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
97-s-3119,97,s,3119,"A bill to extend until October 1, 1988, the authority for advances to the migratory bird conservation fund.",Environmental Protection,1982-12-19,1982-12-19,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Pryor, David H. [D-AR]",AR,D,P000556,0,"Extends through September 30, 1988, (currently, September 30, 1983) the authority for advances to the migratory bird conservation fund.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hr-7392,97,hr,7392,"A bill to eliminate Coast Guard responsibilities regarding marine sanitation devices on small vessels, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-12-08,1982-12-20,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]",AK,R,Y000033,0,Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to declare that no vessel having a length of 65 feet or less shall be required to have in operation a marine sanitation device.  Sets forth provisions of State regulation of such vessels and devices.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-s-3087,97,s,3087,Hazardous Waste Identification Improvement Act,Environmental Protection,1982-12-08,1982-12-08,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,0,"Hazardous Waste Identification Improvement Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to revise provisions relating to criteria for identification and listing of hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when evaluating a petition to exclude a waste generated at a particular facility from being listed as a hazardous waste, to consider criteria other than those for which the waste was listed if the Administrator has a reasonable basis to believe that such additional criteria could cause such waste to be listed as a hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator to grant or deny such petition only after the petitioner and all interested parties have been given notice and opportunity for public hearing with respect to such additional criteria and to demonstrate whether such waste meets such criteria. Directs the Administrator to develop, and submit to the Congress by July 1, 1983, a two-year plan for:  (1) revising or adding new characteristics for identifying hazardous waste; and (2) the listing of those hazardous wastes which are not so listed on the date of enactment of this Act, with a determination with respect to the listing of dioxin and certain organic and inorganic waste streams (described in a specified document) to be made prior to March 1, 1983; and (3) an evaluation of possible determinations as to the levels of certain hazardous constituents which may cause wastes to be hazardous per se.  Directs the Administrator to submit progress reports on such program on January 1, 1984, and January 1, 1985, in conjunction with the submittal of the proposed budget for EPA, to the appropriate congressional committees. Provides that such amendments shall become effective on the date of enactment of this Act, and required regulations shall be promulgated within 180 days after such date.",2025-08-29T19:51:51Z,
97-s-3041,97,s,3041,Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-11-15,1982-11-15,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 957.,Senate,"Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]",VT,R,S000776,0,"Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act (""the Act""). Title I:  Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Amends title I of the Act (Air Pollution Prevention and Control). Indian Tribes - Amends the definition of ""air pollution control agency"" to provide that any single agency designated by the tribal governing body of a federally recognized Indian tribe shall be eligible for grants for support of air pollution planning and control programs within an Indian reservation. Provides that specified funding level requirements for such grants to other agencies in each State shall not apply to grants to tribal agencies. Information for Technology Requirements - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make available to State agencies administering permit programs, and to other interested persons, guidance documents to assist such agencies in implementing requirements regarding:  (1) best available control technology (BACT) for proposed new and modified major stationary sources; and (2) reasonably available control technology (RACT) for existing sources.  Requires publication of such documents within one year after enactment of this Act and updating every year thereafter. Requires that such documents describe, in detail and with specified distinctions, BACT and RACT determinations made by the Administrator and State air pollution control agencies. Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards - Makes a technical revision of requirements for national secondary ambient air quality standards (secondary NAAQS). Implementation Plan Revisions - Directs the Administrator to announce a 60-day public comment period after receipt of any State implementation plan (SIP) revision.  Provides for automatic approval of SIP revisions if the Administrator does not disapprove the revision within 120 days after the end of such public comment period.  Authorizes the Administrator to extend the disapproval deadline for 60 days if the State submits additional information after the close of the public comment period. Directs the Administrator, within the 120-day period after the close of the public comment period to:  (1) review any objections filed during the public comment period which were also filed during State proceedings; and (2) either disapprove or determine not to disapprove the revision based on such review. New Source Permits and Operating Permits - Revises SIP requirements relating to new source permits and operating permits. Provides that a modification of an existing source shall be subject to a new source review only if such modification increases emissions or potential emissions by 100 tons or more per year (the same level as that which applies to new sources). Prohibits the Administrator from requiring major stationary sources which comply with BACT requirements to adopt more stringent emission limitation or standard during the ten-year period after the new source permit is issued, except in cases of previously unregulated pollutants or hazardous pollutants or public health emergencies. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring a proposed major emitting facility to comply with any administrative or procedural requirements for permit issuance or emissions calculation which are adopted or modified after the date on which the permit application has been deemed complete, until final action on such application. Allows a State to adopt a program for establishing or modifying emission limitations and schedules and timetables for compliance for all or any class of sources in such State, through operating permits, general source-specific regulations, or other means. Excludes from coverage under such State program emission limitations established for a new source by a State pursuant to specified provisions relating to new source performance standards, national emission standards for hazardous pollutants, prevention of significant deterioration of air quality, and nonattainment areas. Sets forth requirements for any such State program.  Provides for EPA review of:  (1) any new or modified emission limitation which involves a potential net increase in emissions of 100 tons or more per year for a particular source or class of sources; or (2) any action delaying compliance with an emission limitation for a particular source or class of sources which would reduce emissions by 100 tons or more per year. Hazardous Air Pollutants - Directs the Administrator, within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, to identify at least 20 substances or materials for which the Administrator intends to decide, within two years after such enactment date, whether or not to include such substances in the list of hazardous air pollutants (the NESHAPs list). Requires that such identification include:  (1) each substance or material for which the EPA is projected to have completed a health assessment within two years of such enactment date; and (2) each other substance or material under EPA evaluation for inclusion on the NESHAPs list for which EPA has positive data from one or more tests indicating carcinogenicity in humans or other mammals.  Directs the Administrator, within one year of such enactment date, to identify at least 20 additional substances or materials for which an inclusion decision will be made within five years of such enactment date.  Requires that first consideration, in both such identifications, be given to specified substances and materials which the EPA has been evaluating. Directs the National Toxicology Program, through its Director, to recommend substances or materials which should be so identified, and to continue to recommend substances and materials which may be appropriate for inclusion on the NESHAPs list. Directs the Administrator, at the time the additional substances or materials are identified, to also identify what additional research, study, or evaluation is necessary for a determination. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the National Toxicology Program, to:  (1) establish a schedule for initiating and completing such research, study, or evaluation; (2) identify the agency which will undertake it; and (3) identify the source and amount of funding for it, if such funding is not provided through the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund. Directs the Administrator to establish a docket for each substance identified and provide opportunity for submittal of information by interested parties.  Directs the Administrator, within two years in the case of those substances in the first identification and within five years in the case of the additional substances identified, to publish the determination of whether each substance or material is a hazardous air pollutant to be included on the NESHAPs list, with the basis and the available information for such determination. Requires that a substance or material be included on the NESHAPs list by operation of law if the Administrator fails to make a determination by the appropriate deadline.  Provides for removal from the list if the Administrator, within 180 days of such inclusion and upon petition by an interested party, makes a determination that such substance or material is not a hazardous air pollutant. Provides that neither the identification for determination purposes nor the automatic listing due to failure to meet the deadline shall be deemed a presumption that a substance or material is a hazardous air pollutant. Directs the Administrator to specify the chemical forms of a substance or material which are determined to be hazardous air pollutants when including such substance or material on the NESHAPs list. Directs the Administrator to identify the categories of sources which emit each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list in significant amounts. Extends from 180 days to one year the period after proposal of emission standards during which the Administrator must establish final emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs).  Requires that NESHAPs be established at a level requiring the greatest degree of emission reduction of such pollutant through the application of the best system of continuous emission reduction available for the class or category of source, taking into account the cost of achieving such reduction and any nonair quality health or environmental impacts (BACT - the Best Available Control Technology).  Directs the Administrator to determine whether such emission standard is adequate to protect the public health from such hazardous air pollutant with an adequate margin of safety, and, if not, to establish such standard at a more stringent level.  Requires that NESHAPs be at least as stringent as the most stringent emission limitation shown by an adequate operating history to have been achieved in practice by a source of the same class or category (LAER-the Lowest Achievable Emission Rate). Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish among classes, types, sizes, and periods of remaining useful life for sources within a category of sources for purposes of establishing NESHAPs. Directs the Administrator to establish for each class or category of existing source deadlines which provide for NESHAP compliance as expeditiously as possible, but not later than two years after the effective date of the NESHAP. Provides that such NESHAPs amendments shall not affect any NESHAP promulgated prior to the enactment of this Act. Primary Nonferrous Smelter Orders - Extends the date by which primary nonferrous smelter orders must require final compliance with applicable sulfur oxides emission limitations from January 1, 1988, to January 1, 1993. Permits determinations of such compliance to take into account the effect of the de-minimis use of supplementary controls (up to five percent of any calendar year). Noncompliance Penalties - Requires that noncompliance penalties be reduced by the amount of any expenditures used to achieve interim reductions of the pollutant, by a method approved by the Secretary (or the State, as appropriate). Ozone Protection - Directs the Administrator to give priority in ozone protection studies and research to increasing actual measurements of stratosphere ozone and improving methods of identifying potential trends in such measurements. Directs the Administrator to contract annually with the National Academy of Sciences to:  (1) continue review and research; (2) determine the extent, nature, and causes of changes in stratosphere ozone concentration; (3) investigate probable or possible effects on health and the environment; and (4) report all findings and associated uncertainties. Directs the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to report, within two years after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, all findings concerning actual or potential alteration of the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, its causes, and associated implications and uncertainties.  Requires that such report be made to the Administrator and to to the Congress, with copies available to the public. Requires that research and monitoring programs be continued and expanded to determine the extent, nature, causes, effects, and associated uncertainties of stratospheric ozone changes. Directs the President, within two years after enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to report to the Congress and the public on efforts to reach international agreements among the major free-world producing countries of chlorofluorocarbons as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Directs the Administrator, in proposing further regulations for the control in the United States of any chlorofluorocarbon under the Act or the Toxic Substance Control Act, to first:  (1) determine that chlorofluorocarbons are contributing to depletion of the stratospheric ozone which is occurring, or is likely to occur, at a rate that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health or welfare; or (2) report that international agreement has been reached as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Directs the Administrator, in promulgating such regulations to:  (1) take into account any unresolved scientific questions and the availability of suitable alternative products; and (2) specifically consider the health implications of chlorofluorocarbon chemical substitutes and implications of ozone depletion for the public health and welfare. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD).  (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term ""increments"" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter--regulations for other pollutants are not yet final--in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS.  Currently, the smallest increments are allowed in ""class I"" areas, which include ""statutorily designated"" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in ""class II"" areas, and the largest increments in ""class III"" areas). Makes a technical amendment relating to the purpose of the PSD program. Eliminates the tracking of the short-term (three-hour and 24-hour for sulfur dioxide and 24-hour for particulate matter) increments in class II areas, by providing that the owner or operator of a major emitting facility must only demonstrate that such facility will not cause such maximum allowable increases to be exceeded during one such period per year. Exempts class II areas within the State of Alaska from compliance with the three-hour maximum allowable increase for sulfur dioxide. Eliminates provisions for class III areas (both for incremental limits and area redesignation purposes). Permits States to designate a PSD area as ""unclassified"" instead of class I or class II.  Provides that unclassified areas (unlike the replaced class III area designation) shall not be subject to PSD increment limits.  Permits States to eliminate the PSD increment system anywhere except on national lands which are mandatory class I or ""mandatory"" class II areas. Requires each State, within 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit an area classification plan to the Administrator.  Requires that such plan:  (1) list all areas in the State which are federally mandatory class I or class II or which the State has determined warrant class I or class II designation; and (2) identify all ""unclassified"" areas within such State to which PSD provisions apply and which are not listed as class I or class II.  Provides that unclassified areas shall not be subject to the PSD increment system.  Sets forth plan requirements for unclassified areas, including:  (1) comprehensive assessment of air quality; (2) long-term (at least 20 years) air quality goals and a procedure for periodic review of such goals; (3) emissions growth projections consistent with attainment of such goals; (4) a requirement that all proposed major emitting facilities which will emit or have the potential to emit 500 tons or more per year of particulate matter or 1,000 tons or more per year of any air pollutant be subject to review and be determined to be consistent with such goals prior to the issuance of a PSD construction permit; and (5) any other requirements the State deems necessary to attain such goals. Subjects area classification plans and revisions to specified requirements for SIP revisions. Requires that all areas which are class II areas immediately prior to enactment of this Act continue to be subject to class II increment limits until the area classification plan is approved.  Requires that:  (1) notice be afforded and public hearings conducted in at least three different locations in the State prior to submittal of such plan; (2) prior to such hearings, the proposed plan be available for inspection; and (3) affected local officials and Federal Land Managers be notified and provided with opportunity to comment. Eliminates area redesignation provisions requiring preparation of an analysis of the effects of a proposed redesignation and local government concurrence in the redesignation. Revises PSD preconstruction requirements to shorten the period (from one year to six months) during which a PSD permit application must be granted or denied, in the case of a facility emitting less than 500 tons per year of particulate matter and less than 1,000 tons per year of every other pollutant regulated under the Act. Requires that all PSD permit applicants be notified whether the application is complete, within two months after filing.  Requires States to notify the Administrator only of applications and final actions on permits for facilities which will emit or have the potential to emit:  (1) 500 tons or more per year of particulate matter and 1,000 tons or more per year of any other air pollutant; or (2) pollutants affecting air quality in any class I area. Provides that Federal Land Managers have a responsibility to:  (1) identify (as well as protect) air quality related values of Federal class I areas (including visibility within such area); and (2) file a notice, and supporting information, to the permitting authority where emissions from a proposed major facility may have an adverse impact on such values; and (3) monitor and gather other information on air quality to assist in determining baseline concentrations and carrying out other responsibilities. Allows States to make ""integral vista"" determinations as to whether a proposed facility outside a Federal class I area will impair the vista within such area.  Requires States, in any case in which the Federal Land Manager files such an allegation, to provide a public hearing with opportunity for the Federal Land Manager and other interested persons to comment on such impact. Allows a permit to be issued if the State determines that:  (1) the facility would not cause a significant impairment of visibility within the integral vista; or (2) such issuance would be in the public interest notwithstanding any such significant impact. Requires the Administrator to follow any recommendations of the Governor, consistent with other requirements of the Act, when the Administrator is the PSD permitting authority for an integral vista determination. Eliminates the requirement that an air quality analysis include continuous air quality monitoring data gathered over a specified period. Allows a State to determine whether such monitoring data is necessary or appropriate for making a construction permit decision. Redefines ""construction"" for PSD permit purposes, to exclude modifications of existing facilities that will increase or have the potential to increase emissions of any pollutant by less than 100 tons per year. Requires the PSD permitting authority, before determining the ""best available control technology"" (BACT) to be achieved by a proposed major facility which will emit 500 tons or more per year of particulate matter or 1,000 tons or more per year of any other air pollutant regulated under the Act, to:  (1) review the emission limitations with respect to such pollutant achieved in practice by or required under the Act for major emitting facilities of the same size, type, and class; and (2) identify the most stringent of such emission limitations and first consider these before determining the BACT to be achieved; and (3) provide information to the public regarding any decision to require a less stringent limitation. Requires that such review consider only emissions limitations:  (1) for facilities within the same State (or EPA administrative region, if appropriate) as the proposed facility; (2) described in specified guidance documents; or (3) of which actual notice has been received by the permitting authority. Redefines ""baseline concentration"" to specify that this term refers to the ambient concentration levels in all PSD areas where such levels have been or will be affected by a facility which is applying for a permit. Includes data submitted by a Federal Land Manager among the data to be used in determining baseline concentration.  Provides for updating of baseline concentrations following the redesignation of an area as class I. Fugitive Dust - Allows the Governor, in determining PSD increment consumption by a new source, to exclude concentrations of particulate matter attributable to emissions composed of soil which is uncontaminated by pollutants resulting from industrial activity. Requires that the State have an approved SIP for carrying out the PSD program and that there be notice and opportunity for public hearing before the Governor makes such exclusion.  Provides, in any State where the Administrator is the permitting authority, that the Administrator may (and must, if petitioned by the Governor) make such exclusion of uncontaminated soil. Visibility - Revises provisions for the visibility protection program in mandatory class I areas to specify that such program is intended to prevent significant impairment of visibility in such areas. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring any existing source to procure, install, or operate any retrofit technology to prevent or remedy impairment of visibility outside the boundaries of a mandatory class I Federal area, unless the appropriate Governor has been notified and has not determined within a reasonable time that such action would not be in the public interest notwithstanding such impairment.  Adds a definition of ""integral vista"" as ones included in a specified list published by the Department of the Interior for public comment. International Pollution - Discounts emissions from an immediately adjacent area in a foreign country which does not allow the United States to seek specified emissions reductions, in determining whether nonattainment provisions apply to an area in the United States that is exceeding a national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).  Declares the sense of the Congress that the President shall undertake negotiations with any foreign country from which emissions would cause an area in the United States to be a nonattainment area except for such discount, with the purpose of having such foreign country give the United States essentially the same rights to seek emissions reductions given other countries under the Act. Technology Requirements for Nonattainment Areas - Deletes provisions for a ""lowest achievable emission rate"" (LAER) from nonattainment area requirements.  Requires new or modified sources constructed in nonattainment areas to adopt ""best available control technology"" (BACT). Requires, further, for any major stationary source emitting a pollutant (or pollutant precursor) for which the area is nonattainment, the permitting authority to establish an emission limitation for such pollutant at least as stringent as the more stringent of the most stringent limitation:  (1) shown by an adequate operating history to have been achieved in practice by a major stationary source of the same size, type, and class within the same Federal administrative region; or (2) included in a permit issued for such an existing source before the permit application for the proposed source is complete, unless the permitting authority determines that such emission limitation in the issued permit is not achievable for the proposed source. Requires the permitting authority to review emission limitations and identify most stringent limitations only if:  (1) the sources are in the same State (or EPA administrative region) as the proposed source; (2) specified guidance documents describe the emission limitation; or (3) the permitting authority has received actual notice of the emission limitation. Revises permit issuance requirements for nonattainment areas to subject a proposed source to BACT (rather than LAER). Nonattainment Definitions - Provides, for nonattainment area purposes, that ""major stationary source"" includes each discrete operation, unit, or other activity which produces or may produce emissions of 100 tons or more per year of a pollutant or pollutant precursor for which the area is a nonattainment area. Defines ""vehicle inspection and maintenance programs"" (I/M programs) to require:  (1) areas which are nonattainment for carbon monoxide to have a program that is as effective in reducing vehicle emissions as specified programs fully approved by the EPA; and (2) areas which are nonattainment only for photochemical oxidant and in which motor vehicle emissions contribute less than one-third of the total hydrocarbon emissions to have a program that requires annual emissions testing or direct inspection of control equipment and that provides for attainment of the photochemical oxidant standard by the applicable deadline. Construction in Nonattainment Areas - Provides for an alternative to specified construction bans in nonattainment areas. Allows construction of a new or modified source, under specified circumstances, if offsets equal to twice the emissions from the new or modified source are obtained from existing sources. Nonattainment Plan Provisions - Extends to December 31, 1984, a State's deadline for attaining any primary ambient standard (primary NAAQS) if the State:  (1) certifies that attainment could not be achieved by the December 31, 1982, deadline despite implementation of all measures in an approved or promulgated SIP; and (2) agrees not to relax any emission limitation in an approved SIP.  Requires States to submit by December 31, 1984, any SIP revision providing for extensions of attainment deadlines to:  (1) December 31, 1985, for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter; or (2) December 31, 1987, for photochemical oxidants and carbon monoxide.  Permits areas, if the Administrator determines they cannot meet the 1987 deadline despite implementing all reasonably available control technologies, an offset or equivalent program, and a vehicle I/M program, to extend the deadline:  (1) for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide until December 31, 1992, if 1979 or 1980 levels for such pollutant were at least twice the primary NAAQS; or (2) for photochemical oxidants until December 31, 1990, if such levels were less than twice the primary NAAQS. Requires SIPs to provide for operation of a vehicle I/M program in any urbanized area with greater than 200,000 population which is seeking a deadline extension beyond 1982 for:  (1) carbon monoxide; or (2) photochemical oxidants, if the 1979 and 1980 level exceeded the primary NAAQS by 50 percent or more.  Requires that operation of such vehicle I/M programs begin as expeditiously as possible, but no later than January 1, 1985, for extensions requested after the enactment of this Act, and that such SIPs include reasonably available measures to assure continous compliance with SIP and permit requirements for major stationary sources. Prohibits relaxation or delay of any stationary source emission limitation or schedule of compliance in any area which receives a deadline extension under specified provisions of this Act for any primary NAAQS. Provides that an SIP establish the ""growth allowance"" (the allowance permitted for a pollutant, or precursor, for which an area is nonattainment from a new or modified major stationary sources) if: (1) there is an approved emissions inventory and allowable emissions from proposed new or modified stationary sources, in combination with all other increases in emissions of such pollutant (not offset by any reductions in emissions at any source) do not exceed one percent, in any calendar year, of the total annual emissions for such pollutant recorded in the inventory; (2) the State conducts a review prior to construction or modification and requires BACT for every new or modified source with potential emissions of 50 tons or more per year of such pollutant (without offsets); and (3) the SIP meets specified requirements, including the demonstration of reasonable further progress. Permit Requirements for Nonattainment Areas - Provides that any emissions reductions from existing sources required as a precondition for nonattainment area permit issuance may include any emissions reductions:  (1) from nonindustrial sources, inanimate natural sources, and mobile sources; or (2) achieved by a State or local government and paid for by the owner or operator of the proposed new or modified source. Limitations on Certain Federal Assistance - Authorizes the Administrator to determine the extent and categories of withholding grants and project approval under the Act and under the Federal aid to highways program. Prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from approving projects or making grants in nonattainment areas which are not planning or implementing required vehicle I/M programs by the established deadlines. Exempts from such prohibition highway grants for Interstate highway construction, landscaping, and noise attention barriers (as well as for safety, mass transit, and transportation projects related to air quality improvement or maintenance). Interstate Transport and Acid Precipitation Reduction - Establishes a new program entitled ""Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction."" Establishes a long-range transport corridor, the ""acid deposition impact region,"" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) conduct a study of air pollution problems associated with the long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition impact region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force established under the Energy Security Act to submit to the appropriate congressional committees two comprehensive reports, one by December 31, 1985, and one by December 31, 1987, on the specified research findings and recommendations for reducing acid deposition and its effects.  Authorizes additional appropriations for the Task Force for carrying out specified activities in FY 1983 through 1987.  Directs the Task Force to also conduct and support research on advanced flue-gas cleaning and precombustion fuel treatment technologies and inherently low-emission combustion processes (including atmospheric and pressurized fluidized bed combustion).  Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1988 to a Task Force member for partial funding of a joint project among the Tennessee Valley Authority and other appropriate participants for a demonstration facility to generate electricity using an atmospheric fluidized bed combustion process. Establishes an Acid Precipitation Scientific Review Board, to be appointed by the National Academy of Sciences. Directs the Board to review:  (1) all available information on the causes, extent, and potential environmental impacts of acid deposition; and (2) all activities being performed by the Task Force.  Directs the Board to submit at least two comprehensive reports, one not later than June 30, 1986, and one not later than June 30, 1988, on the results of such reviews, including a review of the Task Force's reports and the Board's own recommendations for acid deposition reduction.  Authorizes appropriations for Board activities for FY 1983 through 1988. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on emission limitation and other enforceable measures for all States in the acid deposition impact region which are adopted, approved, or in effect under interstate transport and acid precursor reduction provisions.  Directs the Office of Technology Assessment to:  (1) analyze the control requirements of such reported enforceable measures in terms of environmental benefits, implementation costs, and potential effects on coal production or markets, on both aggregate regional and a State-by-State basis; and (2) report to the appropriate congressional committees. Requires such committees to conduct hearings on such acid deposition control matters. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) develop an inventory of sources of nitrogen oxides in the acid deposition impact region and each of its States; and (2) report within four years of enactment of this Act to the appropriate congressional committees on the inventory, control technologies and methods for new and existing nitrogen oxides sources, and recommendations for control requirements. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct, and report to the Congress on, a joint study of a fee system on energy generators in the acid deposition region to finance emission reductions. Authorizes the Administrator, directly or through grants to any State or interstate agency, to develop, refine, demonstrate, and implement methods of:  (1) neutralizing or restoring the buffering capacity of acid altered bodies of water that can no longer support game fish species; and (2) removing from bodies of water toxic metals or other toxic substances mobilized by acid deposition.  Permits inclusion in such grants of amounts necessary for reports, plans, and specifications. Prohibits such grants from being made for any project:  (1) in an amount exceeding 75 percent of costs; or (2) that involves bodies of water that did not contain game fish as established by State law prior to 1970.  Authorizes appropriations for such purposes for FY 1983 through 1985. Requires that annual emissions of sulfur dioxide in the acid deposition be reduced by 8,000,000 tons from the total 1980 level, through a phased reduction to be completed by January 1, 1995. Requires that post-1980 increases in sulfur dioxide emissions from major stationary sources be added to the amount which a State in the region is required to reduce.  Prohibits any major stationary source in the region from increasing its actual rate of sulfur dioxide over its 1980 level. Exempts from such requirement and such prohibition: (1) any State (and sources in such State) which had no 1980 utility boiler with annual average emissions greater than 1.2 pounds per million Btu; and (2) any utility boiler which converts to coal and emits no more than 1.5 pounds per million Btu. Prohibits any new major stationary source of sulfur dioxide from commencing operation in the region after January 1, 1995, unless there is an ""offset"" (a simultaneous net reduction in emissions of sulfur dioxide at one or more points in such region, which is:  (1) identified for the new source; (2) in excess of the potential emissions from the new source; and (3) not otherwise required under specified provisions of the Act).  Exempts from such prohibition any such source which:  (1) adopts BACT; and (2) attains the most stringent emission limitation achieved by any source of the same size, type, and class within the region. Prohibits any major stationary source of nitrogen oxides in the region which began operation before January 1, 1981, from increasing its actual rate of such emissions over 1980 levels or levels experienced during a thirty-day period immediately prior to enactment of this Act, unless there is an ""offset.""  Exempts from such prohibition utility boilers which convert to coal as a primary fuel. Requires the Governors of the 31 States within the region to negotiate the allocation of required reductions of sulfur dioxide among such States. Provides that any such allocation agreement shall be binding and enforceable upon each such State within 18 months after enactment of this Act upon notification to the Administrator by 75 percent of such Governors that such agreement has been reached.  Sets forth a formula to determine such allocation of State sulfur dioxide reduction requirements, if the Governors fail to make such agreement within such time period. Provides for reallotment agreements between the Governors of two or more States in the region. Requires each State in the region, within 42 months after enactment of this Act, to:  (1) adopt measures to achieve such sulfur dioxide emissions reductions, including emissions limitations and compliance schedules; and (2) submit such measures to the Administrator for review and approval and to the other Governors for comment. Subjects any major stationary source in the region which is not by December 31, 1985, in full compliance with the applicable SIP for sulfur dioxide in effect on January 1, 1981, to: (1) a 30-day average emission limitation of 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu for all sources owned by its owner; and (2) specified noncompliance penalties. Encourages each State in the region adopting, and the Administrator in reviewing, such measures to phase compliance dates so that significant emission reduction is achieved prior to January 1, 1995.  Requires each source which proposes to comply with such sulfur dioxide emission limitations by any means other than an innovative system of continuous emission reduction or the replacement of existing facilities with new facilities of substantially lower emissions to comply by January 1, 1993. Provides that, in States which have not adopted such measures within 42 months after enactment of this Act or which have not had such measures approved by the Administrator within six months after submission, each fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facility shall comply with an emission limitation for all such facilities owned or operated by the same entity in the region equivalent to a 30-day average of 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million Btu.  Requires owners or operators of such facilities to submit to the Administrator a plan and schedule for compliance not later than four years after enactment of this Act or six months after such owner or operator becomes subject to such emission limitation.  Directs the Administrator to approve any such plan and schedule if it contains requirements for continuous emission reduction and monitoring and achievement of compliance by January 1, 1995. Allows a State or source owner or operator to use specified methods or programs for net emission reduction required under the acid deposition region provisions in addition to enforceable continuous emission reduction measures, if such methods or programs are enforceable by the Federal Government, States other than those in which the emissions occur, and citizens.  Lists such methods and programs as:  (1) least emissions dispatch to meet electric generating demand at existing generating capacity; (2) early retirement of sources; (3) energy conservation investments; (4) trading emission reduction requirements and actual reductions on a State or regional basis; and (5) precombustion cleaning of fuels. Interstate Pollution - Requires SIPs to prohibit any stationary source from emitting any air pollutant in amounts which will: (1) interfere with attainment or maintenance by any other State of any primary or secondary NAAQS; or (2) contribute to atmospheric loadings of pollutants or their transformation products which may reasonably be anticipated to cause or contribute to an adverse effect on public health or welfare or the environment in any other State or foreign country. Revises provisions relating to stack heights to redefine ""good engineering practice"" to mean the height necessary to insure that stack emissions do not result in excessive air pollutant concentrations in the ""impact area"" of the source.  Authorizes the Administrator to prohibit increases in, or restrict, the stack height of any source.  Directs the Administrator, within one year of enactment of this Act, to complete a review of emission limits for all existing major sources which have come into existence since 1970, or raised stack heights since 1970, to determine if such limits are inappropriately based upon modeling credit for stack heights above good engineering practice.  Directs the Administrator to require States to correct inappropriately based emission limits within six months. Makes it the burden of the operator of each such source to demonstrate the correct stack height credit to be used. Makes emission of an air pollutant which, by itself or in combination, reaction, or transformation, adversely affects the public health or welfare of another State a violation of interstate pollution abatement provisions. Requires major existing sources to install reasonably available control technology (RACT) within two years of a finding of such violation. Requires SIPs to require each major proposed new (or modified) source which may significantly contribute to levels of air pollution in any air quality control region outside the State to notify all nearby States. Allows State or local governments to petition the Administrator for a finding that any major source or group of sources is in violation of specified SIP or interstate pollution abatement provisions. Provides that all language referring to welfare under the Act also includes, but is not limited to:  (1) effects on precipitation; and (2) specified effects whether caused by transformation, conversion, or combination with other air pollutants. Makes violations of the interstate pollution provisions subject to citizen suit provisions under the Act. Title II:  Amendments Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Amends part A (Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards) of title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Heavy Duty Vehicle Emissions - Eliminates the authority of the Administrator to revise the heavy duty vehicle standards for emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which require a reduction of at least 90 percent.  Makes such standards applicable during and after model year 1984. Sets a four-model-year period ""lead time"" between promulgation (or revision) and effective date of heavy duty vehicle standards for particulate matter.  Provides that standards for particulate matter and for nitrogen oxides shall remain in effect for at least four model years.  Authorizes the Administrator to make appropriate arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to review the technological feasibility of any proposed standard for particulate matter. Directs the Administrator, in setting any heavy duty vehicle emission standard, to take into account the effect of attaining that standard on the attainment of other such existing or proposed emission standards for each other pollutant. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe heavy duty vehicle or engine standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter for diesel-powered vehicles and engines which take effect in the same model year. Directs the Administrator to consider studies available from the Health Effects Institute, in conducting a continuing pollutant study concerning the effects of each air pollutant emitted from heavy-duty vehicles or engines and from other sources of mobile source related pollutants on the public health and welfare. Redefines ""useful life,"" for purposes of heavy-duty vehicle and engine regulations, as the greater of:  (1) one-half of the average time or use between first use and engine retirement or rebuild or any other measure of actual life determined by the Administrator; or (2) the duration or mileage of the published commercial warranty. Light Duty Vehicle Emissions - Sets a nitrogen oxides emissions limitation of 1.5 grams per vehicle mile for diesel-powered duty vehicles and engines manufactured during model years 1983 and 1984. Sets a particulate matter emissions limitation of 0.2 grams per vehicle mile for light duty vehicles and engines manufactured during model year 1986 and thereafter.  Provides for a waiver of such standard to O.6 gram per vehicle mile of particulate matter for any class or category of light duty vehicles or engines manufactured during the model years 1986 and 1987, under specified conditions.  