that a source obtain or modify a permit for a physical or operational change or another action prior to a date seven days after the change or action has begun; and (2) major stationary source permits that allow emissions increases and decreases at various units within the source without permit revision if certain overall emissions standards are met. Doubles the allowable term of a permit. Requires, before permit program-related sanctions are imposed, a determination by the EPA Administrator that such failure will cause the State to fail to attain a national primary ambient air quality standard by the applicable date. (Sec. 3) Repeals the authority of the Administrator to require enhanced monitoring of major stationary sources and revises compliance certification and method requirements. (Sec. 4) Adds a definition of ""potential to emit"" to treat physical or operational limits on a source's capacity to emit regulated air pollutants as part of the source's design if the limitation is effective. (Sec. 5) Requires, before sanctions are imposed for non-submittal, disapproval, or failure to implement requirements of a plan for a nonattainment area, a determination that the deficiency is likely to result in a failure by the State to attain a national primary ambient air quality standard by the applicable date.  Makes the imposition of sanctions discretionary. (Sec. 6) Modifies the procedure for permit revision where the Administrator promulgates a hazardous air pollutant emission standard, after the permit's issuance, that would be applicable to the source in lieu of the limitation established by permit. (Sec. 7) Provides, with respect to plans for Moderate ozone nonattainment areas, for the crediting as reductions of certain voluntary measures implemented before designation as a nonattainment area. (Sec. 8) Expands the factors allowing extension, upon State application, of the primary standard attainment date for ozone.  Allows extension for certain areas that qualified for attainment designation but subsequently violated the ozone standard. (Sec. 9) Shortens the time period and modifies the procedure for redesignation, upon State application, of an air quality control region. (Sec. 10) Requires the Administrator, when evaluating the adequacy of State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards, to credit provisions designed to control air pollution only during certain periods during which pollutant levels are elevated. (Sec. 11) Imposes limitations on the inclusion, at a State's option, of ozone nonattainment areas in the prohibition requiring the sale of reformulated gasoline. (Sec. 12) Prohibits the Administrator from requiring that nitrogen oxide emissions from baseline (representative) vehicles using reformulated gasoline be less than emissions from such vehicles using ""baseline"" gasoline. (Sec. 13) Requires the promulgation of:  (1) national primary ambient air quality goals that discount certain episodic weather-related variations; and (2) revised standards, using a cost-benefit analysis, as close to the air quality goals as is feasible. (Sec. 14) Removes limitations on Federal assistance for transportation activities not conforming to a State implementation plan.  Considers the form and content of a State inventory and performance plan solely within the purview of a State and declares such a plan effective upon the Governor's approval unless disapproved by EPA within 30 days.  Makes the standard for approval the plan's adherence to the State's own processes and procedures. (Sec. 15) Allows the upgrading of an ozone nonattainment area if the Administrator makes a specified determination concerning the inability of the area to control ozone concentrations resulting from downwind transport of ozone or precursors from another area. (Sec. 16) Requires inclusion, in an enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program for a Serious ozone nonattainment area, of enforcement through denial of safety inspection approval (as an alternative to denial of registration, as under current law). (Sec. 17) Requires the Administrator to approve an emissions trading program as part of an implementation plan unless certain attainment failures would result.",2025-08-21T20:14:48Z,
104-hr-3471,104,hr,3471,Hudson River Habitat Restoration Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-05-16,1996-05-30,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Kelly, Sue W. [R-NY-19]",NY,R,K000078,0,"Hudson River Habitat Restoration Act of 1996 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to enter into a cooperative agreement with the State of New York to develop and implement at sites identified in a specified report one or more individual restoration projects to:  (1) assess and improve habitat value and environmental outputs of recommended projects; (2) evaluate various restoration techniques; (3) fill an important local habitat need within a specific portion of the study area; or (4) take advantage of actions by other agencies, local municipalities, or environmental groups that would increase the effectiveness, or decrease the overall cost, of implementing one of the recommended restoration project sites. Limits the maximum amount of Federal funds that may be expended under this Act at any site.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:16:50Z,
104-hr-3446,104,hr,3446,Regulatory Relief and Job Preservation Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-05-10,1996-05-23,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Stockman, Steve [R-TX-9]",TX,R,S000937,0,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments of the Clean Air Act      Title II:  Environmental Self-Audits      Title III:  Regulation of Chlorine Compound Production      Title IV:  Amendment of the Solid Waste Disposal Act      Title V:  Amendment of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Regulatory Relief and Job Preservation Act of 1996 - Title I: Amendments of the Clean Air Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the authority of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require enhanced monitoring and submission of compliance certifications. (Sec. 102) Prohibits the Administrator from specifying a minimum oxygen content for reformulated gasoline and invalidates any such regulation previously promulgated. (Sec. 103) Approves the use of a State Operating Permits Program in lieu of EPA programs even if a final decision on approval of the State program is not yet received. (Sec. 104) Exempts commercial fire suppression equipment from prohibitions on the sale or distribution of products containing class II ozone-depleting substances.  Repeals certain requirements for labeling of products containing or manufactured with ozone-depleting substances. (Sec. 105) Requires the Administrator, with respect to each emissions standard for hazardous air pollutants, to provide a cost-benefit analysis and prohibits establishment of any standard at a level at which incremental compliance costs exceed incremental benefits. (Sec. 106) Revises State enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program standards for serious ozone nonattainment areas. Requires rescission of EPA regulations and reissuance of rules to conform with this Act. (Sec. 107) Delays the primary standard attainment date for moderate ozone nonattainment areas. (Sec. 108) Provides standards for interpretation of ozone monitor readings used in determining excessive ozone amounts. (Sec. 109) Provides a formula for establishment of a baseline trend to be used in redesignation of areas as attainment or nonattainment. Title II:  Environmental Self-Audits - Provides rules making privileged, and excluding for evidentiary purposes, information from voluntary environmental self-audits. Title III:  Regulation of Chlorine Compound Production - Precludes the Administrator from prohibiting the manufacture, use, or distribution of chlorine compounds absent specific authorization by Congress after submission of a proposed regulation. Title IV:  Amendment of the Solid Waste Disposal Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to exclude feedstock used in a manufacturing process from the definition of hazardous waste, with exceptions. Title V:  Amendment of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to apply provisions allowing the deduction of intangible oil and gas drilling and development costs to certain geological and geophysical costs. (Sec. 502) Revises marginal production standards, for purposes of the oil and gas percentage depletion limitations, to increase the barrel ceiling on production from stripper wells that produce water at a specified rate.  Establishes a tax credit for production from marginal oil and gas wells (as defined in this Act). (Sec. 504) Replaces the annually increasing base tax amount used in calculating the excise tax on ozone-depleting chemicals with one set amount. (Sec. 505) Reduces the rate of tax on certain reformulated gasoline.  Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide a specified credit or refund of tax on gasoline used to produce such reformulated gasoline.",2025-08-21T20:16:47Z,
104-s-1742,104,s,1742,Minor Party Liability Relief Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-05-09,1996-05-09,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]",PA,R,S000709,1,"Minor Party Liability Relief Act of 1996 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to except persons from liability under the Act for costs and damages at a facility if:  (1) the liability is based solely on arrangement for disposal (or transport for disposal) of hazardous substances or acceptance of such substances for transport to facilities from which there is a release or threatened release; and (2) the material is in an amount not exceeding that specified in this Act or by regulation of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  States exceptions to this limitation.",2025-08-21T20:14:48Z,
104-s-1730,104,s,1730,Oil Spill Prevention and Response Improvement Act,Environmental Protection,1996-05-07,1996-06-26,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 466.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,4,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Enhancement of Oil Spill Prevention      Title II:  Improvement of Responses to Oil Spills      Title III:  Tailoring of Offshore Facility Financial           Responsibility Requirements to Oil Spill Risks      Title IV:  Miscellaneous Technical Amendments Oil Spill Prevention and Response Improvement Act - Title I: Enhancement of Oil Spill Prevention - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) to deem effective as final rules, if they do not become effective by specified dates, certain rules proposed by the Secretary of Transportation regarding operational and structural standards applicable to tank vessels over 5,000 gross tons without double hulls, except a provision in the proposed structural standard rule which the Secretary may find would be likely to increase the risks of oil pollution.   Adds provisions regarding operational safety of single-hull barges and minimum under-keel clearances of tank vessels without double bottoms for entering or departing port and when operating in an inland or coastal waterway.  Permits the Secretary to include these provisions in the final structural standards rule. (Sec. 102) Makes applicable otherwise inapplicable limitations of liability, where the incident was proximately caused by a violation of a Federal safety, construction, or operating regulation, to a responsible party in the case of a vessel that is either:  (1) equipped with a double hull along the entire length of the vessel, including fuel oil tanks, as of enactment of this Act; or (2) one that is so equipped and replacing a single-hulled vessel at least five years prior to the required retirement date. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to issue and place in effect a final rule on navigation safety equipment for towing vessels by September 30, 1996.  Deems effective as a final rule, if one does not become effective by such date, a proposed rule on such equipment.  Directs the Secretary to require by rule the following with respect to towing vessels:  (1) a fire suppression system or fire suppression equipment on board; (2) an electronic position fixing device on board; and (3) assurance that regular tests and inspections of equipment are conducted and recorded. (Sec. 104) Requires a study with the National Research Council into how the designation of shipping lanes and waters through which tankers transport oil affects the risk of an oil spill.  Directs the Army Corps of Engineers to review a report on Rhode Island waterway dredging and report to the Congress on its feasibility. Directs the Secretary to include in oil and hazardous material lighterage regulations requirements of environmental protection that is as substantial as is economically and technologically feasible. Title II:  Improvement of Responses to Oil Spills - Amends OPA to provide, with respect to oil pollution damages resulting from loss of profits or earning capacity, that:  (1) recovery may be partial; and (2) payment of interim, short-term damages representing less than the full amount to which the claimant may be entitled does not preclude recovery of damages not reflected in the paid or settled partial claim.  Makes related revisions to procedures for making claims, advertising, and subrogation. (Sec. 202) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) to require the President to issue guidance for Area Committees (under the oil and hazardous substance National Response System) for use in advance planning and decision making regarding closing and reopening of fishing grounds.  Modifies provisions concerning State and local cooperation and the contents of Area Contingency Plans to include these considerations. (Sec. 203) Adds to exceptions from appropriation Act limitations amounts made available from the Fund for conducting (current law refers to ""initiation"") the assessment of natural resources damages. Increases the amount available for such assessments. (Sec. 204) Makes the Fund available for:  (1) payment of costs to mitigate or avoid ecological injury; and (2) plugging of idle oil wells that pose a substantial safety or environmental risk under a cost-sharing agreement with the State in which the well is located.  Amends FWPCA to require Area Contingency Plans to compile lists of expert local scientists to provide information or participate in a scientific support team convened in response to an oil spill.  Amends OPA to require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish a process to name such a team, all or part of which may be convened in response to a spill. Requires the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research to disseminate and compile information on previous spills. Amends FWPCA to require the National Response Unit to maintain and keep in a form readily transmittable to response teams information on the environmental effects of various types of spills and how best to mitigate them. (Sec. 205) Revises FWPCA standards for compliance by owners or operators cooperating in removal actions to allow deviation from the response plan only if this would result in a more expeditious or effective response. Title III:  Tailoring of Offshore Facility Financial Responsibility Requirements to Oil Spill Risks - Amends OPA to revise evidence of financial responsibility requirements (EFR) applicable to offshore facilities (other than deepwater ports) to:  (1)  provide distinctions between facilities located seaward (""seaward facilities"") and those located landward (""landward facilities"") of a State's seaward boundary; (2) describe features of covered facilities, including that they have a worst case discharge potential of more than 1,000 barrels of oil; (3) replace the blanket $150 million EFR with $35 million and $10 million amounts for seaward facilities and landward facilities, respectively, allowing imposition of an amount not exceeding the greater amount if the President determines this to be justified by the risks posed; and (4) exempt from applicability of EFR a landward facility subject to State requirements comparable in manner to, and equal to or greater in amount than, those of this Act. Title IV:  Miscellaneous Technical Amendments - Makes technical amendments.",2025-04-07T15:28:28Z,
104-s-1728,104,s,1728,A bill to require Navy compliance with shipboard solid waste control requirements.,Environmental Protection,1996-05-03,1996-05-03,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.,Senate,"Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK]",AK,R,S000888,0,"Amends the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 to exempt certain Navy owned or operated vessels from such Act's requirements that certain garbage be discharged in special areas at sea.  Prescribes special requirements for such vessels for the discharge of non-plastic and non-floating garbage consisting of metal, glass, and a slurry of seawater, paper, cardboard, and food waste at certain distances from the nearest land. Requires the Secretary of the Navy to publish in the Federal Register:  (1) a list of such vessels planned to be decommissioned between certain dates; and (2) standards to ensure their compliance with such Act without impairing operational capabilities.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