Provides for a waiver of the 1986-1987 model year nitrogen oxides emissions standard to 1.5 grams per vehicle mile for diesel-powered light duty vehicles or engines, if such waiver will avoid granting the waiver with respect to particulate matter. Light Duty Truck Emissions - Sets low altitude emissions limitations for light duty trucks.  Sets such limits at the following grams per vehicle mile for:  (1) hydrocarbons, 1.7 in model year 1983 and 0.8 in model year 1984 and thereafter; (2) carbon monoxide; 18 in 1983 and ten in 1984 and thereafter; (3) nitrogen oxides, 2.3 in 1983 and 1984, 1.2 (for 6,000 pounds or less vehicle weights) in 1985 and thereafter, and 1.7 (for over 6,000 pounds vehicles) in 1985 and thereafter; and (4) particulate matter, 0.26 in 1986 and thereafter. Provides for waivers of such particulate matter standard to 0.6 grams per vehicle mile, under specified conditions. Provides for waiver of such nitrogen oxides standards to 1.7 (for 6,000 pounds or less vehicles) and 2.3 (for over 6,000 or less vehicles), if such waiver will avoid granting the waiver with respect to particulate matter. High Altitude Motor Vehicle Emissions - Eliminates the requirement that all model year 1984 and later light duty vehicles comply with national emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Directs the Administrator to establish separate low altitude and high altitude emission standards for model year 1984 and later light duty vehicles and light duty trucks. Requires that the high altitude standards be equal in numerical value to the low altitude standards for emissions of:  (1) nitrogen oxides from all such model year 1984 and later vehicles; and (2) carbon monoxide from model year 1984 and later light duty vehicles and model year 1985 and later light duty trucks. Provides that high altitude emission standards for every other pollutant must require a percentage reduction at least equal to the percentage reduction which the corresponding low altitude standards require at low altitude. Prohibits such high altitude standards from being numerically more stringent than corresponding low altitude standards. Authorizes the Administrator to issue certificates of conformity for model year 1984 and later for light duty vehicles and light duty trucks if they comply under:  (1) low altitude conditions with low altitude standards, and are capable by design, or by approved adjustments or modifications, of complying under high altitude conditions with high altitude standards; (2) low altitude conditions with low altitude standards, and are subject to a specified exemption; or (3) high altitude conditions with high altitude standards, and the manufacturer demonstrates that virtually all such vehicles are intended for principal use at elevations of at least 4,000 feet above sea level. Directs the Administrator to determine the durability under high altitude conditions of the emission control performance of vehicles using data from tests conducted under low altitude conditions on the same or similar vehicles, unless the Administrator determines that it is necessary or appropriate to conduct separate tests under high altitude conditions. Sets forth requirements for adjustments and modifications to ensure adequate performance under high altitude conditions, and for readjustments or remodifications for such performance under low altitude conditions. Exempts, upon a manufacturer's application, motor vehicles for one model year from high altitude requirements if: (1) the Administrator has approved high altitude performance instructions for such vehicles; and (2) the number of such vehicles intended for principal use in designated high altitude areas represents not more than 15 percent of the manufacturer's anticipated combined sales in that model year of light duty vehicles and light duty trucks intended for principal use in designated high altitude areas. Requires exempted manufacturers to make all reasonable efforts to ensure that an individual vehicle has been adjusted or modified before sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser in accordance with such approved instructions.  Requires exempted manufacturers to inform the Administrator of actual combined sales, and provides for appropriate reductions of future exemptions. Requires dealers to certify to purchasers that required adjustments or modifications have been performed on model year 1984 or later light duty vehicles or light duty trucks intended for principal use in a designated high altitude area. Permits manufacturer's instructions for high altitude performance adjustments or modifications (and readjustments and remodifications) to include changes in gear ratios.  Requires manufacturers to make such instructions and descriptions available to their authorized dealers, and upon request to service and repair establishments, in high altitude areas. Directs the Administrator, upon the request of a national association of motor vehicle dealers, to compile data on the availability and distribution of light duty vehicles and light duty trucks to dealers in designated high altitude areas.  Requires a report on such data to be submitted to the Congress and published in the Federal Register within six months of such request.  Provides for a six-month extension of this deadline if there is also a request for data on high altitude emission standards compliance costs and effects on sales. Sulfur Emissions - Directs the Administrator to prohibit the sale of diesel fuel for use in motor vehicles with a sulfur content of more than 0.5 percent by weight or such lesser limit as is necessary to protect the public health or welfare.  Requires that regulations for such prohibition:  (1) be promulgated at such time as diesel-powered vehicles constitute ten percent of the total annual sales of light duty vehicles and light duty trucks; and (2) take effect within 48 months after January 1 of the first calendar year in which such a sales level is reached. Imported Vehicles - Revises the prohibition against importation of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines without a certificate of conformity with applicable emissions standards.  Limits the exemption from such prohibition, exemption under which an importer may furnish a bond to insure that such vehicle or engine will be brought into such conformity, to those vehicles or engines which are of a class for which application for a certificate is pending.  Exempts new vehicles or engines which are five model years old or older. Provides that an importer of vehicles who is not otherwise a manufacturer shall not be considered a small manufacturer for purposes of the small volume certification procedure. Vehicle Imports into Territories - Exempts from imported vehicle certification requirements of the Act vehicles imported for commercial or public transportation use, which would otherwise be unavailable, into and solely for use within a Territory of the United States which is not a nonattainment area and which imports fewer than 500 vehicles per year. Lead in Gasoline - Prohibits the Aministrator from allowing the average lead content per gallon of leaded gasoline to exceed, in future quarters, the average achieved during the quarter ending June 30, 1982.  Prohibits any amendment of specified EPA regulations in effect on July 1, 1982, which would allow any increase in the average lead content per gallon of gasoline. Definitions - Defines ""heavy duty vehicle"" and ""heavy duty vehicle and engine"" as a motor vehicle, including engine, with: (1) more than 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight; (2) more than 6,000 pounds vehicle curb weight; or (3) more than 45 square feet basic vehicle frontal area.  Defines ""light duty truck"" and ""light duty truck and engine"" as a vehicle, including engine, with gross vehicle and curb weight below the heavy duty vehicle level and which:  (1) is designed primarily for transportation of property or is a derivation of such vehicle; (2) is designed primarily for transportation of persons has a capacity of more than 12 persons; or (3) has special features enabling off-street or off-highway operation and use.  Authorizes the Administrator, notwithstanding such definitions, to define as a heavy duty vehicle instead of a light duty truck any vehicle with a gross weight more than 6,000 pounds but less than 8,500 pounds, and which is designed primarily for commercial (including agricultural) use and not for uses performed by light duty trucks.  Sets forth provisions for high altitude emission standards for such redefined vehicles. Defines ""light duty vehicle"" and ""light duty vehicle and engine"" as a motor vehicle, including engine, designed primarily for transportation of persons which has a capacity of 12 persons or less. Defines ""designated high altitude areas"" as all countries identified in high altitude emission standards regulations in effect on December 31, 1981, which are in a State in which one or more such countries was in whole or in part during calendar year 1981 a nonattainment area for carbon monoxide photochemical oxidants.  Defines ""high altitude conditions"" as an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet above sea level, or a barometric pressure corresponding to such elevation. Defines ""low altitude conditions"" by the definition given in regulations in effect on December 31, 1981, unless the Administrator by regulation promulgates another definition. Title III:  Other Amendments and Provisions - Judicial Review - Revises provisions governing judicial review of EPA final actions under the Act. Allows petitions for review of locally or regionally applicable actions to be filed only in the U.S. Court of Appeals for an appropriate circuit.  Allows petitions of review of nationally applicable actions to be filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia or in any U.S. Court of Appeals for a circuit in which the petitioner resides or transacts business. Establishes a random selection procedure, to be administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, to determine the court of appeals in which an EPA action is to be reviewed when petitions for review have been filed in two or more courts of appeals.  Directs the Administrator, following such determination, to promptly file the record in such court.  Directs other courts to promptly transfer such petitions to such court.  Provides that any court in which a petition has been filed, including any court selected by the random procedure, may transfer such petition to any other court of appeals for the convenience of the parties or otherwise in the interest of justice. Changes the period within which a petition for review of an EPA promulgation, approval, or action must be filed from 60 to 120 days after notice is published in the Federal Register, but requires petitions based solely on grounds arising after such 120-day period to be filed within 60 days after such grounds arise. Award of Fees - Limits the award of litigation costs, in proceedings for judicial review of EPA actions and citizen suits under the Act, to prevailing or substantially prevailing parties. Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1987 to carry out the Act, other than specified provisions for research and special studies under the interstate transport and acid precursor reduction program and other research, development, and demonstration activities. Wood Smoke Study - Directs the Administrator to:  (1) study the effects of wood combustion on ambient air quality; (2) research and monitor the direct or indirect effects of emissions associated with wood combustion on public health or welfare; (3) research and develop a uniform method to measure emissions from wood combustion devices, including testing and recommending designs for such devices; (4) report by December 31, 1984, to Congress on such study and research and on any regulatory action taken or proposed and any recommendations for legislation made; and (5) consider any appropriate use of specified provisions under the Act to control emissions associated with wood combustion. Allows such studies and research to be undertaken with cooperation and assistance from universities, private industries, and local and State governments.  Directs Federal agencies to assist the Administrator in carrying out such studies and research.  Limits the term ""wood combustion,"" for purposes of such requirements, to the burning of wood, wood by-products, or wood wastes to produce heat for residential, commercial, or institutional applications with a heat input of less than 5,000,000 Btu per hour. Indoor Air Pollution Study - Directs the Administrator to carry out a research program on indoor air quality designed to gather information on associated health problems and to coordinate Federal, State, local, and private research, development, and demonstration relating to indoor air quality improvement.  Authorizes the Administrator to establish:  (1) committees representing concerned Federal agencies; and (2) advisory groups representing science, industry, and public interest organizations.  Directs the Administrator to consult and coordinate with State and local officials and other interested parties.  Sets forth activities which the research program must include but not be limited to. Directs the Administrator to submit to Congress:  (1) an implementation plan for such research program within one year after enactment of this Act; (2) a progress report within 36 months of such enactment; and (3) a final report within 54 months of such enactment. Requires the progress report and final report to be submitted to the National Academy of Science (NAS) before submittal to Congress, and to include any NAS comments. Declares that nothing in such indoor air quality research program provisions shall be construed to:  (1) authorize the Administrator to carry out any regulatory program or activity; or (2) limit the authority of the Administrator or any other Federal agency or instrumentality under any other authority of law. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 and 1984 to carry out the indoor air quality research program. Cold Weather Carbon Monoxide Emissions Study - Directs the Administrator to:  (1) study the feasibility and benefits of requiring motor vehicle design modifications or engine adjustments, or both, to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide under cold weather conditions, while maintaining or improving vehicle performance and fuel economy; and (2) report to Congress the study's findings and recommendations within two years after enactment of this Act.",2025-08-29T19:51:51Z,
97-hr-7261,97,hr,7261,Strategic Alcohol Fuel Reserve Act,Environmental Protection,1982-10-01,1982-10-01,Referred to Subcommittee on Fossil and Synthetic Fuels.,House,"Rep. Daschle, Thomas A. [D-SD-1]",SD,D,D000064,0,Strategic Alcohol Fuel Reserve Act - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the establishment of a Strategic Alcohol Fuel Reserve which shall be administered in conjunction with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.  Requires the Secretary of Energy to prepare and transmit to Congress a Strategic Alcohol Fuel Reserve Plan which shall provide for the overall development of the Alcohol Fuel Reserve and for a plan for drawdown and distribution of the Reserve.  Makes such plan effective 15 days after it is submitted to Congress unless either the House of Representatives or the Senate adopts a resolution of disapproval.  Requires the Secretary to submit an interim report on the implementation of these provisions.  Authorizes ten percent of the amounts appropriated for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve under such Act to be appropriated for the Strategic Alcohol Fuel Reserve for fiscal years beginning after the enactment of this Act.  Authorizes any further sums as are necessary.,2025-08-29T19:50:11Z,
97-hr-7300,97,hr,7300,Toxic Victim Compensation Act,Environmental Protection,1982-10-01,1982-10-29,Referred to Subcommittee on Labor Standards.,House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,1,"Toxic Victim Compensation Act - Title I: Establishment of New Cause of Action for Victims of Hazardous Substances - Makes the following persons liable for damages for specified injuries, illnesses, deaths, or losses caused by a release of a hazardous substance: (1) the owner and operator of a vessel or facility from which a hazardous substance is released; (2) a person who owned or operated a facility at which a hazardous substance was disposed and from which a hazardous substance is released when such person no longer owns or operates such facility; (3) any person who arranges for disposal or treatment, or transportation for disposal or treatment, of any hazardous substance at a facility owned by another person from which such a release occurs; and (4) any person who accepts a hazardous substance for transport to a site, selected by such person, from which such a release occurs.  Includes as compensable damages: (1) the loss of use of real or personal property or natural resources without regard to ownership; and (2) any direct or indirect loss of revenue by the Federal Government or any State or local government. Exempts a defendant from such liability if he or she can establish by a preponderance of the evidence that: (1) the release of the hazardous substance was caused by an act of God, an act of War, or an act or omission of a third party who is not an agent, employee, or contractor of the defendant; (2) the defendant exercised due care with respect to the hazardous substance; or (3) the defendant took reasonable precautions against foreseeable acts of any third party and foreseeable consequences of such acts. Declares that no persons shall become exempt from liability by transferring such liability to any other person. Allows a trier of fact, in any action for damages under this Act, to find the defendant liable for punitive damages in addition to any compensatory damages, if such trier finds the conduct of the defendant demonstrated a gross and wanton disregard for public safety. Declares that this Act shall apply to any Federal agency to the same extent as it applies to any person. Provides that the plaintiff will have established a presumption that the defendant caused or significantly contributed to the injury, illness, or damage suffered by the plaintiff upon showing sufficient evidence that: (1) the plaintiff was exposed to a hazardous substance found in a discharge, release, or disposal caused or contributed to by the defendant; (2) the plaintiff's exposure to such substance would likely to cause or significantly contribute to the injury, illness, or damage.  Makes it the burden of the defendant to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she did not cause or significantly contribute to the plaintiff's injury or illness. Specifies the kinds of evidence which shall be considered relevant to the issue of causation of injury, illness, or damage.  Designates as questions for the trier of fact the degree of culpability of, and the recovery amount due from, each defendant shown to be liable. Prohibits the commencement of any action for damages under this Act after the end of a three-year period beginning on the date the injury, illness, or damage was first known, or should reasonably have been known, to exist. Grants jurisdiction for such an action to any State court of competent jurisdiction or any Federal district court for the district in which either the plaintiff or the defendant resides, regardless of the amount in controversy.  Requires an action brought against a Federal agency to be brought in a Federal district court. Prohibits any person from being denied benefits under a State's workers compensation plan for illness or injury due to a release of a hazardous substance because the person filed a claim in an untimely manner if the person filed within the period provided for filing an action for damages under this Act, regardless of whether the person's employer was responsible for such injury or illness. Declares that the presumption of cause, provided for actions for damages under this Act, shall constitute State law in any administrative or judicial proceeding under a State's workers compensation law. Title II: The Environmental Protection Agency - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) to establish procedures under which physicians report all cases of injury, illness, and death which are suspected to have been caused by hazardous substances; and (2) to conduct investigations and studies to determine whether a hazardous substance has been released and the extent of the hazard.  Authorizes the Administrator to conduct public proceedings as part of such an investigation. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register any tentative finding that the release of a hazardous substance has created the potential for injury, illness, or property damage; (2) invite and evaluate public comments concerning such finding; and (3) conduct further studies or investigations; or (4) publish his or her final determination of the risk of injury, illness, or damage created by the release.  Permits a person adversely affected by the Administrator's final determination, to file a petition for judicial review of such determination within 60 days after it is issued.  Provides that such a determination shall be conclusive in any legal or administrative proceeding if no petition is filed within such period. Title III: Toxic Victims Compensation Board - Establishes a Toxic Victims Compensation Board, which shall: (1) accept applications from persons claiming to be victims of illness, injury, or property damage caused by a release of a hazardous substance; (2) certify claimants as victims upon determining that such a release caused such injury, illness, or property damage; and (3) award specified benefits to such victims for their losses. Disqualifies from entitlement to such benefits any person who intentionally causes injury or illness to himself, herself, or another person. Specifies time limits for filing application with the Board. Sets forth the procedure for certification of a victim by the Board.  Grants the Board subpeona powers.  Requires any person filing for certification as a victim to also file a claim for benefits, simultaneously. Permits a victim to file a supplemental claim for benefits for losses suffered after the application date.  Provides for the payment of a benefit award to a person other than the victim if necessary: (1) to secure payment for alimony, maintenance, or child support; or (2) to satisfy a claim for medical benefits or reasonable attorney's fees as verified by the Board. Subrogates the Board to the rights of any victim for the full amount of such benefit payments. Grants the Board a lien in such amount upon any amount recovered by such victim in a civil action for damages under title I of this Act.  Allows the Board to exercise the right of such victim to commence such an action if such victim declines to do so. Provides for the judicial review of a determination by the Board. Requires the Board to submit to the President and Congress an annual report, analyzing: (1) the operation of its duties; (2) the regulations it issued; and (3) the victims certified and benefits awarded. Title IV: Fund for Compensation of Victims of Toxic Exposure - Establishes in the Treasury a trust fund to be known as the Toxic Victims Trust Fund (TVC Fund).  Requires any amounts obtained by the Toxic Victims Compensation Board as a reimbursement for benefits paid to be deposited into such Fund.  Requires the transfer of moneys from the Hazardous Response Trust Fund to cover any victim benefit payment for which there are insufficient moneys in the TCV Fund. Authorizes the appropriation to the Secretary of the Treasury of such amounts as may be necessary for loans to the TCV Fund to pay benefits exceeding amounts available in the TCV Fund and in the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund.",2025-08-29T19:50:13Z,
97-hr-7244,97,hr,7244,"A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to modify the criminal sanctions applicable with respect to hazardous waste, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-09-30,1982-10-01,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. Rinaldo, Matthew J. [R-NJ-12]",NJ,R,R000262,0,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide that for purposes of applying criminal penalties and knowing endangerment provisions, ""hazardous waste"" means any substance so defined by hazardous waste management regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  Bars judicial review of such regulations in any criminal action under specified Federal enforcement provisions. Applies criminal penalties to any person who knowingly violates such regulations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations prohibiting the delivery of hazardous waste to any transporter not having a hazardous waste transportation identification number on file with the Administrator (or with a State, where there is an authorized State hazardous waste program). Applies criminal penalties to any persons who knowingly transport, treat, store, or dispose of any hazardous waste in violation of any State or local law or ordinance. Provides that any act indictable under specified criminal penalties and knowing endangerment provisions shall be treated as racketeering activity  under Federal criminal law.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-7187,97,hr,7187,Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-09-24,1982-12-07,Referred to Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Udall, Morris K. [D-AZ-2]",AZ,D,U000001,9,"Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 - Title I: Disposal and Storage of High-Level Radioactive Waste, Spent Nuclear Fuel, and Low-Level Radioactive Waste - Provides that titles I and III of this Act shall not apply to atomic energy defense activities or to facilities connected with such activities. Requires that within two years after enactment of this Act the President shall evaluate the use of repositories to be developed under subtitle A of this Act for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste resulting from atomic energy defense activities and shall arrange for such use, unless the President finds that the development of a repository exclusively for waste from atomic energy defense activities is required.  Subjects such a repository to licensing requirements and to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements for the establishment of repositories. Provides that this Act shall apply to repositories not used exclusively for high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel from:  (1) atomic energy defense activities; (2) research and development activities of the Secretary of Energy; or (3) both. Requires the Secretary to notify the State in which, or the Indian tribe on whose reservation, a repository for high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities or from research and development activities of the Secretary is proposed to be located. Entitles the State or Indian tribe involved to rights of participation and consultation with respect to the development of such a repository. Subtitle A:  Repositories for Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, to issue general guidelines for the recommendation of repository sites.  Sets forth the contents of such guidelines. Requires the Secretary, following the issuance of the guidelines and consultation with affected States, to recommend to the President at least five candidate sites in at least two different geologic media which are suitable for site characterization for repositories for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.  Requires the Secretary to recommend at least one additional candidate site by February 1, 1985. Requires that each candidate site recommendation be accompanied by an environmental assessment and a basis for the recommendation.  Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a candidate site is located or the Indian tribe on whose reservation a candidate site is located. Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings to inform the residents of the area in which a candidate site is located of the proposed recommendation and to receive their comments before making such recommendation to the President. Requires the President to:  (1) review each candidate site recommendation; (2) either approve or disapprove the recommendation within 60 days; and (3) transmit such decision to the Secretary and to the appropriate Governor or Indian tribe. Provides that the President's failure to approve or disapprove a candidate site within the 60-day period or to invoke authority to delay the determination shall be considered an approval. Provides that this Act shall not prohibit the Secretary from continuing ongoing or presently planned site characterization at Department of Energy sites for which the location of the principal borehole was approved by August 1, 1982, provided that an environmental assessment is prepared and made available to the public before shafts are sunken at any such site.  Prohibits the continuation of site characterization at any such site unless such site is recommended as a candidate site and approved by the President. Requires the Secretary to carry out site characterization activities at each candidate site approved by the President.  Requires the Secretary to submit to the NRC and to either the State in which a candidate site is located or the Indian tribe on whose reservation such a site is located for review, before beginning site characterization activities:  (1) a general plan for site characterization activities; (2) a description of the possible packaging for the high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to be emplaced in the repository; and (3) a conceptual repository design that takes into account likely site-specific requirements.  Directs the Secretary to make the required site characterization plan available to the public and to hold public hearings on it.  Provides for the Secretary to report periodically to the NRC and to the appropriate State or Indian tribe during the conduct of the site characterization activities. Restricts the Secretary's use of radioactive materials during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate State or Indian tribe of a decision to recommend approval of a candidate site upon completion of the public hearings and of the site characterization activities.  Authorizes the Secretary to submit such recommendation to the President 30 days or more after such notification.  Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such recommendation. Directs the President to recommend to Congress by March 31, 1987, a site qualified for repository construction.  Permits a 12-month extension of the deadline for such recommendation if, before March 31, 1986, the President:  (1) decides it is necessary; and (2) sends a report to Congress stating the reasons for the extension.  Requires recommendation of another site for a repository if Congress disapproves the President's first recommendation. Directs the Secretary to submit a construction license application for a repository to the NRC and to the appropriate State or Indian tribe if the President's site recommendation becomes effective. Requires the NRC to submit to Congress a status report on such application within one year after its submission by the Secretary and annually thereafter until the construction authorization is granted. Requires that the NRC issue a final decision on such an application by January 1, 1989, or three years after an application is submitted (plus any authorized extension under this Act), whichever occurs later. Directs the Secretary to prepare and update a project decision schedule showing the optimum way to attain the operation of the repository within the time periods specified in this subtitle.  Sets forth procedural requirements for Federal agencies which cannot, or fail to, comply with deadlines in the project decision schedule. Requires that a final environmental impact statement accompany any recommendation by the Secretary for site approval by the President.  Requires that the environmental impact statement be adopted by the NRC in connection with the issuance of the construction authorization and license for such repository. Makes a site designation effective 60 days after the President recommends such site to Congress, unless the affected Governor or Indian tribe submits to Congress a notice of disapproval of the site designation.  Provides that if a notice of disapproval is submitted, a site designation shall not be effective unless Congress passes a resolution of repository siting approval. Authorizes the affected Governor or Indian tribe to submit to Congress a notice of disapproval within 60 days after the President submits a site recommendation to Congress. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each State in which a candidate site for a repository is approved under this Act and to each Indian tribe on whose reservation such a site is approved under this Act, to enable such States and Indian tribes to:  (1) determine the potential economic, social, public health and safety, and environmental impacts of the repository; (2) develop a request for impact assistance; (3) monitor, test, evaluate, or research the site characterization programs; (4) provide their residents with information on site characterization activities; and (5) request information from, and make recommendations to, the Secretary with respect to activities under this Act.  Limits such grants to 90 percent of the costs incurred by a State and to 100 percent of the costs incurred by an Indian tribe with respect to such activities. Requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical impact assistance, upon request, to any State in which, or to any Indian tribe on whose reservation, there is a site for which the NRC has authorized repository construction.  Sets forth reporting requirements with which a State or Indian tribe seeking such assistance must comply. Requires the Secretary to make additional grants to States and local governments in areas where a repository site is approved and to Indian tribes on whose reservation a repository site is approved.  Requires that such grants be equal to amounts the States, local governments, and Indian tribes would receive if they were authorized to tax site characterization activities and the development and operation of the repository.  Provides for the payment of such grants each fiscal year until such activities, development, and operation are terminated at the site concerned. Sets forth time periods after which Federal grants and impact assistance to States and Indian tribes shall not be available.  Provides that such Federal assistance shall be paid out of the Nuclear Waste Fund established by this Act. Requires the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which is located an Indian reservation on which a repository site is designated whenever the Secretary is required by this Act to notify or consult with the Indian tribe concerned. Requires that information with respect to the siting, establishment, and operation of a repository be provided upon written request to the appropriate State or Indian tribe. Directs the Secretary to consult and cooperate with the Governors of affected States and with affected Indian tribes to resolve State and tribal concerns regarding the public health and safety, environmental, and economic impacts of any repository.  Requires the Secretary to enter into binding written agreements with affected States and Indian tribes under which such information shall be provided and such consultation and cooperation shall be carried out. Sets forth requirements with respect to judicial review of agency actions pursuant to this subtitle. Provides for expedited issuance (to the extent permitted by law) of Federal authorizations required under this subtitle with respect to the characterization of a site or the construction or initial operation of a repository.  Exempts NRC authorizations from such requirements. Requires the promulgation of:  (1) Environmental Protection Agency standards for the protection of the general environment from offsite releases from radioactive material in repositories; and (2) NRC technical requirements and criteria for reviewing applications for repository construction authorizations, repository operating licenses, and repository closure and decommissioning authorizations. Requires repositories constructed on sites approved under this Act to be designed to permit the retrieval of spent nuclear fuel placed in them. Provides that delivery, and acceptance by the Secretary, of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel at a repository constructed under this Act shall constitute a transfer of title to the waste or spent fuel. Requires the Secretary to give full consideration to the effect of any acquisition of water rights required by the establishment of a repository. Terminates the authority under this subtitle with respect to judicial review and expedited authorizations at the time a repository developed under this subtitle is licensed to receive and possess high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Subtitle B:  Interim Storage Program - Directs the Secretary, the NRC, and other Federal officials to encourage and expedite the effective use of available storage and necessary additional storage at civilian nuclear reactor sites. Requires the NRC to establish procedures for licensing technology approved by the NRC for use at civilian nuclear reactor sites. Sets forth the procedural rules which shall govern NRC hearings on applications for licenses or license amendments, filed after the enactment of this Act, to expand spent nuclear fuel storage capacity at civilian nuclear reactor sites. Directs the Secretary to provide up to 1700 metric tons of storage capacity for spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear reactors.  Authorizes the Secretary to contract with an owner or generator of spent nuclear fuel to provide storage capacity for the spent fuel if:  (1) adequate storage capacity cannot be provided at the nuclear reactor site where the spent fuel is being generated or at any other nuclear reactor site owned by such person; and (2) such person is pursuing licensed alternatives to Federal storage capacity.  Authorizes the Secretary to provide up to 100 metric tons of storage capacity for foreign spent nuclear fuel that the United States is required to accept pursuant to international arrangements relating to the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.  Authorizes the Secretary to provide an aggregate of up to 200 metric tons of additional storage capacity for spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear reactors and for foreign spent nuclear fuel. Provides that the provision of 300 or more metric tons of storage capacity at any one Federal site shall require the preparation of an environmental impact statement.  Requires the Secretary to prepare and publish:  (1) an environmental assessment of the probable impacts of the provision of less than 300 metric tons of storage capacity at a Federal site that requires the modification or expansion of any facility at the site; and (2) a discussion of the actions that can be undertaken to avoid such impacts.  Makes such an assessment subject to judicial review. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate State or Indian tribe if 300 or more metric tons of storage capacity are to be provided at any Federal site.  Authorizes the State or Indian tribe to submit to Congress a notice of disapproval, with respect to the provision of such storage capacity, within 60 days after being notified by the Secretary. Provides that if such a notice of disapproval is submitted to Congress, the proposed provision of 300 or more metric tons of storage capacity at the site involved shall be disapproved unless Congress passes a resolution approving it.  Requires the removal of spent nuclear fuel stored under the interim storage program as soon as practicable after a repository developed under this Act becomes available.  Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on plans to provide storage capacity under this Act. Requires the NRC to establish procedures and criteria for determining the adequacy of spent nuclear fuel storage capacity available to owners or generators of spent nuclear fuel. Provides that the Secretary's acceptance of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste shall not constitute a transfer of title to such fuel or waste. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report establishing fees, calculated annually, for storage of spent nuclear fuel.  Requires persons entering into storage contracts with the Secretary to pay a pro-rated portion of the storage costs involved.  Prohibits the storage of spent nuclear fuel generated or owned by a Federal agency in storage capacity provided under this Act, unless the agency transfers to the Secretary an amount equal to the fees required of any party to a storage contract. Establishes in the Treasury the Interim Storage Fund which shall consist of:  (1) receipts from storage contracts; (2) appropriations made by Congress to the fund; and (3) any unexpended balances available on the enactment of this Act for functions or activities related to the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel.  Authorizes the Secretary to use the fund to cover the costs of the interim storage program, including:  (1) the development, licensing, operation, and decommissioning of interim storage facilities; (2) administrative costs; and (3) design, operation, and construction costs of interim facilities. Subtitle C:  Monitored Retrievable Storage - Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal for Federal construction of one or more monitored retrievable storage facilities for high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.  Requires that an environment assessment accompany such proposal. Subjects any facility authorized pursuant to this subtitle to licensing by the NRC. Limits the issues which the NRC may consider in reviewing the first licensing application filed by the Secretary.  Directs the Secretary to make annual impact aid payments from the Interim Storage Fund to the appropriate local governments upon receipt of congressional authorization to construct such a facility. Permits the development in any State of either a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility, but not both. Subtitle D:  Low-Level Radioactive Waste - Requires the NRC to ensure that licensees providing for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste provide adequate financial arrangements to permit disposal site closure and reclamation of sites, structures, and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to assume title and custody of low-level radioactive waste and the disposal site, upon the owner's request and after termination of the disposal license, if:  (1) the NRC's requirements for site closure, decommissioning, and decontamination have been met by the licensee involved; (2) such title and custody will be transferred to the Secretary without cost to the Government; and (3) Federal ownership and management of the site will protect the public health and safety and the environment. Title II:  Research, Development, and Demonstration Regarding Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Requires the Secretary, within six months after enactment of this Act, to issue general guidelines for the selection of a site for a test and evaluation facility. Requires the Secretary, within one year after enactment of this Act and following promulgation of such guidelines, to identify three or more sites, at least two of which shall be in different geologic media and at least one of which shall be in media other than salt.  Provides that the Secretary shall give preference to sites in media that retard aqueous transport of radionuclides. Requires that all sites so identified be more than 15 statute miles from towns with populations of more than 1,000, unless sites contained high-level radioactive waste prior to identification.  Requires that each site identification be supported by an environmental assessment.  Directs the Secretary to notify the appropriate State or Indian tribe when a site has been identified.  Permits the identification of other sites beyond the one-year period. Requires the Secretary to select a site for expanded siting research activities within 30 months after the Secretary has completed site identifications. Directs the Secretary to hold at least one public meeting in the vicinity of identified sites to discuss the  activities to be conducted and receive residents' views within six months after site identifications are completed and before siting research activities are begun.  Restricts the Secretary's use of radioactive materials during siting research activities. Authorizes the Secretary to take title to the high-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, and other radioactive material emplaced in a test and evaluation facility. Grants a State or Indian tribe notified of a test and evaluation facility site identification affecting it the right to participate in a process of consultation and cooperation from the time of such identification throughout the life of the facility. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into written agreements with such a State or Indian tribe to expedite the consultation and cooperation process. Requires Federal agency cooperation in the preparation of necessary reports and the mission plan required by this Act. Requires the Secretary to begin construction of a test and evaluation facility within 64 months of the enactment of this Act to carry out research and provide a demonstration of the technology for geologic disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nulcear fuel.  Sets forth the design requirements for such facilities.  Requires the Secretary to begin an in situ testing program at such facility within 88 months after enactment of this Act. Provides for the use of existing Department facilities for conducting generically applicable tests with respect to packaging, handling, and emplacement technology for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear activities. Requires the NRC to carry out a continuing review and analysis of the activities under this title to evaluate the public health and safety impacts of the test and evaluation facility.  Directs the NRC to report to the President, the Secretary, and Congress on such activities. Requires the Secretary to prepare an environmental impact statement before conducting tests with radioactive materials at the test and evaluation facility. Requires the NRC to concur in the decontamination and decommissioning of the facility if it is not located at a repository site. Limits the in situ testing program if the faciltiy is not located at a candidate or repository site. Sets forth the termination date for the facility. Requires the Secretary to remove radioactive material from the facility site as soon as the facility is found to be unsuitable for continued operations. Provides for the Secretary to establish a demonstration program, in cooperation with the private sector, for the dry storage of spent nuclear fuel at civilian nuclear reactor sites. Directs the Secretary to undertake also a cooperative program with civilian nuclear reactors to encourage the development of technology for spent nuclear fuel rod consolidation in existing reactor water storage basins.  Requires the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with the utilities involved to carry out such programs.  Authorizes the establishment of a research and development program for the dry storage of up to 300 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel at Federal facilities.  Requires the Secretary to provide spent nuclear fuel for such program from spent nuclear fuel received by the Secretary for storage under subtitle B of this Act.  Limits the Federal contribution to the demonstration program to 25 percent of the total costs.  Requires the remaining program costs to be covered by the utilities involved or by the Secretary from the Interim Storage Fund. Restricts the use of Department research, development, or demonstration facilities under this title without congressional authorization. Requires the Secretary to pay 75 percent of the costs incurred by a State or Indian tribe which engages in any activity pursuant to a consultation and cooperation agreement with respect to the test and evaluation facility.  Requires a State receiving such payment to pay at least one-tenth of such amount to the local governments within the jurisdictional boundaries of which the site involved is located. Provides for the Secretary to report to Congress on the research and development activities necessary to develop the proposal for monitored retrievable storage facilities. Title III:  Other Provisions Relating to Radioactive Waste - Requires the Secretary to prepare a mission plan which shall provide an informational basis for carrying out the repository program and the research, development, and demonstration program required under this Act.  Requires that the mission plan include scientific, technical, and economic information with respect to repository siting and construction, the test and evaluation facility, and solidification and packaging of high-level radioactive waste spent nuclear fuel. Directs the Secretary to submit a draft mission plan to the States, Indian tribes, the NRC, and other appropriate Government agencies for their comments.  Provides for the Secretary to submit the mission plan to the appropriate congressional committees after reviewing any comments received and revising the plan as necessary.  Requires that the plan be used at the end of the 30-day period following Congress' receipt of the plan.  Requires the Secretary to report to Congress annually on the progress made toward implementation of the plan. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel of domestic origin with owners or generators of such waste and spent fuel.  Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report establishing payment charges per unit of such waste and spent fuel to be calculated annually.  Provides that persons entering into disposal contracts with the Secretary and any other persons desiring to dispose of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel in repositories developed under this Act shall pay a ratable portion of the disposal costs involved.  Prohibits the NRC from issuing or renewing a  license for an individual to use a utilization or production facility unless such individual has entered into, or is negotiating with the Secretary for, a disposal contract.  Prohibits the disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste by the Secretary in any repository constructed under this Act, unless the owner or generator of such spent fuel or waste has entered into a disposal contract by a specified date.  Permits the assignment of the rights and duties of a party to a disposal contract with transfer of title to the spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste involved.  Prohibits the disposal of any high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel generated or owned by a Federal agency in a repository constructed under this Act, unless the agency transfers to the Secretary for deposit in the Nuclear Waste Fund an amount equal to the fees required of any party to a disposal contract. Establishes in the Treasury a Nuclear Waste Fund which shall consist of:  (1) receipts from disposal contracts; (2) appropriations made by Congress to the fund; and (3) any unexpended balances available on the enactment of this Act for functions or activities related to high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel disposal. Limits the use of the fund to radioactive waste disposal activities under this subtitle. Directs the Secretary to study, and report to Congress on, alternative approaches to managing the construction and operation of all civilian radioactive waste management facilities. Requires the Secretary to make available Federal storage facilities for transuranic waste from decommissioning and decontamination of civilian nuclear facilities and from civilian fuel research and development programs.  Authorizes the Secretary to take title to such waste upon receipt.  Directs the Secretary to require generators and owners of transuranic waste to enter into contracts providing that they will pay an estimated pro rata share of the costs of disposal in a repository or other facility, in addition to the storage fee.  Requires the Secretary to remove the transuranic waste from the storage facilities as soon as practicable after a repository or other facility becomes available.  Prohibits the Secretary from accepting title to transuranic waste or accepting additional transuranic waste for disposal two years or more after enactment of this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from providing storage for transuranic waste on the date on which a repository or other facility becomes available for transuranic waste disposal or six years after the NRC issues final regulations establishing criteria for the licensing of civilian transuranic waste disposal facilities, whichever date occurs first. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress on:  (1) the amount of transuranic waste eligible for storage under this Act through December 31, 2000; (2) the amount of private storage capacity available for such waste; (3) the availability of Federal storage capacity for such waste; and (4) the Secretary's plan for disposal of the waste to which title is accepted by the Secretary. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue standards and the NRC to issue final regulations establishing criteria for the licensing of civilian transuranic waste disposal facilities within two years after enactment of this Act. Establishes within the Department of Energy an Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management to carry out the functions of the Secretary under this Act. Requires the Director of the Office to report annually to Congress on the activities and expenditures of the Office.  Requires the Comptroller General to make an annual audit of the Office and report the results to Congress. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on whether the test and evaluation facility will be located at a repository site.  Requires that site selection and development of the facility be conducted according to the requirements of title I of this Act relating to repository site selection and development if the facility is to be located at a repository site. Prohibits the Secretary from commencing construction of any test and evaluation facility at such a site until the NRC has issued a repository construction authorization for the site involved and the site designation is effective. Prohibits the conversion of a test and evaluation facility into a repository, unless site selection and development of the facility complied with the requirements of title I of this Act relating to repository site selection and development.",2025-08-29T19:50:12Z,
97-s-2959,97,s,2959,Acid Deposition Study and Sulfur Emission Limitation Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-09-24,1982-09-24,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Randolph, Jennings [D-WV]",WV,D,R000046,0,"Acid Deposition Study and Sulfur Emission Limitation Act of 1982 - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to establish a program of acid deposition analysis and mitigation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, within the five-fiscal-year period following the enactment of this Act, to report on acid deposition to specified congressional committees.  Sets forth requirements relating to such report. Directs the Administrator to solicit data, views, and comments from State and other Federal agencies which are carrying out studies and research relating to acid deposition. Encourages State Governors to: (1) establish and designate appropriate regional acid deposition corridors comprising several States; and (2) negotiate appropriate measures to reduce emissions of acid deposition pollutants, taking into consideration actions taken and planned by various States and Canada to control sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, future economic growth in the corridors, employment impact, environmental endangerment, consumer costs, and equity among States. Directs the Administrator to cooperate with and to provide technical assistance for such State efforts. Prohibits the Administrator from approving State implementation plan revisions, during the five-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, which would increase the annual allowable emissions of sulfur dioxide for any existing major stationary source. Sets forth exemptions from such prohibitions where: (1) the revised plan requires reduction of annual allowable emissions of sulfur dioxide from one or more other stationary sources in the State and such reduction is equal to, or greater than, such increase; (2) the increase is less than a deminimum amount established for stationary source construction or modification; (3) there is conversion from burning petroleum products or natural gas to the use of coal, or coal mixed with any other fuel, as the primary energy source; (4) modifications based on required monitoring and adopted pursuant to a consent decree entered into prior to enactment of this Act; and (5) specified sulfur dioxide emissions limitations are established. Authorizes the Administrator, directly or through grants to any State or interstate agency, to develop, refine, demonstrate, and implement methods of: (1) neutralizing or restoring the buffering capacity of acid altered bodies of water that can no longer support game fish species; and (2) removing from bodies of water toxic metals or other toxic substances mobilized by acid deposition. Permits inclusion in such grants of amounts necessary for reports, plans, and specifications.  Prohibits such grants being made for any project: (1) in an amount exceeding 75 percent of costs; or (2) that involves bodies of water that did not contain game fish as established by State law prior to 1970. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for the five fiscal years following the date of enactment of this Act, in order to prepare the report on acid deposition and to make grants to State or interstate agencies.",2025-08-29T19:51:51Z,
97-hr-7179,97,hr,7179,Environmental Protection Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-09-23,1982-10-01,Referred to Subcommittee on Legislation and National Security.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,S000124,0,"Environmental Protection Act of 1982 - Title I: Findings and Purposes - Declares that the existing governmental entities charged with preventing air, water, and land pollution have not adequately protected the environment.  States the purpose of this Act to be to protect Americans against adverse effects of environmental changes through the establishment of a multimember independent regulatory commission. Title II:  Establishment of Commission - Establishes the Environmental Protection Commission as an independent regulatory commission to be composed of five members appointed by the President with the Senate's approval. Sets forth provisions governing the members, officers, powers, and functions of the Commission and the functions of the Chairman of the Commission. Directs the Science Advisory Board to provide such scientific advice as the Commission may request. Sets forth guidelines for the nomination, selection, and appointment by the Chairman of an individual to fill any vacancy on the Board.  Requires the Chairman to issue regulations regarding conflicts of interest with respect to members of the Board. Title III:  Transfer of Functions - Transfers to the Commission all functions of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977, and the Department of Agriculture under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act not otherwise transferred by this Act to the Chairman or the administrative units of the Commission. Title IV:  Administrative Provisions - Part A: Personnel Provisions - Provides for the appointment and compensation of Commission officers and employees and the procurement and compensation of experts and consultants. Part B:  General Administrative Provisions - Sets forth provisions governing the authority of the Commission to:  (1) exercise transferred functions; (2) delegate functions to its officers and employees; (3) reallocate functions among its offices and reorganize its structure; (4) enter into and perform contracts; and (5) promulgate rules. Requires the Commission, for each proposed action to promulgate or revise a rule, to: (1) establish and make available to the public a rulemaking docket containing the comments and certain documentory information concerning each rule; (2) publish a notice of the proposed action which shall include a statement of the purpose and basis of the rule and the period available for public comment; (3) allow any person to present oral or written data on the rule during the comment period; and (4) keep the record of the rulemaking open for 30 days after completion of the proceeding to provide for submission of rebuttal or supplementary information.  Requires the promulgated rule to be accompanied by:  (1) a statement of its basis and purpose; (2) a justification of major changes to the rule as proposed; and (3) a response to significant data submitted during the comment period. Provides for the judicial review of such rules. Authorizes a six-month extension of a statutory deadline for the promulgation of such a rule if such extension is necessary to afford the public and the agency adequate opportunity to carry out rulemaking requirements. Authorizes the Commission to:  (1) establish, alter, discontinue, or maintain regional and other field offices as necessary; (2) acquire and maintain schools, research and training facilities, and accomodations as may be necessary for employees; (3) establish eating facilities for employees at its installations; (4) provide certain facilities, services, and supplies for employees at remote locations; (5) use the resources of Federal, State, local, and foreign instrumentalities with their consent; (6) permit public and private organizations to use its facilities for Commission purposes; (7) acquire copyrights, patents, applications for patents, licenses under copyrights and patents, and releases for past patent or copyright infringement; (8) accept and use gifts, bequests, and devises of property; (9) provide advice and technical assistance related to its functions; (10) establish a working capital fund; and (11) transfer funds among Commission appropriations, with certain limitations. Directs the Commission to procure a seal of office. Requires the Commission to submit to the President and Congress at the beginning of each regular session of Congress a comprehensive report on the administration of its functions. Requires that such report include:  (1) an appraisal of the incidence of health and other effects to the population resulting from environmental causes; (2) an evaluation of the degree of observance of environmental rules; (3) a summary of outstanding problems confronting the Commission; and (4) specified information on voluntary environmental standards developed with the Commission's assistance. Title V:  Transitional, Savings, and Conforming Provisions -  Sets forth provisions governing the transfer and allocation of personnel, appropriations, and other resources transferred to the Commission under this Act. Terminates the Environmental Protection Agency and positions in such Agency which were expressly authorized by law or compensated at an Executive Schedule pay rate. Declares that this Act shall have no effect on orders issued, determinations made, proceedings pending, or civil actions commenced before its enactment.  Provides that statutory requirements for notice, hearings, and administrative or judicial review applicable to functions transferred by this Act shall continue to apply to such functions. Title VI:  Effective Date and Interim Appointments - Specifies the effective date of this Act. Provides that funds available to any agency the functions of which are transferred by this Act may, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, be used to pay the compensation of interim officers and other expenses of establishing the Commission or transfering functions until funds for such expenses are otherwise available. Authorizes the President to designate an officer on the executive branch to act as a Commission officer for 120 days or until such office is filled, whichever occurs first.",2025-08-29T19:50:13Z,
97-s-2941,97,s,2941,A bill to authorize funds for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for fiscal year 1983 to carry out the provisions of the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978.,Environmental Protection,1982-09-23,1982-12-27,Referred to Subcommittee on Oceanography.,Senate,"Sen. Schmitt, Harrison H. [R-NM]",NM,R,S000132,0,"(Measure passed Senate, amended) Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations for FY 1983 for the administration of such Act by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Amends the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere Act of 1977 to authorize appropriations for such Committee for FY 1983.",2025-01-14T18:51:33Z,
97-hr-7159,97,hr,7159,A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to allow modifications of certain effluent limitations relating to biochemical oxygen demand and pH.,Environmental Protection,1982-09-22,1983-01-08,Became Public Law No: 97-440.,House,"Rep. Clausen, Don H. [R-CA-2]",CA,R,C000475,3,"(Measure passed Senate, amended) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, with State concurrence, to issue a permit which would modify specified effluent limitation requirements (dealing with biochemical oxygen demand and pH) for an industrial discharger, in such State, who makes discharges into deep waters of the territorial seas. Requires the applicant for a modified permit to make specified demonstrations, including a showing that:  (1) the facility for which modification is sought is covered at the time of enactment of this Act by one of two specified permit numbers under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; (2) the applicant accepts as a condition of the permit an obligation to use a required amount of funds for research and development of water pollution control technology, including closed cycle technology; (3) the relief granted will not establish a precedent or the relaxation of requirements applicable to similarly situated discharges; and (4) no owner or operator of a comparable facility has demonstrated that it would be put at a competitive disadvantage to the applicant or the applicant's parent company or subsidiaries as a result of the issuance of such a modified permit. Sets forth requirements for such modified effluent limitations. Limits a modified permit to a five-year period, with additional five-year renewals upon a showing by the applicant that the requirements of this Act are met. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate such modified permit upon finding that there has been a decline in the ambient water quality of receiving waters during the period of the permit, even if a direct cause and effect relationship cannot be shown. Directs the Administrator to terminate any such modified permit if the effluent from the source is contributing to a decline in ambient water quality of the receiving waters.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2894,97,s,2894,A bill to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Army acting through the Corps of Engineers to relocate the Christina River Dredge Spoil Disposal Site.,Environmental Protection,1982-09-10,1982-09-10,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Roth Jr., William V. [R-DE]",DE,R,R000460,1,"Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to relocate the site of disposal for dredge spoil from the Christina River, Wilmington, Delaware, from its current location at Cherry Island to a Delaware River site between the Wilmington Marine Terminal and Pigeon Point.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2874,97,s,2874,"A bill to amend the Act of March 16, 1934, as amended, to credit entrance fees for the migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp contest to the account which pays for the administration of the contest.",Environmental Protection,1982-08-20,1982-10-14,Became Public Law No: 97-307.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,"Credits entrance fees for the migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamp contest, first, to the account which pays for the administration of the contest and, then, to the migratory-bird conservation fund.",2023-05-11T13:18:01Z,
97-s-2867,97,s,2867,Environmental Programs Assistance Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-08-19,1982-08-19,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,9,"Environmental Programs Assistance Act of 1982 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to develop a program, through grants or contracts, designed to assist Federal, State, and local environmental agencies in carrying out projects of pollution prevention, abatement, and control. Provides that such program may include projects such as: (1) air monitoring and emission testing; (2) pesticides inventory and control; (3) water quality and supply sampling and monitoring; (4) technical libraries and public information projects; (5) carcinogenic surveys and followup; (6) hazardous materials routing surveys; (7) health screening in rural areas and among migrant workers; and (8) noise abatement and control. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) submit to Congress, within 180 days after enactment of this Act a report identifying projects which serve the purpose of the program; (2) consult with representatives of State and local environmental agencies concernign ways to implement this Act; and (3) utilize the talents of older Americans available for project participation and consult with the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Administration on Aging to ensure coordination with similar projects under the Older Americans Act of 1965 or the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (or under any successor statute). Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to and cooperative agreements with, public and private institutions and individuals to carry out the program under this Act.  Prohibits the Administrator from making any grants to, or agreements with, any State or local environmental agency for any activities which would take the job of any agency employee or impair any existing contract for services. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1982 through 1985 to carry out the administrative provisions of this Act.  Provides that environmentally related programs described under this Act shall be eligible for funding made available through title V of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and title III of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.",2025-08-29T19:51:45Z,
97-s-2795,97,s,2795,"A bill to amend the Clean Air Act in order to expedite the evaluation of potentially hazardous air pollutants, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-07-30,1982-07-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Johnston, J. Bennett [D-LA]",LA,D,J000189,0,"Amends the Clean Air Act to revise provisions relating to national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, within 90 days of the enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982, to publish:  (1) a list of not less than 40 substances for priority review concerning whether such substances should be included on the list for which NESHAPs will be established (the NESHAPs list); and (2) a schedule for making such determinations on at least ten of such substances during each of the following four years.  Directs the Administrator to include those substances for which previous evaluations are most advanced, taking into account specified data. Makes the selection of the substances, schedule dates for determination on each substance, and any revision of such list or schedule within the first two years discretionary and not subject to judicial review. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) consider any information relevant to whether the substance has hazardous effects on human health; (2) consult with the Science Advisory Board and other experts; (3) provide an opportunity for public submission of data and views; and (4) obtain other information appropriate in making a final determination.  Authorizes the Administrator to request data from any person and use specified authority to obtain such data. Directs the Administrator to determine for each substance included in the schedule whether such substance is or is not a hazardous air pollutant to be included on the NESHAPs list or whether the information available is insufficient for such a determination. Requires publication of statements of the basis for such determinations and identification of data relied upon.  Requires that a substance be considered, as a matter of law, a hazardous air pollutant and be included on the NESHAPs list, if the Administrator fails to make such determinations. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the Administrator's own motion or the petition of any interested person, to:  (1) make such determinations for any other substance; or (2) determine that a substance should be removed from the NESHAPs list.  Directs the Administrator to make such determinations within one year of receipt of petitions filed: (1) after the scheduled review is completed; or (2) on a pollutant listed as a matter of law. Permits a six-month extension of such one-year deadline upon a published finding that relevant data is not available or has not been available for a sufficient time for adequate consideration. Subjects final determinations to judicial review according to specified procedures. Directs the Administrator, following the addition of any hazardous air pollutant to the NESHAPs list, to:  (1) within 60 days, to publish a list of source categories which emit the pollutant in significant amounts; and (2) within six months, to propose emission standards (NESHAPs) for such source categories.  Directs the Administrator to promulgate such emmission standards within one year following the date of proposal.  Permits a six-month extension of the deadline for proposal or promulgation, upon a published finding that necessary data is not available or has not been available for a sufficient time.  Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish among sizes, types, and classes of sources within each category.  Directs the Administrator to review each emission standard at least once in every ten-year period following promulgation. Provides that such emission standards shall require achievement of the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of the best system of continuous emission reduction which the Administrator determines is available (taking into account the cost of achieving such reduction and any nonair quality health and environmental impacts, energy requirements, and in the case of existing sources, the remaining useful life of the facilities).  Requires, for new or modified major stationary sources, that such standard, at a minimum, be set at a level equal to the most stringent emission limitation imposed upon any source in that category by any Federal, State, or local requirement or permit and which is being achieved under actual operating conditions. Authorizes the Administrator to establish an alternative standard upon a showing by an individual source that such standard is not achievable by that source. Requires new, modified, and existing sources to comply with emissions limitations based upon a promulgated standard for the applicable category or a case-by-case determination based on criteria for such standards.  Directs the Administrator, upon a discretionary finding that with respect to one or more sources in a category the established standards are inadequate to protect the public health, to set stricter emission limitations for such sources. Makes emission standards for new or modified sources effective upon promulgation. Directs the Administrator to establish the effective date of emission standards for existing sources as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than 30 months after promulgation.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2779,97,s,2779,A bill to specify that the release of water from dams is not the discharge of water pollution.,Environmental Protection,1982-07-27,1982-07-27,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Hart, Gary W. [D-CO]",CO,D,H000287,1,"Amends the Clean Water Act to declare that ""discharge of a pollutant or pollutants"" does not include controlled or uncontrolled flows of water through, over, or around dams with water quality effects resulting solely from impoundment or from the method of release.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hres-531,97,hres,531,A resolution expressing the sense of the House with respect to the continuation of the Environmental Protection Agency's requirements concerning the maximum allowable lead content of leaded grades of gasoline.,Environmental Protection,1982-07-21,1982-07-27,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Bedell, Berkley W. [D-IA-6]",IA,D,B000298,20,Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Environmental Protection Agency's current requirements respecting the average lead content of gasoline manufactured by refiners (including small refiners) should be retained in their present form and should not be made less stringent.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-6699,97,hr,6699,A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act with respect to the recycling of hazardous waste.,Environmental Protection,1982-06-24,1982-07-12,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]",NJ,D,F000215,0,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to ensure that the use, reuse, recycling, and reclamation of hazardous wastes is conducted in a manner consistent with protection of human health and the environment. Requires notification to the Administrator by: (1) the owner or operator of any facility producing a fuel from any hazardous waste alone or with other material or from used oil alone or with other material; (2) the owner or operator of any facility burning fuel containing any hazardous waste or used oil; and (3) any person who distributes or markets fuel containing hazardous waste or used oil. Requires that such notification describe the location, the facility, the identified or listed hazardous waste involved, and the production or energy recovery activity. Exempts facilities, such as residential boilers, from such notification requirements where the Administrator determines that such notification is not necessary for obtaining sufficient information respecting current practices of facilities using hazardous waste for energy recovery. Directs the Administrator, within two years after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations establishing health and environmental standards applicable to owners or operators of facilities producing fuel from hazardous wastes or burning hazardous wastes for energy recovery and to distributors or marketers of such fuels.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-6705,97,hr,6705,"A bill to repeal the State preemption clause in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-24,1982-07-12,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,0,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (""Superfund"") to repeal the State preemption clause which prohibits, except as provided in such Act, requiring any person to contribute to any fund the purpose of which is to pay compensation for claims for any costs of response or damages or claims which may be compensated under title I (Hazardous Substances Releases, Liability, Compensation) of such Act.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-6670,97,hr,6670,"A bill to revise and extend certain provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, for five years, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-23,1982-07-06,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3]",NJ,D,H000840,1,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (""the Act,"" also known as the Clean Water Act) to extend through FY 1987:  (1) authorizations of appropriations for programs of investigations and information and for State program grants; and (2) the general authorization of appropriations to carry out programs under the Act.  Specifies amounts of such authorizations for FY 1983, but provides for such sums as may be necessary for FY 1984 through 1987. Extends until July 1, 1988, the deadline for industry compliance with best available technology (BAT) and best conventional technology (BCT) standards and effluent limitations for pollutants.  Extends until July 1, 1991, the deadline for facilities with permits to use innovative production processes, control techniques, or systems to achieve compliance with BAT. Extends the deadline for requests by owners or operators of municipally-owned treatment works for permits to extend the time for achievement of effluent limitations based on secondary treatment or on more stringent water quality standards. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prescribe and collect processing fees for applications for modifications and exemptions under specified provisions of the Act.  Requires that amounts collected be credited to the appropriation that incurs the costs and be available only in such amounts as are included in appropriations Acts. Redefines ""new source"" to mean any source the construction of which is commenced after the publication of final regulations prescribing applicable new source performance standards (NSPS). Extends until July 1, 1984, the deadlines for the Administrator to:  (1) publish regulations providing guidelines for effluent limitations; (2) propose and publish regulations establishing Federal NSPS within listed categories of sources; and (3) establish effluent limitations for specified toxic pollutants. Revises provisions for the pretreatment of sources which introduce pollutants into publicly owned treatment works and which are incompatible with such works.  Directs the Administrator to continue in force and revise as appropriate pretreatment regulations generally applicable to all categories of such sources.  Requires that such generally applicable pretreatment regulations which are promulgated or significantly revised after the enactment of the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1982 shall specify a compliance date not to exceed two years from the promulgation date. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for specific categories and classes of such sources, specifying a compliance date not to exceed three years from the promulgation date.  Provides that pretreatment standards for specific categories and classes of sources which were in effect immediately prior to enactment of the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1982 shall continue in full force and effect unless modified, rescinded, or determined by the Administrator to be no longer necessary or reasonable. Permits owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to revise such pretreatment requirements for specified categories or classes or for equivalent new sources, if:  (1) the treatment by such works removes all or part of the pollutant; (2) the discharge from such works does not violate the effluent limitation or standard which would be applicable if it were discharged other than through a publicly owned treatment works; and (3) the discharge does not impair sludge use or disposal by such works. Authorizes the Administrator to revise pretreatment standards as control technology, processes, operating methods, or other alternatives change. Authorizes the Administrator, with State concurrence and after opportunity for a public hearing, (or, if appropriate, the State itself) to issue permits exempting publicly owned treatment works from discharge requirements involving:  (1) identification of the character and volume of pollutants introduced by any significant source; and (2) assurance of compliance with pretreatment standards by such source.  Sets forth certification requirements for such exemptions.  Provides for exemptions for:  (1) all sources, subject to specified category; or (2) new sources, upon specified certifications by the owner or operator of the publicly owned treatment works into which the pollutants are introduced.  Sets forth procedures relating to such exemptions, including limiting the term of such exemptions to ten years. Directs the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for equivalent categories and classes of new sources, simultaneously with the promulgation of such standards for existing categories and classes of sources. Authorizes the Administrator, after consultation with the State in which the violation occurs, to assess a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 per day of violation and not exceeding $75,000 in total, for violations of specified provisions of the Act.  Sets forth procedures for assessment of such penalties. Revises provisions for criminal penalties under the Act. Prescribes penalties for negligently introducing, and for knowingly introducing, pollutants or hazardous substances into sewer systems or publicly owned treatment works under specified conditions.  Raises penalties for knowing violations of the Act to a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per day of violation and/or up to two years imprisonment. Revises provisions on Presidential exemptions for Federal effluent sources from requirements of the Act.  Repeals the prohibition against presidential exemptions of Federal facilities from toxic and pretreatment effluent standards and from national NSPS. Requires with respect to such presidential exemptions, that:  (1) all existing wastewater treatment facilities and techniques be utilized to their full design capacity; and (2) all reasonable efforts be taken to comply at the earliest possible date with the requirements of the Act.  Extends the initial exemption period from one year to three years. Directs the President to include in the report to Congress on such exemptions the progress toward achieving compliance with exempted requirements. Authorizes the President, in addition to such effluent source exemptions, to issue regulations exempting from requirements any property owned or operated by the United States or by the National Guard which is essential to the national defense. (Currently, such regulations may exempt property owned or operated by the U.S. armed forces or the National Guard which is uniquely military in nature.)  Requires that, with respect to United States or National Guard facilities so exempted:  (1) all existing wastewater treatment facilities be utilized to full design capacity; and (2) all reasonable efforts be made to comply at the earliest possible date with the requirements of the Act.  Authorizes the President to modify or suspend the provisions of the Act during the period of any war declared by Congress or any national emergency declared by Congress or the President. Revises provisions relating to thermal discharges. Authorizes the Administrator (or, if appropriate, the State) to issue a permit for modified effluent limitations for control of the thermal component of any discharge from a point source, upon a satisfactory showing by the applicant that such modified requirement will assure:  (1) the attainment and maintenance of thermal water quality criteria adopted under provisions for water quality standards and implementation plans and in compliance with provisions for ocean discharge criteria; or (2) the protection and propagation of a balanced population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife in and on that body of water  as determined by the State (or, if appropriate, the Administrator).  Provides that the applicant must also show that a monitoring program to ensure continued compliance will be established before such modified limitation may be imposed. Provides that any standard established under effluent limitation provisions and applicable to a point source shall require that:  (1) the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts; or (2) other equally effective measures will be applied, alone or in combination with best available technology, to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Extends from five years to ten years the maximum term of a permit issued by the Administrator or a qualified State under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Revises provisions for approval of State programs under the NPDES.  Authorizes the Administrator to approve a State plan to administer part of a permit program, with a State commitment to administer the full program within five years.  Provides that return of permit program administration to the Administrator, or withdrawal of approval by the Administrator, may only be made of the entire program currently being administered by a State. Provides that the term ""point source"" does not include return flows from irrigated agriculture or controlled or uncontrolled flows of water through, over, or around dams with water quality effects resulting solely from such impoundment or the method of release of impounded waters.  Prohibits the Administrator from requiring an NPDES permit for discharges composed entirely of any flow from a dam excluded under the definition of ""point source."" Allows the State continuing planning process for navigable waters to include a process to:  (1) identify adverse changes in quality movement, flow, or circulation of navigable waters caused by hydrologic modifications, including changes caused by the existence or operation of dams; and (2) set forth procedures and methods to control such adverse changes. Excludes from the definition of ""pollutant"" munitions expended in the course of conventional weapons training exercises by the U.S. armed forces, or by its allies in joint training exercises.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6671,97,hr,6671,A bill to provide that dams shall not be considered point sources for purposes of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.,Environmental Protection,1982-06-23,1982-07-06,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Kogovsek, Ray [D-CO-3]",CO,D,K000304,0,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that dams or structures intended to impound water shall not be considered point sources for the discharge of pollutants where, upon release of impounded waters, water quality effects result from such impoundment or from the method of release.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6650,97,hr,6650,"A bill to deauthorize the Arkansas River Basin component of the water quality control project in the Arkansas-Red River Basin, Oklahoma and Kansas.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-22,1982-07-06,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. English, Glenn [D-OK-6]",OK,D,E000184,0,"Deauthorizes the Arkansas River basin component of the water quality control project in the Arkansas-Red River basin, Oklahoma and Kansas.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-s-2652,97,s,2652,"A bill to revise and extend certain provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, for five years, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-18,1982-07-29,Subcommittee on Environmental Pollution. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,2,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (""the Act,"" also known as the Clean Water Act) to extend through FY 1987:  (1) authorizations of appropriations for programs of investigations and information and for State program grants; and (2) the general authorization of appropriations to carry out programs under the Act. Specifies amounts of such authorizations for FY 1983, but provides for such sums as may be necessary for FY 1984 through 1987. Extends until July 1, 1988, the deadline for industry compliance with best available technology (BAT) and best conventional technology (BCT) guidelines and effluent limitations for pollutants.  Extends until July 1, 1991, the deadline for facilities with permits to use innovative production processes, control techniques, or systems to achieve compliance with BAT. Extends the deadline for requests by owners or operators of municipal, publicly owned treatment works for permits to extend the time for achievement of effluent limitations based on secondary treatment or on more stringent water quality standards. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prescribe and collect processing fees for applications for modifications and exemptions under specified provisions of the Act.  