104-hr-3391,104,hr,3391,Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Amendments Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-05-02,1996-09-27,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. Schaefer, Dan [R-CO-6]",CO,R,S000109,33,"Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to distribute to States at least 85 percent of the funds appropriated to EPA from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund each fiscal year for the reasonable costs under cooperative agreements of:  (1) State actions under the EPA program for petroleum release responses; (2) necessary administrative expenses directly related to corrective action and compensation programs under State financial responsibility requirements; (3) other costs of such programs in any instance, as determined by the State, in which an owner's or operator's financial resources (excluding resources provided by such programs) are inadequate to pay the costs of a corrective action without significantly impairing the ability to continue in business; (4) enforcement of an approved State or local underground storage tank (UST) program or similar provisions; and (5) State and local corrective actions pursuant to regulations regarding corrective action in response to UST releases.  Prohibits use of such funds to provide financial assistance to an owner or operator in meeting regulatory requirements for upgrading of existing UST systems. Sets forth requirements for allocation of funds to States. Makes inapplicable to Trust Fund amounts provided to owners or operators under programs described in (2), above, provisions for recovery of petroleum release corrective or enforcement action costs.",2025-04-07T15:28:50Z,
104-hr-3338,104,hr,3338,Antimicrobial Pesticide Registration Reform Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1996-04-25,1996-07-23,For Further Action See H.R.1627.,House,"Rep. Roberts, Pat [R-KS-1]",KS,R,R000307,65,"Antimicrobial Pesticide Registration Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to exclude:  (1) bacteria from the definition of ""fungus""; and (2) liquid chemical sterilant products for use on a critical or semi-critical medical or dental device from the definition of ""pesticide."" Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) coordinate data requirements, test protocols, timetables, and standards of review and reduce burdens and redundancy caused to the registrant, whenever data in support of a pesticide registration is requested by one or more State or Federal agencies; and (2) develop a process to identify and assist in alleviating future disparities between Federal and State data requirements. Provides, with respect to the labeling of an antimicrobial pesticide product, that:  (1) a registrant may modify the labeling to include relevant information on the product's efficacy, composition, or container or other characteristics unrelated to a pesticidal claim or activity; (2) such labeling shall not be false or misleading or in conflict with statements required as a condition of registration and be substantiated upon request; (3) modifications shall be subject to a notification and approval process; and (4) different cautionary statements for use dilutions may be included in the labeling upon approval of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator, to the maximum extent practicable, to identify and evaluate changes to the process for registration of antimicrobial pesticides that will reduce current time periods for review.   Details rulemaking requirements regarding the review of such pesticides.  Requires an annual report to the Congress on measures taken to effect such changes. Exempts from applicability of certain FIFRA storage, disposal, transportation, and container requirements household, industrial, or institutional antimicrobial products that are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, unless the Administrator determines that their application is necessary to prevent an unreasonable adverse effect on the environment.",2025-08-21T20:14:25Z,
104-hr-3309,104,hr,3309,"To authorize the establishment of a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1996-04-24,1996-05-06,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Bateman, Herbert H. [R-VA-1]",VA,R,B000229,0,"Directs the Secretary of the Army to establish a pilot program to provide environmental assistance to non-Federal interests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for water-related environmental infrastructure and resource protection and development projects. Requires any project receiving such assistance to be publicly owned, operated, and maintained. Requires local cooperation agreements with non-Federal interests before the provision of such assistance.  Places at 75 percent the Federal share of total project costs. Requires the Secretary to establish at least one project for the receipt of such assistance in each of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.  Requires a report on program results.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-02T17:38:19Z,
104-hr-3319,104,hr,3319,"To require that the United States promptly sue for recovery of costs and damages for the cleanup of the Stepan Property Superfund Site in Bergen County, New Jersey.",Environmental Protection,1996-04-24,1996-04-24,Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.,House,"Rep. Zimmer, Dick [R-NJ-12]",NJ,R,Z000008,0,"Requires the President, acting through the Attorney General, to bring an action in the appropriate U.S. District Court under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1989 against all persons who are potentially responsible parties with respect to the Stepan Property Superfund Site in Bergen County, New Jersey, to recover all costs of removal or remedial action incurred by the United States and all damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of,  natural resources that are recoverable.",2025-01-02T17:38:11Z,
104-hr-3299,104,hr,3299,Deep Water Outfall Treatment Systems Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-04-23,1996-05-06,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Resident Commissioner Romero-Barcelo, Carlos A. [D-PR-At Large]",PR,D,R000417,2,"Deep Water Outfall Treatment Systems Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize an eligible State to initiate, expand, or continue a study of the marine environment of coastal areas to determine the feasibility of constructing a deep water outfall for any publicly owned treatment work (POTW) that uses primary treatments and is not exempt from specified effluent limitations.  Provides that such study may recommend one or more technically feasible locations for a deep water outfall that would have beneficial effects on the marine environment. Sets forth provisions regarding applications for:  (1) modification of secondary treatment requirements for certain POTWs by the owner in an eligible State at a location recommended in such a study; and (2) initial and final determinations regarding and effective periods of such modifications.  Specifies that such requirements shall not apply to the POTW owner or operator in an eligible State that has submitted an application for a modification during the period beginning on the date of submission of the application and ending on the date of a final determination.",2025-08-21T20:15:08Z,
104-hr-3283,104,hr,3283,Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Consolidation and Regulatory Improvement Act,Environmental Protection,1996-04-22,1996-05-06,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Moran, James P. [D-VA-8]",VA,D,M000933,3,"Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Consolidation and Regulatory Improvement Act - Redesignates the Office of Underground Storage Tanks of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and establishes it as the Office of Storage Tanks (OST), to be headed by a Director.  Transfers to OST authorities of other EPA officers under the environmental laws.  Requires the Administrator, acting through the Director, to enter Memorandums of Understanding with the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation to clarify the authorities of EPA and the respective Secretaries under:  (1) the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and worker protection standards provisions of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986; and (2) pipeline safety provisions. Requires the Director, by regulation, to restate the laws he or she administers in consolidated form and streamline their application to owners and operators of aboveground and underground storage tanks.  Expresses congressional intent that this direction is not intended to modify the laws' requirements.  Imposes, as part of such regulations, a requirement that an owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank report to the national response center established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act a release of a regulated substance (one regulated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 or petroleum or a petroleum substance) above a specified threshold, including a description of corrective action taken.  Allows the EPA Administrator, after release from an aboveground storage tank of a regulated substance posing an imminent threat to human health, public safety, or the environment, to prohibit the use or operation of all or any portion of a storage tank farm within a facility in which the tank is located until the prohibition is no longer necessary or corrective action has been taken. Authorizes the Director to include in the above regulations release detection, prevention, and correction regulations applicable to owners and operators of aboveground petroleum storage tanks. Requires the Director to determine if there are deficiencies in the law applicable to aboveground petroleum storage tanks and examine industry standards addressing the deficiencies, giving substantial weight to these in designing the regulations. Requires the Director, in conjunction with the restatement of laws required by this Act, to provide that the storage capacity of a facility does not include the capacity of underground storage tanks that are:  (1) currently subject to EPA regulations concerning technical standards and corrective action requirements; or (2) permanently closed under such regulations. Establishes requirements for reports to the Congress.",2025-08-21T20:16:38Z,
104-hr-3213,104,hr,3213,Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-03-29,1996-04-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Forbes, Michael P. [R-NY-1]",NY,R,F000257,9,"Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping in Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound of dredged material from any Federal or non-Federal project that contains any of the constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants (as defined by certain Federal ocean dumping criteria set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations), except where it is demonstrated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that such dumping will not cause significant undesirable effects, including the threat associated with bioaccumulation of such constituents in marine organisms. Requires any dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound from a Federal project (or pursuant to Federal authorization) by a non-Federal applicant exceeding 25,000 cubic yards to comply with specified criteria under the Act relating the effects of dumping.",2025-08-21T20:14:23Z,
104-hr-3214,104,hr,3214,"To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to establish a brownfield cleanup loan program.",Environmental Protection,1996-03-29,1996-04-15,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Franks, Gary A. [R-CT-5]",CT,R,F000348,0,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide loans for the environmental assessment and remediation of brownfield sites, with specified exceptions.  Defines a ""brownfield site"" as a parcel of land that contains or contained abandoned or under-used commercial or industrial facilities, the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances. Authorizes the Administrator, upon approval of an application and with the consent of the State and local governments with jurisdiction over the site, to make separate loans for site characterization and assessment and for response action (for purposes of making the site or sites available for manufacturing, business, or other commercial or residential purposes).  Directs the Administrator to establish a system for the ranking of applications for assistance.",2025-01-02T17:38:06Z,
104-hr-3217,104,hr,3217,National Invasive Species Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-03-29,1996-09-25,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. LaTourette, Steven C. [R-OH-19]",OH,R,L000553,39,"National Invasive Species Act of 1996 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to mandate regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through ballast water.  Authorizes education, technical assistance, and other measures to promote compliance.  Mandates voluntary guidelines to prevent such introduction and spread in U.S. waters by ballast water and other vessel operations.  Mandates education, technical assistance, and other measures to encourage compliance.  Requires mandatory regulations if guideline compliance is inadequate.  Provides for enforcement through civil and criminal penalties and revocation of clearance.  Encourages negotiations with foreign governments to develop and implement an international program for preventing such introduction and spread. Mandates studies of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Honolulu Harbor, the Columbia River system, other estuaries of national significance, and other waters.  Requires that specified amounts be made available for research on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control in the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coast, and the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary. Establishes a clearinghouse of national data on ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines under this Act. Mandates a ballast water management program for vessels of the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. Requires:  (1) a ballast water management program to demonstrate technologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species from being introduced into and spread through ballast water in U.S. waters; and (2) that the installation and construction of those technologies and practices be performed in the United States. Modifies:  (1) the composition and research priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and (2) zebra mussel demonstration program requirements. Mandates research grants regarding environmentally sound methods for controlling the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires research on environmentally sound methods for preventing and reducing dispersal between the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence drainage and the Mississippi River drainage through the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary Canal.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Task Force to encourage the development and use of regional coordination panels and similar entities in regions in addition to the Great Lakes and Western regions. Provides for interstate (in addition to existing State) aquatic nuisance species management plans, allowing Indian tribes as well as States to participate. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-04-07T15:29:57Z,
104-s-1660,104,s,1660,National Invasive Species Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-03-29,1996-09-19,"Subcommittee on Water, Fisheries, and Wildlife. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 104-746.",Senate,"Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH]",OH,D,G000236,20,"National Invasive Species Act of 1996 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to mandate:  (1) regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through ballast water; and (2) voluntary guidelines to prevent such introduction and spread in U.S. waters by ballast water and other vessel operations.  Authorizes mandatory regulations if guideline compliance is inadequate.  Provides for enforcement through revocation of clearance and civil and criminal penalties.  Encourages negotiations with foreign governments to develop and implement an international program for preventing such introduction and spread in North American waters. Mandates studies of Lake Champlain, the Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Honolulu Harbor, Prince William Sound, and other waters. Requires annual grants for six years for aquatic nuisance species prevention and control research in the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Establishes a clearinghouse of national data on ballasting practices and compliance with guidelines under this Act. Mandates a ballast water management program for the Navy's seagoing fleet to limit the risk of invasion by nonindigenous species from ballast water. Requires:  (1) a ballast water management program to demonstrate technologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species from being introduced into and spread through ballast water in U.S. waters; and (2) that the installation and construction of those technologies and practices be performed in a U.S. shipyard or ship repair facility. Modifies:  (1) the composition and research priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; and (2) zebra mussel demonstration program requirements. Requires the Task Force to encourage (including through financial assistance) the development and use of regional coordination panels and similar entities in regions other than the Great Lakes. Provides for interstate (in addition to existing State) aquatic nuisance species management plans, allowing Indian tribes as well as States to participate. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:14:04Z,
104-hr-3172,104,hr,3172,Clean Power Production Act,Environmental Protection,1996-03-27,1996-04-12,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.,House,"Rep. Kennedy, Patrick J. [D-RI-1]",RI,D,K000113,16,"Clean Power Production Act - Instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assess and report to the Congress on the reasonable range of environmental impacts associated with electric utility restructuring, including significant proposed State and Federal changes in public utility regulations and the probable results of such changes upon specified air pollutants and the environment. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy to:  (1) establish and co-chair the Commission for Environmental Mitigation of Electric Utility Restructuring to develop strategies and policies using such assessment to mitigate environmental impacts associated with such restructuring; and (2) report to the Congress on such strategies and policies. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:16:01Z,