Requires that amounts collected be credited to the appropriation that incurs the costs and be available only in such amounts as are included in appropriations Acts. Redefines ""new source"" to mean any source the construction of which is commenced after the publication of final regulations prescribing applicable new source performance standards (NSPS). Extends until July 1, 1984, the deadlines for the Administrator to:  (1) publish regulations providing guidelines for effluent limitations; (2) propose and publish regulations establishing Federal new source performance standards (NSPS) within listed categories of sources; and (3) establish effluent limitations for specified toxic pollutants. Revises provisions for the pretreatment of sources which introduce pollutants into publicly owned treatment works and which are incompatible with such works.  Directs the Administrator to continue in force and revise as appropriate pretreatment regulations generally applicable to all categories of such sources.  Requires that such generally applicable pretreatment regulations which are promulgated or significantly revised after the enactment of the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1982 shall specify a compliance date not to exceed two years from the promulgation date. Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for specific categories and classes of such sources, specifying a compliance date not to exceed three years from the promulgation date. Provides that pretreatment standards for specific categories and classes of sources which were in effect immediately prior to enactment of the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1982 shall continue in full force and effect unless modified, rescinded, or determined by the Administrator to be no longer necessary or reasonable. Permits owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to revise such pretreatment requirements for specified categories or classes or for equivalent new sources, if:  (1) the treatment by such works removes all or part of the pollutant; (2) the discharge from such works does not violate the effluent limitation or standard which would be applicable if it were discharged other than through a publicly owned treatment works; and (3) the discharge does not impair sludge use or disposal by such works. Authorizes the Administrator to revise pretreatment standards as control technology, processes, operating methods, or other alternatives change. Authorizes the Administrator, with State concurrence (or, if appropriate, the State itself) and after opportunity for a public hearing, to issue permits exempting publicly owned treatment works from discharge requirements involving:  (1) identification of the character and volume of pollutants introduced by any significant source; and (2) assurance of compliance with pretreatment standards by such source.  Sets forth certification requirements for such exemptions.  Provides for exemptions for:  (1) all sources, subject to specified category; or (2) new sources, upon specified certifications by the owner or operator of the publicly owned treatment works into which the pollutants are introduced.  Sets forth procedures relating to such exemptions, including limiting the term of such exemptions to ten years. Directs the Administrator to promulgate pretreatment standards for equivalent categories and classes of new sources, simultaneously with the promulgation of such standards for existing categories and classes of sources. Authorizes the Administrator, after consultation with the State in which the violation occurs, to assess a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 per day of violation and not exceeding $75,000 in total, for violations of specified provisions of the Act.  Sets forth procedures for assessment of such penalties. Revises provisions for criminal penalties under the Act. Prescribes penalties for negligently introducing, and for knowingly introducing, pollutants or hazardous substances into sewer systems or publicly owned treatment works under specified conditions.  Raises penalties for knowing violations of the Act to a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $50,000 per day of violation and/or up to two years imprisonment. Revises provisions on Presidential exemptions for Federal effluent sources from requirements of the Act.  Repeals the prohibition against Presidential exemptions of Federal facilities from toxic and pretreatment effluent standards and from national standards of performance for new sources (NSPS). Requires with respect to such Presidential exemptions, that:  (1) all existing wastewater treatment facilities and techniques be utilized to their full design capacity; and (2) all reasonable efforts be taken to comply at the earliest possible date with the requirements of the Act.  Extends the initial exemption period from one year to three years. Directs the President to include in the report to Congress on such exemptions the progress toward achieving compliance with exempted requirements. Authorizes the President, in addition to such effluent source exemptions, to issue regulations exempting from requirements any property owned or operated by the United States or by the National Guard which is essential to the national defense. (Currently, such regulations may exempt property owned or operated by the U.S. armed forces or the National Guard which is uniquely military in nature.)  Requires that, with respect to United States or National Guard facilities so exempted:  (1) all existing wastewater treatment facilities be utilized to full design capacity; and (2) all reasonable efforts be made to comply at the earliest possible date with the requirements of the Act.  Authorizes the President to modify or suspend the provisions of the Act during the period of any war declared by Congress or any national emergency declared by Congress or the President. Revises provisions relating to thermal discharges. Authorizes the Administrator (or, if appropriate, the State) to issue a permit for modified effluent limitations for control of the thermal component of any discharge from a point source, upon a satisfactory showing by the applicant that such modified requirement will assure:  (1) the attainment and maintenance of thermal water quality criteria adopted under provisions for water quality standards and implementation plans and in compliance with provisions for ocean discharge criteria; or (2) the protection and propagation of a balanced population of shellfish, fish, and wildlife in and on that body of water  as determined by the State (or, if appropriate, the Administrator).  Provides that the applicant must also show that a monitoring program to ensure continued compliance will be established before such modified limitation may be imposed. Provides that any standard established under effluent limitation provisions and applicable to a point source shall require that:  (1) the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts; or (2) other equally effective measures will be applied, alone or in combination with best available technology, to minimize adverse environmental impacts. Extends from five years to ten years the maximum term of a permit issued by the Administrator or a qualified State under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Revises provisions for approval of State programs under NPDES.  Authorizes the Administrator to approve a state plan to administer part of a permit program, with a State commitment to administer the full program within five years.  Provides that return of permit program administration to the Administrator, or withdrawal of approval by the Administrator, may only be made of the entire program currently being administered by a State. Provides that the term ""point source"" does not include return flows from irrigated agriculture or controlled or uncontrolled flows of water through, over, or around dams with water quality effects: resulting solely from such impoundment or the method of release of impounded waters.  Prohibits the Administrator from requiring an NPDES permit for discharges composed entirely of any flow from a dam excluded under the definition of ""point source."" Allows the State continuing planning process for navigable waters to include a process to:  (1) identify adverse changes in quality movement, flow, or circulation of navigable waters caused by hydrologic modifications, including changes caused by the existence or operation of dams; and (2) set forth procedures and methods to control such adverse changes. Excludes from the definition of ""pollutant"" munitions expended in the course of conventional weapons training exercises by the U.S. armed forces, or by its allies in joint training exercises.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2644,97,s,2644,A bill to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the disposal in landfills of certain hazardous wastes.,Environmental Protection,1982-06-17,1982-06-17,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Hart, Gary W. [D-CO]",CO,D,H000287,1,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to list those hazardous wastes which may reasonably be anticipated to cause adverse health or environmental effects if disposed of without adequate prior treatment. Directs the Administrator to make such list within 18 months after the enactment of this Act and periodically thereafter.  Directs the Administrator to consult with appropriate Federal and State agencies and to provide notice and opportunity for public hearing before making such list. Prohibits disposal of such listed hazardous waste without prior treatment by a method, technique, or process certified by the Administrator.  Sets forth procedures for such certification.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hr-6598,97,hr,6598,Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-06-15,1982-09-28,"Committee on Rules Granted a Modified Open Rule with Two and One-Half Hours of Debate, Making in Order the Text of H.R.7187 as an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.",House,"Rep. Ottinger, Richard L. [D-NY-24]",NY,D,O000134,0,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Energy and Commerce with amendment, H. Rept. 97-785 (Part I)) Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 - Provides that this Act shall not apply to atomic energy defense activities or to facilities connected with such activities. Provides that this Act shall not require the release of classified national security information. Requires the Secretary of Energy to notify the State in which, or the Indian tribe on whose reservation, a repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel from atomic energy defense activities is proposed to be located. Entitles the State or Indian tribe involved to rights of participation and consultation with respect to the development of such a repository. Sets forth procedural requirements for public hearings held by the Secretary pursuant to this Act. Title I:  High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Subtitle A:  Repositories for Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel - Requires the Secretary, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, to issue general guidelines for the recommendation of repository sites.  Sets forth the contents of such guidelines. Requires the Secretary within 14 months after enactment of this Act, to recommend to the President at least three candidate sites, in at least two different geologic media, which are suitable for site characterization for repositories for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.  Requires the Secretary to recommend at least three additional candidate sites by February 1, 1985. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a candidate site is located or the Indian tribe on whose reservation a candidate site is located.  Requires the Secretary to hold public hearings to inform the residents of the area in which a candidate site is located of the proposed recommendation and to receive their comments before making such recommendation to the President. Requires the President to:  (1) review each candidate site recommendation; (2) either approve or disapprove the recommendation within 60 days; and (3) transmit such decision to the Secretary and to the appropriate Governor or Indian tribe.  Provides that the President's failure to approve or disapprove a candidate site within the 60-day period or to invoke authority to delay the determination shall be considered an approval. Requires the Secretary to carry out site characterization activities at each candidate site approved by the President.  Requires the Secretary to submit to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and to either the State in which a candidate site is located or the Indian tribe on whose reservation such a site is located for review, before beginning site characterization activities: (1) an environmental assessment of the probable impacts of such activities; (2) a general plan for site characterization activities; and (3) proposals for the packaging of the waste and spent fuel to be emplaced in the repository. Directs the Secretary to make the required environmental assessment and site characterization plan available to the public and to hold public hearings on them.  Provides for the Secretary to report periodically to the NRC and to the appropriate State or Indian tribe during the conduct of the site characterization activities.  Restricts the Secretary's use of radioactive materials during site characterization activities. Prohibits the continuation of site characterization activities at a candidate site if the site is unsuitable for eventual development as a licensed repository or if such activities should be terminated for any other reason.  Requires, upon termination, that:  (1) the appropriate States or Indian tribes be notified; and (2) high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel at the candidate site be removed. Authorizes the Secretary to continue ongoing or presently planned site characterization at any Department of Energy site for which the location of the principal borehole was approved by August 1, 1982, subject to the consultation and cooperation requirements under this Act, if the Secretary determines that compliance with this subtitle will delay ongoing activities. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate State or Indian tribe of a decision to recommend approval of a candidate site upon completion of the public hearings and of the site characterization activities. Authorizes the Secretary to submit such recommendation to the President 30 days or more after such notification. Sets forth procedural requirements with respect to such recommendation. Directs the President to recommend to Congress by March 31, 1987, a site qualified for repository construction. Permits a 12-month extension of the deadline for such recommendation if, before a specified date, the President: (1) decides it is necessary; and (2) sends a report to Congress stating the reasons for the extension. Requires recommendation of another site for a repository if Congress disapproves the President's first recommendation. Directs the Secretary to submit a construction license application for a repository to the NRC and to the appropriate State or Indian tribe if the President's site recommendation becomes effective. Requires the NRC to submit to Congress a status report on such application within one year after its submission by the Secretary and annually thereafter until the construction authorization is granted. Requires that the NRC issue a final decision on such an application by January 1, 1989, or three years after an application is submitted (plus any authorized extension under this Act), whichever occurs later. Directs the Secretary to prepare and update a project decision schedule showing the optimum way to attain the operation of the repository within the time periods specified in this subtitle.  Sets forth procedural requirements for Federal agencies which cannot, or fail to, comply with deadlines in the project decision schedule. Requires that a final environmental impact statement accompany any recommendation by the Secretary for site approval by the President.  Requires that the environmental impact statement be adopted by the NRC in connection with the issuance of the construction authorization and license for such repository. Makes a site designation effective 60 days after the President recommends such site to Congress, unless the affected Governor or Indian tribe submits to Congress a petition for disapproval of the site designation.  Provides that if a disapproval petition is submitted, a site designation shall be effective, after a specified period, unless Congress passes a resolution disapproving the site designation. Authorizes the affected Governor or Indian tribe to submit to Congress a petition for disapproval within 60 days after the President submits a site recommendation to Congress. Directs the Secretary to make grants to each State in which a candidate site for a repository is approved under this Act and to each Indian tribe on whose reservation such a site is approved under this Act to enable such States and Indian tribes to:  (1) determine the potential economic, social, public health and safety, and environmental impacts of the repository; (2) develop a request for impact assistance; (3) monitor, test, evaluate, or research the site characterization programs; (4) provide their residents with information on site characterization activities; and (5) request information from, and make recommendation to, the Secretary with respect to activities under this Act.  Limits such grants to 90 percent of the costs incurred by a State and to 100 percent of the costs incurred by an Indian tribe with respect to such activities. Requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical impact assistance, upon request, to any State in which, or to any Indian tribe on whose reservation, there is a site for which the NRC has authorized repository construction.  Sets forth reporting requirements with which a State or Indian tribe seeking such assistance must comply. Requires the Secretary to make additional grants to States and local governments in areas where a repository site is approved and to Indian tribes on whose reservation a repository site is approved. Requires that such grants be equal to amounts the States, local governments, and Indian tribes would receive if they were authorized to tax site characterization activities and the development and operation of the repository. Provides for the payment of such grants each fiscal year until such activities, development, and operation are terminated at the site concerned. Sets forth time periods after which Federal grants and impact assistance to States and Indian tribes shall not be available.  Provides that such Federal assistance shall be paid out of the Nuclear Waste Fund established by this Act. Requires the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which is located an Indian reservation on which a repository site is designated whenever the Secretary is required by this Act to notify or consult with the Indian tribe concerned. Requires that information with respect to the siting, establishment, and operation of a repository be provided upon written request to the appropriate State or Indian tribe.  Directs the Secretary to consult and cooperate with the Governors of affected States and with affected Indian tribes to resolve State and tribal concerns regarding the public health and safety, environmental, and economic impacts of any repository.  Requies the Secretary to enter into binding written agreements with affected States and Indian tribes under which such information shall be provided and such consultation and cooperation shall be carried out. Sets forth requirements with respect to judicial review of agency actions pursuant to this subtitle. Provides for expedited issuance (to the extent permitted by law) of Federal authorizations required under this subtitle with respect to site characterization of a site or the construction or initial operation of a repository.  Exempts NRC authorizations from such requirement. Requires the promulgation of:  (1) Environmental Protection Agency standards for the protection of the general environment from offsite releases from radioactive material in repositories; and (2) NRC technical requirements and criteria for reviewing applications for repository construction authorizations, repository operating licenses, and repository closure and decommissioning authorizations. Requires repositories constructed on sites approved under this Act to be designed to permit the retrieval of spent nuclear fuel placed in them. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel of domestic origin with owners or generators of such waste and spent fuel. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report establishing payment charges per unit of such waste and spent fuel to be calculated annually.  Provides that persons entering into disposal contracts with the Secretary and any other persons desiring to dispose of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel in repositories developed under this Act shall pay a ratable portion of the disposal costs involved. Prohibits the NRC from issuing or renewing a license for an individual to use a utilization or production facility unless such individual has entered into, or is negotiating with the Secretary for, a disposal contract.  Prohibits the disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste by the Secretary in any repository constructed under this Act unless the owner or generator of such spent fuel or waste has entered into a disposal contract by a specified date. Permits the assignment of the rights and duties of a party to a disposal contract with transfer of title to the spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste involved. Provides for the costs of the disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities to be paid by the Federal Government. Establishes in the Treasury a Nuclear Waste Fund which shall consist of:  (1) receipts from disposal contracts; (2) appropriations made by Congress to the fund; and (3) any unexpended balances available on the enactment of this Act for functions or activities related to high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel disposal.  Limits the use of the fund to radioactive waste disposal activities under this subtitle. Provides that delivery, and acceptance by the Secretary, of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel at a repository constructed under this Act shall constitute a transfer of title to the waste or spent fuel. Terminates the authority under this subtitle with respect to judicial review and expedited authorizations at the time a repository developed under this subtitle is licensed to receive and possess high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Requires the Secretary to give full consideration to the effect of any acquisition of water rights required by the establishment of a repository. Subtitle B:  Interim Storage Program - Directs the Secretary, the NRC, and other Federal officials to encourage and expedite the effective use of available storage and necessary additional storage at civilian nuclear reactor sites.  Requires the Secretary to establish a commercialization program to assist the development by the private sector of alternate technologies for the storage of civilian spent nuclear fuel at civilian nuclear reactor sites, including alternate technologies which can be adopted by the NRC on a generic basis without the need (to the maximum extent practicable) for additional site-specific approvals by the NRC. Sets forth the procedural rules which shall govern NRC hearings on applications for licenses or license amendments, filed after the enactment of this Act, to expand spend nuclear fuel storage capacity at civilian nuclear reactor sites.  Permits a person filing such an application with the NRC after the enactment of this Act to petition the NRC for issuance of such license or license amendment on an interim basis before the conduct or completion of any required hearing on the application.  Requires the NRC to grant an interim license or license amendment if:  (1) in all respects other than the required hearing, all legal requirements are met; (2) the activities authorized by the interim license or license amendment will provide adequate protection to the public health and safety and the environment during the interim period; and (3) refusal to grant such petition will prevent the petitioner from maintaining a full core reserve storage capability at the nuclear reactor site involved. Prohibits the NRC from issuing an interim license or license amendment for the first application to expand onsite spent fuel storage capacity through the use of a new technology not previously approved by the NRC. Directs the Secretary to provide up to 2800 metric tons of storage capacity for spent nuclear fuel from civilian nuclear reactors.  Authorizes the Secretary to contract with an owner or generator of spent nuclear fuel to provide storage capacity for the spent fuel if:  (1) adequate storage capacity cannot be provided at the nuclear reactor site where the spent fuel is being generated or at any other nuclear reactor site owned by such person; and (2) such person is pursuing licensed alterntives to Federal storage capacity.  Requires the removal of spent nuclear fuel stored under the interim storage program as soon as practicable after a repository developed under this Act becomes available.  Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on plans to provide storage capacity under this Act. Requires the NRC to establish procedures and criteria for determining the adequacy of spent nuclear fuel storage capacity available to owners or generators of spent nuclear fuel. Requires the Secretary to make available Federal storage facilities for transuranic waste from decommissioning and decontamination of civilian nuclear facilities and from civilian fuel research and development programs. Provides for the Secretary to take title to such waste upon receipt and to charge reasonable fees for such storage. Directs the Secretary to require generators or owners of transuranic waste to enter into contracts providing that they will pay an estimated pro rata share of the costs of disposal in a repository or other facility in addition to the storage fee.  Requires the Secretary to remove the transuranic waste from the storage facilities as soon as practicable after a repository or other facility becomes available.  Prohibits the Secretary from providing storage for transuranic waste on the date on which a repository or other facility becomes available for transuranic waste disposal or six years after the NRC issues final regulations establishing criteria for the licensing of civilian transuranic waste disposal facilities, whichever date occurs first.  Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue standards and the NRC to issue such final regulations within two years after enactment of this Act. Provides that the Secretary's acceptance of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste shall not constitute a transfer of title to such fuel or waste. Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a report establishing fees, calculated annually, for storage of spent nuclear fuel.  Requires persons entering into storage contracts with the Secretary to pay a pro-rated portion of the storage costs involved.  Prohibits the storage of spent nuclear fuel generated or owned by a Federal agency in storage capacity provided under this Act unless the agency transfers to the Secretary an amount equal to the fees required of any party to a storage contract. Establishes in the Treasury the Interim Storage Fund which shall consist of: (1) receipts from storage contracts; (2) appropriations made by Congress to the fund; and (3) any unexpended balances available on the enactment of this Act for functions or activities related to the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel.  Authorizes the Secretary to use the fund to cover the costs of the interim storage program, including: (1) the development, licensing, operation, and decommissioning of interim storage facilities; (2) administrative costs; and (3) design, operation, and construction costs of interim storage facilities. Title II:  Other Provisions relating to Radioactive Waste - Subtitle A:  Alternative Means of Financing - Directs the Secretary to study, and report to Congress on, alternative approaches to managing the construction and operation of all civilian radioactive waste management facilities. Subtitle B:  Low-Level Radioactive Waste - Requires the NRC to ensure that licensees providing for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste provide adequate financial arrangements to permit disposal site closure and reclamation of sites, structures, and equipment. Authorizes the Secretary to assume title and custody of low-level radioactive waste and the disposal site, upon the owner's request and after termination of the disposal license, if: (1) the NRC's requirements for site closure, decommissioning, and decontamination have been met by the licensee involved; (2) such title and custody will be transferred to the Secretary without cost to the Government; and (3) Federal ownership and mangement of the site will protect the public health and safety and the environment. Requires the Secretary to assume title and custody of low-level radioactive waste and the disposal site, upon the owner's request, once the site has been decontaminated and stabilized and the owner has paid for the long-term maintenance and monitoring of the site, if the waste is a result of a licensed activity to recover zirconium, hafnium, and rare earths from source material. Subtitle C:  Repository Advisory Review Commission - Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Repository Advisory Review Commission to the Department of Energy.  Requires the Commission, if established, to review and report on proposed recommendations of repository sites by the Secretary to the President.  Provides for the termination of the Secretary's authority under this subtitle upon submission of a repository construction authorization application. Subtitle D:  Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste in Oceans - Prohibits the licensing or approval of low-level radioactive waste disposal in the oceans:  (1) until the Administrator reports to Congress on the adverse effects of the disposal on the marine environment as compared with the adverse effects of land disposal and Congress authorizes the disposal; or (2) unless the administrator determines that the proposed disposal is only for purposes of research on the effects of low-level radiation on the marine environment. Title III:  Monitored Retrievable Storage - Requires the Secretary to submit to Congress a proposal for Federal construction of one or more monitored retrievable storage facilities for high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.  Requires that an environment assessment accompany such proposal.  Subjects any facility authorized pursuant to this subtitle to licensing by the NRC.  Limits the issues which the NRC may consider in reviewing the first licensing application filed by the Secretary.  Directs the Secretary to make annual impact aid payments from the Interim Storage Fund to the appropriate local governments upon receipt of congressional authorization to construct such a facility. Permits the development in any State of either a repository or a monitored retrievable storage facility, but not both.",2025-01-15T18:51:50Z,
97-hr-6565,97,hr,6565,"A bill to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (""Superfund"") to clarify certain provisions relating to remedial actions at facilities owned and operated by a State or political subdivision thereof.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-10,1982-06-15,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. Fithian, Floyd J. [D-IN-2]",IN,D,F000161,12,"Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (""Superfund"") to require that a State agree to pay 50 percent of the costs of remedial actions provided for by the President with respect to hazardous substances disposed of by a facility owned and operated (currently, owned) by a State or political subdivision thereof in order to qualify for such assistance.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-6577,97,hr,6577,A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act regarding the effects of such Act on other Federal and State laws.,Environmental Protection,1982-06-10,1982-06-24,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Porter, John Edward [R-IL-10]",IL,R,P000444,12,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to declare that nothing in such Act shall be construed to displace, restrict, limit, affect, or modify in any way the obligations or liabilities of any person, or the right to seek abatement or damages under other Federal or State law, including Federal or State common law.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-s-2620,97,s,2620,"Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1982",Environmental Protection,1982-06-10,1982-09-15,Committee on Agriculture. Ordered favorably reported H.R.5203 in lieu of this measure.,Senate,"Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC]",NC,R,H000463,1,"Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act to exclude from the definition of ""use inconsistent with the label"" the use of a registered pesticide for another end-use product or for repackaging such product, unless such use is prohibited by the labeling. Revises pesticide registration provisions. Increases reply time to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data request from 90 to 180 days.  Requires, rather than permits, joint development arrangements where appropriate unless all parties object.  Sets forth a 25 percent or $100,000 (whichever is less) cost-sharing arrangement.  Requires the Administrator of the EPA to suspend the registration of a party for data request noncompliance. Makes such suspension enforceable in U.S. district courts. Expands the scope of suspension appeals. Provides a 15-year protective period for such additional data.  Permits new parties to use such data (and be considered original developers) if they reimburse the joint developers. Permits registrants to replace scientifically insufficient health and safety data with new data submitted after September 30, 1978. Authorizes joint development arrangements. Establishes a 120 day joint developer transition period. Sets forth end-use product formulator exemptions. Requires the Administrator to give 90-day notice to affected registrants of the risks upon which a proposed public interim review will be based.  Makes an interim decision not to restrict a pesticide's use or classification subject to judicial review. Sets forth required registration data.  Requires: (1) 90-day reregistration notice: and (2) cancellation (subject to judicial review) for failure to reregister within the permitted time. Provides 15-year exclusive use protection for supporting data for: (1) a pesticide containing a new active ingredient initially registered after September 30, 1978; (2) a new use registration; (3) an experimental use permit for a pesticide containing a new active ingredient; and (4) new uses of existing ingredients originally registered after January 1, 1970. Permits an applicant to use his own data or data already submitted to the EPA, or a combination of both, unless precluded by compensation or exclusive use provisions. Sets forth: (1) transitional exclusive use protection provisions; and (2) effective dates for exclusive use and compensation provisions. Directs the Administrator to: (1) compile and make public a data index for each protected active ingredient within one year; and (2) update such indexes at least semiannually.  Requires that data cited in a new registration application be made public.  Permits original registrants claiming to be adversely affected to have a cancellation hearing.  Provides for judicial review of such hearing. Provides 15-year exclusive use protection for specified applications approved after the enactment of this Act but before the effective date of relevant provisions. Requires the Administrator to take agricultural production and prices into account when considering classification changes.  Authorizes registration phase-out in addition to changes or cancellations. Requires an applicant to explain why specific registration data should be protected from disclosure as a trade secret or commercial or financial information.  Requires the Administrator to provide an applicant with up to 60 days to show that data to be disclosed is protected manufacturing, testing, or ingredient percentage information. Requires the Administrator to issue disclosure regulations.  Requires interim regulations within 60 days. Establishes separate procedures for disclosure of innovative methods and technology. Makes such information available only to scientists and certain nonprofit organizations. Prohibits any piece of information from being so considered for more than five years. Sets  forth guidelines for nondisclosure of certain information acquired from foreign governments or international organizations. Provides a private right of action for or data disclosure violations. Makes it unlawful to disclose or transfer, solicit, or use information in a manner prohibited by such Act. Makes it unlawful to fire a person or adversely affect his or her work status for exercising his or her rights under such Act. Revises provisions regarding penalties for improperly obtaining or using specified pesticide data. Extends the scientific advisory panel through FY 1984. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1984.",2025-08-29T19:51:39Z,
97-s-2621,97,s,2621,"A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-10,1982-09-15,Committee on Agriculture. Provisions of measure incorporated into measure H.R. 5203 ordered to be reported.,Senate,"Sen. Hayakawa, Samuel Ichiye [R-CA]",CA,R,H000384,0,"Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to revise State review and health and safety data request authority under such Act. Prohibits a political subdivision of a State from regulating the sale or use of any federally registered pesticide or device. Permits a State to request previously submitted (in support of a Federal registration) health and safety data for its own review from either the applicant or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Permits a State to require additional data when there are special local concerns about increased environmental risk or pesticide  ineffectiveness.  Authorizes:  (1) the applicant to contest such request through the EPA; and (2) the EPA to modify or overrule such State request.  Subjects State and EPA determinations to judicial review in U.S. district courts. Makes other State data requests subject to EPA review. Requires States to review a registration application within 60 days or such application shall be considered approved.  Gives States up to 120 days to review an application for a pesticide used in the commercial production of food crops if a new use or active ingredient is involved.",2025-01-14T16:41:20Z,
97-hr-6554,97,hr,6554,A bill to amend the Clean Water Act of 1977.,Environmental Protection,1982-06-09,1982-06-21,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Solomon, Gerald B. H. [R-NY-29]",NY,R,S000675,0,"Amends the Clean Water Act to declare that ""discharge of a pollutant or pollutants"" does not include effects upon water quality resulting solely from the impoundment of waters or the release of impounded waters or the methods of such release.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6555,97,hr,6555,"A bill to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to pay the costs of constructing the uncompleted portion of the Saw Mill Run relief sewer.",Environmental Protection,1982-06-09,1982-06-21,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Coyne, William J. [D-PA-14]",PA,D,C000846,0,"Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to pay 100 percent of the costs of constructing a portion of the Saw Mill Run relief sewer in such city.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-s-2590,97,s,2590,"An original bill to amend and extend the Clean Water Act, as amended, for one year, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-05-27,1982-05-27,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 629.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,"Amends the Clean Water Act (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to extend through FY 1983:  (1) authorizations of appropriations for specified programs, including programs of investigations and information, operator training, State program grants, student training, and clean lakes grants;  and (2) the general authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2591,97,s,2591,"An original bill to extend Titles I and II of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, as amended.",Environmental Protection,1982-05-27,1982-05-27,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 630.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,"Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to authorize appropriations for regulation of ocean dumping for FY 1983.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2594,97,s,2594,Acid Deposition Control Act,Environmental Protection,1982-05-27,1982-05-27,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Danforth, John C. [R-MO]",MO,R,D000030,0,"Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I of the Clean Air Act (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) to establish a new program (Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction) to:  (1) regulate the long-range transport of pollutants and their transformation products; and (2) reduce acid compounds, and their precursors, in the atmosphere. Establishes a long-range transport corridor, the ""acid deposition impact region,"" consisting of 22 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Establishes a ""secondary acid deposition impact region"" consisting of the nine other States east of or bordering the Mississippi River. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to include such group of States in the acid deposition impact region upon determination, based on study results, that such inclusion will better serve the purposes of this Act. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) conduct a study of air pollution problems associated with the long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition impact region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Prohibits annual emissions of sulfur dioxide and of oxides of nitrogen from stationary sources in the acid deposition impact region from exceeding the total actual emissions in such region for calendar year 1980.  Prohibits any major stationary source in the region from significantly increasing such emissions, unless a not otherwise required net reduction of such regional pollution, in excess of the proposed increase, has been identified. Requires a ten-year phased reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide in the region of 7,500,000 tons from the total 1980 level (or 10,000,000 tons if the States in the secondary region are included).  Requires each State to achieve reductions in annual sulfur dioxide emissions according to a formula based on each State's share of utility emissions in the region.   Permits State Governors to agree to reallot the required reductions. Requires each State in the region to adopt, within two years, enforcement measures to achieve such reduction. Directs the Administrator to approve such measures within four months if specified criteria are met. Sets forth a uniform sulfur dioxide emission limit for fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facilities (which are major stationary sources not subject to new performance standards) in any State that has not adopted, or has not had approved, such enforcement measures by such deadlines. Requires that owners or operators of such sources: (1) submit an approvable reduction plan and schedule within three years of enactment of this Act; (2) comply with such plan and schedule; and (3) achieve the required emission reduction at the earliest practicable date, but no later than ten years after enactment of this Act. Specifies methods or programs for enforceable net emission reduction that may be used by a State or the owner or operator of a source.  Permits a State or owner or operator to substitute reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen for required sulfur dioxide emissions reductions, at a specified rate. Directs the Administrator to make grants from an Acid Deposition Reduction Trust Fund to states in the acid deposition impact region to assist utilities in meeting the emission reduction requirements imposed by this Act.  Sets forth a formula for determining the amount of such grants based on the actual net after tax expenses incurred by utilities in each State in meeting such requirements. Establishes the Acid Deposition Reduction Trust Fund in the Treasury. Appropriates amounts to the Fund equal to the total amount of acid deposition reduction fees received under this Act. Imposes such a fee on every utility which sells electricity in any State in the acid deposition impact region, based on the amount of electricity sold. Adds to State implementation plan requirements a prohibition of stationary source air pollutant emissions in amounts that will contribute to atmospheric loadings of pollutants or their transformation products so as to adversely affect public health or welfare or the environment in any other State or foreign country.",2025-08-29T19:51:39Z,
97-hr-6496,97,hr,6496,A bill to provide that dams shall not be considered point sources for purposes of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.,Environmental Protection,1982-05-26,1982-07-02,Executive Comment Received From EPA.,House,"Rep. Kogovsek, Ray [D-CO-3]",CO,D,K000304,0,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that dams or structures intended to impound water shall not be considered point sources, unless such dams and structures are intended to treat or contain pollutants or toxic pollutants.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-s-2576,97,s,2576,"An original bill to extend the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, for one year.",Environmental Protection,1982-05-26,1982-05-26,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 609.,Senate,"Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA]",WA,R,G000333,0,"Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise specified provisions under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Provides that certifications of need or orders issued to assure availability of adequate supplies of chemicals necessary for water treatment may remain in effect until September 30, 1983 (currently September 30, 1982) or for one year after issuance, whichever occurs first. Extends through FY 1983 the authorizations of appropriations under the Safe Drinking Water Act for research, technical assistance, information, training of personnel, and grants to State programs of public water system supervision and of underground water source protection. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 for matching grants to States for the development of groundwater protection plans for sole source aquifer regions.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2577,97,s,2577,"Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1983",Environmental Protection,1982-05-26,1982-11-30,Veto message Indefinitely Postponed in the Senate by Unanimous Consent.,Senate,"Sen. Gorton, Slade [R-WA]",WA,R,G000333,0,"(Senate agreed to House amendments with an amendment) Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of l983 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protecton Agency (EPA) for FY 1983 and 1984 for activities authorized under the:  (1) Clean Air Act; (2) Federal Water Pollution Act; (3) Safe Drinking Water Act; (4) Solid Waste Disposal Act; (5) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; (6) Public Health Service Act (radiation activities); (7) interdisciplinary activities provisions; (8) Toxic Substances Control Act; and (9) energy research programs relating to control technology, health effects, ecological effects, monitoring, and acid rain.  Authorizes appropriations to the EPA Office of Research and Development for FY 1983 and 1984 for program management and support. Sets forth permissible uses of such funds.  Provides for congressional oversight of transfers of funds between categories. Requires at least 20 percent of specified funds authorized under this Act for FY 1984 to be obligated and expended for long-term research and development.  Directs the Administrator of the EPA to report annually on the performance of such long-term research and development programs to the appropriate congressional committees at the time the President's budget is submitted to the Congress. Directs the Administrator, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of major reduction in force in any fiscal year, to inform the appropriate congressional committees of the reasons for the reduction and its impact on carrying out this Act. Requires that certain amounts of specified funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be authorized for environmental monitoring activities which are authorized under Federal environmental statutes and which support development of a continuing national environmental monitoring program. Directs the Administrator, in consultation and in cooperation with specified Federal and State officials, to:  (1) ensure that the national environmental monitoring program, called for under this Act, is comprehensive and national in scope; (2) develop a national monitoring program for air quality and apply its features, where appropriate, to programs for other media; and (3) prepare a plan for the design and implementation of the national monitoring program, with specified inclusions, to be reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and submitted to the appropriate congressional committees one year after enactment of this Act, and thereafter biannually, following plan review and update by program participants, the NAS, and the EPA.  Directs the Administrator, on the last day of FY 1984, and of each subsequent fiscal year, to report on the state of, and factors affecting air quality based on data gathered through the monitoring program.  Requires that data for such monitoring programs be subjected to validated quality assurance procedures. Requires that appropriations authorized for energy research under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be used for environmental research associated with:  (1) synthetic fuels production; (2) coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuel extraction, processing, transportation, and combustion; and (3) other energy development activities and related problems posing threats to public health and the environment (including indoor air pollution). Directs the Administrator to:  (1) establish and maintain a long-term health and ecological effects research program on energy-related pollutants; (2) coordinate such program with related Federal research programs; (3) establish and maintain an energy-related pollutants monitoring program; and (4) include in the air quality report a report on the emission and dispersion of energy-related air pollutants based on data from such monitoring program. Directs the Administrator to continue to conduct development and demonstration of energy-related pollution control technologies as required by pertinent pollution control statutes.  Prohibits:  (1) administrative transfer of energy-related environmental research projects authorized to be administered by the EPA under this Act to any other Federal or State agency; or (2) the reduction of such programs through budget amendment. Directs the Administrator to carry out a research program with respect to indoor air quality. Requires that such program be designed to:  (1) gather data and information on all aspects of indoor air quality in order to contribute to the understanding of health problems associated with the existence of air pollutants in the indoor environment; and (2) coordinate Federal, State, local and private research, development, and demonstration efforts relating to the improvement of indoor air quality. Authorizes the Administrator to establish committees of representatives of appropriate Federal agencies, and advisory groups of representatives of the scientific community, industry, and public interest organizations, as may be necessary to assist in carrying out such indoor air quality research program.  Directs the Administrator to consult and coordinate with State and local officials and other interested parties having concerns related to such program. Requires the indoor air quality research program to include research concerning:  (1) monitoring of pollution sources and levels; (2) effects of indoor air pollution on human health; (3) control technologies; and (4) information dissemination to assure public availability of research findings. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress:  (1) an indoor air quality research implementation plan within one year after enactment of this Act; (2) a progress report within 36 months of such enactment; and (3) a final report within 54 months of such enactment.  Requires that the progress report and final report be submitted to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) within a reasonable period before submittal to the Congress and contain any NAS comments when submitted. Reserves specified amounts to carry out such program from funds appropriated pursuant to authorization under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984. Directs the Administrator to develop a Senior Environmental Assistance Program to aid Federal, State, and local environmental agencies in carrying out programs under this Act. Requires, to the fullest extent possible, the utilization of existing older American programs in providing such assistance. Permits a specified amount of the funds appropriated from the Hazardous Substances Response Trust Fund for FY 1983 and 1984 to be expended for research and development activities.  Expresses the sense of the Congress that the costs of those research and development activities associated with or necessitated by the actual or threatened release of hazardous substances be paid for out of the fund created by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1970. Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise provisions relating to the membership of the Science Advisory Board. Requires that the Board be composed of members appointed by the Administrator from a list recommended by a nominating committee.  Requires that the nominating committee's representation include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).  Directs the NIEHS, in consultation with the Administrator, to establish, chair, and manage the nominating committee.  Directs the nominating committee to solicit candidates for nomination to the Board from the general public through notice in the Federal Register.  Authorizes the Administrator to obtain necessary information from nominees.  Directs the Administrator to publish the name, address, and professional affiliation of each nominee in the Federal Register. Directs the Administrator to ensure that Board membership is fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and functions to be performed.  Requires that Board membership represent States, industry, labor, academia, consumers, and the general public.  Directs the nominating committee to make certain such requirement is met in recommending nominees. Requires that the terms of Board members be one to three years and be staggered so that the terms of no more than one-third of the total membership of the Board and its committees expire within a single fiscal year.  Requires that each member of the Board serve a full term unless such member is unable, for involuntary reason, to discharge Board duties or has violated conflict of interest regulations. Requires, if a vacancy on the Board is not filled by the Administrator within 90 days, the nominating committee to meet and appoint, within 60 days, a member to fill such vacancy from its list of recommended nominees. Directs the Administrator, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations regarding conflict of interest with respect to Board members. Requires that the Board's advice and comments be included in the record with respect to any proposed rule and published in the Federal Register in accordance with the requirements of the environmental statutes and the authority of the Administrator. Provides that such provisions relating to the qualifications, appointments, and terms of members of the Board shall take effect upon the expiration of the terms of members serving on the Board as of the date of enactment of this Act.",2025-08-29T19:51:39Z,
97-hr-6411,97,hr,6411,"A bill to extend until October 1, 1988 the authority for advances to the migratory bird conservation fund.",Environmental Protection,1982-05-19,1982-05-25,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Breaux, John B. [D-LA-7]",LA,D,B000780,2,"Extends through September 30, 1988, (currently, September 30, 1983) the authority for advances to the migratory bird conservation fund.",2023-05-11T13:10:55Z,
97-hr-6344,97,hr,6344,A bill to amend the Clean Water Act of 1977.,Environmental Protection,1982-05-11,1982-05-24,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Craig, Larry E. [R-ID-1]",ID,R,C000858,10,"Amends the Clean Water Act to declare that ""discharge of a pollutant or pollutants"" does not include effects upon water quality resulting solely from the impoundment of waters or the release of impounded waters or the methods of such release.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6307,97,hr,6307,Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Reauthorization Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-05-06,1982-09-13,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 783.,House,"Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]",NJ,D,F000215,0,"(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #311 (317-32)) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Reauthorization Act of 1982 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (""the Act"") to extend through FY 1983 and 1984 the authorization of appropriations for:  (1) general administration; (2) State hazardous waste programs; (3) hazardous waste site inventory; (4) development and implementation of State, local, regional, and interstate plans; (5) implementation of State, local, and intermunicipal solid waste management resource recovery, and resource conservation services and hazardous waste management; (6) ""special communities"" grants for containment and stabilization of solid waste located at specified sites; (7) State recycled oil programs; and (8) resource and recovery duties of the Secretary of Commerce. Provides that, 24 months after enactment of this Act:  (1) no generator of hazardous waste of more than 100 kilograms per month shall be exempt from specified standards; and (2) regulations establishing standards for generators of hazardous waste of 100 to 1,000 kilograms per month shall be promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), after opportunity for notice, comment, and public hearing.  Permits such standards to vary from those applicable to generators of larger quantities to the extent the Administrator deems such variation necessary by reason of the smaller capacity of the facilities concerned.  Directs the Administrator to provide specified variances in such standards:  (1) in the case of generators of hazardous waste, to allow for testing or process identification, for applying knowledge of waste characteristics, or for generic testing of an industry in order to determine whether waste is being generated or in order to satisfy requirements for waste identification on manifest and labeling requirements prior to waste shipments; (2) in the case of transporters of hazardous waste, to allow for variance in transportation requirements for quantities less than 1,000 kilograms during any calendar month; and (3) in the case of owners and operators of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, to provide that storage requirements shall be modified in order to allow on-site waste storage for up to 180 days without the requirement of a permit.  Requires that such  variances apply to all hazardous waste generated during any calendar month in a quantity less than 1,000 kilograms unless the Administrator demonstrates that other standards are necessary to protect human health and the environment.  Directs the Administrator to examine standards for hazardous waste transporters and, in cooperation with the Secretary of Transportation, modify regulations in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to the extent appropriate to conform such standards to the scale of the operations involved. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt generators of minimal quantities (100 kilograms per month or less) of hazardous waste from specified standards or to apply less stringent standards to such generators. Limits the exemption from hazardous waste regulations to generators of 100 kilograms per month (currently 1,000 kilograms per month), effective 18 months after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, within one year after enactment of this Act, to report to Congress concerning identified or listed hazardous wastes which are excluded from the coverage of hazardous waste management provisions of the Act under regulations exempting mixtures of domestic sewage and other wastes that pass through a sewer system to a publicly owned treatment works for treatment. Requires that such report specify types and quantities of such exempted wastes and make recommendations as to whether such exemption should be terminated to protect human health and the environment.  Directs the Administrator, within six months after enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a notice setting forth the progress made on such report. Prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste by injection into a class IV well which is:  (1) in a formation containing an underground source of drinking water (18 months after enactment of this Act); or (2) above such formation (12 months after enactment of this Act and until specified regulations are promulgated under the Safe Drinking Water Act).  Sets forth exemptions from such prohibitions, including wells which inject fluids for the extraction of minerals or energy sources or for oil or natural gas production or recovery, storage of hydrocarbons, natural gas withdrawal, or geopressured methane production. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate final regulations which minimize the disposal of liquid hazardous waste, and free liquids contained in hazardous waste, in landfills.  Directs the Administrator, pending promulgation of such regulations, to maintain current requirements respecting the disposal in landfills of liquid hazardous waste and free liquids contained in hazardous waste. Directs the Administrator, within one year after the enactment of this Act, and after notice and opportunity for public comment, to publish and submit to the Congress a report:  (1) listing those hazardous wastes for which one or more types of land disposal may not be protective of human health and the environment based on the toxicity, mobility, persistence, and ability of the waste to bioaccumulate; (2) identifying hazardous wastes for which one or more technologically feasible means of treatment, recovery, or disposal other than land disposal will protect human health and the environment; and (3) assessing other hazardous wastes which are unsuitable for other means of waste treatment or disposal.  Requires modification and supplementation of the report from time to time as new information becomes available. Directs the Administrator, within nine months of the required publication date of such report and from time to time thereafter, to promulgate regulations respecting those hazardous wastes for which land disposal may not be protective of human health and the environment.  Requires that such regulations contain effective dates allowing time necessary to install nationwide sufficient capacity of alternative treatment, recovery, or disposal methods identified in such report.  Provides for case-by-case exemptions based on demonstrations that capacity for such alternative means of disposition is not reasonably available.  Directs the Administrator, for purposes of such regulations, to:  (1) consider the ability of land disposal facilities to contain hazardous wastes over time; (2) consider alternative treatment methods; (3) examine State government actions with regard to such controls; and (4) review all halogenated organic wastes. Requires, within 12 months after enactment of this Act, notification to the Administrator by:  (1) the owner or operator of any facility producing a fuel from any hazardous waste alone or with other material or from used oil alone or with other material; (2) the owner or operator of any facility burning fuel containing any hazardous waste or used oil; and (3) any person who distributes or markets fuel containing hazardous waste or used oil. Requires that such notification describe the location, the facility, the identified or listed hazardous waste involved, and the production or energy recovery activity.  Exempts facilities, such as residential boilers, from such notification requirements where the Administrator determines that such notification is not necessary for obtaining sufficient information respecting current practices of facilities using hazardous waste for energy recovery. Directs the Administrator, within two years after the enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations establishing health and environmental standards applicable to owners or operators of facilities producing fuel from hazardous wastes or burning hazardous wastes for energy recovery and to distributors or marketers of such fuels. Prohibits producers, distributors, or marketers of fuels containing hazardous wastes to distribute or market such fuels unless the invoice or bill of sale  bears a conspicuous warning and lists the hazardous wastes contained in such fuel. Requires that permits (other than interim status permits) issued to treatment, storage, or disposal facilities by Federal or State hazardous waste programs under the Act address any release of hazardous waste from such facilities which occurs prior to the permit issuance.  Requires that such permits include schedules and provide financial assurances for addressing such releases where the required action cannot be completed prior to permit issuance.  Exempts from such permit requirements any portion of the facility at which hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal activities do not take place. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring any facility operating on interim status permits to obtain a final permit before expanding its capacity by more than ten percent (except capacity for storage or treatment in tanks or containers and enclosed waste piles). Authorizes the Administrator to establish standards for any interim status permit facility expanding its capacity by ten percent or less.  Allows such standards for facilities expanding by ten percent or less to vary from the interim permit status standards for facilities which do not expand capacity. Directs the Administrator to issue final permits or final denials of permit applications:  (1) for land disposal facilities within four years of the enactment of this Act; (2) for any other treatment, storage, or disposal facilities within six years of such enactment.  Provides that such time periods shall not apply in the case of any authorized State hazardous waste program.  Requires facilities operating under interim status permits to submit applications for final permit review within the applicable time period. Establishes a National Groundwater Commission to assess problems and recommend solutions relating to groundwater contamination and groundwater overdrafting.  Directs the Commission to report to the President and the Congress by October 30, 1985, and to terminate on such date. Directs the Commission, within one year after enactment of this Act, to complete a preliminary study concerning groundwater contamination for hazardous and other solid waste and to report its findings and conclusions to the President and the Congress. Requires that such study be continued thereafter and its final findings and conclusions incorporated in the Commission's final report.  Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 for the Commission. Limits court awards of legal costs under the Act to the prevailing or substantially prevailing party, but provides that this is not to be construed to affect the equitable power of any court to award costs or fees under any other authority of law. Revises provisions relating to the preservation of the rights of litigants under any statute of common law notwithstanding the passage of the Act. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations to ensure that the beneficial use, reuse, recycling, or reclamation of substances identified or listed as hazardous wastes is conducted in such a manner as necessary to protect human health and the environment. Requires that adequate provision be given to the present and reasonably anticipated future needs of the recycling and resource recovery interest within the area encompassed by the planning process in developing State or regional solid waste plans and in determining the size of waste-to-energy facilities. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants, for construction of demonstration cycling intermediate processing centers an for acquisition of lands necessary for centers to local government units which:  (1) demonstrate a successful past experience in municipal multimaterial curbside source separation programs; (2) approve plans for centers which are part of county-wide programs and which operate at a specified level within a certain period; and (3) with populations between 175,000 and 225,000. Limits the amount of funds available for such grants. Exempts such grants from specified requirements. Increases criminal penalties for specified violations under the Act. Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and ability Act of 1980 (""Superfund"") to require that a State agree to pay 50 percent of the costs of remedial actions provided for by the President with (currently, owned) by a State or political subdivision thereof in order to qualify for such assistance.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6323,97,hr,6323,"Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1983",Environmental Protection,1982-05-06,1982-08-17,Other Measure S.2577 (Amended) Passed House in Lieu.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,S000124,5,"(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #285 (314-92)) Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1983 - Authorizes appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY 1983 and 1984 for activities authorized under the:  (1) Clean Air Act; (2) Federal Water Pollution Act; (3) Safe Drinking Water Act; (4) Solid Waste Disposal Act; (5) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; (6) Public Health Service Act (radiation activities); (7) interdisciplinary activities provisions; (8) Toxic Substances Control Act; (9) energy research programs relating to control technology, health effects, ecological effects, monitoring, and acid rain; and (10) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund).  Authorizes appropriations to the EPA Office of Research and Development for FY 1983 and 1984 for program management and support.  Sets forth permissible uses of such funds.  Provides for congressional oversight of transfers of funds between categories. Prohibits the Administrator of the EPA from using any funds appropriated under this Act for a reduction-in-force, unless the Administrator has provided certain information to Congress in advance. Requires that at least 20 percent of specified funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983  and 1984 be obligated and expended for long-term research and development.  Distributes such long-term research and development funds among in-house peer-reviewed research, peer-reviewed research grants, cooperative agreements or block grants to university or nonprofit research institutes, and the exploratory research program and its salaries and expenses. Sets forth provisions for obligation, expenditure, and transfer of such funds.  Directs the Administrator of the EPA to report annually on the performance of such long-term research and development programs to the appropriate committees of the Congress at the time the President's budget is submitted to the Congress. Requires that certain amounts of specified funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be authorized for environmental monitoring activities which are authorized under Federal environmental statutes and which support development of a continuing national environmental monitoring program.  Directs the Administrator, in consultation and cooperation with specified Federal and State officials, to:  (1) ensure that the national environmental monitoring program called for under this Act is comprehensive and national in scope; (2) develop a national monitoring program for air quality and apply its features, where appropriate, to programs for other media; and (3) prepare a plan for the design and implementation of the national monitoring program, with specified inclusions, to be reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and submitted to the appropriate congressional committees one year after enactment of this Act, and thereafter biannually, following plan review and update by program participants, the NAS, and the EPA.  Directs the Administrator, on the last day of FY 1984 and of each subsequent fiscal year, to report on the state of, and factors affecting air quality based on data gathered through the monitoring program.  Requires that data for such monitoring programs be subjected to validated quality assurance procedures.  Prohibits the use of funds appropriated pursuant to this Act for special monitoring efforts to acquire data for specific, limited-duration health effects studies or for estimates of the environmental concentration of recently discovered pollutants. Requires that appropriations authorized for energy research under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 be used for environmental research associated with:  (1) synthetic fuels production; (2) coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuel extraction, processing, transportation, and combustion; and (3) other energy development activities and related problems posing threats to public health and the environment (including indoor air pollution). Directs the Administrator to:  (1) establish and maintain a long-term health and ecological effects research program on energy-related pollutants; (2) coordinate such program with related Federal research programs; (3) establish and maintain an energy-related pollutants monitoring program; and (4) include in the air quality report a report on the emission and dispersion of energy-related air pollutants based on data from such monitoring program. Directs the Administrator to continue to conduct development and demonstration of energy-related pollution control technologies as required by pertinent pollution control statutes. Prohibits:  (1) administrative transfer of energy-related environmental research projects authorized to be administered by the EPA under this Act to any other Federal or State agency; or (2) the reduction of such programs through budget amendment. Amends the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1978 to revise provisions relating to the membership of the Science Advisory Board. Requires that the Board be composed of members appointed by the Administrator from a list recommended by a nominating committee.  Requires that the nominating committee's representation include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).  Directs the NIEHS, in consultation with the Administrator, to establish, chair, and manage the nominating committee.  Directs the nominating committee to solicit candidates for nomination to the Board from the general public through notice in the Federal Register.  Authorizes the Administrator to obtain necessary information from nominees.  Directs the Administrator to publish the name, address, and professional affiliation of each nominee in the Federal Register. Directs the Administrator to ensure that Board membership is fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and functions to be performed.  Requires that Board membership represent States, industry, labor, academia, consumers, and the general public.  Directs the nominating committee to make certain such requirement is met in recommending nominees. Requires that the terms of Board members be three years and be staggered so that the terms of no more than one-third of the total membership of the Board and its committees expire within a single fiscal year.  Requires that each member of the Board serve a full term unless such member is unable, for involuntary reason, to discharge Board duties or has violated conflict of interest regulations. Requires, if a vacancy on the Board is not filled by the Administrator within 90 days, the nominating committee to meet and appoint, within 60 days, a member to fill such vacancy from its list of recommended nominees. Directs the Administrator, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, to promulgate regulations regarding conflict of interest with respect to Board members. Requires that the Board's advice and comments be included in the record with respect to any proposed rule and published in the Federal Register in accordance with the requirements of the environmental statutes and the authority of the Administrator. Reserves a specified amount of the funds authorized under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984 for a study on management and organization of Federal environmental research, to be conducted outside of the Federal Government. Sets forth requirements for contracts let by the Administrator for such study, including an oversight and review role by the National Academy of Sciences.  Requires that a report of such study be submitted to the President, the Administrator, and the Congress within two years after enactment of this Act.  Requires that such report:  (1) include appropriate recommendations for executive, administrative, or legislative action; and (2) not be subject to any prior clearance or review, except as specifically provided under this Act. Directs the Administrator to carry out a research program with respect to indoor air quality.  Requires that such program be designed to:  (1) gather data and information on all aspects of indoor air quality in order to contribute to the understanding of health problems associated with the existence of air pollutants in the indoor environment; and (2) coordinate Federal, State, local and private research, development, and demonstration efforts relating to the improvement of indoor air quality. Authorizes the Administrator to establish committees of representatives of appropriate Federal agencies, and advisory groups of representatives of the scientific community, industry, and public interest organizations, as may be necessary to assist in carrying out such indoor air quality research program.  Directs the Administrator to consult and coordinate with State and local officials and other interested parties having concerns related to such program. Requires that the indoor air quality research program include research concerning:  (1) monitoring of pollution sources and levels; (2) effects of indoor air pollution on human health; (3) control technologies; and (4) information dissemination to assure public availability of research findings. Directs the Administrator to submit to the Congress:  (1) an indoor air quality research implementation plan within one year after enactment of this Act; (2) a progress report within 36 months of such enactment; and (3) a final report within 54 months of such enactment.  Requires that the progress report and final report be submitted to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) within a reasonable period before submittal to the Congress and contain any NAS comments when submitted. Reserves specified amounts to carry out such program from funds appropriated pursuant to authorization under this Act for FY 1983 and 1984. Directs the Administrator to develop a Senior Environmental Assistance Program to aid Federal, State, and local environmental agencies in carrying out programs under this Act. Requires, to the fullest extent possible, the utilization of existing older American programs in providing such assistance.",2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
97-hr-6289,97,hr,6289,Indoor Air Pollution Research Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-05-05,1982-05-11,"Referred to Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agricultural Research, and Environment.",House,"Rep. Schneider, Claudine [R-RI-2]",RI,R,S000136,1,"Indoor Air Pollution Research Act of 1982 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and carry out a comprehensive indoor air pollution research and development program.  Requires that such program:  (1) broaden understanding and coordinate Federal, State, local, and private efforts; (2) emphasize data gathering and information transfer on all aspects of the problem (defines ""indoor environment"" to include residences and other non-manufacturing public and private buildings); and (3) be considered an integral part of the EPA's general responsibility to protect human health and welfare from air pollutants. Establishes, to assist the Administrator in the administration of such program:  (1) a Committee on Indoor Air Quality representing specified Federal agencies; and (2) an advisory group of representatives of industry, the scientific community, and public interest organizations.  Sets forth requirements for the principal objectives and particular emphases of such program.  Requires the Administrator to maintain constant communication with appropriate State and local officials and interested parties in the private sector and to work with appropriate industry representatives to develop industrywide voluntary standards for residential buildings to aid in indoor air pollution prevention or abatement. Directs the Administrator to submit reports to Congress at specified intervals containing certain information relating to such program. Authorizes appropriations to carry out such program for FY 1983 and FY 1984.",2025-08-29T19:49:47Z,
97-s-2477,97,s,2477,Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-05-04,1982-05-04,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Garn, E. J. (Jake) [R-UT]",UT,R,G000072,6,"Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act (""the Act"") to revise stationary source provisions for State implementation plans (SIPs), new source performance standards (NSPS), primary nonferrous smelter orders, prevention of significant deterioration (PSD), and best available control technology (BACT). State Implementation Plans (SIPs) - Permits major stationary source construction or modification in a nonattainment area, even if such source emissions will cause or contribute to concentrations of a pollutant in excess of a national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), if:  (1) the SIP revision permitting such construction or modification has not been affirmatively disapproved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); or (2) the State determines that such construction or modification is in the public interest and that NAAQS attainment would be achieved with a reasonable extension of the attainment deadline. Prohibits findings by the Administrator related to procedural or technical defects in permit applications from serving as the basis for a moratorium on stationary source construction or modification in nonattainment areas. Requires States to provide the Administrator:  (1) notice and copies of proposed SIP revisions; and (2) notice of SIP revisions adopted and brief summaries of written objections or comments concerning such revisions and of State actions with respect to such objections or comments. Directs the Administrator to submit to the State technical and legal comments, and any recommended changes, on proposed SIP revisions.  Directs the Administrator to publish notice in the Federal Register within 30 days of receipt of notice of State adoption of an SIP revision and to provide a period of no less than 30 days and no more than 70 days for public comment. Provides that SIP revisions shall be deemed approved by the Administrator and become effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, unless the Administrator has disapproved the revision for failure to satisfy specified requirements.  Directs the Administrator to publish a notice in the Federal Register of each approval or disapproval of an SIP revision. Authorizes the Administrator to extend such public comment period and effective date of an SIP revision for up to 60 days and to hold public hearings on SIP revisions. Prohibits an SIP revision from becoming effective unless the Administrator publishes a finding that the State's response to a timely objection, based on the Act or any regulation under the Act, was not arbitrary or capricious.  Describes the materials that shall constitute the record for purposes of judicial review of approvals or findings of the Administrator with respect to SIP revisions. Repeals the requirement that SIPs must provide, to the extent necessary and practicable, for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles to enforce compliance with applicable emission standards.  Prohibits the Administrator from requiring such an inspection and testing program as a condition of SIP approval, except under specified conditions relating to extensions of attainment dates for NAAQS for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide. Permits States to suspend or revoke indirect source review programs without regard to specified SIP approval requirements. Provides that such a State suspension or revocation shall constitute a SIP revision, of which the State must notify the Administrator and the Administrator must publish notice in the Federal Register. Removes the requirement that the system of continuous emission reduction be ""technological,"" for purposes of permit requirements for new or modified stationary sources. Establishes a ten-year ""grandfather"" period from the date of completion of construction or modification of any major emitting facility issued a permit under PSD area or nonattainment area provisions.  Provides that during such period such facility shall not be required to comply with an emission limitation or standard more stringent than the emission reduction required under such permit, unless the limitation or standard:  (1) applies to an air pollutant for which an NAAQS is established after permit issuance; or (2) is required under provisions for nonattainment areas or national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs) or emergency conditions. New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) - Repeals the requirement that new fossil fuel fired stationary sources of air pollution comply with a standard of performance which requires a percentage reduction in air pollutant emissions. Redefines ""standard of performance,"" for NSPS purposes, to require emissions limitations achievable through the application of a system of continuous emission reduction which the Administrator (or the State, for specified categories of stationary sources) determines is adequate for that category or a similar category of new stationary sources, taking into consideration the cost of achievement, energy impact, and environmental effects unrelated to air quality. Redefines ""new source"" to include stationary sources commencing planning or design (as well as those commencing construction or modification) after publication of final applicable NSPS and to exclude any stationary source for which planning, designing, construction, or modification commenced after September 18, 1978, but prior to June 11, 1979. Removes the requirement that the system of continuous emission reduction under NSPS be a ""technological"" system or process.  Includes in the definition of such system or process the use of inherently low-polluting fuels or raw materials. Permits application of such amended requirements to fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units which were constructed or modified after September 18, 1978, and before the publication of regulations reflecting the amendments made by this Act. Primary Nonferrous Smelter Orders - Permits primary nonferrous smelters to use intermittent emissions curtailment for not more than five percent of any calendar year to assure attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS for sulfur oxides. Directs the Administrator to promulgate new regulations for a standard of good engineering practice with respect to stack heights which will allow, in the case of primary nonferrous smelters, a credit for such stack height as may be necesssary to reduce plume impaction on terrain obstacles in mountainous regions where no other reasonable plant siting option is available. Extends by five years the deadlines for compliance with primary nonferrous smelter orders. Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) - Revises a purpose of PSD provisions. Makes a Class II areas (areas where air quality deterioration is permitted to a greater degree than in Class I areas which include international and national parks and wilderness areas in existence on August 7, 1977) areas which exceed 10,000 acres in size and which are established after passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 as national monuments, primitive areas, preserves, recreation areas, wild and scenic rivers, wildlife refuges, lakeshores or seashores, and parks or wilderness areas.  Provides that such areas may only be redesignated as class I or class II.  Directs the Administrator to consult with the Federal land manager in each State and publish a list of such areas located within specified nonattainment areas.  Exempts such areas for classification as class II areas upon certification to the Administrator by the States in which such areas are located that such a designation is unreasonable or impractical.  Prohibits the Administrator from overruling the State, unless the Administrator demonstrates that the State has been arbitrary or capricious in exempting such areas from classification as class II areas. Provides that current non-mandatory class II areas which are not established as class I areas or mandatory class II areas or redesignated shall be class II areas until December 31, 1983, but shall be unclassified thereafter, unless redesignated. Eliminates the Class III area classification. Repeals Class I and Class II area short-term ""increment"" requirements (maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations of a pollutant) for:  (1) 24-hour periods for particulate matter; and (2) 24-hour and three-hour periods for sulfur dioxide (thus retaining only annual ""increment"" limitations for such pollutants in such areas). Repeals all Class III area ""increment"" requirements. Excludes pollution attributable to fugitive dust and other naturally occurring background particulate matter from consideration in determining concentrations of pollutant for purposes of PSD increment requirements.  Authorizes (and requires upon petition of the Governor) the Administrator to provide notice, conduct a public hearing, and, with the Governor's concurrence, promulgate rules for determining compliance with increment requirements in States where the Administrator is the PSD permitting authority. Eliminates the Class III area classification. Permits States to designate or redesignate specified national areas established after the passage of this Act and exceeding 10,000 acres in size as class I, class II, or unclassified.  Requires that such redesignation be specifically approved by the Governor after consultation with the legislature (unless State law requires State legislation) and local governments of the redesignated area.  Exempts such areas which are redesignated unclassified from PSD increment requirements. Eliminates requirements that specified descriptions, analyses, and plans relating to area redesignations be prepared and made available for public inspection. Eliminates provisions relating to preconstruction requirements for Class III areas. Retains the one-year (after filing date) deadline for granting or denying completed permit applications for facilities which will emit 500 tons or more per year of pollutant, but provides a six-month deadline in the case of facilities emitting less than 500 tons.  Requires that the permit applicant be notified whether the application is complete, within two months after filing. Requires States, for PSD preconstruction review purposes, to transmit to the Administrator copies of permit applications for major emitting facilities only if such a facility will emit: (1) 500 tons or more per year of total suspended particulate matter or 1,000 tons or more of sulfur dioxide; or (2) pollution affecting air quality in any class I area or other specified national areas.  Requires States to provide notice to the Administrator of only the final action taken on such permit. Requires protection of air quality related values within a Class I area only ""from significant adverse impacts.""  Provides that the affirmative responsibility of the Federal Land Manger and the Federal official charged with direct responsibility for management of lands within a class I area shall not extend to protection of integral vistas or views of specific landmarks or panoramic views located outside the boundaries of Federal Class I areas. Requires inclusion of information constituting its basis in the filing of an allegation that a proposed facility may cause or contribute to a significant adverse impact in air quality. Requires State concurrence, taking into consideration the health, environmental, economic, and energy effects of a facility, with the Federal Land Manager's demonstration that a proposed facility will have such an impact. Repeals the requirement that the owner or operator demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Federal Land Manager that a proposed facility will not have an adverse impact on air-quality related values.  Requires, instead, that the owner or operator file a notice with the Federal Land Manager that such facility will have no significant adverse impact, and gives the Federal Land Manager 45 days to concur or disagree. Repeals short-term ""increment"" limitations for PSD construction permit purposes. Authorizes the Governor, after consideration of the Federal Land Manager's recommendation, to grant a variance from the annual increment limitation for sulfur dioxide in Class I areas.  Requires, in the case of Federal mandatory Class I areas, that such a variance not have a significant adverse effect on air quality related values and be in the public interest. Requires that continuous air quality monitoring data be included in an analysis for PSD preconstruction review purposes only to the extent required in the discretion of the permitting authority.  Repeals the requirement that such data be gathered over a one-year period. Establishes a ten-year ""grandfather"" period for facilities issued PSD construction permits. Excludes naturally occurring background particulates or fugitive dust analysis or control from specified demonstrations required of owners or operators seeking PSD construction permits. Deletes the requirement that the Administrator's PSD regulations for specified other pollutants be at least as effective as the increment requirements already established. Revises the definition of ""major emitting facility"" for PSD purposes to provide consideration of the net effect on air pollution emissions of modifications of specified types of stationary sources. Revises provisions for visibility protection for Federal Class I areas to cover only ""significant"" impairments of visibility.  Excludes from the definition of ""visibility impairment"" an integral vista or view of a specific landmark or panoramic view located outside the boundary of a Class I Federal area which can be viewed from a point within the boundaries of a Class I area. Best Available Control Technology (BACT) - Revises the definition of ""best available control technology"" (BACT) to include designs or work practice standards.  Allows the permitting authority to provide that for stationary sources which do not emit more than 500 tons per year of a particular air pollutant BACT may be equivalent to the applicable new source performance standard (NSPS), under specified circumstances.",2025-08-29T19:51:39Z,