104-s-1645,104,s,1645,"Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996",Environmental Protection,1996-03-26,1996-09-04,Returned to the Calendar. Calendar No. 513. (consideration: CR S9867),Senate,"Sen. Kerry, John F. [D-MA]",MA,D,K000148,4,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of           1978      Title II:  Conforming Amendments to Other Laws Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996 - Title I:  Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to restate findings and purposes of the Act regarding scientific activities and tourism in Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Treaty. (Sec. 102) Modifies definitions. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions concerning prohibited acts by any person (currently, U.S. citizens) to modify the prohibitions, in accordance with the Protocol, and make unlawful the following activities in or respecting Antarctica:  (1) introduction of any prohibited product onto land or ice shelves or into water; (2) disposal of any waste onto ice-free land areas or into fresh water systems or of any prohibited waste; (3) engaging in open burning of waste; (4) transporting passengers by any seagoing vessel not required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, except by agreement under which the vessel owner or operator must comply with Annex IV; (5) failure of an organizer or operator to notify members of an expedition of the environmental protection obligations of this Act and means of compliance by participants; (6) damage to historic sites or monuments; (7) refusal of permission to any authorized U.S. officer or employee to board a U.S. vessel, vehicle, or aircraft for purposes of search or inspection in connection with enforcement of this Act and forcible assault of or other interference with an authorized U.S. officer or employee in the conduct of such activities; (8) resisting lawful arrest or detention for a prohibited act; (9) interference with the apprehension, arrest, or detention of another person, knowing that the other person has committed a prohibited act; (10) violation of any regulation, or a term or condition of a permit, issued pursuant to this Act; and (11) attempting to commit or cause to be committed any prohibited act. Prohibits specified other activities in Antarctica (including disposal of waste and introducing any member of a nonnative species) except as authorized by permit.  Exempts from prohibitions these activities and certain of those enumerated above under defined emergency circumstances. (Sec. 104) Provides standards and procedures for the environmental impact assessment of Federal agency activities in Antarctica (which shall be the sole and exclusive obligations regarding such assessment) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, allowing an activity to proceed after an initial evaluation if it is determined that the activity is likely to have no more than a minor or transitory impact.  Excepts from these procedures activities conducted jointly or in cooperation with foreign signatory governments where it is determined that the major part of the activity is being conducted by one or more other governments and another government is coordinating environmental assessment procedures. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations regarding environmental assessment of certain nongovernmental activities. Conditions decisions to proceed with a comprehensively evaluated activity upon consideration of the draft evaluation at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. Provides exceptions from this Act's environmental assessment requirements under emergency circumstances. (Sec. 105) Revises requirements for the issuance of permits authorizing takings and harmful interferences or entry into Specially Protected Areas. (Sec. 106) Revises requirements for the issuance of regulations by the Director of the National Science Foundation.  Removes general consultation requirements. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations to implement certain provisions of the Protocol and this Act regarding vessels. Title II:  Conforming Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply the requirements of Annex IV to the Protocol, for purposes of such Act, to all vessels in Antarctica over which the United States has jurisdiction.  Applies the Act to vessel activities regulated under the Protocol and provides authority to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer and enforce Annex IV to the Protocol (including the Protocol in provisions concerning violations, penalties, and the promulgation of regulations). (Sec. 202) Amends the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990 to state the indefinite prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities, eliminating references to further agreements.",2025-08-21T20:15:16Z,
104-hr-3112,104,hr,3112,To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 relating to sediments decontamination technology.,Environmental Protection,1996-03-19,1996-04-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,1,"Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to specify that the goal of the program to assess the effectiveness of selected technologies in rendering sediments acceptable for unrestricted ocean disposal or beneficial reuse, or both, shall be to make possible the development, on an operational scale, of one or more sediment decontamination technologies, each of which demonstrates a sediment decontamination capacity of at least 5,000 cubic yards per day. Sets forth reporting requirements regarding progress toward meeting that goal. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations.",2025-01-02T17:37:57Z,
104-hr-3105,104,hr,3105,"To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to exempt certain State and local redevelopment boards or commissions, and fresh start users of facilities purchased from those boards or commissions, from the liability under that Act.",Environmental Protection,1996-03-18,1996-04-01,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Wolf, Frank R. [R-VA-10]",VA,R,W000672,0,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to exempt from liability for costs or damages under the Act any State or local board, commission, or other entity (or its members) established by law to plan for or implement the redevelopment or reuse of a facility with respect to a hazardous substance release from the facility to the extent the liability is based solely on the entity's status as an owner of the facility if the entity:  (1) has not engaged in a response action or the generation of hazardous substance at the facility; or (2) is the owner of the facility only on a temporary basis prior to transfer. Revises the definition of ""contractual relationship,"" for purposes of liability under CERCLA, to exclude transfers of property from an exempt redevelopment entity described in this Act after the disposal or placement of a hazardous substance if the defendant has not engaged in:  (1) a response action or disposal of a hazardous substance at the facility; or (2) the generation of a hazardous substance disposed of at the facility.",2025-01-02T17:37:57Z,
104-hr-3093,104,hr,3093,"To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to establish a brownfield cleanup loan program.",Environmental Protection,1996-03-14,1996-03-29,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Franks, Gary A. [R-CT-5]",CT,R,F000348,0,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide loans for the environmental assessment and remediation of brownfield sites, with specified exceptions.  Defines a ""brownfield site"" as a parcel of land that contains or contained abandoned or under-used commercial or industrial facilities, the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances. Authorizes the Administrator, upon approval of an application and with the consent of the State and local governments with jurisdiction over the site, to make separate loans for site characterization and assessment and for response action (for purposes of making the site or sites available for manufacturing, business, or other commercial or residential purposes).  Directs the Administrator to establish a system for the ranking of applications for assistance.",2025-01-02T17:37:57Z,
104-hr-3060,104,hr,3060,"Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996",Environmental Protection,1996-03-12,1996-10-02,Became Public Law No: 104-227.,House,"Rep. Walker, Robert S. [R-PA-16]",PA,R,W000068,28,"TABLE OF CONTENTS:      Title I:  Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of           1978      Title II:  Conforming Amendments to Other Laws      Title III:  Polar Research and Policy Study Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996 - Title I:  Amendments to the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - Amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 to restate findings and purposes of the Act regarding scientific activities and tourism in Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Treaty. (Sec. 102) Modifies definitions. (Sec. 103) Revises provisions concerning prohibited acts by any person (currently, U.S. citizens) to modify the prohibitions, in accordance with the Protocol, and make unlawful the following activities in or respecting Antarctica:  (1) introduction of any prohibited product onto land or ice shelves or into water; (2) disposal of any waste onto ice-free land areas or into fresh water systems or of any prohibited waste; (3) engaging in open burning of waste; (4) transporting passengers by any seagoing vessel not required to comply with the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, except by agreement under which the vessel owner or operator must comply with Annex IV; (5) failure of an organizer or operator to notify members of an expedition of the environmental protection obligations of this Act and means of compliance by participants; (6) damage to historic sites or monuments; (7) refusal of permission to any authorized U.S. officer or employee to board a U.S. vessel, vehicle, or aircraft for purposes of search or inspection in connection with enforcement of this Act and forcible assault of or other interference with an authorized U.S.  officer or employee in the conduct of such activities; (8) resisting lawful arrest or detention for a prohibited act; (9) interference with the apprehension, arrest, or detention of another person, knowing that the other person has committed a prohibited act; (10) violation of any regulation, or a term or condition of a permit, issued pursuant to this Act; and (11) attempting to commit or cause to be committed any prohibited act. Prohibits specified other activities in Antarctica (including disposal of waste and introducing any member of a nonnative species) except as authorized by permit.  Exempts from prohibitions these activities and certain of those enumerated above under defined emergency circumstances. (Sec. 104) Provides standards and procedures for the environmental impact assessment of Federal agency activities in Antarctica (which shall be the sole and exclusive obligations regarding such assessment) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, allowing an activity to proceed after an initial evaluation if it is determined that the activity is likely to have no more than a minor or transitory impact.  Excepts from these procedures activities conducted jointly or in cooperation with foreign signatory governments where it is determined that the major part of the activity is being conducted by one or more other governments and another government is coordinating environmental assessment procedures. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations regarding environmental assessment of certain nongovernmental activities. Conditions decisions to proceed with a comprehensively evaluated activity upon consideration of the draft evaluation at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. Provides exceptions from this Act's environmental assessment requirements under emergency circumstances. (Sec. 105) Revises requirements for the issuance of permits authorizing takings and harmful interferences or entry into Specially Protected Areas. (Sec. 106) Revises requirements for the issuance of regulations by the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).  Removes general consultation requirements. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue regulations to implement certain provisions of the Protocol and this Act regarding vessels. Title II:  Conforming Amendments to Other Laws - Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships to apply the requirements of Annex IV to the Protocol, for purposes of such Act, to all vessels in Antarctica over which the United States has jurisdiction.  Applies the Act to vessel activities regulated under the Protocol and provides authority to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to administer and enforce Annex IV to the Protocol (including the Protocol in provisions concerning violations, penalties, and the promulgation of regulations). (Sec. 202) Amends the Antarctic Protection Act of 1990 to state the indefinite prohibition on Antarctic mineral resource activities, eliminating references to further agreements. Title III:  Polar Research and Policy Study - Directs the NSF to report to the Congress on:  (1) the status of implementation of the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy and Federal funds used therefor; and (2) all Federal programs relating to Arctic and Antarctic research and the total annual expenditures for each program.",2025-04-07T15:29:31Z,
104-s-1601,104,s,1601,"A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the deadline for and clarify the contents of the Great Lakes health research report, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1996-03-07,1996-03-07,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI]",MI,D,L000261,3,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the deadline for the submission by the Great Lakes National Program Office to the Congress of a report assessing the adverse effects of water pollutants in the Great Lakes System on the health of persons in Great Lakes States and the health of fish, shellfish, and wildlife in the Great Lakes System. Requires such report to include documenting exposure pathways, body burdens, and associated human health effects in defined at-risk populations with the Great Lakes basin. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
104-hr-3038,104,hr,3038,Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-03-06,1996-03-18,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. Pomeroy, Earl [D-ND-At Large]",ND,D,P000422,11,"Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (the Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make capitalization grants to States to establish State drinking water treatment revolving loan funds. Places the authority to establish assistance priorities for financial assistance provided with amounts deposited into the State loan fund in the State agency that has primary responsibility for the administration of the State program.  Directs the Governor, in nonprimacy States, to determine which State agency will have the authority to establish priorities for such assistance. Authorizes State Governors to transfer amounts between such funds and water pollution control revolving funds established under the Clean Water Act. Requires the Administrator to reserve one and a half percent of drinking water funds for capitalization grants to Indian tribes for the improvement of public water systems.  Specifies that such funds shall be used to address the most significant threats to public health associated with public water systems that serve Indian tribes, as determined by the Administrator in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health Service and Indian tribes.  Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Director and such tribes, to prepare surveys and assess the needs of drinking water treatment facilities to serve Indian tribes.  Authorizes the Administrator to make such grants to the District of Columbia and specified U.S. territories. Authorizes:  (1) States to reserve a certain amount of such grants for technical assistance for small public water systems; and (2) the Administrator to make grants to Alaska for the benefit of Alaska Native villages. Requires the Administrator, beginning in FY 1999, to withhold a specified percentage (five percent for FY 1999, ten percent for FY 2000, and 15 percent for each subsequent fiscal year) of each capitalization grant made to a State unless the State has met specified requirements under this Act regarding new system capacity. Sets forth provisions regarding projects eligible for assistance, including assistance for disadvantaged communities, and source water quality protection and capacity development (but limits the total amount of assistance provided and expenditures made by a State for each fiscal year, with respect to such protection and development, to 15 percent of the amount of the capitalization grant received by the State for that year, and not exceeding ten percent of that amount for:  (1) acquiring land or conservation easements; (2) providing funding to implement recommendations of source water quality protection partnerships; (3) providing assistance through a capacity development strategy; or (4) making expenditures to delineate or assess source water protection areas).  Sets forth provisions regarding State loan fund administration, technical assistance, and management. Requires:  (1) States to prepare annual intended use plans for funds; (2) priority for the use of funds to be given to projects that address the most serious risk to human health, that are necessary to ensure compliance with filtration requirements and other specified requirements, and that assist those most in need on a per household basis according to State affordability criteria; and (3) each State, after notice and opportunity for public comment, to publish and periodically update a list of projects in the State that are eligible for assistance, including the priority assigned to each project and the expected funding schedule for each project. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) conduct annual reviews and audits as the Administrator considers appropriate, or require each State to have the reviews and audits independently conducted, in accordance with specified single audit requirements; (2) submit to the Congress a periodic survey and assessment of the needs for facilities in each State eligible for assistance (including, in Alaska, the needs of Native villages); (3) conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the State loan funds through FY 1999; and (4) publish such regulations and guidance as necessary. Specifies that the failure or inability of any public water system to receive funds, or a delay in obtaining the funds, shall not alter the obligation of the system to comply in a timely manner with all applicable drinking water standards and requirements under the Act. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to reserve:  (1) $10 million for health effects research on specified drinking water contaminants, giving priority to research concerning the health effects of cryptosporidium, disinfection byproducts, and arsenic, and for the implementation of a research plan for subpopulations at greater risk of adverse effects; (2) $2 million to pay the costs of monitoring for unregulated contaminants; and (3) specified sums for small system technical assistance. (Sec. 4) Repeals specified existing requirements for the Administrator to issue maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) and national primary drinking water (NPDW) regulations.  Requires the Administrator to publish an MCLG and promulgate an NPDW regulation for each contaminant (with exceptions) for which a NPDW regulation has been promulgated as of the date of this Act's enactment if the Administrator determines, based on adequate data and appropriate peer- reviewed scientific information and an assessment of health risks, that the contaminant may have an adverse effect on the health of persons and that the contaminant is known to occur, or there is a substantial likelihood that it will occur, in public water systems with a frequency and at levels of public health concern. Directs the Administrator:  (1) not later than July 1, 1997, to publish and periodically update a list of contaminants that are known or anticipated to occur in drinking water provided by public water systems that may warrant regulation; and (2) at such time as such list is published, to describe available and needed information and research regarding the health effects of the contaminants, their occurrence in drinking water, and treatment techniques and other feasible means to control the contaminants. Requires (with exceptions) the Administrator, by July 1, 2001, and every five years thereafter, to take one of the following actions for not fewer than five contaminants:  (1) publish a determination that information available to the Administrator does not warrant the issuance of an NPDW regulation; (2) publish a determination that an NPDW regulation is warranted, and proceed to propose an MCLG and NPDW regulation not later than two years after the date of publication of the determination; and (3) propose an MCLG and NPDW regulation. Sets forth provisions regarding insufficient information to make, and the basis for, such determinations. Requires the Administrator to give priority to those contaminants not currently regulated that are associated with the most serious adverse health effects and that present the greatest potential risk to human health due to their presence in drinking water provided by public water systems.  Sets forth provisions regarding public comment and judicial review. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate an interim NPDW regulation for a contaminant to address an urgent threat to public health. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) schedules for publication of MCLGs and NPDW regulations; (2) substitution of contaminants; and (3) promulgation, by December 31, 1995, of an information collection rule to facilitate further revisions to the NPDW regulation for disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts, including information on microbial contaminants such as cryptosporidium. (Sec. 5) Requires the Administrator, in carrying out the Act, to: (1) use the best available, peer-reviewed science and supporting studies conducted in accordance with sound and objective scientific practices, and data collected by accepted or best available methods; and (2) ensure that the presentation of information on public health effects is comprehensive, informative, and understandable. Directs the Administrator to conduct a cost-benefit analysis for each NPDW regulation containing a maximum contaminant level (MCL) or treatment technique before it is proposed, including consideration of alternative MCLs or treatment requirements.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 6) Permits the MCLG for contaminants that are known or likely to cause cancer in humans to be set at a level other than zero if the Administrator determines, based on the best available, peer-reviewed science, that there is a threshold level below which there is unlikely to be any increase in cancer risk and the Administrator sets the MCLG at that level with an adequate margin of safety. Requires the Administrator, at the time he or she proposes an NPDW regulation, to publish a determination as to whether the benefits of the MCL justify the costs. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an MCL for a contaminant at a level other than the feasible level if the technology, treatment techniques, and other means used to determine the feasible level would result in an increase in the health risk from drinking water by:  (1) increasing the concentration of other contaminants in drinking water; or (2) interfering with the efficacy of drinking water treatment techniques or processes that are used to comply with other NPDW regulations. Authorizes the Administrator, if he or she determines that the benefits of an MCL would not justify the cost of complying with the level, to promulgate an MCL for the contaminant that maximizes health risk reduction benefits at a cost that is justified by the benefits, with an exception. Prohibits the Administrator from establishing an MCL in a Stage I or Stage II NPDW regulation for contaminants that are disinfectants or disinfection byproducts, or to establish an MCL or treatment technique requirement for the control of cryptosporidium. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) judicial review; (2) disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts; and (3) review of standards. (Sec. 7) Sets forth requirements with respect to the promulgation of NPDW regulations for:  (1) arsenic (requires the Administrator to follow a specified schedule, to develop and carry out a comprehensive plan for research in support of drinking water rulemaking, and to take other specified steps regarding assessment, proposed regulation, and final regulation of arsenic); (2) radon (provides for an MCL of 3,000 picocuries per liter but permits a revision to the regulation to include a different MCL under specified circumstances; e.g., if the Administrator determines, and the National Academy of Sciences and the Science Advisory Board concur, that revision is appropriate and supported by peer-reviewed scientific studies to address risks from ingestion of radon in drinking water); and (3) sulfate (prior to promulgating an NPDW regulation for sulfate, the Administrator and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control shall jointly conduct additional research to establish a reliable dose-response relationship for the adverse health effects that may result from exposure to sulfate in drinking water, including the health effects that may be experienced by groups within the general population that are potentially at greater risk of adverse health effects as the result of such exposure, conducted in consultation with interested States and based on the best available, peer-reviewed science and supporting studies, and subject to notice of proposed rulemaking and public comment). (Sec. 10) Directs the Administrator to:  (1) amend filtration criteria to allow a State exercising primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems, on a case-by-case basis, to establish treatment requirements as an alternative to filtration for systems having uninhabited, undeveloped watersheds in consolidated ownership, and having control over access to, and activities in, those watersheds, if the State determines (and the Administrator concurs) that the quality of the source water and the alternative treatment requirements established by the State ensure significantly greater removal efficiencies of pathogenic organisms for which NPDW regulations have been promulgated or which are of public health concern than would be achieved by the combination of filtration and chlorine disinfection); and (2) propose a regulation that describes treatment techniques that meet the filtration requirements that are feasible for community water systems serving a population of 3,300 or for fewer and noncommunity water systems. Delays until at least three years after the enactment of this Act the deadline for issuing regulations to require disinfection at groundwater systems. (Sec. 11) Revises provisions regarding NPDW regulation effective dates to provide that such a regulation shall take effect three years after the date on which it is promulgated unless the Administrator determines that an earlier date is practicable, except that the Administrator, or a State in the case of an individual system, may allow up to two additional years to comply with an MCL or treatment technique if the Administrator or State determines that additional time is necessary for capital improvements. (Sec. 12) Directs the Administrator, simultaneously with promulgating NPDW regulations, to issue guidance or regulations regarding system treatment technologies. Requires the Administrator to include in the list of the technology, treatment techniques, and other means which the Administrator finds to be feasible for purposes of meeting NPDW MCLs any means that is feasible for small public water systems serving specified populations and that achieves compliance with the MCL or treatment technique, including packaged or modular systems and point-of-entry treatment units.  Prohibits the Administrator from including in the list any point-of-use treatment technology, treatment technique, or other means to achieve compliance with an MCL or treatment technique requirement for a microbial contaminant.  Specifies that if the American National Standards Institute has issued product standards applicable to a specific type of point-of-entry or point-of-use treatment device, individual units of that type shall not be accepted for compliance with an MCL or treatment technique requirement unless they are independently certified in accordance with such standards. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher learning to establish and operate not fewer than five small public water system technology assistance centers in the United States. (Sec. 13) Revises provisions of the Act authorizing variances and exemptions from NPDW regulations to:  (1) allow public water systems to receive a variance on the condition that they install and operate best available treatment technology; and (2) authorize the Administrator (or a State with primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems) to grant to public water systems serving a population of 10,000 or fewer a variance for compliance with a requirement specifying an MCL or treatment technique contained in an NPDW regulation if a system cannot afford to comply with the regulation and adequate protection of public health is ensured. (Sec. 15) Requires each State to:  (1) obtain the legal authority or other means to ensure that all new community water systems and new nontransient, noncommunity water systems commencing operation after October 1, 1996, demonstrate technical, managerial, and financial capacity with respect to each NPDW regulation in effect, or likely to be in effect, on the date of commencement of operations; (2) prepare, periodically update, and submit to the Administrator a list of community water systems and nontransient, noncommunity water systems that have a history of significant noncompliance; (3) report to the Administrator on the success of enforcement mechanisms and initial capacity development efforts in assisting such systems to improve technical, managerial, and financial capacity; and (4) develop and implement a strategy to assist public water systems in acquiring and maintaining such capacity. Directs the Administrator to support:  (1) the States in developing capacity development strategies; and (2) the network of university-based Environmental Finance Centers in providing training and technical assistance to State and local officials in developing the capacity of public water systems, including the establishment of a national public water systems capacity development clearinghouse. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 16) Requires public water systems receiving assistance from a State Revolving Loan Fund to be operated by a trained and certified operator.  Specifies that, in the case of a State with primary enforcement responsibility or any other State that has established a training program that is consistent with the guidance issued under the Act, the authority to prescribe the appropriate level of training for certification for all systems shall be solely the responsibility of the State.  Authorizes the Administrator to withhold funds that would otherwise be allocated to the State, or require the repayment of an amount equal to the amount of any such assistance, for noncompliance. (Sec. 17) Directs each State to:  (1) delineate the source water protection areas for community water systems in the State using hydrogeologic information considered to be reasonably available and appropriate by the State; and (2) conduct vulnerability assessments in source water areas determined to be a priority by the State. Authorizes States to establish source water quality partnership petition programs to assist in the local development of a voluntary, incentive-based partnership to reduce the presence in drinking water of contaminants and to obtain Federal and State financial or technical assistance. Sets forth requirements for State approval of petitions, including:   (1) an identification of technical, financial, or other assistance that the State will provide to assist in addressing the drinking water contaminants that may be addressed by a petition based on specified factors; and (2) a description of technical or financial assistance pursuant to Federal and State programs that is available to assist in implementing recommendations of the partnership, including any voluntary agricultural resource management plan or voluntary whole farm or whole ranch management plan developed and implemented under a process established by the Secretary of Agriculture. Authorizes the Administrator to make a grant to each State that establishes an approved program in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the cost of administering the program. Directs the Administrator to publish guidance to assist:  (1) States in the development of a source water quality protection partnership program; and (2) municipal or local governments or political subdivisions and community water systems in the development of source water quality protection partnerships and in the assessment of source water quality. (Sec. 18) Grants:  (1) a State primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems if the Administrator determines that such State has adopted drinking water regulations that are no less stringent than the NPDW regulations within two years after such regulations are promulgated.  Authorizes the Administrator to provide an extension of not more than two years if, after submission and review of appropriate, adequate documentation from the State, the Administrator determines that the extension is necessary and justified. Grants a State that has primary enforcement authority for existing drinking water regulations interim primary enforcement authority for new regulations pending such determination.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 19) Requires the Administrator to review existing monitoring requirements for not fewer than 12 contaminants within two years. Authorizes:  (1) States to establish alternative monitoring programs for any NPDW regulation, except for a regulation applicable to a microbial contaminant or an indicator of such a contaminant, subject to specified requirements; and (2) the Administrator or a State to suspend quarterly monitoring requirements applicable to small systems for any contaminant (other than a microbial contaminant or such an indicator, that causes an acute effect, or a contaminant formed in the treatment process or distribution system) that is not detected during the first quarterly sample in a monitoring cycle. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations establishing the criteria for a monitoring program for unregulated contaminants, and to list up to 20 contaminants.  Requires all systems serving more than 10,000 people to monitor for such contaminants.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to establish a national database containing information on the occurrence of regulated and unregulated contaminants. Provides that information requirements imposed by the Administrator that require monitoring, the establishment or maintenance of records, or reporting, by a substantial number of public water systems, shall be established by regulation. Directs the Administrator to review new analytical methods to screen for regulated contaminants.  