97-sjres-195,97,sjres,195,"A joint resolution designating the week of May 2, 1982 through May 9, 1982 as ""National Clean Air Week.""",Environmental Protection,1982-05-04,1982-05-05,Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.,Senate,"Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]",VT,R,S000776,34,"Requests the President to designate the week of May 2 through May 8, 1982, as National Clean Air Week.",2024-02-06T20:04:02Z,
97-hr-6238,97,hr,6238,A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase by 10 percent the Federal share of projects for applicants providing discounts on sewage rates for senior citizens.,Environmental Protection,1982-04-29,1982-06-10,Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From EPA.,House,"Rep. Mottl, Ronald M. [D-OH-23]",OH,D,M001044,0,Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to increase by ten percent the Federal share of waste treatment projects for applicants providing at least a 25 percent discount on sewage rates for senior citizens.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6185,97,hr,6185,Clean Air Reauthorization and Acid Precipitation Study Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-04-28,1982-04-28,Referred to House Committee on Science and Technology.,House,"Rep. Applegate, Douglas [D-OH-18]",OH,D,A000214,0,"Clean Air Reauthorization and Acid Precipitation Study Act of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act (""the Act""). Title I: Implementation Plans and Enforcement - State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and the SIP Revision Process - Revises required State Implementation plans (SIPs) provisions. Directs a State to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of proposed and adopted revisions to its SIP and of any comments or objections filed concerning such revisions.  Directs the Administrator to: (1) submit to the State comments on the technical and legal sufficiency of any proposed revision; (2) publish notice of a revision in the Federal Register within 30 days of receipt of notice of State adoption of the revision; and (3) provide a period of 30 to 70 days for public comment. Provides that any SIP revision shall be deemed approved and become effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, unless the Administrator, upon considering the State's administrative proceeding record and public comments, disapproves on the basis of failure to satisfy specified requirements. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such approval or disapproval. Permits the Administrator to: (1) extend the periods for public comment and for approval, by up to 60 days; and (2) hold public hearings on SIP revisions. Provides that an SIP approval shall not be effective unless the Administrator finds, and publishes, that the State's response to any objection filed both during the State's proceedings and the Administrator's public comment period was not arbitrary or capricious. Repeals the requirement that SIPs provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles to enforce compliance with applicable emission standards. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring, as a condition of SIP approval, any indirect source review program or, except as specified in provisions for nonattainment areas, any program of periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.  Permits States to include, and the Administrator to approve, such programs in SIPs. New Source Performance Standards - Limits the applicability of the percentage reduction requirement for new fossil fuel fired stationary sources to those categories of stationary sources to which such requirement were applied under regulations in effect as of December 31, 1981. Provides that NSPS apply only to stationary source construction or modification commenced after NSPS regulations are promulgated (currently, proposed). Enforcement - Provides a one-year period for compliance after issuance of specified Federal enforcement orders (not including Federal orders relating to violations of national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants or State enforcement orders).  Repeals a requirement that the Administrator seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty in the case of any major stationary source not in compliance within 30 days of such a Federal enforcement order. Provides discretionary authority for the Administrator to seek injunctions or asses penalties in any cases of noncompliance which last beyond 30 days enforcement orders are issued (continues such discretionary authority in cases not involving major stationary sources). Directs the Administrator to carry out specified enforcement authorities through the use of full-time Federal officers or employees.  States that contractors should be used only as necessary to provide technical support for such enforcement. Prohibits the Administrator from contracting with anyone other than a full-time Federal officer or employee to provide legal assistance for such enforcement. Revises enforcement provisions relating to major stationary sources which burn petroleum products or natural gas to cover such sources which voluntarily convert to an alternate fuel.  Includes other alternate fuels under the enforcement provisions which currently cover conversion to coal by such sources. Requires (currently allows) each State to develop and submit to the Administrator a plan for carrying out noncompliance penalty provisions in such State.  Repeals the authority of the Administrator to carry out noncompliance penalty provisions in a State under certain conditions.  Authorizes (currently requires) the State, or the Administrator if the State has not received a delegation, to carry out penalty provisions to assess and collect a noncompliance penalty in specified circumstances.  Authorizes the State to grant exemptions from penalties in cases of minor noncompliance (and continues the authority of the Administrator, when appropriate, to do so).  Repeals a requirement tnat the Administrator send notices of noncompliance to specified persons, in the event the State fails to send such notices. Requires persons receiving such notices to submit a calculation of the amount of penalty owed and a schedule of payments within a reasonable period prescribed by the Administrator or the State (currently requires such submission within 45 days of notice issuance or petition denial).  Makes a similar change in the deadline for submissions of  petitions challenging such notice or alleging entitlement to an exemption.  Provides that public hearings on such petitions be conducted by the Administrator or the State, as appropriate, and that decisions on such petitions be made within a reasonable time (currently requires the Administrator to hold such hearings unless the State agrees to do so and currently requires a decision within 90 days after receipt of the petition). Repeals provisions authorizing the Administrator to review State decisions on such petitions and requiring such review under certain conditions.  Authorizes the State or the Administrator, as appropriate, to adjust or compromise any penalty assessment if the source is in compliance.  Repeals provisions for:  (1) final adjustments of penalties after compliance; and (2) Administrator objections to, and substitutions for, State noncompliance penalties. Revises requirements for noncompliance penalty assessed amount determinations and payment schedules. Authorizes the Administrator, after notice and public hearing, to revoke or suspend any delegation under noncompliance penalty provisions upon determination that a State is not complying with such provisions. Attainment Date Extensions - Permits States to receive up to five-year extensions beyond the December 31, 1982, national primary ambient air quality standard (""primary NAAQS"") attainment date for pollutants in nonattainment areas (currently the Act permits such extensions for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants). Requires, in order to receive such extensions, that a State:  (1) certify to the Administrator that attainment is not possible before December 31, 1982, despite implementation of all reasonably available measures; and (2) commit itself to not modifying State nonattainment plan provisions so as to adversely affect reasonable further progress.  Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such certification and afford an opportunity of not more than 60 days for public comment, including a hearing where appropriate.  Directs the Administrator, if satisfied that such attainment is not possible, to extend the deadline to a date providing for attainment as expeditiously as possible, but not later than December 31, 1987. Grants the Administrator discretionary authority, upon State application and after notice and public hearing, to provide an additional extension of an attainment date for any NAAQS, for up to six years beyond the December 31, 1987 extension.  Conditions such additional extensions on a State demonstration that: (1) the State has made good faith efforts to make reasonable further progress toward attainment during the previous extension period and has achieved annual incremental reductions in emissions of the air pollutant concerned; (2) all applicable SIP provisions, including those relating to legislative and funding actions and reasonably available control technology (or alternative measures that achieve equal or greater reductions in emissions) are being adequately implemented; (3) air quality problems are so severe and persistent, for identified reasons, that the previous extended deadline cannot be attained; and (4) in the case of requests for additional extensions for carbon monoxide or photochemical oxidants, the State has adopted and will implement in a cost-effective manner a program of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance not inconsistent with the purposes and requirements of title II (Emissions Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act.  Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for SIP revisions, including guidelines respecting the terms of such additional extensions. Authorizes the Administrator to prohibit issuance of a construction or modification permit for any major stationary source which emits a pollutant for which a NAAQS has not been attained by the appropriate deadline.  Permits case-by-case waivers of such prohibition for the construction of any new stationary source to replace an existing stationary source, upon determination by the permitting authority that emissions from the new source of each air pollutant for which the area is designated a nonattainment area will be less than such emissions from the existing source.  Directs the Administrator to: (1) enforce such permit requirements by issuing an order or bringing a civil action; and (2) seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty for violations of such prohibitions against construction or modification. Nonattainment (other amendments) - Revises other part D provisions for permit requirements in nonattainment areas to require that proposed new or modified major stationary sources comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard, in the case of permits issued on or after the enactment date of this Act (compliance with the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) standard is thus required only for permits issued before such date). Repeals a requirement that SIP provisions for nonattainment areas establish a specific schedule for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in order to qualify for a deadline extension in meeting the primary NAAQS for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide. Requires that SIP nonattainment provisions for urban areas with greater than 500,000 population, in which the 1981 photochemical oxidants and/or carbon monoxide level exceeded the respective primary NAAQS by 50 percent or more, must contain a cost-effective program applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions and not inconsistent with title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Requires that such program include an I/M program, if the State deems this appropriate.  Allows a State to decide that the I/M program will apply first to motor vehicle fleets and commercial operators and then, when the State determines it is necessary for attainment, to other vehicles.  Permits any State to:  (1) continue an I/M program for any nonattainment area which does not fall under the new requirements concerning urban areas with the above-mentioned population and pollution areas; or (2) submit revisions to modify or eliminate such program. Makes specified emissions level requirements for construction and operation in nonattainment areas inapplicable in the case of any SIP under which:  (1) the construction or modification of specified stationary sources is required to comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard; (2) an adequate emissions inventory is maintained; (3) all existing major stationary sources will be in compliance with emission limitations based upon reasonably available control technology (RACT) not later than 1987 (or earlier, as appropriate); (4) nonwithstanding the construction of new major stationary sources, there is a program for obtaining such annual reductions in emissions as represent reasonable further progress; and (5) annual increased emissions resulting from source construction or modification shall not exceed one percent of the inventoried emissions of the applicable pollutant in the nonattainment area. Provides that the Administrator shall apply on a gradual or partial basis the authority to withhold Federal grant funds for sewage treatment and highways in cases of noncompliance with the Act as appropriate to the severity of such violations. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term ""increments"" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final - in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS.  (Currently the smallest increments are allowed in ""class I"" areas, which include ""statutorily designated"" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in ""class II"" areas, and the largest increments in ""class III"" areas.) Repeals the ""increment"" limitations (specified ""maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations"") for class II and class III areas. Eliminates the short-term increment limitations for class I areas. Permits States' Governors to rule that concentrations of particulate matter attributable to fugitive dust from specified sources shall not be taken into account in determining compliance with maximum allowable increases in ambient concentrations. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Provides that PSD preconstruction requirements shall only apply to physical or operational changes resulting in a significant net increase in source emissions of any air pollutant regulated under provisions for NAAQS, NSPS, or NESHAPs.  Sets a de minimis amount for such increase at 100 tons per year (1,000 tons per year of carbon monoxide) for any air pollutant for which a NAAQS is established (except lead) and 18 tons per year for fluorides. Revises PSD preconstruction review analysis requirements to grant discretion to the permitting authority in determining whether continuous air quality monitoring data is necessary to determine whether emissions from a facility will exceed maximum allowable increases (class I area increments) or maximum allowable concentrations (primary and secondary NAAQS). Requires PSD preconstruction permit programs to: (1) notify applicants within two months after receipts as to whether or not the application is complete and in what respects an incomplete application should be modified; and (2) issue or deny the permit within seven months after a completed applications is received. Authorizes any officer or employee of a permitting agency to communicate and meet with any applicant, prior to submission of an application, to clarify PSD preconstruction permit requirements. Eliminates the requirement that PSD regulations for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants, and nitrogen oxides contain measures at least as effective as the ""increment"" limitations for sulfur oxides and particulate matter. Provides that the Administrator shall promulgate PSD regulations, as appropriate, for any such pollutant (thus repealing a specific deadline for such regulations).  Deletes the requirement that the specific measures included in such regulations to evaluate permit applications be ""numerical."" Eliminates the special definition of ""best available control technology"" (BACT) for purposes of PSD provisions.  Defines BACT for purposes of the Act to mean the applicable New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (the EPA-set technology-based standards for categories of industries), along with applicable national emission limitation standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs).  Retains determination of the BACT by the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis where no NSPS exists for a stationary source in a particular category.  Allows State and local governments to adopt or enforce standards or limitations more stringent than the BACT standard. Visibility Protection - Limits the applicability of specified visibility protection provisions to:  (1) ""significant"" impairments of visibility within mandatory class I Federal areas; and (2) ""significant"" adverse impacts on air quality related values (including visibility) on lands within class I areas. Operation and Maintenance - Requires that SIPs include a program for periodic audits of major stationary sources to insure the proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment used to comply with emission limitations. Requires that the results of such audits be available to the public.  Sets a deadline, six months after enactment of this Act, for submission of SIP revisions taking account of such requirements. Emergency Variances - Revises provisions for emergency variances from any SIP requirement applicable to a stationary source. Authorizes the President to issue such variances. Permits such variances to be issued when foreign imports of fuels used by a stationary source have reached an excessive level and such imports can be reduced by the emergency suspension.  Increases the maximum period for such temporary emergency suspensions to two years (currently four months), but prohibits any such suspension remaining in effect for more than four months if it results in a violation of any NAAQS.  Requires the person (a State Governor or the President) issuing any suspension for a period of more than four months to revoke such suspension upon determination that the stationary source did not change to an alternative fuel. Administrative Review - Revises provisions relating to international air pollution.  Directs the Administrator to:  (1) publish notice in the Federal Register upon receipt of specified information or allegations about such pollution originating in the United States; (2) receive public comments and conduct an investigation including public hearings respecting such pollution; and (3) make a finding as to whether any air pollutant emitted in the United States causes or contributes to air pollution in a foreign country. Provides that any finding that U.S. emissions cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in a foreign country shall be deemed to be a finding which requires an SIP revision. Regulatory Stability - Sets forth regulatory stability provisions establishing a ten-year ""grandfather"" period, commencing with construction or modification, during which a stationary source (unless subsequently modified) shall not be subject to more stringent requirements if the construction or modification is subject to NSPS, obtains a permit or approval, and meets all permit or approval requirements. Excludes from such ""grandfather"" provision any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to: (1) hazardous pollutants designated under NESHAP provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of the construction; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Effective Data and Transitional Rules - Sets forth an effective date and transitional rules for the amendments relating to Nonattainment provisions and to PSD provisions. Title II: Ozone Protection - Revises ozone protection provisions of the Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to continue ozone protection studies and research while increasing actual measurements of stratosphere ozone and improving methods of monitoring potential trends in such measurements. Directs the Administrator to contract annually with the National Academy of Sciences to:  (1) continue review and research; (2) determine the extent, nature, and causes of changes in stratospheric ozone concentration (with particular attention to the effects of chlorofluorocarbons); (3) investigate unreasonable effects on health and the environment; and (4) report all findings and associated uncertainties. Directs the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to report, within two years and annually thereafter until such time as the theory of ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons has been validated, all findings concerning actual or potential alteration of the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, its causes, and associated implications and uncertainties.  Requires that such report be made to the Administrator and to the Congress, with copies available to the public. Requires that continuing research and monitoring programs be expanded to determine the extent, nature, causes, effects, and associated uncertainties of stratospheric ozone concentration changes. Directs the President, within two years from the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to report to the Congress and the public on efforts to reach international agreements among the major free-world producing countries of chlorofluorocarbons as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing further regulations for the control in the United States of any chlorofluorocarbon under the Act or the Toxic Substance Control Act until:  (1) the Administrator determines that depletion of the stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbons at a rate determined to be eventually harmful to human health and the environment is actually detected; or (2) until the President reports that international agreement has been reached as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Provides that this Act shall not affect:  (1) the validity of regulations concerning aerosol propellants containing chlorofluorocarbons promulgated by the Administrator before the effective date of this Act; or (2) the Administrator's obligation to comply with other applicable requirements in adopting regulations for the control of chlorofluorocarbons. Prohibits States or local governments from adopting or attempting to enforce any regulation (except ones controlling halocarbon use as an aerosol propellant) respecting the control of chlorofluorocarbons to protect the stratosphere or stratospheric ozone until the Administrator has promulgated regulations for such control in the United States. Title III:  Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1983 through FY 1987. Provides for sums necessary for:  (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act (except provisions relating to the National Commission of Air Quality). Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year.  Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act. Title IV:  Acid Precipitation Study - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the ""Acid Precipitation Act of 1980"") to reduce the period covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years. Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit recommendations, to accompany the final report of the Task Force, for specific changes in law supported by scientific findings of the Task Force. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing or promulgating any rule to control sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions if such rule would expand the Administrator's existing regulatory authority, before the final report is transmitted. Directs the Task Force to:  (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit information from State agencies conducting acid deposition research.",2025-08-29T19:49:47Z,
97-hr-6143,97,hr,6143,A bill to prohibit the disposal of dredged material in Long Island Sound and to establish the Long Island Sound Dredged Material Commission to study the impact of and alternatives to the disposal of dredged material in Long Island Sound.,Environmental Protection,1982-04-22,1982-05-06,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Carman, Gregory W. [R-NY-3]",NY,R,C000158,4,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the disposal of dredged material in Long Island Sound. Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to repeal the provisions of such Act controlling the dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound. Establishes the Long Island Sound Dredged Material Commission to study the impacts of and alternatives to disposal of dredged material in Long Island Sound. Requires the Commission to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to Congress, the Secretary of the Army, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency not later than one year after the appointment of Commission members. Terminates the Commission on the date of the submission of such report. Authorizes appropriations.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-6144,97,hr,6144,A bill relating to the disposal of low-level radioactive waste in ocean waters.,Environmental Protection,1982-04-22,1982-06-11,Favorable Executive Comment Received From NRC.,House,"Rep. Clausen, Don H. [R-CA-2]",CA,R,C000475,1,"Prohibits for two years after enactment of this Act the issuance of a permit pursuant to title I of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 that authorizes ocean dumping of low-level radioactive waste unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency finds that: (1) the proposed dumping is necessary to conduct research related to ocean dumping; (2) the dumping will have minimal adverse impact upon human health, welfare, and amenities and the marine environment, ecological systems, economic potentialities, and other legitimate uses; (3) the potential benefits of the research will outweigh any adverse impact; and (4) the proposed dumping will be preceded by baseline monitoring studies of the proposed dumping site and its surrounding environment. Provides that after the end of the two-year period, the Administrator may not issue a permit for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste in the ocean until the applicant, in addition to complying with the requirements under title I of such Act, prepares a radioactive material disposal impact assessment with respect to the site at which the disposal is proposed. Requires the Administrator to submit a copy of any such assessment to specified congressional committees.  Makes such a permit effective 45 days after it is issued unless either House of Congress disapproves it by resolution within such time period.",2023-05-11T13:10:31Z,
97-s-2431,97,s,2431,"A bill to amend and extend the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, for two years.",Environmental Protection,1982-04-22,1982-04-26,Subcommittee on Environmental Pollution. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,"Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1984 for general administration of such Act. Repeals the requirement that at least 20 percent of the appropriations authorized under such Act for general administration be used for Resource Recovery and Conservation Panels and at least 25 percent be used for State and local support. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1984 for assisting States in the development and implementation of authorized States hazardous waste programs. Repeals the program of assistance to States for discretionary programs relating to recycled oil. Eliminates the authorization of appropriations for the programs of the Resource Conservation Committee. Eliminates the authorization of appropriations for a study on the adverse effects of drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil or natural gas or geothermal energy.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2432,97,s,2432,"A bill to amend and extend the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, for two years.",Environmental Protection,1982-04-22,1982-05-27,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 631.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,3,"(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Environment and Public Works with amendment, S. Rept. 97-445) Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 1984 for general administration and for assistance to States in the development and implementation of authorized State hazardous waste programs. Requires that a specified amount of the sums authorized to the Environmental Protection Agency for FY 1983 be made available to the National Academy of Sciences to conduct the following studies: (1) an assessment of the procedures for estimating the relative risks to human health and welfare and natural resources, of releases, spills and leaks from disposal sites of hazardous wastes; (2) a review of the current knowledge of the effects of hazardous chemical and waste management procedures on ground water systems and supplies; and (3) an assessment of the institutional factors inhibiting the development and siting of facilities for treatment and disposal of hazardous waste. Requires  such studies to be completed within 12 months after the completion of contractual arrangements and reports submitted to specified Congressional committees.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hr-6133,97,hr,6133,Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-04-21,1982-10-13,Became Public Law No: 97-304.,House,"Rep. Breaux, John B. [D-LA-7]",LA,D,B000780,16,"(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 97-835) Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary (either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested), to the maximum extent prudent and determinable, to designate a critical habitat at the time an endangered or threatened species is listed. Authorizes the Secretary to revise such designation from time-to-time thereafter as appropriate. Requires the Secretary to determine if species are endangered or threatened solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available. Requires that the Secretary, in determining whether species are endangered or threatened, give full consideration to species which have been: (1) designated as requiring protection from unrestricted commerce by any foreign country or pursuant to an international agreement; or (2) identified as in danger of extinction or likely to become so in the near future by a conservation agency of a State or foreign nation. Directs the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable and within 90 days after receiving the petition of an interested party, to determine whether the petition contains substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that a species should be added to, or removed from, either the endangered species list or the threatened species list.  Requires the Secretary to begin a review of the species' status if the petition does contain such information. Requires each finding with respect to such petitions to be published.  Requires the Secretary to make and publish a decision on a petition containing substantial information that a listing or delisting is warranted within 12 months after receiving it.  Subjects negative findings and decisions to delay regulations to implement the petitioned action to judicial review.  (Currently, there is no deadline by which the Secretary must make a final decision on a petition to list or delist a species). Directs the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable and within 90 days after receiving the petition of an interested party to revise a critical habitat designation, to determine whether such petition presents substantial scientific information indicating that the revision may be warranted.  Requires that such findings be published promptly.  Requires the Secretary, within 12 months after receiving a petition which presents such information, to determine, and publish a notice indicating, how the requested revision will be handled. Revises the notice requirements with respect to the proposal by the Secretary of regulations relating to the determination of the status of a species, the designation of a critical habitat, and the revision of a critical habitat designation. Requires the Secretary to publish final regulations within one year after the general notice of the proposed regulations is published.  (Currently, a final regulation adding a species to the endangered or threatened species list must be published within two years after notice of the proposed regulation is published.) Permits a six-month extension of such one-year period in the case of a status determination of a species or a revision of a critical habitat designation if the Secretary finds that there is substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the determination or revision involved. Requires the immediate withdrawal of a proposed regulation if the proposed regulation is not promulgated as a final regulation within the one-year period (or longer if the extension applies) because there is not sufficient evidence to justify the proposal. Subjects the finding on which such a withdrawal is based to judicial review.  Requires that a final regulation designating a critical habitat of a species be published concurrently with the final regulation implementing the determination that the species is endangered or threatened, unless: (1) prompt publication of the regulation implementing such determination is essential to the conservation of such species; or (2) the critical habitat of the species is not then determinable, in which case the Secretary may extend the one-year period by one year with respect to the critical habitat designation. Requires the Secretary to periodically revise the endangered and threatened species lists to reflect recent status determinations, critical habitat designations, and revisions of critical habitat designations.  (Currently, the Secretary has the authority to make such revisions to the lists.) Requires the Secretary, in developing and implementing conservation and survival plans for endangered and threatened species, to give priority to preparing plans for endangered or threatened species that will benefit most from such plans, particularly those species that are or may be in conflict with construction or other developmental projects. Requires the Secretary to submit to a State conservation agency a written justification for any failure to adopt regulations consistent with the agency's comments or petition to list or delist a species. Increases the limit on the Federal share of costs of conservation programs for endangered and threatened species developed by States pursuant to cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Requires a Federal agency to consult with the Secretary on any prospective agency action at the request of, and in cooperation with, a prospective permit or license applicant if the applicant believes that an endangered or threatened species may be affected by the project involved. Limits the time period for consultations between a Federal agency and the Secretary.  Requires the Secretary to provide a permit or license applicant with a biological opinion promptly after conclusion of the consultation period.  (Currently, the Secretary must provide only the Federal agency involved with such an opinion.) Provides that if the agency action will not jeopardize an endangered or threatened species, the Secretary must provide the Federal agency and the permit or license applicant with a statement that specifies: (1) the impact of any taking of a listed species incidental to such action; and (2) the measures, including terms and conditions, necessary to minimize such impact. Prohibits the extension of the 180-day period allowed for a biological assessment to identify any endangered or threatened species which may be affected by an agency action if a permit or license applicant is involved, unless the Secretary provides the applicant with a statement on the length of the extension and the reasons for it. Deletes the requirement that representatives of members of the Endangered Species Committee be presidential appointees subject to Senate confirmation. Eliminates the review board established to consider Federal agency and permit or license applicants' applications for exemptions for agency actions likely to jeopardize endangered or threatened species or their habitats.  Provides for the Secretary to review, and report to the Endangered Species Committee on, such exemption applications in place of the review board.  Requires the Secretary to publish notice of receipt of exemption applications. Reduces from 60 to 20 days the time available to make the initial determination concerning the exemption applicant's eligibility for the exemption. Requires the Secretary to hold a hearing on an exemption application if the Federal agency involved and the exemption applicant have met the eligibility requirements. Reduces from 180 days to 140 days the time period within which the Secretary must complete a report on: (1) the availability of alternatives to the agency action involved; (2) evidence as to whether the action is in the public interest or is of national or regional significance; (3) appropriate reasonable mitigation and enhancement measures which should be considered; and (4) whether the Federal agency involved and the exemption applicant refrained from making irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources prohibited by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Reduces from 90 days to 30 days the time within which the Committee must determine whether to grant an exemption after receiving the Secretary's report. Provides that any taking of a listed species incidental to an agency action which is in compliance with the measures, including terms and conditions, indicated by the Secretary as necessary to minimize the impact of such taking shall not be considered a taking of an endangered or threatened species. Requires that the Secretary of the Interior base export determinations and advice pursuant to Article IV of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Convention) upon the best available biological information derived from professionally accepted wildlife management practices. Provides that the Secretary of the Interior is not required to make, or to require any State to make, wildlife population estimates in making such determinations or giving such advice. Abolishes the International Convention Advisory Commission. Requires the Secretary of State to submit to specified congressional committees a report on why a reservation pursuant to Article XV of the Convention is not entered if the United States votes against including any species in Appendix I or II of the Convention. Provides for the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of State, to represent the United States as required by the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere (the Western Convention).  Requires the Secretaries, in cooperation with the contracting parties to the Western Convention, to implement the Western Convention.  Requires the Secretaries to report to Congress on the implementation of the Western Convention no later than September 30, 1985. Authorizes the Secretary to permit: (1) acts necessary for the establishment and maintenance of experimental populations; and (2) any taking of a species incidental to the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.  Sets forth the requirements for the issuance of a permit authorizing such a taking. Provides that the polishing or the adding of minor superficial markings to whale bone or teeth does not constitute the substantial etching or carving required before such items may be treated as finished scrimshaw products for purposes of the exemption from trade restrictions under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  Requires the Secretary to carry out a comprehensive review of the regulations prescribed with respect to such exemption.  Directs the Secretary to submit a report of such review to specified congressional committees, making it available to the public, and to adopt any necessary revisions. Authorizes the Secretary to renew previously renewed certificates of exemption for up to three years, subject to the revised regulations.  Prohibits a person from selling in interstate or foreign commerce any pre-Act finished scrimshaw product after January 31, 1984, unless: (1) such person has been issued a valid certificate of exemption pursuant to such Act; and (2) such person held such product on the date of enactment of this Act. Removes the provision excluding antique scrimshaw from the trade restriction exemption for certain antique articles.  Redefines ""antique articles"" as those made 100 years ago.  (Currently, ""antique articles"" are defined as articles made before 1830.) Permits noncommercial shipments of fish and wildlife into the United States under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if: (1) the fish or wildlife was taken and exported lawfully from the country of origin and any country of reexport; (2) the fish or wildlife is in transit through any place subject to U.S. jurisdiction en route to a country where such fish or wildlife may be lawfully imported or received; (3) the circumstances leading to the transshipment of the fish or wildlife through any place subject to U.S. jurisdiction were beyond the exporter's or owner's control; (4) Convention requirements have been satisfied; and (5) the shipment is not made in the course of commercial activity. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the release of any population of an endangered or threatened species outside the current range of such species if such release will further the conservation of such species.  Designates such populations as ""experimental populations.""  Requires the Secretary to identify by regulation any population so released and to determine whether such population is essential to the continued existence of an endangered or threatened species.  Provides that each member of an experimental population shall be treated as a threatened species, except that: (1) for purposes of interagency cooperation and the exemption process under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, an experimental population that is not essential to the continued existence of a species shall be treated as a species proposed to be listed (unless it occurs in the National Wildlife Refuge System or in the National Park System); and (2) critical habitat shall not be designated for experimental populations that are not essential to the continued existence of a species. Authorizes the Attorney General to seek to enjoin any person alleged to be in violation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  Authorizes civil actions against the Secretary for failure to perform required acts and duties under such Act and under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985: (1) to the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture to carry out the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (2) for State conservation programs; (3) to assist the Secretary and the Endangered Species Committee in carrying out their functions with respect to the exemption process; and (4) to the Department of the Interior for implementation of the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere. Declares it to be congressional policy that Federal agencies shall cooperate with State and local agencies to resolve water resources issues in concert with conservation of endangered species. Prohibits the removal and reduction to possession of endangered plants on Federal lands. (Currently, there are prohibitions on importing, exporting, selling, or dealing in interstate or foreign commerce with endangered plants and on violating regulations pertaining to such plants.) Exempts from the prohibition on the import or export of, and from the prohibition on violations of regulations pertaining to, endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife held in captivity or in a controlled environment, but not for commercial purposes, on: (1) December 28, 1973; or (2) the date of the publication of the final regulation adding such fish or wildlife to the endangered or threatened species list. Provides for a rebuttable presumption that the fish or wildlife involved in a prohibited act is not entiled to such exemption if the act occurs 180 days or more after December 28, 1973, or the date of such publication.",2024-02-07T11:38:03Z,