Authorizes the Administrator to approve such methods as are more accurate or cost-effective than established reference methods for use in compliance monitoring. (Sec. 20) Requires each owner or operator of a public water system to give notice to those served by the system:  (1) of any failure of the system to comply with an applicable maximum contaminant level or treatment technique requirement of, or a testing procedure prescribed by, an NPDW regulation, or to perform required monitoring; (2) of the existence of a variance granted for an inability to meet a maximum contaminant level requirement or a granted exemption and of any failure to comply with the requirements of any schedule prescribed pursuant to the variance or exemption; and (3) of the concentration level of any unregulated contaminant for which the Administrator has required public notice. Directs the Administrator to prescribe the manner, frequency, form, and content of such notice to provide for different notice frequencies for violations that are intermittent or infrequent and violations that are continuous or frequent, and to take into account the seriousness of any potential adverse health effects that may be involved.  Permits a State to establish alternative notification requirements. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 21) Revises enforcement provisions of the Act to permit enforcement actions to be taken by both EPA and a State with primary enforcement responsibility.  Directs the Administrator to notify local elected officials before taking enforcement actions against public water systems in nonprimacy States. Authorizes the Administrator or a State to suspend enforcement action with respect to a violation for a two-year period if the violation is to be corrected through a consolidation or restructuring during that period. Requires States, to have primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems, to adopt administrative penalties of at least $1,000 per violation for large systems.  Increases the maximum amount for an administrative penalty imposed by EPA from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, but only after a hearing on the record. (Sec. 22) Revises current provisions governing the applicability of drinking water laws and regulations to the Federal Government.  Waives the sovereign immunity of the United States with respect to any requirement, administrative authority, or process or sanction under such laws and regulations.  Allows citizens and States to seek penalties for all violations of the Act at Federal facilities. (Sec. 23) Authorizes appropriations for research with respect to the safe supply of drinking water. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) develop, and periodically update, an integrated risk characterization strategy for drinking water quality; and (2) develop and carry out a research plan to support the development and implementation of rules regarding enhanced surface water treatment, disinfectant and disinfection byproducts, and groundwater disinfection. Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 24) Revises the definition of ""public water system"" to include systems that provide water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances. Excludes from regulation connections to non-piped systems if the water is used exclusively for non-residential uses, the Administrator or the State determines that alternative water to achieve the equivalent level of public health protection provided by the applicable NPDW regulation is provided for residential or similar uses for drinking and cooking, or the Administrator or the State determines that the water provided for residential or similar uses for drinking and cooking is centrally treated or treated at the point of entry by the provider, a pass-through entity, or the user to achieve the equivalent level of protection provided by the applicable NPDW regulations.  Sets forth transition provisions. (Sec. 25) Authorizes the Administrator to makes grants to States for the development and implementation of State programs for the protection of groundwater resources.  Prohibits any such grant from being used for more than half of the cost of the program.  Authorizes appropriations. Reauthorizes grants to support:  (1) the critical aquifer protection program; (2) the wellhead protection program; and (3) State administration of the Underground Injection Control program. Directs the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the extent and seriousness of contamination of private sources of drinking water that are not regulated under this Act. Authorizes the Administrator to reestablish a partnership between the Robert S.  Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory and the National Center for Ground Water Research, a university consortium, to conduct research, training, and technology transfer for groundwater quality protection and restoration. Authorizes the Administrator to provide:  (1) technical and financial assistance to units of State or local government for projects that demonstrate and assess innovative and enhanced methods and practices to develop and implement watershed protection programs, including methods and practices that protect both surface and groundwater; and (2) financial assistance to New York State for demonstration projects implemented as part of the watershed program for the protection and enhancement of the quality of source waters of the New York City water supply system.   Sets forth matching and reporting requirements.  Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 26) Amends prohibitions on lead plumbing and pipes to prohibit:  (1) the use in the installation or repair of any public water system or in any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption of any plumbing fitting or fixture that is not lead free; (2) the sale (effective two years after this Act's enactment) of any pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture that is not lead free, with exceptions; or (3) the sale of any solder or flux that is not lead free that does not bear a label stating that it is illegal to use the solder or flux in plumbing providing water for human consumption. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) provide accurate and timely technical information and assistance to qualified third-party certifiers in the development of voluntary standards and testing protocols for the leaching of lead from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion; and (2) promulgate regulations setting a health effects-based performance standard establishing maximum leaching levels from new plumbing fittings and fixtures that are intended by the manufacturer to dispense water for human ingestion if a voluntary standard is not established within a year. Repeals Federal law encouraging the use of geothermal heat pumps that return water to the distribution lines of public water systems. (Sec. 27) Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a regulation establishing for bottled water a quality level for each contaminant of public water systems for which such a level is established or make a finding that a regulation is unnecessary because the contaminant is not contained in water used for bottled drinking water (requires the Secretary to issue the regulation or make the required finding for any contaminant for which a NPDW regulation was promulgated before this Act's enactment within one year). (Sec. 28) Authorizes the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to modernize the Washington Aqueduct.  Authorizes appropriations. Modifies the membership of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council to include two members representing small, rural water systems. Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to:  (1) require the designated chairpersons of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to invite representatives of the Lake Champlain Basin Program to participate as ex officio members of the Task Force; and (2) include Lake Champlain among the waters with respect to which the aquatic nuisance species and zebra mussel demonstration programs apply. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to establish the Southwest Center for Environmental Research and Policy, consisting of a consortium of American and Mexican universities, to:  (1) conduct research and development programs, projects, and activities, including training and community service, on U.S.-Mexico border environmental issues, with particular emphasis on water quality and safe drinking water; (2) provide objective, independent assistance to the EPA and other Federal, State, and local agencies involved in environmental policy, research, training, and enforcement; and (3) help to coordinate and facilitate the improvement of environmental policies and programs between the United States and Mexico.  Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to develop a screening program, using appropriate validated test systems, to determine whether certain substances may have an effect in humans that is similar to an effect produced by a naturally occurring estrogen, or such other endocrine effect as the Administrator may designate.  Sets forth provisions regarding program implementation, substances to be tested, exemptions, information collection, penalties and procedures for failure to submit required information, action by the Administrator to protect public health, and reporting requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to the State of Alaska for the benefit of rural and Native villages in Alaska to pay the Federal share (50 percent) of the cost of:  (1) the development and construction of water and wastewater systems to improve the health and sanitation conditions in the villages; and (2) training, technical assistance, and educational programs relating to the operation and management of sanitation services in rural and Native villages.  Requires the Administrator to consult with such State on a method of prioritizing grant allocation according to the needs of, and relative health and sanitation conditions in, each eligible village.  Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Administrator and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies to award grants to any appropriate entity or border State (i.e., Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas) to provide assistance to eligible communities (colonias lacking basic sanitation facilities) for:  (1) the conservation, development, use, and control of water for the purpose of supplying drinking water; and (2) the construction, improvement, operation, and maintenance of sewers and treatment works for wastewater treatment.  Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-21T20:16:04Z,
104-hr-2988,104,hr,2988,To amend the Clean Air Act to provide that traffic signal synchronization projects are exempt from certain requirements of Environmental Protection Agency Rules.,Environmental Protection,1996-02-28,1996-10-09,Became Public Law No: 104-260.,House,"Rep. McKeon, Howard P. ""Buck"" [R-CA-25]",CA,R,M000508,0,"Amends the Clean Air Act, with respect to limitations on certain Federal assistance, to exempt traffic signal synchronization projects from requirements of compliance with Environmental Protection Agency rules for determining conformity to State or Federal implementation plans of transportation plans, programs, or projects funded or approved under Federal aid highway program or Federal Transit Act provisions prior to their funding, approval, or implementation. Requires the supporting regional emissions analysis for a conformity determination to consider the emissions effect of any such project funded, approved, or implemented prior to the determination.",2025-04-07T15:27:07Z,
104-hr-2919,104,hr,2919,Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Act of 1996,Environmental Protection,1996-01-31,1996-02-13,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Quinn, Jack [R-NY-30]",NY,R,Q000016,11,"Brownfields Remediation and Economic Development Act of 1996 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to certify any State program for brownfields (abandoned industrial sites in need of hazardous waste remediation before they may be returned to productive use) if the program:  (1) covers only sites that have been contaminated prior to enactment of this Act and are not listed on the National Priorities List; (2) provides for public participation prior to a landowner's release from liability upon completion of site remediation (carried out under a certified program) under State law and under abatement and response provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA); (3) provides for a reopening of a cleanup proposal under specified conditions; (4) contains standards for the sites that protect public health and the environment; and (5) includes coordination among State agencies for environmental protection and economic development. Provides (in addition to the release of landowners from liability described above) for the release from liability under State law and under CERCLA, upon completion of remediation, of lenders and developers (except with respect to pollution directly caused by them), prospective purchasers, and local governments not involved in the management of a site. Allows the Administrator to waive Federal permit requirements if the State program includes a waiver of State permit requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income tax deduction for payments into a tax-exempt Hazardous Waste Remediation Reserve to be used exclusively to pay costs of the taxpayer to:  (1) assess the extent of a site's environmental contamination and its expected remediation cost; and (2) remediate the contamination.",2025-08-21T20:16:59Z,
104-s-1537,104,s,1537,Aboveground Storage Tank Consolidation and Regulatory Improvement Act,Environmental Protection,1996-01-26,1996-01-26,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Robb, Charles S. [D-VA]",VA,D,R000295,4,"Aboveground Storage Tank Consolidation and Regulatory Improvement Act - Redesignates the Office of Underground Storage Tanks of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and establishes it as the Office of Storage Tanks (OST), to be headed by a Director.  Transfers to OST authorities of the following as they relate to regulation of aboveground and underground storage tanks:  (1) other EPA officers under the environmental laws; (2) the Secretary of Labor under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and worker protection standards provisions of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986; and (3) the Secretary of Transportation under pipeline safety provisions.  Transfers appropriations and personnel. Requires the Director, by regulation, to restate the laws he or she administers in consolidated form and streamline their application to owners and operators of aboveground and underground storage tanks. Expresses congressional intent that this direction is not intended to modify the laws' requirements.  Imposes, as part of such regulations, a requirement that an owner or operator of an aboveground storage tank report to the national response center established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act a release of a regulated substance (one regulated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 or petroleum or a petroleum substance) above a specified threshold, including a description of corrective action taken.  Allows the EPA Administrator, after release from an aboveground storage tank of a regulated substance posing an imminent threat to human health, public safety, or the environment, to prohibit the use or operation of all or any portion of a storage tank farm within a facility in which the tank is located until the prohibition is no longer necessary or corrective action has been taken. Authorizes the Director to include in the above regulations release detection, prevention, and correction regulations applicable to owners and operators of aboveground petroleum storage tanks. Requires the Director to determine if there are deficiencies in the law applicable to aboveground petroleum storage tanks and examine industry standards addressing the deficiencies, giving substantial weight to these in designing the regulations. Establishes requirements for reports to the Congress.",2025-08-21T20:15:38Z,
104-hr-2845,104,hr,2845,Environmental Equal Rights Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1996-01-04,1996-01-22,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7]",IL,D,C000634,0,"Environmental Equal Rights Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize individuals residing in an environmentally disadvantaged community in which a new solid or hazardous waste management facility is proposed to be constructed to petition the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or the State to prevent the facility from being constructed or from operating in such community. Denies such a petition only if the proponent of the proposed facility establishes that:  (1) there is no alternative location that poses fewer health and environmental risks; and (2) the facility will not release contaminants or engage in any activity that is likely to increase the cumulative impact of contaminants on the environmentally disadvantaged community. Defines an ""environmentally disadvantaged community"" as an area within two miles of the borders of a site on which a waste management facility is proposed to be constructed and that meets specified criteria concerning minority populations, poverty, and existing hazardous or solid waste facilities or hazardous waste sites.",2025-08-21T20:16:32Z,
104-hr-2835,104,hr,2835,Mercury Environmental Risk and Comprehensive Utilization Reduction Initiative,Environmental Protection,1995-12-22,1996-01-05,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]",NJ,D,P000034,0,"Mercury Environmental Risk and Comprehensive Utilization Reduction Initiative - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the sale or offering for sale or promotional purposes of:  (1) alkaline-manganese batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1996, with a mercury content that was intentionally introduced (limits the content in alkaline-manganese button cells to 25 milligrams of mercury per button cell); (2) zinc carbon batteries manufactured on or after January 1, 1997, that contain mercury that was intentionally introduced; (3) button cell mercuric-oxide batteries for use in the United States on or after January 1, 1997; and (4) any mercuric-oxide battery on or after January 1, 1997.  Authorizes imposition of civil penalties and commencement of civil actions by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce these prohibitions. Defines a ""regulated battery"" as a rechargeable battery that contains a cadmium or lead electrode or contains other electrode chemistries and is the subject of a specified determination by the Administrator. Prohibits any person from selling for use in the United States a regulated battery or a rechargeable consumer product introduced into interstate commerce on or after one year after this Act's enactment date unless:  (1) the battery is easily removable from the product, is contained in a battery pack that is easily removable from the product, or is sold separately; and (2) the rechargeable consumer product and the battery are labeled in accordance with this Act.  Sets forth labeling requirements, including that the label contain a statement that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly. Authorizes the Administrator, upon determining that other rechargeable batteries having electrode chemistries different from regulated batteries are toxic and may cause substantial harm if discarded for land disposal or incineration, to promulgate requirements for:  (1) labeling such batteries and related products; and (2) easy removability of regulated batteries from rechargeable consumer products designed to contain such batteries.  Provides for exemptions from these requirements under certain conditions. Makes certain EPA regulations regarding reclamation of spent lead-acid batteries, as in effect on January 1, 1993, applicable to persons collecting, storing, or transporting batteries or products regulated under this Act. Sets forth requirements for a report to the Congress by the Administrator on the disposal of used regulated batteries and rechargeable consumer products.  Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide information on the proper handling and disposal of such batteries and rechargeable consumer products with easily removable batteries.  Establishes civil penalties for violations of the regulated battery and rechargeable consumer product requirements of this Act, recordkeeping requirements, and access authorities for the Administrator. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 4) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to prohibit the sale or offering for sale of an alkaline or lead-acid battery unless the container is clearly labeled with a refund value, to be determined by the Administrator according to class or category.  Requires distributors of batteries to collect amounts of refund values from retailers and retailers to collect such amounts from consumers. Establishes procedures for return of refund values (and handling costs) and disposition of refunds that are unclaimed or in excess of amounts collected.  Makes amounts of unclaimed refunds available for pollution prevention and recycling programs in the State. Prohibits disposal of such a battery by a retailer or distributor in any landfill or other solid waste disposal facility. Makes the refund program's requirements inapplicable in States with procedures substantially identical to those imposed by this Act or which demonstrate a battery recycling or reuse rate of at least 70 percent. Establishes civil penalties for violations of refund program requirements. (Sec. 5) Prohibits, with stated exceptions, the intentional introduction of mercury to the manufacturing or distribution of packaging or a packaging component. Sets threshold levels for mercury presence in packaging or components.  Requires manufacturers and suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance to purchasers and make such certificates available, upon request, to the public.  Establishes civil penalties for violation of these prohibitions. (Sec. 6) Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to prohibit the Administrator from registering or reregistering any fungicide containing phenylmercuric acetate and cancels existing registrations of such fungicides. (Sec. 7) Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the use and disposal of mercury by the Department of Defense.  Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a program to the Congress, within three years after enactment of this Act, for reducing mercury use in military products. (Sec. 8) Amends SWDA to prohibit Federal agencies, State and local governments, and other waste management jurisdictions, after December 31, 1996, from issuing a permit or other prior approval for the construction or expansion of a municipal solid waste incinerator unless the applicant completes an environmental impact statement.  Requires State solid waste plans to provide for separation, for recycling purposes, of mercury-containing items to be listed by the Administrator, including batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, electrical switches, and thermostats. (Sec. 9) Amends the Clean Air Act to remove an exemption of electric utility steam generating units from the applicability of standards promulgated by the Administrator regarding certain hazardous air pollutants.  Requires as part of a permit program administered by an air pollution control agency, in the case of such generating units and municipal and medical waste incinerators, the imposition of an additional fee of $500 per pound of mercury emissions from the unit or a greater amount determined by the Administrator to be necessary to cover the costs of a program to research technologies to reduce mercury emissions and remediate mercury contamination. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Food and Drug Administration, to:  (1) compile a list of drugs and foods containing intentionally introduced mercury compounds, together with a quantitative and qualitative analysis of such compounds; and (2) study the effect on humans of the use of such compounds in nasal sprays.",2025-08-21T20:16:45Z,
104-hr-2838,104,hr,2838,Public Debt Relief Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-12-22,1996-01-05,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]",NJ,R,S000522,0,"Public Debt Relief Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to allow a State to exercise flow control authority over solid waste if, on or before January 1, 1984, the State:  (1) adopted regulations under a State law that required or directed the transportation, management, or disposal of such waste from residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial sources to specifically identified waste management facilities and applied those regulations to every political subdivision; and (2) subjected the facilities to the jurisdiction of a State public utilities commission. Allows a State or political subdivision of the State meeting the requirements of this Act to exercise flow control authority over all classes and categories of solid waste that were subject to flow control by the State or subdivision on May 16, 1994, by directing it from any existing waste management facility to any other such facility, existing or proposed. Sets limitations on the duration of authority under this Act according to the length of a revenue or general obligation bond issued to finance waste management facilities.",2025-08-21T20:15:11Z,
104-hr-2827,104,hr,2827,Sound Science for the Environment Act,Environmental Protection,1995-12-21,1996-01-02,Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.,House,"Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3]",NJ,R,S000097,54,"Sound Science for the Environment Act - Establishes as an independent agency the National Institute for the Environment to:  (1) initiate, facilitate, and perform comprehensive assessments of the current state of knowledge of environmental issues and their implications; (2) establish a Center for Environmental Assessment; (3) award competitively grants and contracts for extramural scientific research; (4) establish a Directorate of Research and a universally accessible National Library for the Environment; and (5) sponsor education and training of environmental scientists and professionals and improve public environmental literacy. Establishes a Board of Governors for the Institute. Provides for interagency acquisition of information and establishes an Interagency Advisory Committee to ensure that the environmental efforts of the Institute and other Federal agencies are complementary. Makes scientists, engineers, and other researchers eligible to receive funding from the Institute. Requires the President to submit to the Congress recommendations regarding existing non-regulatory Federal programs that are appropriate for transfer to the Institute, together with legislation to effect such transfers.",2025-08-21T20:15:32Z,
104-s-1497,104,s,1497,Land Disposal Program Flexibility Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-12-21,1995-12-21,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Nickles, Don [R-OK]",OK,R,N000102,15,"Land Disposal Program Flexibility Act of 1995 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to exempt from land disposal restrictions (other than requirements pertaining to applicable specific methods of treatment promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under SWDA) solid waste identified as hazardous based on characteristic alone if such waste:  (1) is managed in a treatment system that subsequently discharges to waters of the United States pursuant to a permit issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), undergoes pretreatment for purposes of compliance with toxic and pretreatment effluent standards of such Act, or is managed under a zero-discharge system that the Administrator determines to be engaging in Clean Water Act-equivalent treatment; (2) no longer exhibits such characteristic prior to land disposal; (3) has met any applicable specific method of treatment promulgated by the Administrator; and (4) would not generate toxic gases, vapors, or fumes due to the presence of cyanide at the point of generation when exposed to pH conditions of a specified range. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study of hazardous waste managed in accordance with this Act to characterize the risks to human health or the environment associated with such management, upon completion of which the Administrator may impose additional requirements or defer management of such risks to other State or Federal programs or authorities. Amends SWDA to exempt from land disposal restrictions solid waste identified as hazardous based on characteristic alone if the waste no longer exhibits a hazardous characteristic at the point of injection into any Class I deep well regulated under safe drinking water provisions of the Public Health Service Act.",2025-08-21T20:16:27Z,
104-s-1491,104,s,1491,Antimicrobial Pesticide Registration Reform Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-12-20,1996-07-24,Committee on Agriculture. Measure incorporated into measure S. 1166 ordered to be reported.,Senate,"Sen. Grams, Rod [R-MN]",MN,R,G000367,45,"Antimicrobial Pesticide Registration Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to exclude:  (1) bacteria from the definition of ""fungus""; and (2) liquid chemical sterilant products for use on a critical or semi-critical medical or dental device from the definition of ""pesticide."" Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) coordinate data requirements, test protocols, timetables, and standards of review and reduce burdens and redundancy caused to the registrant, whenever data in support of a pesticide registration is requested by one or more State or Federal agencies; and (2) develop a process to identify and assist in alleviating future disparities between Federal and State data requirements. Provides, with respect to the labeling of an antimicrobial pesticide product, that:  (1) a registrant may modify the labeling to include relevant information on the product's efficacy, composition, or container or other characteristics unrelated to a pesticidal claim or activity; (2) such labeling shall not be false or misleading or in conflict with statements required as a condition of registration and be substantiated upon request; (3) modifications shall be subject to a notification and approval process; and (4) different cautionary statements for use dilutions may be included in the labeling upon approval of the Administrator. Directs the Administrator, to the maximum extent practicable, to identify and evaluate changes to the process for registration of antimicrobial pesticides that will reduce current time periods for review.  Details rulemaking requirements regarding the review of such pesticides.  Requires an annual report to the Congress on measures taken to effect such changes. Exempts from applicability of certain FIFRA storage, disposal, transportation, and container requirements household, industrial, or institutional antimicrobial products that are not subject to regulation under the Solid Waste Disposal Act, unless the Administrator determines that their application is necessary to prevent an unreasonable adverse effect on the environment.",2025-08-21T20:16:10Z,
104-hr-2801,104,hr,2801,"To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide that the United States Army Corps of Engineers perform contract oversight of Fund financed remedial actions under that Act.",Environmental Protection,1995-12-18,1996-01-02,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Frelinghuysen, Rodney P. [R-NJ-11]",NJ,R,F000372,0,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to require that administration of contracts awarded for design and construction associated with Superfund lead remedial actions be performed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, except in the case of certain remedial actions carried out by a State or political subdivision.",2025-01-02T17:37:34Z,
104-hr-2762,104,hr,2762,"To require additional research prior to the promulgation of a standard for sulfate under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1995-12-12,1996-01-02,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Johnson, Tim [D-SD-At Large]",SD,D,J000177,1,"Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, prior to promulgating a national primary drinking water regulation for sulfate, to jointly conduct additional research to establish a reliable dose-response relationship for the adverse health effects that may result from exposure to sulfate in drinking water. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) consideration of health effects that may be experienced by groups within the general population, such as infants and travelers, that are potentially at greater risk; (2) the conduct of research in consultation with interested States and based on the best available, peer-reviewed science and supporting studies; and (3) notice, time, and rulemaking requirements for promulgating such standard.",2025-01-02T17:37:27Z,
104-hr-2742,104,hr,2742,"To set aside a portion of the funds available under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to be used encourage the redevelopment of marginal brownfield sites, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1995-12-07,1995-12-21,Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.,House,"Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-21]",PA,R,E000187,0,"Makes available to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a specified fraction of amounts in the Hazardous Substance Superfund for each fiscal year for a program of grants to States to be used for decontamination and remediation of brownfield sites to make such sites available for proposed new uses.  Defines a ""brownfield site"" as a parcel of land that was previously used for industrial purposes but is contaminated with hazardous or toxic waste and not currently used for any purpose. Prohibits, with respect to a site at which decontamination or remediation is being carried out under an approved State brownfield cleanup program, any action for:  (1) decontamination or remediation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) or the Solid Waste Disposal Act; and (2) recovery of costs or damages arising from a hazardous substance release or threatened release under CERCLA against a person who is engaging or has engaged in the cleanup of such a site under a State program approved under this Act. Imposes reporting requirements upon participating States.",2025-01-02T17:37:22Z,
104-s-1436,104,s,1436,Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility Private Investment Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-11-29,1995-11-29,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]",NJ,D,L000123,0,Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility Private Investment Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to include in the regulation of wastewater treatment works (WTWs) under such Act WTWs which are:  (1) constructed and owned by a State or municipality; (2) constructed and owned by a State or municipality where ownership has been transferred to a private regulated utility or an entity under contract with the State or municipality to receive municipal wastewater; or (3) owned or operated by a private regulated utility or an entity under contract with the State or municipality to receive municipal wastewater.,2025-08-21T20:14:37Z,
104-hr-2682,104,hr,2682,To amend the Clean Air Act to provide for additional reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen in regions contributing to acid deposition in the Adirondacks.,Environmental Protection,1995-11-28,1995-12-05,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Solomon, Gerald B. H. [R-NY-22]",NY,R,S000675,28,"Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations requiring reductions in sulfur dioxide emissions from utility units located in subregions contributing to acid deposition in the Adirondacks necessary to limit, by the year 2000, acid deposition rates to a target level at which the acid neutralizing capacity level of surface waters exceeds the level found in a 1984 survey and the maintenance load of sulfur per hectare does not exceed a specified quantity.  Requires the Administrator to also promulgate regulations necessary to require utility units in subregions that are major contributors to Adirondack acid deposition to employ, no later than January 1, 2000, reasonably available technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.  Describes means allowed for compliance with these regulations. Disallows treatment of emission reductions achieved by compliance with this Act as emission reductions for any other Clean Air Act purposes or as authorizing excess sulfur dioxide emissions under Clean Air Act utility unit allowances.",2025-01-02T17:37:16Z,