97-hr-6112,97,hr,6112,"A bill to amend title II of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972.",Environmental Protection,1982-04-20,1982-05-17,Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.  Report No: 97-558 (Part I).,House,"Rep. D'Amours, Norman E. [D-NH-1]",NH,D,D000017,1,"(Reported to House from Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries with amendment, H.Rept. 97-558 (Part I)) Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to combine ocean dumping and monitoring reporting requirements into a single congressional report due by March 1, of each year. Specifies that the following are to be included in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research program:  (1) assessment of techniques for quantifying and defining marine environment degradation; (2) assessment of the ocean waters' ability to assimilate waste materials; and (3) development of techniques and equipment to minimize pollution from such wastes. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency to develop guidelines for integrating social and economic factors into Federal decisions regarding ocean dumping.  Requires such guidelines to be reported to Congress by October 1, 1984. Directs the Agency, in cooperation with the Department of Commerce and other appropriate governmental agencies and private persons, to assess the feasibility of developing regional waste disposal programs, including ocean dumping.  Sets forth program factors. Authorizes appropriations of not more than $12,000,000 for each of FY 1983 and 1984 for ocean dumping research.",2024-02-07T15:21:41Z,
97-hr-6113,97,hr,6113,Ocean Dumping Amendments Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-04-20,1982-09-23,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 845.,House,"Rep. D'Amours, Norman E. [D-NH-1]",NH,D,D000017,2,"(Measure passed House, amended) Ocean Dumping Amendments Act of 1982 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to include ""wetlands"" among the factors considered in assessing the effects of dumping. Makes dumping site designations by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandatory. Includes the following factors in dump site selection: (1) waste types and quantities; (2) detoxification ability of site water; (3) importance of the site to the surrounding biological community; and (4) effects on human health and adjacent ecosystems. Requires the Administrator at appropriate sites to: (1) periodically monitor or cause to be monitored, the effects of the dumping; and (2) make three-year dumping estimates. States that the Administrator shall close a site or limit dumping as necessary. Requires the Administrator or the Secretary of the Army to impose on permittees any special provisions deemed necessary to minimize the harm from dumping. Makes permit processing fees mandatory. Authorizes the Administrator or Secretary to: (1) issue interim permits (two-year renewable validity) for dumping materials not in compliance with specified environmental factors; and (2) specify measures to be taken by the permittee to find alternative disposal methods, eliminate contaminants, or recycle such materials. Adopts a two-year moratorium on low-level radioactive waste dumping.  Requires: (1) a permittee to submit a Radioactive Material Disposal Impact Assessment in addition to meeting existing dumping requirements; and (2) that a copy of such Assessment be forwarded to the appropriate congressional committees.  Permits a one-house resolution of disapproval of a permit within 45 legislative days of submission. Sets forth the information to be included in such Assessments. States that the Administrator and the Secretary shall adhere to the requirements of the London Dumping Convention that are binding upon the United States. Sets forth transitional provisions, including ""grandfathering"" (with certain exceptions) specified dumping sites from amendments under this Act. Defines ""monitoring"" for purposes of such Act. Amends the definition of ""ocean waters"" to include ""adjacent areas."" Grants jurisdiction to U.S. district courts to issue writs of mandamus to compel the Administrator to designate dumping sites. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983. Directs the Administrator to establish and submit to Congress a dumping designation schedule within 180 days.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hconres-303,97,hconres,303,A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the Environmental Protection Agency needs adequate resources and effective administration in order to carry out its legislatively mandated responsibilities.,Environmental Protection,1982-04-01,1982-06-23,Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From EPA.,House,"Rep. Gore, Albert, Jr. [D-TN-4]",TN,D,G000321,84,Expresses the sense of the Congress that:  (1) an effective Federal environmental program is necessary to protect U.S. citizens' health and well-being; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency should be appropriated increased funds to protect our environment and meet expanded responsibilities mandated by law; and (3) the President should submit a new budget for the Environmental Protection Agency for FY 1983 reflecting these principles.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-sres-359,97,sres,359,A resolution relating to environmental law enforcement.,Environmental Protection,1982-04-01,1982-04-01,Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]",VT,D,L000174,15,Expresses the sense of the Senate that:  (1) an effective Federal environmental program is necessary to protect U.S. citizens' health and well-being; (2) the Environmental Protection Agency should be appropriated increased funds to protect our environment and meet expanded responsibilities mandated by law; and (3) the President should submit a new budget for the Environmental Protection Agency for FY 1983 reflecting these principles.,2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2307,97,s,2307,Clean Air Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-03-30,1982-03-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]",MI,D,R000249,1,"Clean Air Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1982 - Title II:  Mobile Source Amendments - Amends title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Clean Air Act (""the Act""). Requires that any more stringent new standard for New Motor Vehicle or New Motor Vehicle Engines not become effective for at least:  (1) 48 months after prescription or revision, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after prescription or revision, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Provides that any more stringent new standards must reflect the degree of emission reduction the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines to be reasonably achievable through application of technology adequately demonstrated to be available for the appropriate model year.  Directs the Administrator, in making such determination, to consider costs, applicability to gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles or engines, impact on fuel economy, effect on level of all emissions from such vehicles or engines, safety, commercial use, and other appropriate factors. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the technical feasibility of such proposed new standards and to submit written reports which shall be available to the public. Revises provisions relating to regulations applicable to emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter from classes or categories of heavy- duty vehicles or engines.  Directs the Administrator to prescribe such regulations within one year of the enactment of this Act. Provides that the standards prescribed in such emissions regulations shall apply for a minimum period of four model years unless less stringent standards are prescribed for any model year during that period.  Requires that standards applicable to emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter be prescribed at the same time. Directs the Administrator to arrange with NAS for a technological feasibility report with respect to any proposed standard for particulate matter to be prescribed for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Repeals provisions setting forth criteria for the revision of emission standards for new motor vehicles or engines and requiring a report to Congress on any such revised standard. Revises provisions for a continuing pollutant specific study to require that such study concern the effects of air pollutant emissions of light duty as well as heavy duty vehicles or engines. Revises deadlines for such study (making the next deadlines January 1, 1983, and before January 1 of each fourth year thereafter).  Directs the Administrator:  (1) after considering the results of such study reported to the Congress, to revise the standards prescribed for heavy-duty vehicles or engines; or (2) upon determination that such revision is not necessary, to publish such determination in the Federal Register. Requires notice and opportunity for public comment before the Administrator determines that the operation or function of an emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety.  Adds to the factors the Administrator must consider in making such determination any information obtained from any manufacturer under specified compliance testing provisions. Revises standards for regulation of emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during and after model year 1982 to require that pollutant grams per vehicle mile (gpm) not exceed: (1) .41 gpm of hydrocarbons; (2) seven gpm of carbon monxide; and (3) two gpm of oxides of nitrogen.  Authorizes the Administrator to revise any such standard for any model year after model year 1986.  Prohibits any revised standard from being:  (1) more stringent than the standard applicable (without regard to any waiver) to light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured in the 1981 model year; or (2) less stringent than the 1982 model year standards. Revises provisions for waivers of such emission standards.  Directs the Administrator, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, to waive an emission standard for any model of vehicles or vehicle engines for up to four model years upon petition and demonstration by the manufacturer that such waiver is necessary for the use of an innovative power train technology, innovative emission control device or system, or alternative fuel or powersource. Adds ""the potential to conserve energy"" to factors to be considered in granting such waivers. Revises the maximum number of vehicles or engines per manufacturer to which such waivers may apply. Sets such maximum at 200,000 vehicles or engines per year of such waiver, but not more than 500,000 for a four model years waiver. Prohibits extension or renewal of four model years waivers.  Requires that such waivers include appropriate emissions standards to: (1) ensure, in the Administrator's judgment, no significant adverse impact on achieving applicable ambient air quality standards; and (2) encourage development and production of such model. Limits (to one-half the average original actual life for each class or category of motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine) the period of use which the Administrator is authorized to determine as appropriate for specified provisions relating to the ""useful life"" of such vehicles or engines. Provides that future regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States:  (1) shall include the exemptions provided in regulations for model year 1982; and (2) may provide specified high-altitude performance adjustments. Prohibits any regulation requiring a percentage of reduction in emissions from high altitude motor vehicles greater than that required for non-high altitude motor vehicles.  Prohibits regulations applying a numerical standard for determination of such percentage reduction for high altitude vehicles more stringent than that for non-high altitude vehicles. Requires that such regulations provide for a percentage reduction in emissions for high-altitude vehicles or engines that is determined by comparing any proposed high-altitude emission standard to high-altitude emissions from vehicles manufactured during model year 1970, but prohibits such regulations from containing standards less stringent than 11 gpm of carbon monoxide from light-duty high-altitude vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1982. Prohibits regulations requiring that any emission control device or element of design needed to meet the applicable emissions standards under high altitude conditions also be installed on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non-high altitude locations. Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal by any manufacturer to comply with EPA requests for information for a study relating to the availability and distribution to motor vehicle dealers located at high altitudes of models of new light-duty motor vehicles. Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to reliably evaluate or require reliable evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of):  (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Directs the Administrator to establish an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that a all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Prohibits the Administrator, in administering compliance testing and certification provisions, from requiring a manufacturer to test or to assume the cost of testing any motor vehicle if:  (1) the projected sales for the model year will not exceed 500; and (2) such vehicle incorporates an engine and emission control system which have been used in a motor vehicle for which a certificate of conformity has been issued. Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use to base determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a representative sample.  Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of title II of the Act.  Prohibits manufacturers from including together in the same such actions:  (1) both gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles or engines; or (2) both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. Provides that, in the case of any new motor vehicle or engine designed to comply with State emission control standards for which a waiver of Federal standards has been granted, compliance with such States standards shall be treated as compliance with applicable Federal standards. Repeals a provision requiring that there be a State-instituted motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I and M ) program in nonattainment areas of a State before authority relating to high-altitude performance adjustments may be available to such State. Provides that specified foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to:  (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program. Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such alternative approach.  Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year.  Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such alternative approach.  Prohibits promulgation of such regulations except after final rulemaking as required by this Act and pursuant to legislation reported from the appropriate committees of Congress and enacted either after the date of submission of the report of the study or after the date of submittal of the regulations to the Congress. Repeals a requirement that manufacturers warrant that new motor vehicles or engines are:  (1) designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with emissions standards at the time of sale; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause failure to conform during the period of useful life.  Requires, instead, a production warranty that the vehicle or engine is:  (1) equipped with emission control components designed to enable such vehicle or engine to conform at the time of sale with emissions standards; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause failure to conform for the first 24 months or the first 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Repeals provisions for motor vehicle or engine parts certifications by manufacturers or rebuilders for compliance with emissions standards. Limits a free replacement obligation of manufacturers to emissions control components installed for the sole (currently, sole or primary) purpose of reducing vehicle emissions. Limits specified peformance warranties to:  (1) the first 24 months or 24,000 miles; and (2) certain components installed for the sole purpose of emissions control. Revises provisions for manufacturers' instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control parts or components to eliminate requirements that:  (1) such instructions correspond to regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the replacement parts be certified.  Eliminates provisions for waivers of a prohibition against including conditions on the purchaser's using components for services unconnected with the manufacturer. Prohibits States from establishing or enforcing a warranty or prescribed maintenance requirement for new motor vehicles or engines unless such warranty or requirement is identical to the corresponding Federal warranty or prescribed maintenance requirement. Permits a person to remove, disconnect, alter, or render inoperative an emission control part on a motor vehicle if the part is replaced with a part which performs the same function or if such action is temporarily necessary for the repair or maintenance of such part or vehicle. Prohibits the sale or offer of sale, of any part or component principally used to render inoperative or alter emission control parts or components of motor vehicles or engines so as to cause the vehicle or engine to exceed applicable emission standards. Expresses the intent of the Congress that the Administrator:  (1) not rely on letters and internal memoranda for guidance to those affected by such tampering prohibitions; and (2) promulgate regulations or a general policy statement to provide guidance to those affected and to ensure uniform compliance. Exempts communications regarding any part, component, system, or service provided without charge under the terms of the purchase agreement from specified prohibitions against manufacturer's communications conditioning warranty coverage on use of certain products or services. Prohibits State new motor vehicle emission standards in nonattainment areas from including any provision similar to the production or performance warranty provisions under the Act. Sets forth provisions for the control of marine vessel emissions as mobile source emissions. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, State, Defense, Transportation, and the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and with the States, to study and investigate air pollutant emissions from marine vessels to determine:  (1) the extent to which such emissions affect air quality; and (2) the technological feasibility of controlling such emissions.  Requires that the results of the study be available for public comment at least 90 days prior to publication and that publication be within 12 months after enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the States and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is located, to issue proposed emission standards for any class or classes of vessels causing or contributing to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.  Directs the Administrator to hold public hearings with respect to such proposed standards and to promulgate regulations establishing such standards, with appropriate modifications.  Authorizes revision of such standards.  Requires that such regulations take effect after a period necessary to permit development and application of requisite technology, with appropriate consideration given to the cost of compliance.  Provides that any such regulation shall not apply if disapproved by the President on the basis of a finding, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating that such regulation would create a hazard to vessel safety. Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating:  (1) after consultation with the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense, to prescribe regulations to insure compliance with emission standards for marine vessels; and (2) to insure that all necesary inspections are accomplished. Prohibits State or local government enforcement of standards for control of marine vessel air pollutant emissions unless such standards are identical to those applicable under the marine vessel emissions provisions of this Act. Directs the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U.S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers).  Directs the Administrator, within 180 days after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) accelerate ongoing studies of performance of methanol and other low-emission fueled vehicles; (2) evaluate and monitor ongoing experiments by other entities; (3) assess the cost effectiveness of such alternatives to gasoline; and (4) determine emission characteristics in methanol and other low-emission fueled engines.  Directs the Administrator,if such study results are favorable, to develop a policy to encourage conversion of commercial and governmental vehicle fleets to low-emission fuels. Directs the Administrator to report the results of such studies to the appropriate committees of the Congress.",2025-08-29T19:51:34Z,
97-s-2309,97,s,2309,Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-03-30,1982-06-09,Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Unanimous Consent.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,17,"(Measure indefinitely postponed in Senate, H.R. 6133 passed in lieu) Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to add the term ""experimental population"" to the definitions in such Act. Defines such term as a population of an endangered or threatened species that:  (1) has been transported and released outside of the current range of the species to further its conservation; and (2) is wholly separate geographically from nonexperimental populations of the species.  Deletes the term ""irresolvable conflict"" from the definitions of such Act.  Provides that the term ""Secretary"" means the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the enforcement of provisions of such Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which pertain to the import or export of any plants.  (Currently, the term ""Secretary"" means the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to provisions pertaining to the import or export of terrestrial plants.) Provides for the treatment of experimental populations as threatened species. Requires the Secretary (either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested) to issue regulations to provide for the identification and conservation of such populations. Authorizes the Secretary to issue a permit for the enhancement of survival of an endangered species which authorizes the incidental taking of individuals of the affected species if:  (1) there is a long term conservation plan for the species; and (2) adequate funding is provided by the permittee and the Secretary is assured the conservation plan will be fully implemented. Increases the limit on the Federal share of costs of conservation programs for endangered and threatened species developed by States pursuant to cooperative agreements between the States and the Secretary. Requires the Secretary, to the maximum extent prudent and determinable, to designate the critical habitat of any endangered or threatened species concurrent with the determination of the status and the listing of the species. Requires that the Secretary, in determining whether species are endangered or threatened, give full consideration to species which have been:  (1) designated as requiring protection from unrestricted commerce by any foreign country or pursuant to an international agreement; or (2) identified as in danger of extinction or likely to become so in the near future by a conservation agency of a State or foreign nation. Provides that upon receipt of a petition to add a species to, or remove a species from, the endangered or threatened species list, the Secretary shall determine and publish a finding whether the petition presents substantial scientific information that such addition or removal is warranted, in addition to conducting and publishing a review of the status of the species as required under the current law.  Requires the Secretary to publish a decision on the petition within 12 months of receiving it. Revises the notice requirements with respect to the proposal by the Secretary of regulations relating to the determination of the status and listing of endangered or threatened species.  Requires the Secretary to publish a final determination with respect to any proposed listing within one year after such proposal is published. (Currently, a final regulation adding a species to the endangered or threatened species list must be published within two years after notice of the proposed regulation is published.)  Permits a six-month extension of such one-year period if the Secretary finds there is substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available scientific and commercial data on which the determination will be based. Provides that if a State agency having jurisdiction over the area in which a species affected by a proposed regulation is located files comments disagreeing with the regulation or files a petition to add a species to, or remove a species from, the endangered or threatened species list, the Secretary must submit to the State agency a written justification for failure to adopt regulations consistent with the agency's comments or petition. Authorizes civil actions against the Secretary for failure to perform acts or duties required under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Eliminates the review board established to consider Federal agency and permit or license applicants' applications for exemptions for agency actions likely to jeopardize endangered or threatened species or their habitats.  Provides for the Secretary to review, and report to the Endangered Species Committee on, such exemption applications in place of the review board. Reduces from 60 days to 20 days the time available to make the initial determination concerning the exemption applicant's eligibility for the exemption.  Reduces from 180 days to 150 days the time period within which the Secretary must complete a report on:  (1) the availability of alternatives to the agency action involved; (2) evidence as to whether the action is in the public interest or is of national or regional significance; (3) appropriate reasonable mitigation and enhancement measures which should be considered; and (4) whether the Federal agency involved and the exemption applicant refrained from making irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources prohibited by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  Reduces from 90 days to 30 days the time within which the Committee must determine whether to grant an exemption after receiving the Secretary's report.  Prohibits the Committee from granting an exemption for an agency action if the Federal agency or the exemption applicant made an irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources prohibited by such Act. Prohibits the extension of the 90-day consultation period between a Federal agency and the Secretary, for the determination of whether an agency action is likely to jeopardize an endangered or threatened species or its habitat, for more than 60 additional days without the permission of any permit or license applicant involved.  Requires the Secretary to specify the information required to complete the consultation and the date on which the biological opinion will be completed whenever the consultation period is extended by agreement. Provides that if the agency action will not jeopardize an endangered or threatened species or its habitat, or if reasonable and prudent alternatives can be taken by the agency or the permit or license applicant in implementing the agency action, the Secretary must provide the agency or applicant concerned with a statement specifying:  (1) the extent of take of any endangered or threatened species incidental to the agency action which will not jeopardize the species or its habitat; and (2) those reasonable and prudent measures which will minimize the taking of the species.  States that an action which is in compliance with such reasonable and prudent measures shall not be considered a taking of the species which is the subject of the biological opinion. Requires the Secretary to determine on the basis of the best available biological information derived from professionally accepted wildlife management practices:  (1) whether the export or introduction from the sea of any specimen of a species included in appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora will be detrimental to the survival of that species; and (2) whether the export of such specimens should be limited.  Provides that the Secretary shall not be required to use population estimates in making such determinations when such estimates are not the best available biological information derived from professionally accepted wildlife management practices. Authorizes the Attorney General to seek to enjoin any person alleged to be in violation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Permits noncommercial shipments of fish and wildlife into the United States under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if: (1) the fish or wildlife was taken and exported lawfully from the country of origin and any country of reexport; (2) the fish or wildlife is in transit through any place subject to U.S. jurisdiction en route to a country where such fish or wildlife may be lawfully imported or received; (3) the circumstances leading to the transshipment of the fish or wildlife through any place subject to U.S. jurisdiction were beyond the exporter's or owner's control; (4) Convention requirements have been satisfied; and (5) the shipment is not made in the course of commercial activity. Exempts from the prohibition on the import or export of, and from the prohibition on violations of regulations pertaining to, endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife held in captivity or in a controlled environment, but not for commercial purposes, on:  (1) December 28, 1973; or (2) the date of the publication of the final regulation adding such fish or wildlife to the endangered or threatened species list.  Provides for a rebuttable presumption that the fish or wildlife involved in a prohibited act is not entitled to such exemption if the act occurs 180 days or more after December 28, 1973, or the date of such publication. Declares it to be congressional policy that Federal agencies shall cooperate with State and local agencies to resolve water resources issues in concert with conservation of endangered species. Prohibits the removal and reduction to possession of endangered plants on Federal lands.  (Currently, there are prohibitions on importing, exporting, selling, or dealing in interstate or foreign commerce with endangered plants and on violating regulations pertaining to such plants.) Authorizes appropriations for FY 1983 through 1985 to carry out the Endangered Species Act of 1973.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2310,97,s,2310,"A bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1983 and 1984, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-03-30,1982-03-30,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to authorize appropriations to the Department of Commerce for FY 1983 and 1984 to carry out such Act.,2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hr-5950,97,hr,5950,Hazardous Waste Management Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-03-24,1982-03-30,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. LaFalce, John J. [D-NY-36]",NY,D,L000556,17,"Hazardous Waste Management Act of 1982 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the landfill disposal of any hazardous waste in liquid form or having any liquid content, whether or not such waste is mixed with solid or partially solid hazardous waste, and whether or not such waste is placed in containers before disposal in the landfill. Prohibits the landfill disposal of the following, except where there is no feasible alternative means of treatment, recovery, or disposal which will protect human health and the environment:  (1) hazardous wastes that are known to possess the chemical or physical-chemical ability to penetrate the clay and synthetic membrane liners used at the landfill; and (2) acute hazardous wastes. Sets forth the effective dates of the prohibitions contained in this Act.",2025-08-29T19:49:37Z,
97-s-2266,97,s,2266,Clean Air Reauthorization and Acid Precipitation Study Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-03-24,1982-03-24,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV]",WV,D,B001210,2,"Clean Air Reauthorization and Acid Precipitation Study Act of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act (""the Act""). Title I: Implementation Plans and Enforcement - State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and the SIP revision Process - Revises required State Implementation plans (SIPs) provisions. Directs a State to notify the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of proposed and adopted revisions to its SIP and of any comments or objections filed concerning such revisions.  Directs the Administrator to: (1) submit to the State comments on the technical and legal sufficiency of any proposed revision; (2) publish notice of a revision in the Federal Register within 30 days of receipt of notice of State adoption of the revision; and (3) provide a period of 30 to 70 days for public comment. Provides that any SIP revision shall be deemed approved and become effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register, unless the Administrator, upon considering the State's administrative proceeding record and public comments, disapproves on the basis of failure to satisfy specified requirements. Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such approval or disapproval. Permits the Administrator to: (1) extend the periods for public comment and for approval, by up to 60 days; and (2) hold public hearings on SIP revisions. Provides that an SIP approval shall not be effective unless the Administrator finds, and publishes, that the State's response to any objection filed both during the State's proceedings and the Administrator's public comment period was not arbitrary or capricious. Repeals the requirement that SIPs provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles to enforce compliance with applicable emission standards. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring, as a condition of SIP approval, any indirect source review program or, except as specified in provisions for nonattainment areas, any program of periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles.  Permits States to include, and the Administrator to approve, such programs in SIPs. New Source Performance Standards - Limits the applicability of the percentage reduction requirement for new fossil fuel fired stationary sources to those categories of stationary sources to which such requirement were applied under regulations in effect as of December 31, 1981. Provides that NSPS apply only to stationary source construction or modification commenced after NSPS regulations are promulgated (currently, proposed). Enforcement - Provides a one-year period for compliance after issuance of specified Federal enforcement orders (not including Federal orders relating to violations of national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants or State enforcement orders).  Repeals a requirement that the Administrator seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty in the case of any major stationary source not in compliance within 30 days of such a Federal enforcement order. Provides discretionary authority for the Administrator to seek injunctions or assess penalties any case of noncompliance which last beyond 30 days enforcement orders (and continues such discretionary authority in cases not involving major stationary sources). Directs the Administrator to carry out specified enforcement authorities through the use of full-time Federal officers or employees.  States that contractors should be used only as necessary to provide technical support for such enforcement. Prohibits the Administrator from contracting with anyone other than a full-time Federal officer or employee to provide legal assistance for such enforcement. Revises enforcement provisions relating to major stationary sources which burn petroleum products or natural gas to cover such sources which voluntarily convert to an alternate fuel.  Includes other alternate fuels under the enforcement provisions which currently cover conversion to coal by such sources. Requires (currently allows) each State to develop and submit to the Administrator a plan for carrying out noncompliance penalty provisions in such State. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to carry out noncompliance penalty provisions in a State under certain conditions.  Authorizes (currently requires) the State, or the Administrator if the State has not received a delegation, to carry out penalty provisions to assess and collect a noncompliance penalty in specified circumstances.  Authorizes the State to grant exemptions from penalties in cases of minor noncompliance (and continues the authority of the Administrator, when appropriate, to do so).  Repeals a requirement that the Administrator send notices of noncompliance to specified persons, in the event the State fails to send such notices. Requires persons receiving such notices to submit a calculation of the amount of penalty owed and a schedule of payments within a reasonable period prescribed by the Administrator or the State (currently requires such submission within 45 days of notice issuance or petition denial).  Makes a similar change in the deadline for submissions of  petitions challenging such notice or alleging entitlement to an exemption.  Provides that public hearings on such petitions be conducted by the Administrator or the State, as appropriate, and that decisions on such petitions be made within a reasonable time (currently requires the Administrator to hold such hearings unless the State agrees to do so and currently requires a decision within 90 days after receipt of the petition). Repeals provisions authorizing the Administrator to review State decisions on such petitions and requiring such review under certain conditions.  Authorizes the State or the Administrator, as appropriate, to adjust or compromise any penalty assessment if the source is in compliance.  Repeals provisions for:  (1) final adjustments of penalties after compliance; and (2) Administrator objections to, and substitutions for, State noncompliance penalties. Revises requirements for noncompliance penalty assessed amount determinations and payment schedules. Authorizes the Administrator, after notice and public hearing, to revoke or suspend any delegation under noncompliance penalty provisions upon determination that a State is not complying with such provisions. Attainment Date Extensions - Permits States to receive up to five-year extensions beyond the December 31, 1982, national primary ambient air quality standard (""primary NAAQS"") attainment date for pollutants in nonattainment areas (currently the Act permits such extensions for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants). Requires, in order to receive such extensions, that a State:  (1) certify to the Administrator that attainment is not possible before December 31, 1982, despite implementation of all reasonably available measures; and (2) commit itself to not modifying State nonattainment plan provisions so as to adversely affect reasonable further progress.  Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such certification and afford an opportunity of not more than 60 days for public comment, including a hearing where appropriate.  Directs to Administrator, if satisfied that such attainment is not possible, to extend the deadline to a date providing for attainment as expeditiously as possible, but not later than December 31, 1987. Grants the Administrator discretionary authority, upon State application and after notice and public hearing, to provide an additional extension of an attainment date for any NAAQS, for up to six years beyond the December 31, 1987 extension.  Conditions such additional extensions on a State demonstration that: (1) the State has made good faith efforts to make reasonable further progress toward attainment during the previous extension period and has achieved annual incremental reductions in emissions of the air pollutant concerned; (2) all applicable SIP provisions, including those relating to legislative and funding actions and reasonably available control technology (or alternative measures that achieve equal or greater reductions in emissions) are being adequately implemented; (3) air quality problems are so severe and persistent, for identified reasons, that the previous extended deadline cannot be attained; and (4) in the case of requests for additional extensions for carbon monoxide or photochemical oxidants, the State has adopted and will implement in a cost- effective manner a program of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance not inconsistent with the purposes and requirements of title II (Emissions Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act.  Directs the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for SIP revisions, including guidelines respecting the terms of such additional extensions. Authorizes the Administrator to prohibit issuance of a construction or modification permit for any major stationary source which emits a pollutant for which a NAAQS has not been attained by the appropriate deadline.  Permits case-by-case waivers of such prohibition for the construction of any new stationary source to replace an existing stationary source, upon determination by the permitting authority that emissions from the new source of each air pollutant for which the area is designated a nonattainment area will be less than such emissions from the existing source.  Directs the Administrator to: (1) enforce such permit requirements by issuing an order or bringing a civil action; and (2) seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty for violations of such prohibitions against construction or modification. Nonattainment (other amendments) - Revises other part D provisions for permit requirements in nonattainment areas to require that proposed new or modified major stationary sources comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard, in the case of permits issued on or after the enactment date of this Act (compliance with the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) standard is thus required only for permits issued before such date). Repeals a requirement that SIP provisions for nonattainment areas establish a specific schedule for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance (I/M) program in order to qualify for a deadline extension in meeting the primary NAAQS for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide. Requires that SIP nonattainment provisions for urban areas with greater that 500,000 population, in which the 1981 photochemical oxidants and/or carbon monoxide level exceeded the respective primary NAAQS by 50 percent or more, must contain a cost-effective program applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions and not inconsistent with title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Requires that such program include an I/M program, if the State deems this appropriate.  Allows a State to decide that the I/M program will apply first to motor vehicle fleets and commercial operators and then, when the State determines necessary for attainment, to other vehicles.  