104-hr-2648,104,hr,2648,Lake Gaston Protection Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-11-16,1995-12-05,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.",House,"Rep. Funderburk, David [R-NC-2]",NC,R,F000426,7,"Lake Gaston Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from granting a license, license amendment, or permit (license) for an activity that will result directly or indirectly in the withdrawal by a State or political subdivision of water from a lake, reservoir, or similar body of water (lake) that is situated in two States unless the Governor of the State in which more than half of the lake is situated certifies that the withdrawal will not adversely affect the environment in, or the economy of, that State. Makes an exception regarding an application for a license for an activity that will occur or affect waters located within a river basin that is subject to an interstate compact, a decree of the Supreme Court, or an Act of Congress that specifically allocates the rights to use such water. Specifies that this Act shall apply to any application made on or after January 1, 1991, unless the application has been granted and is no longer subject to judicial review.",2025-08-21T20:16:02Z,
104-hr-2637,104,hr,2637,To provide for a study of certain cross-border sources of air pollution.,Environmental Protection,1995-11-15,1995-11-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Bilbray, Brian P. [R-CA-49]",CA,R,B000461,4,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with State and local air pollution control agencies, to undertake a study of air pollution from mobile sources entering the United States from other countries to determine the extent to which air pollution in U.S. areas exceeding national ambient air quality standards is attributable to such sources.  Requires development of a verifiable model for estimation of the amount of such pollution and use of estimates and monitoring in at least one metropolitan area near an international border, including the San Diego, California, area, to test model results.  Requires a report to the Congress.",2025-01-02T17:37:16Z,
104-hr-2645,104,hr,2645,"To permit freon to be used for home, automobile, and agricultural air conditioning equipment.",Environmental Protection,1995-11-15,1995-11-20,Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment.,House,"Rep. Thornberry, Mac [R-TX-13]",TX,R,T000238,0,"Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, notwithstanding title VI of the Clean Air Act, the Montreal Protocol, the Copenhagen Accords, and all related international agreements, from banning, phasing out, or restricting the production, importation, export, consumption, or use of CFC-12 (freon) for use in automobile and agricultural air conditioning equipment or HCFC-22 for use in residential air conditioning equipment.  Repeals all rules, standards, and other regulatory actions issued by the Administrator before the date of enactment of this Act to the extent they impose controls prohibited under this Act.",2025-01-02T17:37:16Z,
104-s-1413,104,s,1413,Lake Gaston Protection Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-11-15,1995-11-15,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC]",NC,R,H000463,1,"Lake Gaston Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from granting a license, license amendment, or permit (license) for an activity that will result directly or indirectly in the withdrawal by a State or political subdivision of water from a lake, reservoir, or similar body of water (lake) that is situated in two States unless the Governor of the State in which more than half of the lake is situated certifies that the withdrawal will not adversely affect the environment in, or the economy of, that State. Makes an exception regarding an application for a license for an activity that will occur or affect waters located within a river basin that is subject to an interstate compact, a decree of the Supreme Court, or an Act of Congress that specifically allocates the rights to use such water. Specifies that this Act shall apply to any application made on or after January 1, 1991, unless the application has been granted and is no longer subject to judicial review.",2025-08-21T20:15:09Z,
104-hr-2595,104,hr,2595,"To amend the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to establish the reportable quantity for sulfur dioxide as 1,000 pounds.",Environmental Protection,1995-11-08,1995-11-20,"Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.",House,"Rep. Peterson, Collin C. [D-MN-7]",MN,D,P000258,0,"Amends the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 to establish 1,000 pounds as the reportable quantity for sulfur dioxide for purposes of certain notification requirements with respect to the release of hazardous substances from a vessel or facility.",2025-01-02T17:37:21Z,
104-s-1390,104,s,1390,Local Environmental Improvement Facilitation Act,Environmental Protection,1995-11-03,1995-12-13,Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]",SD,R,P000513,0,"Local Environmental Improvement Facilitation Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that, in the case of a civil or administrative penalty assessed against an individual, corporation, partnership, or association (private person), the private person may elect to pay:  (1) the amount of the penalty to the Treasury for deposit into a special account for payment of public debt obligations; or (2) an amount not to exceed $500,000 of the penalty to carry out a community environmental project in accordance with this Act, with the remainder to be paid into the Treasury's special account. Requires a private person who makes the latter election, after consulting with and obtaining the concurrence of the State and each political subdivision of the State within which the violation occurred, to enter into an agreement to pay the prescribed amount to an appropriate person to carry out one or more environmental projects. Requires a separate agreement to be entered into with respect to each penalty for which an election is made. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) suitable environmental projects; and (2) oversight.",2025-08-21T20:17:12Z,
104-s-1391,104,s,1391,"A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the imposition of any civil or administrative penalty against a unit of local government for a violation of the Act when a compliance plan with respect to the violation is in effect, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1995-11-03,1995-12-13,Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Pressler, Larry [R-SD]",SD,R,P000513,1,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit any civil or administrative penalty from being imposed against a local government for a violation of a provisions of the Act:  (1) if such government has entered into an agreement with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, or the State to carry out a compliance plan with respect to a prior violation of the provision; and (2) during the period beginning on the date on which the government and the Administrator, Secretary, or State enter into such agreement and ending on the date on which the government is required to be in compliance under the agreement.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
104-hr-2583,104,hr,2583,"To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to prevent the construction of a thermal destruction facility at the OII site east of downtown Los Angeles unless the local community agrees to the location.",Environmental Protection,1995-11-02,1995-11-08,Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2134-2135),House,"Rep. Martinez, Matthew G. [D-CA-31]",CA,D,M000206,0,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to prohibit use of funds in the Hazardous Substances Superfund for construction or operation of a thermal destruction facility at the site known as the OII landfill site, located in the vicinity of the cities of Los Angeles, Montebello, and Monterey Park, California, unless the City of Monterey Park and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency enter into a written agreement regarding the location of the facility.",2025-01-02T17:37:15Z,
104-hr-2567,104,hr,2567,Constructed Water Conveyances Reform Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-11-01,1996-01-24,Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. Condit, Gary A. [D-CA-18]",CA,D,C000670,9,"Constructed Water Conveyances Reform Act of 1995 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that a State that exercises jurisdiction over constructed (manmade) water conveyances, in establishing standards for such conveyances:  (1) shall consider any water quality impacts resulting from any return flow from such a conveyance to navigable waters and the need to protect downstream uses; and (2) may consider the existing and planned uses of the transported water, management practices necessary to maintain the conveyances, State or regional water resources management and water conservation plans, and the intended purposes for the conveyance. Provides that if a State adopts or reviews water quality standards for such conveyances, it shall not be required to establish recreational, aquatic life, or fish consumption uses for such systems if such uses:  (1) are not existing or reasonably foreseeable; or (2) interfere with the intended purpose of the system.",2025-04-07T15:29:40Z,
104-s-1364,104,s,1364,Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-10-26,1995-10-26,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Kempthorne, Dirk [R-ID]",ID,R,K000088,12,"Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1995 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the Act) to revise the findings, purposes, and policy of the Act.  Declares it to be congressional policy to conserve endangered and threatened species and to equally consider the conservation of listed species, preservation of economic growth, maintenance of a strong tax base, and protection against the diminishment of the use and value of private property. (Sec. 3) Revises definitions under the Act, including the definition of:  (1) ""critical habitat"" to mean the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by an endangered or threatened species, at the time the species is listed, that contain such physical or biological features as are essential to the conservation of the species and the persistence of the species for at least seven human generations (with ""human generation"" meaning 20 years) and as may require special management considerations or protection; and (2) ""endangered species"" to mean any species that, if no action were taken under the Act, would be placed on an irreversible course to extinction within two human generations, with exceptions. (Sec. 4) Modifies provisions regarding the determination of an endangered or threatened species to require the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to:  (1) make such determination on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after requesting the Endangered Species Commission (established under this Act) to conduct a scientific review; and (2) give priority to species the conservation of which is most likely to reduce the need to list other species dependent on the same habitat, and consideration to species identified as a known source of pharmaceutical or agricultural biochemicals. Requires the Secretary to designate, and make revisions regarding, critical habitat on the basis of the best new scientific data available.  Specifies that:  (1) the information shall include data documenting the biological vulnerability of, and threats to, the species or habitat of the species; and (2) failure to so document the information shall result in a presumption that the petition is inadequate. Directs the Secretary, if such a petition is found to present the information, to:  (1) provide a copy of the petition to the State having jurisdiction over the area in which the species is believed to occur; and (2) invite the determination of the State as to whether the petitioned action is warranted, promptly request the Commission to conduct a scientific review of any new information presented by the petition with respect to the status of the species, and promptly publish each finding made in the Federal Register. Sets forth or modifies provisions regarding:  (1) judicial review of such findings; (2) endangered species determinations with regard to foreign species; (3) notice of regulations (requiring a readily understandable, nontechnical explanation of the reasons for and purpose of the proposed regulation, an analysis concluding that the conservation benefit outweighs any negative conservation impact of the regulation, and a summary of the findings of the assessment team based on the required review); and (4) State review of such regulations (including scientific review of conflicts between the Secretary and the affected State). Requires the Commission to conduct, at least once every five years, a review of all species included in a list of endangered or threatened species and to report the results to the Secretary.  Sets forth procedures for changes in the status of a species. Repeals provisions regarding the development and implementation of recovery plans by the Secretary for the conservation and survival of listed species. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary, in cooperation with the States having jurisdiction over areas in which listed species are believed to occur, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, and considering the options presented by the Commission, to develop and implement conservation plans to provide for the conservation of the species and the habitats on which the species depend, with exceptions. Requires the Secretary, in developing a conservation objective and plan for a foreign species, to:  (1) act in a manner consistent with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Convention); and (2) cooperate with and support any conservation strategy adopted for the species by each foreign nation in which the species occurs. Directs the Secretary, Federal agencies, and the States to minimize adverse social and economic consequences and impacts on private property that may result from the implementation of conservation plans. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) the establishment of conservation objectives; (2) schedules for conservation plan preparation; (3) priorities of plans; (4) alternative strategies; (5) procedures for the preparation of proposed and final plans; (6) publication of final plans; and (7) participation by other persons in developing and implementing such plans. Directs the Secretary to designate critical habitat that supports the conservation objective of the Secretary for the species and to revise a critical habitat designation.  Permits the Secretary to elect not to designate any critical habitat for the species where the designation is not prudent or determinable.  Requires that such designation or revision be made on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available after taking into consideration the availability of substitute habitat in mitigation banks or from other sources and the economic or any other relevant impact. Directs the Secretary to exclude any area from critical habitat for which the Secretary determines that the benefits of the exclusion outweigh the benefits of designating the area as part of the critical habitat, unless the Secretary determines, on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available, that the failure to designate the area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the species for which the habitat is designated. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) revision of critical habitat designation; (2) the effects of agency actions that are consistent with the conservation objective and plan; (3) alternative species protection; (4) interim management prior to publication of a final conservation plan or a conservation objective, the entering into of a cooperative management agreement, or the issuance of an incidental taking permit; (5) suspension of conservation plans or objectives; (6) reporting requirements; and (7) the standard of judicial review of agency decisions. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage persons to apply to exchange lands, waters, or interests therein under their jurisdiction (lands) (other than units of the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and the National Trails System) for lands that are not in Federal ownership and that are affected by the Act, provided that the lands to be exchanged are of approximately equal value.  Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) appraisals; (2) environmental assessment; and (3) valuation. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States and other non-Federal persons, including consulting as appropriate before seeking to acquire land for the purpose of conserving any endangered or threatened species. Authorizes the Secretary to:  (1) enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) with any State or group of States, political subdivision of a State, local government, or other non-Federal person for the management of a listed species, species proposed to be listed, or candidate species (i.e., species found warranted to be listed but precluded from listing because of pending proposals to list that are of a higher priority); and (2) designate any non-Federal person participating or assisting in the implementation of a CMA as a volunteer under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. Directs the Secretary to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation of a CMA with a non-Federal person. Exempts the preparation, approval, and entering into of a CMA from specified requirements of the Act and of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Specifies that:  (1) except under extraordinary circumstances (in which case the Secretary shall have the burden of demonstrating and clearly documenting the existence of such circumstances), no additional measures to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is a subject of a CMA shall be required of a non-Federal party to the agreement that is in compliance with the agreement; and (2) with respect to any species that is a subject of such a CMA, under no circumstances shall a non-Federal party in compliance with the CMA be required to make any additional payment for any purpose, or accept any additional restriction on any parcel of land available for development or land management under the CMA, without the consent of the non-Federal party. Provides that a CMA shall remain in effect and shall not be required to be amended if a species to which the agreement does not apply is determined to be an endangered or threatened species. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding:  (1) violations of CMAs; (2) requirements governing acquisition of water; and (3) Federal reclamation projects and contracts. Authorizes the Secretary to:  (1) make grants to non-Federal persons, from appropriated funds, for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving habitat for an endangered or threatened species; and (2) enter into safe harbor agreements with non-Federal persons who own real property for the purpose of encouraging the voluntary management, restoration, or enhancement of non-Federal lands owned by such persons to conserve listed and candidate species. Requires the Secretary:  (1) at the request of a State, to delegate to the State the authority to develop and implement a conservation plan for a listed species unless the Secretary determines that the State lacks authority and capability to carry out the requirements of the Act; and (2) to monitor the actions of States in developing and implementing conservation plans. (Sec. 8) Directs each Federal agency to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the agency that affects any endangered or threatened species or designated critical habitat of the species is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) Federal agency consultation with the Secretary regarding agency actions likely to significantly and adversely affect an endangered or threatened species and regarding guidance on the consistency of an agency action with the conservation plan or objective for, an incidental taking permit for, or a CMA concerning, the species; (2) consideration of information and other law; (3) actions exempt from consultation and conferencing; (4) actions not constituting takings; (5) the resolution of conflicts between the responsibilities of a Federal agency under the Act vis-a-vis any other law, treaty, or interstate compact; (6) the use of mitigation banks; (7) risk assessment; and (8) exemptions from the Act. (Sec. 9) Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of State to act cooperatively with other nations in conserving wildlife.  Prohibits such Secretaries, to the extent that the conservation programs of such nations are consistent with the Convention, from obstructing the programs of such nations unless the Secretary demonstrates good cause for the action based on adequate findings supported by substantial evidence. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to limit a finding under the Convention to the purpose of the importation.  Bars the Secretary from:  (1) duplicating the findings required to be made by the exporting nation that is a party to the Convention except for good cause based on adequate findings supported by substantial evidence; and (2) prohibiting any act that is permitted under the Convention in issuing protective regulations with respect to a foreign species.  Sets forth restrictions regarding the publishing of proposed protective regulations. (Sec. 11) Provides that an activity of a non-Federal person shall be deemed not to constitute a taking of a species if the activity:  (1) is consistent with the applicable guidance of a conservation plan or objective; (2) complies with the terms and conditions of an incidental taking permit or a CMA; or (3) addresses a critical, imminent threat to public health or safety or a catastrophic natural event. Specifies that provisions prohibiting importation shall not apply to a member of a threatened species:  (1) taken for scientific collection, live export for captive breeding, sport hunting, or falconry in accordance with the laws of a foreign nation that is a party to the Convention; and (2) accompanied by an export permit issued by the nation or an equivalent document. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to permit specified activities, including:  (1) the public display or exhibition of living wildlife in a manner that contributes to the education of the public about the ecological role and conservation needs of the affected species; (2) in the case of foreign species, acts that are consistent with the Convention and with conservation strategies adopted by the foreign nations responsible for the conservation of the species; and (3) acts necessary for captive propagation programs. Sets forth or revises provisions regarding:  (1) the use of mitigation banks; (2) the scope of permits; (3) environmental assessments; (4) limits on additional measures required to minimize and mitigate impacts on a species that is a subject of a permit where the permittee is in compliance with the permit; (5) interim permits; (6) permit revocation; and (7) voluntary consultation by non-Federal persons. Authorizes the Secretary, after providing notice and opportunity for public hearing, to issue a general permit on a county, State, regional, or nationwide basis for any category of activities that may affect a listed species upon determining that activities in the category are similar in nature, will cause only minimal adverse effects on the species if performed separately, and will have only minimal cumulative adverse effects on the species generally. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) educational and propagation permits; (2) the taking of species for inherently limited uses; (3) multiple species non-Federal conservation plans; (4) wildlife bred in captivity; (5) recognition of captive propagation as a means of recovery; and (6) mitigation banks. (Sec. 13) Directs the Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury to pay reasonable and necessary costs incurred by any person in providing temporary care for any endangered or threatened fish, wildlife, or plant pending the disposition of any civil or criminal proceeding alleging a violation of the Act. Places the burden of proof on the Secretary to demonstrate that a specimen belongs to a species that has been determined to be an endangered or threatened species under the Act or that is included in an Appendix to the Convention.  Prohibits the Secretary from detaining a specimen for a period of longer than 30 days for identification purposes, unless the specimen has been substantially changed from the natural appearance of the specimen, in which case it may be retained for an additional 30 days.  Requires the specimen to be released if it cannot be identified within that period. Specifies that no refusal of entry, seizure of evidence, or other enforcement action may take place under the Act if the action is based solely on a notification under the Convention or on a resolution of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention. Authorizes any person to:  (1) commence a civil suit to remedy any violation of, or regulation issued under, the Act by the United States or any U.S.  agency or official or to challenge the Act or a regulation issued thereunder or the implementation thereof; and (2) intervene as a matter of right in any suit brought under the Act that threatens to cause injury to, or relates to any injury sustained by, the person and grants such person the same right to present argument and to accept or reject potential settlements as the parties to the suit have. (Sec. 14) Requires the Commission to review and report to the Secretary on species of plants that, as of the date of this section's enactment, are or may become endangered or threatened within any State and that are known to produce pharmaceutical or agricultural biochemicals. (Sec. 15) Establishes the Endangered Species Commission.  Requires the Commission to:  (1) study the activities of the United States under laws and international conventions relating to endangered and threatened species, including the Convention and the Act; (2) make recommendations to, and consult with, the Secretary and other Federal officials concerning such measures as the Commission considers necessary or desirable for the protection and conservation of such species, including a range of options; and (3) conduct such scientific reviews and analyses as the Secretary requests or as are otherwise required to be conducted under this Act. Directs the Commission, upon receipt of a request from the Secretary for a scientific review or assessment regarding such a species, to establish an assessment and planning team and, within 30 days, to establish and arrange for the provision of technical assistance to such a team to assist the Commission in making required assessments by providing it with the best scientific and commercial data available and data that have been peer reviewed and verified by field testing. Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) the Commission's response to assessment and planning team recommendations; and (2) reporting requirements. (Sec. 16) Directs the Secretary to provide 30 days' notice of any hearing or other public meeting at which public comment is accepted under the Act. (Sec. 17) Requires the Secretary to:  (1) balance achieving the conservation objective for a species and ensuring continuing economic growth, providing essential infrastructure, maintaining strong State and local tax bases, and protecting against the diminishment of the use and value of property; and (2) seek, along with the heads of all other Federal agencies and other Federal officials, to minimize the adverse impacts on the use and value of private property resulting from any requirements imposed on the property. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary to:  (1) identify methods of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that may be used for rulemaking to develop standards, rules, and guidelines for the listing or monitoring of species, conservation planning, safe harbor agreements with non-Federal persons, and other specified purposes; and (2) develop and implement a pilot program for ADR to be used for such purposes as consistent with the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 and the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act. Requires the Secretary to:  (1) provide regular training for all employees involved in developing and implementing such program; and (2) evaluate the program and submit a report including recommendations for a permanent program to the Congress and the Administrative Conference of the United States. (Sec. 19) Sets forth provisions regarding Federal cost-sharing requirements for conservation obligations. (Sec. 20) Entitles a non-Federal property owner to receive compensation if a Federal agency takes action under the Act that results in a diminishment of value of any portion of the non-Federal property of the owner.  Sets forth provisions regarding:  (1) the amount of compensation, a duty of notice to owners, requests for compensation, offers by the Secretary, and responses by property owners; (2) arbitration; (3) civil actions; (4) the source of payment; (5) U.S. obligations to make payment subject to the availability of appropriations; and (6) administrative provisions. (Sec. 21) Authorizes appropriations.  Directs the Secretary to study potential revenue sources for a biodiversity trust fund to be used both for domestic endangered and threatened species protected under the Act and for foreign species subject to the Convention.  Sets forth reporting requirements. (Sec. 22) Sets:  (1) priorities for the development, and a schedule for the adoption, of conservation plans for listed species without recovery plans; and (2) priorities and a schedule for revision of existing plans. Prohibits the Secretary or the head of any other Federal agency from requiring any increase in any measurable criterion contained in a final recovery plan, or any site specific management action in addition to the criteria provided in a final recovery plan, until a conservation plan or conservation objective has been published. Directs the Secretary, in conjunction with the issuance of a conservation plan or objective, to review and reissue certain written opinions of the Secretary relating to the affected species that were issued after January 1, 1995, under the Act.",2025-08-21T20:15:36Z,
104-s-1365,104,s,1365,Endangered Species Habitat Protection Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-10-26,1995-10-26,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.,Senate,"Sen. Kempthorne, Dirk [R-ID]",ID,R,K000088,11,"Endangered Species Habitat Protection Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow landowners of qualified acreage a credit, for agreement to manage such lands for the preservation of endangered species, in an amount equal to the lesser of:  (1) the applicable acreage rate of the qualified acreage; or (2) $50,000. Provides for recapture of the credit if the taxpayer transfers the qualified acreage without also transferring the obligations for such acreage.  Prohibits making a payment to an owner under capital gain and loss provisions if that owner has indicated an intention to claim an income tax credit or deduction for participation.  Provides for a deduction for the donation of property as a conservation easement.  Provides for the valuation of property which provides for the protection of endangered species.  Provides an additional deduction on State and local real property taxes paid or accrued on property subject to an endangered species conservation agreement.  Prohibits the deduction in certain cases. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate fully with the appropriate States, tribes, and other non-Federal persons, including consultation with such persons before the acquisition or interest of any land or water for the conservation of endangered and threatened species.  Sets forth provisions providing for the Secretary to enter into a cooperative management agreement with non-Federal persons for the management of:  (1) endangered and threatened species or group of species; or (2) a candidate species or group of candidate species.  Directs that a cooperative management agreement shall remain in effect and not be required to be amended to include subsequent listing of endangered or threatened species not applicable to such agreement. Allows the Secretary to provide a habitat conservation grant to certain non-Federal persons for the purpose of conserving, preserving, or improving the habitat of endangered and threatened species.  Allows a grant to be transferred to subsequent property owners.",2025-08-21T20:16:45Z,
104-hr-2522,104,hr,2522,Small Business Remediation Act of 1995,Environmental Protection,1995-10-24,1995-11-10,Referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.,House,"Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6]",TX,R,B000213,4,"Small Business Remediation Act of 1995 - Requires the maximum level of remediation of dry cleaning solvents in soil, surface water, groundwater, and other environmental media (soil) that a Federal, State, local agency, or court may require of a person engaged in dry cleaning, or of the owner of land or a facility in which such a person is conducting dry cleaning, to be one-tenth the equivalent exposure of the workplace standard for such solvents established by the Secretary of Labor under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Requires:  (1) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to publish in the Federal Register its computation, based on realistic scientific assumptions, of equivalent exposure by ingestion, inhalation, and absorption indices for the general public, for soil in nonoccupational circumstances; and (2) the equivalent exposure to be calculated from the workplace standard for dry cleaning solvents which assures that no employee will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity even if such employee has regular exposure for the employee's entire working lifetime. Specifies that nothing in this Act shall:  (1) preempt or otherwise prevent a Federal, State, or local government or private party from remediating soil to a lower level than the maximum level of remediation at its own cost and expense; or (2) alter or affect the Federal drinking water standards under the Public Health Service Act.",2026-03-23T12:47:58Z,
104-s-1352,104,s,1352,A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to make technical corrections in maps relating to the Coastal Barrier Resources System.,Environmental Protection,1995-10-20,1995-10-20,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY]",NY,R,D000018,1,"Directs the Secretary of the Interior to make corrections to a specified map of the Coastal Barrier Resources system relating to Fire Island Unit NY-59P as necessary to:  (1) move the eastern boundary of the excluded area covering Ocean Beach, Seaview, Ocean Bay Park, and part of Point O'Woods to the western boundary of the Sunken Forest Preserve; and (2) ensure that the depiction of ""otherwise protected areas"" does not include any area owned by the Point O'Woods Association, a privately held corporation under the laws of the State of New York.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,