Permits any State to:  (1) continue an I/M program for any nonattainment area which does not fall under the new requirements concerning urban areas with the above-mentioned population and pollution areas; or (2) submit revisions to modify or eliminate such program. Makes specified emissions level requirements for construction and operation in nonattainment areas inapplicable in the case of any SIP under which:  (1) the construction or modification of specified stationary sources is required to comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard; (2) an adequate emissions inventory is maintained; (3) all existing major stationary sources will be in compliance with emission limitations based upon reasonably available control technology (RACT) not later than 1987 (or earlier, as appropriate); (4) notwithstanding the construction of new major stationary sources, there is a program for obtaining such annual reductions in emissions as represent reasonable further progress; and (5) annual increased emissions resulting from source construction or modification shall not exceed one percent of the inventoried emissions of the applicable pollutant in the nonattainment area. Provides that the Administrator shall apply on a gradual or partial basis the authority to withhold Federal grant funds for sewage treatment and highways in cases of noncompliance with the Act as appropriate to the severity of such violations. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD). (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term ""increments"" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final - in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS.  (Currently the smallest increments are allowed in ""class I"" areas, which include ""statutorily designated"" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in ""class II"" areas, and the largest increments in ""class III"" areas.) Repeals the ""increment"" limitations (specified ""maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations"") for class II and class III areas. Eliminates the short-term increment limitations for class I areas. Permits State Governors to rule that concentrations of particulate matter attributable to fugitive dust from specified sources shall not be taken into account in determining compliance with maximum allowable increases in ambient concentrations. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Provides that PSD preconstruction requirements shall only apply to physical or operational changes resulting in a significant net increase in source emissions of any air pollutant regulated under provisions for NAAQS, NSPS, or NESHAPs.  Sets a de minimis amount for such increase at 100 tons per year (1,000 tons per year of carbon monoxide) for any air pollutant for which a NAAQS is established (except lead) and 18 tons per year for fluorides. Revises PSD preconstruction review analysis requirements to grant discretion to the permitting authority in determining whether continuous air quality monitoring data is necessary to determine whether emissions from a facility will exceed maximum allowable increases (class I area increments) or maximum allowable concentrations (primary and secondary NAAQS). Requires PSD preconstruction permit programs to: (1) notify applicants within two months after receipt as to whether or not the application is complete and in what respects an incomplete application should be modified; and (2) issue or deny the permit within seven months after a completed application is received. Authorizes any officer or employee of a permitting agency to communicate and meet with any applicant, prior to submission of an application, to clarify PSD preconstruction permit requirements. Eliminates the requirement that PSD regulations for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants, and nitrogen oxides contain measures at least as effective as the ""increment"" limitations for sulfur oxides and particulate matter. Provides that the Administrator shall promulgate PSD regulations, as appropriate, for any such pollutant (thus repealing a specific deadline for such regulations).  Deletes the requirement that the specific measures included in such regulations to evaluate permit applications be ""numerical."" Eliminates the special definition of ""best available control technology"" (BACT) for purposes of PSD provisions.  Defines BACT for purposes of the Act to mean the applicable New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (the EPA-set technology-based standards for categories of industries), along with applicable national emission limitation standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs).  Retains determination of the BACT by the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis where no NSPS exists for a stationary source in a particular category.  Allows State and local governments to adopt or enforce standards or limitations more stringent than the BACT standard. Visibility Protection - Limits the applicability of specified visibility protection provisions to:  (1) ""significant"" impairments of visibility within mandatory class I Federal areas; and (2) ""significant"" adverse impacts on air quality related values (including visibility) on lands within class I areas. Operation and Maintenance - Requires that SIPs include a program for periodic audits of major stationary sources to insure the proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment used to comply with emission limitations.  Requires that the results of such audits be available to the public. Sets a deadline, six months after enactment of this Act, for submission of SIP revisions taking account of such requirements. Emergency Variances - Revises provisions for emergency variances from any SIP requirement applicable to a stationary source. Authorizes the President to issue such variances. Permits such variances to be issued when foreign imports of fuels used by a stationary source have reached an excessive level and such imports can be reduced by the emergency suspension.  Increases the maximum period for such temporary emergency suspensions to two years (currently four months), but prohibits any such suspension remaining in effect for more than four months if it results in a violation of any NAAQS.  Requires the person (a State Governor or the President) issuing any suspension for a period of more than four months to revoke such suspension upon determination that the stationary source did not change to an alternative fuel. Administrative Review - Revises provisions relating to international air pollution.  Directs the Administrator to:  (1) publish notice in the Federal Register upon receipt of specified information or allegations about such pollution originating in the United States; (2) receive public comments and conduct an investigation including public hearings respecting such pollution; and (3) make a finding as to whether any air pollutant emitted in the United States causes or contributes to air pollution in a foreign country. Provides that any finding that U.S. emissions cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in a foreign country shall be deemed to be a finding which requires an SIP revision. Regulatory Stability - Sets forth regulatory stability provisions establishing a ten-year ""grandfather"" period, commencing with construction or modification, during which a stationary source (unless subsequently modified) shall not be subject to more stringent requirements if the construction or modification is subject to NSPS, obtains a permit or approval, and meets all permit or approval requirements. Excludes from such ""grandfather"" provision any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to:  (1) hazardous pollutants designated under NESHAP provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of the construction; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Effective Data and Transitional Rules - Sets forth an effective date and transitional rules for the amendments relating to Nonattainment provisions and to PSD provisions. Title II: Ozone Protection - Revises ozone protection provisions of the Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to continue ozone protection studies and research while increasing actual measurements of stratosphere ozone and improving methods of monitoring potential trends in such measurements. Directs the Administrator to contract annually with the National Academy of Sciences to:  (1) continue review and research; (2) determine the extent, nature, and causes of changes in stratospheric ozone concentration (with particular attention to the effects of chlorofluorocarbons); (3) investigate unreasonable effects on health and the environment; and (4) report all findings and associated uncertainties. Directs the National Academy of Sciences, in consultation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to report, within two years and annually therafter until such time as the theory of ozone depletion by chlorofluorocarbons has has been validated, all findings concerning actual or potential alteration of the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere, its causes, and associated implications and uncertainties. Requires that such report be made to the Administrator and to the Congress, with copies available to the public. Requires that continuing research and monitoring programs be expanded to determine the extent, nature, causes, effects, and associated uncertainties of stratospheric ozone concentration changes. Directs the President, within two years from the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, to report to the Congress and the public on efforts to reach international agreements among the major free-world producing countries of chlorofluorocarbons as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing further regulations for the control in the United States of any chlorofluorocarbon under the Act or the Toxic Substance Control Act until:  (1) the Administrator determines that depletion of the stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbons at a rate determined to be eventually harmful to human health and the environment is actually detected; or (2) the President reports that international agreement has been reached as to the nature, extent, and implications of any threat to the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and as to the appropriate regulatory action to be taken. Provides that this Act shall not affect:  (1) the validity of regulations concerning aerosol propellants containing chlorofluorocarbons promulgated by the Administrator before the effective date of this Act; or (2) the Administrator's obligation to comply with other applicable requirements in adopting regulations for the control of chlorofluorocarbons. Prohibits States or local governments from adopting or attempting to enforce any regulation (except ones controlling halocarbon use as an aerosol propellant) respecting the control of chlorofluorocarbons to protect the stratosphere or stratospheric ozone until the Administrator has promulgated regulations for such control in the United States. Title III:  Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1983 through FY 1987. Provides for sums necessary for:  (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act (except provisions relating to the National Commission on Air Quality). Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year.  Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act. Title IV:  Acid Precipitation Study - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the ""Acid Precipitation Act of 1980"") to reduce the period covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years. Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit recommendations, to accompany the final report of the Task Force, for specific changes in law supported by scientific findings of the Taks Force. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing or promulgating any rule to control sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions if such rule would expand the Administrator's existing regulatory authority, before the final report is transmitted. Directs the Task Force to:  (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit information from State agencies conducting acid deposition research.",2025-08-29T19:51:28Z,
97-s-2280,97,s,2280,A bill to amend the Clean Water Act of 1977.,Environmental Protection,1982-03-24,1982-07-29,Subcommittee on Environmental Pollution. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK]",AK,R,M001085,11,"Amends the Clean Water Act to declare that ""discharge of a pollutant or pollutants"" does not include effects upon water quality resulting solely from the impoundment of waters, or the release of impounded waters, or the methods of such release.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-s-2245,97,s,2245,"A bill to amend and extend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, for two years.",Environmental Protection,1982-03-22,1982-06-22,Committee on Agriculture. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC]",NC,R,H000463,0,"Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to: (1) extend the duration of the scientific advisory panel through FY 1984; and (2) authorize specified appropriations through FY 1984.",2025-01-14T16:41:20Z,
97-hr-5906,97,hr,5906,"A bill to amend title III of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to clarify provisions relating to claims, financial responsibility, and civil penalties.",Environmental Protection,1982-03-18,1982-12-15,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,House,"Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-12]",MA,D,S001040,0,"(Measure passed House, amended) Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 to amend the definitions of ""offshore facility"", ""owner"", ""operator"", and ""guarantor"" for purposes of liability apportionment. Defines:  (1) ""lessee"" as any person with an oil or gas lease granted under such Act; (2) ""permittee"" as any person with a geological exploration permit under such Act; (3) ""responsible party"" as the owner or operator of a vessel or pipeline, or the lessee or permittee of the area of specified mobile offshore drilling units; and (4) ""mobile offshore drilling unit"" as any watercraft operating on the outer continental shelf (OCS) (or above submerged lands) which is capable of drilling for oil on the OCS. Permits claims against the Offshore Oil Spill Pollution Fund for voluntary removal costs which exceed the maximum liability of a responsible party by a specified amount. Extends liability for spills to owners and operators of pipelines, lessees or permittees of an area in which a pipeline is located, and holders of rights of use and easements for an offshore facility. Imposes liability on the owner and operator of a mobile offshore drilling unit for oil pollution where the source of such pollution is on or above the water's surface.  States that licensees, permittees, or holders of a right of use or easement shall be liable for the amount of damages and removal costs in excess of the liability of owners and operators.  Imposes liability for willful misconduct or gross negligence in connection with oil pollution incidents. Establishes dollar limits on the liability of the various parties responsible for an oil spill. Imposes liability on a responsible party where an incident is caused by the negligent or intentional act of certain contractors. Provides that indemnification, hold harmless, and similar agreements will not transfer statutory liability of a responsible party to any other party. Revises rules for the filing of certificates of financial responsibility sufficient to satisfy the maximum potential liability.  Provides that the liability of guarantors shall not exceed the aggregate amount of financial responsibility which such guarantors have provided for a responsible party.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hr-5830,97,hr,5830,"A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that new fossil fuel fired stationary sources of air pollution comply with a standard of performance which requires a percentage reduction in the emissions of air pollutants, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-03-15,1982-03-19,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Collins, James M. [R-TX-3]",TX,R,C000638,0,"Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal the requirement that new fossil fuel fired stationary sources of air pollution comply with a standard of performance which requires a percentage reduction in air pollutant emissions. Revises provisions for standards of performance for new stationary sources (NSPS) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take into consideration the cost of achieving the degree of emission limitation required by the NSPS, energy impact, and any environmental effects unrelated to air quality. Removes the requirement that the system of continuous emission reduction under NSPS be a ""technological"" system or process.  Includes in the definition of such system or process the use of inherently low-polluting fuels or raw materials. Permits application of such amended requirements to fossil fuel fired electric utility steam generating units which were constructed or modified after September 18, 1978, and before the publication of regulations reflecting the amendments made by this Act.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-5766,97,hr,5766,"A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to restrict the jurisdiction of the United States over the discharge of dredged or fill material to those discharges which are into navigable waters, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-03-09,1982-03-22,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Hansen, James V. [R-UT-1]",UT,R,H000172,5,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct (currently authorizes) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to issue permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at a disposal site specified by the applicant (currently specified by the Secretary), unless the Secretary determines that such site cannot be specified through the application of certain guidelines or other considerations. Limits the definition of ""navigable waters"" for purposes of such permits to mean all waters which are presently used or are susceptible to use in their natural condition as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce shoreward to their ordinary high water mark, including all U.S. waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to their mean high water mark. Declares that the discharge of dredged or fill material in waters other than navigable waters (as limited by such definition) is not prohibited by or otherwise subject to regulation under any Act of Congress. Declares that these amendments shall be effective as of March 27, 1975. Revises procedures for application of the provisions of this Act by a State requesting Federal jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters. Repeals provisions relating to State permit programs for the discharge of dredged or fill material into other types of navigable waters. Eliminates the qualifying phrase ""to the maximum extent practicable"" from the requirement that specified agreements between Federal agencies assure that decisions on permit applications be made within 90 days of published notice.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hconres-281,97,hconres,281,A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to the promulgation of regulations regarding the management and storage of hazardous wastes.,Environmental Protection,1982-03-04,1982-03-08,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. Emery, David F. [R-ME-1]",ME,R,E000175,36,Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should maintain a strong commitment to the proper handling and storage of hazardous wastes; and (2) the Administrator of the EPA should maintain and enforce existing regulations regarding the management of containerized liquid hazardous wastes until new or revised regulations become effective.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-5669,97,hr,5669,"A bill to amend section 112 of the Clean Air Act relating to hazardous air pollutants, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-03-02,1982-03-08,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]",NJ,D,F000215,0,"Amends the Clean Air Act to revise provisions for national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, whether or not each of 37 substances (listed in a specified publication of congressional oversight hearings) is a hazardous air pollutant.  Requires that each of the 37 substances be included on the NESHAPs list (of substances for which NESHAPs are to be established), unless the Administrator has determined that any of the 37 substances is not a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that the NESHAPs listing determinations for these 37 substances be made within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, in the case of substances other than those 37 substances, to make determinations within 180 days after receipt of information which indicates that a substance may be a hazardous air pollutant, after notice and opportunity for public hearing. Permits, but does not require, the Administrator to make a new determination in the case of any substance which the Administrator has previously determined not to be a hazardous air pollutant. Requires that any substance which the Administrator determines to be a hazardous air pollutant be included on the NESHAPs list. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of each category of stationary sources which emit in any significant amounts any hazardous air pollutant included on the NESHAPs list.  Requires that specified categories be included in the source categories list and that such list be published 15 months after enactment of this Act for certain categories and 18 months after such enactment for other categories. Directs the Administrator to publish a revised source categories list within one year after any revision in the NESHAPs list. Authorizes the Administrator to revise the source categories list at such other times as may be necessary. Directs the Administrator to publish proposed emission standards for new stationary sources in each source category listed, within 30 months of enactment of this Act for certain categories and within 42 months of such enactment for other categories.  Directs the Administrator to promulgate such standards within six months after such publication. Directs the Administrator to revise such standards where appropriate following periodic review to be completed within ten years from the date of promulgation.  Provides that such standards shall apply to each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list which is emitted in significant amounts from sources in such category. Requires that such emission standards (for new stationary sources in each source category listed for NESHAPs purposes) be established at the more stringent of: (1) the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of the best system of continuous emission reduction which the Administrator determines is available, taking account of costs, health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements; or (2) the most stringent emission limitation achieved in practice by other sources in the same, or a similar, category.  Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish among classes, types, and sizes within categories of sources for purposes of establishing such standards. Sets forth a schedule for completion of specified actions required after enactment of this Act: (1) one year for making the NESHAPs listing determination for the 37 substances; (2) 15 months for publishing the source categories list for certain categories and 18 months for other categories; (3) 30 months for proposing emission standards for certain source categories and 42 months for other categories; and (4) six months after such proposal for promulgation of such standards.  Provides that no time period under such schedule may be delayed or modified by any petition to the Administrator or by any action brought in any court.  Declares that completion of such actions according to such schedule is a nondiscretionary duty of the Administrator.  Permits citizen suits against the Administrator in cases of failure or refusal to comply with such schedule. Allows such suits to commence ten days after the plaintiff has given notice of the violation to the Administrator. Prohibits any construction of any new source or modification of any existing source of any hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list where such construction or modification will increase (after the application of federally enforceable emission limitations) the emission of such hazardous air pollutant by a significant amount unless such source is required to comply with an emission standard established on a case-by-case basis by the Administrator (or a State, if delegated).  Directs the Administrator to establish a standard for each source at the level which provides an ample margin of safety to protect public health from the hazardous air pollutant, unless the Administrator makes and publishes a detailed finding that such a standard is not economically or technologically practicable.  Requires, where such a finding is made, that an individual new or modified source case-by-case standard: (1) be established according to the same criteria as source category standards; and (2) be no less stringent than any applicable source category standard. Provides for the delegation to States of the implementation and enforcement of emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for new or modified stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to establish a procedure, similar to that for State implementation plans (SIPs), under which each State shall submit a plan which: (1) establishes emissions standards for each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list for each existing source to which a NESHAPs emissions standard would apply if such existing source were a new source; and (2) provides for implementation and enforcement of each such standard as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than three years after establishment of such standard.  Permits States to consider the remaining useful life of the existing source in applying such a standard.  Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe or enforce provisions of such plans where a State fails to do so. Makes it unlawful for any owner or operator of any stationary source to operate such source in violation of any applicable standard under these revised NESHAPs provisions. Eliminates that part of the definition of ""hazardous air pollutant"" which requires that no national primary ambient air quality standard be applicable to such pollutant (but retains consideration of increased mortality or morbidity in such definition).",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-5555,97,hr,5555,Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982,Environmental Protection,1982-02-22,1982-03-30,For Further Action See H.R.5252.,House,"Rep. Waxman, Henry A. [D-CA-24]",CA,D,W000215,39,"Clean Air Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Clean Air Act (""the Act"") to revise stationary source, mobile source, and other provisions of the Act. Title I:  Amendments Relating Primarily to Stationary Sources - Fine and Inhalable Particulates - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue air quality criteria and information for inhalable particulates (less than 10 to 15 microns in diameter) within one year of enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to propose and promulgate a national primary ambient air quality standard (""a primary NAAQS"") for inhalable particulates, unless there is no significant evidence that this is requisite to protect public health. Directs the Administrator to determine whether or not fine particulates (less than 3 microns in diameter) should be listed among those air pollutants for which the issuance of air quality criteria is planned. Provides that State implementation plan (SIP) provisions which related to a prior NAAQS and were in effect immediately before the revision or elimination of such NAAQS shall remain in effect until the Administrator determines that an SIP revision has been implemented which takes account of such NAAQS change. Hazardous Air Pollutants - Revises provisions for national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs). Directs the Administrator to determine, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, whether or not each of 37 substances (listed in a specified publication of congressional oversight hearings) is a hazardous air pollutant.  Requires that each of the 37 substances be included on the NESHAPs list (of substances for which NESHAPs are to be established), unless the Administrator has determined that any of the 37 substances is not a hazardous air pollutant.  Requires that the NESHAPs listing determinations for these 37 substances be made within one year of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator, in the case of substances other than those 37 substances, to make determinations within 180 days after receipt of information which indicates that a substance may be a hazardous air pollutant, after notice and opportunity for public hearing. Permits (currently, the Administrator is required) the Administrator to make a new determination in the case of any substance which the Administrator has previously determined not to be a hazardous air pollutant.  Requires that any substance which the Administrator determines to be a hazardous air pollutant be included on the NESHAPs list. Directs the Administrator to publish a list of each category of stationary sources which emit in any significant amounts any hazardous air pollutant included on the NESHAPs list.  Requires that specified categories be included in the source categories list, and that such list be published 15 months after enactment of this Act for certain categories and 18 months after such enactment for other categories.  Directs the Administrator to publish a revised source categories list within one year after any revision in the NESHAPs list.  Authorizes the Administrator to revise the source categories list at such other times as may be necessary. Directs the Administrator to publish proposed emission standards for new stationary sources in each source category listed within 30 months of enactment of this Act for certain categories and within 42 months of such enactment for other categories.  Directs the Administrator to promulgate such standards within six months after such publication. Directs the Administrator to revise such standards where appropriate following periodic review.  Requires such periodic review to be completed within ten years of the date of promulgation of such standards.  Provides that such standards shall apply to each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list which is emitted in significant amounts from sources in such category. Requires that such emission standards (for new stationary sources in each source category listed for NESHAPs purposes) be established at the more stringent of:  (1) the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of the best system of continuous emission reduction which the Administrator determines is available, taking account of costs, health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements; or (2) the most stringent emission limitation achieved in practice by other sources in the same, or a similar, category. Authorizes the Administrator to distinguish among classes, types, and sizes within categories of sources for purposes of establishing such standards. Sets forth a schedule for completion of specified actions required after enactment of this Act:  (1) one year for making the NESHAPs listing determination for the 37 substances; (2) 15 months for publishing the source categories list for certain categories, and 18 months for other categories; (3) 30 months for proposing emission standards for certain source categories, and 42 months for other categories; and (4) six months after such proposal for promulgation of such standards.  Provides that no time period under such schedule may be delayed or modified by any petition to the Administrator or by any action brought in any court.  Declares that completion of such actions according to such schedule is a nondiscretionary duty of the Administrator.  Permits citizen suits against the Administrator in cases of failure or refusal to comply with such schedule. Allows such suits to commence ten days after the plaintiff has given notice of the violation to the Administrator. Prohibits any construction of any new source or modification of any existing source of any hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list if such construction or modification will increase (after the application of federally enforceable emission limitations) the emission of such hazardous air pollutant by a significant amount unless such source is required to comply with an emission standard established on a case-by-case basis by the Administrator (or a State, if delegated).  Directs the Administrator to establish a standard for each source at the level which provides an ample margin of safety to protect public health from the hazardous air pollutant, unless the Administrator makes and publishes a detailed finding that such a standard is not economically or technologically practicable. Requires, where such a finding is made, that an individual new or modified source case-by-case standard:  (1) be established according to the same criteria as source category standards; and (2) be no less stringent than any applicable source category standard. Provides for the delegation to States of the implementation and enforcement of emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for new or modified stationary sources. Directs the Administrator to establish a procedure, similar to that for State implementation plans (SIPs), under which each State shall submit a plan which: (1) establishes emissions standards for each hazardous air pollutant on the NESHAPs list for each existing source to which a NESHAPs emissions standard would apply if such existing source were a new source; and (2) provides for implementation and enforcement of each such standard as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than three years after establishment of such standard.  Permits States to consider the remaining useful life of the existing source in applying such a standard. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe or enforce provisions of such plans where a State fails to do so. Makes it unlawful for any owner or operator of any stationary source to operate such source in violation of any applicable standard under these revised NESHAPs provisions. Eliminates that part of the definition of ""hazardous air pollutant"" which requires that no NAAQS be applicable to such pollutant (but retains consideration of increased mortality or morbidity in such definition). New Source Immunity - Sets forth ""new source immunity"" provisions establishing a ten-year ""grandfather"" period beginning with the commencement of construction of any new stationary source or modification of a major stationary source.  Provides that, for such period, such sources shall not be required to comply with any emission limitation or standard under the Act which is more stringent than construction or modification permit requirements.  Conditions such immunity upon:  (1) issuance of a permit, on or after enactment of this Act, under a permit program of an applicable SIP approved by the Administrator; (2) compliance with permit requirements and with all applicable new source performance standards (NSPS); and (3) no subsequent physical change in the source, or change in its method of operation, which increases air pollutant emissions or results in emissions of any air pollutant not previously emitted. Excludes from such immunity any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to:  (1) hazardous air pollutants regulated under NESHAPs provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of construction or modification, but for which a primary NAAQS is later promulgated; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Provides that such immunity shall not prevent the imposition of any emission limitation on any individual piece of process equipment not subject to a permit emission limitation based upon the best available control technology (BACT). Acid Rain - Establishes a new program entitled ""Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction."" Establishes an  ""acid deposition region"" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State.  Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction (""reduction""). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act.  Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules.  Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of nitrogen oxide emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program:  (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions. Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate.  Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act).  Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable SIPs. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials. Interstate Air Pollution - Requires that an SIP contain provisions for the establishment of emission limitations to prevent stationary sources within the State from interfering with the ambient air quality of other States.  Requires that such SIP provisions conform to the interstate pollution abatement provisions of the Act. Revises interstate pollution abatement provisions to require prior notice to all affected nearby States from each major proposed new (or modified) source which, by itself or in combination with other sources, may interfere with the ambient air quality of another State in a specified manner. Allows any person to petition the Administrator to make a finding that emissions from stationary sources in any State are interfering with the ambient air quality of another State by contributing:  (1) concentrations of a pollutant in a nonattainment area; (2) concentrations consuming any part of any maximum allowable concentration or increase over baseline concentrations of a pollutant (under prevention of significant deterioration of air quality (PSD) provisions), in any area which is not a nonattainment area for that pollutant; or (3) to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in such other State. Allows petitions relating to such interference with another State's air quality also to be submitted to the Administrator prior to approval of a SIP or of a construction or modification permit.  Prohibits approval in such cases unless the Administrator determines that such interference will not result. Directs the Administrator, within 60 days of receipt of such petition, to make a finding or denial. Directs the Administrator, if such finding is made, to:  (1) determine the degree to which sources in each State concerned (including the State adversely affect) contribute to the pollution concentration; and (2) require the SIPs concerned to contain emission limitations and compliance schedules for stationary sources in each State which contribute significantly to such concentrations.  Requires that such limitations and schedules reduce such concentrations as promptly as practicable and, in the case of nonattainment areas, not later than the required attainment date for the adversely affected State.  Requires that SIPs be revised accordingly within four months of the Administrator's order.  Sets forth factors to be taken into account in setting interstate emission limitations at an equitable amount of emission reduction by each source. Allows the establishment of alternative emission limitations for existing sources in accordance with a specified policy.  Requires, where appropriate, that construction or modification permits contain interstate emissions limitations established by the Administrator. Sets forth factors which may be taken into account in determining the effect of emissions from sources in any State on air pollution concentrations in any other State. New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) - Directs the Administrator to promulgate (or revise) ""new source performance standards"" (NSPS) for specified categories of stationary sources. Requires that such NSPS promulgation (or revision) be completed by the end of:  (1) FY 1982 for one list of source categories; (2) FY 1983 for a second list; and (3) FY 1984 for a third list. Expedited SIP Revision Process - Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove any SIP revision within four months of receipt. Qualifies a SIP revision for a special fast-track review (approval after a 30-day public comment period during which no objections are made) if the revision relates only to one or more of specified items. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions (in Part C of title I of the Act) for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD).  (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term ""increments"" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS.  Currently the smallest increments are allowed in ""class I"" areas, which include ""statutorily designated"" large national parks and wilderness areas, with larger increments in ""class II"" areas, and the largest increments in ""class III"" areas.) Repeals the ""increment"" limitations (specified ""maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations"") for class III areas. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas.  Refers, instead, to redesignation as PSD areas other than class I or II areas. Requires States to consult with local governments prior to a PSD area redesignation. Revises PSD preconstruction requirements to replace references to class III areas with references to PSD areas other than class I or II areas. Allows the permitting authority to determine in its discretion the extent to which continuous air quality monitoring data must be included in air quality analyses for preconstruction review purposes. Applies PSD preconstruction requirements only to increases of 100 tons per year of any air pollutant for which there are NAAQS regulations. Eliminates the requirement that each State provide notice to the Administrator of every action related to the consideration of PSD preconstruction permits. Requires PSD preconstruction permit applications to be made available to the public. Requires PSD preconstruction permit programs to: (1) notify applicants within two months after receipt as to whether or not the application is complete and in what respects an incomplete application should be modified; and (2) issue or deny the permit within seven months after a completed application is received.  Authorizes any officer or employee of a permitting agency to communicate and meet with any applicant, prior to submission of an application, to clarify PSD preconstruction permit requirements. Directs the Administrator to establish maximum allowable increases (""increment"" requirements) for inhalable particulates in class I and II areas whenever the Administrator promulgates a primary NAAQS for such pollutant.  Authorizes the Administrator to determine whether such increment requirements shall be in addition to, or in lieu of, the increment requirements established for sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Requires that inhalable particulates increment requirements bear the same ratio to the primary NAAQS for fine particulates as the particulate matter increment requirements bear to the primary NAAQS for total suspended particulate matter in effect on December 31, 1981, using the reference method in effect on such day. Visibility - Revises provisions for visibility protection for mandatory class I Federal areas (""statutorily designated"" large national parks and wilderness areas, which must not be designated as other than class I). Adds synthetic fuel facilities and surface mining operations to the types of ""major stationary sources"" covered by the visibility protection regulations (if such sources have the potential to emit 250 tons or more of any pollutant). Authorizes the Administrator to establish the ""best available retrofit technology"" (BART), for visibility protection program purposes, in terms of a design, equipment, work practice, or operational standard, or combination thereof, where it is not feasible to enforce a numerical emission limitation representing BART. Requires that the EPA regulations for visibility protection in effect on December 31, 1981, remain in force and effect until new or amended regulations are promulgated which meet the requirements of the visibility protection program. Prohibits any stay or other modification of such regulations issued after December 31, 1981, from having any force and effect. Nonattainment Areas; Extension of Attainment Dates - Sets forth new provisions for nonattainment areas for which SIPs are not approved. Directs the Administrator to prohibit the construction or modification of any major stationary source in such area if such construction or modification would result in emissions of any air pollutant:  (1) in increased amounts of 100 tons or more per year; (2) for which the primary NAAQS is not attained in such area; and (3) with respect to which SIP provisions meeting requirements for nonattainment areas are not in effect. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such prohibition where the source owner or operator demonstrates that, for such air pollutant: (1) emissions offsets will meet specified requirements; (2) the source will comply with emissions limitations representing the best available control technology (BACT); and (3) all major stationary sources owned or operated by that owner or operator in the State are in (or on a schedule of) compliance with the Act.  Provides that the emissions offsets required by such waivers:  (1) be contemporaneous emission reductions of that air pollutant from existing stationary sources in the area; (2) be significantly greater, in the aggregate, than the increase (or new emissions) resulting from the construction or modification; and (3) provide a positive net air quality benefit. Sets forth a required baseline for measuring such emission reductions. Sets forth provisions for transfer of alternative emission reductions in nonattainment areas.  Authorizes the Administrator to promulgate regulations under which such emission reductions may be:  (1) sold, exchanged, or otherwise transferred; (2) registered on a public emission reduction credit register; and (3) held (""banked"") by the owner for future use by any person for future compliance with nonattainment area provisions. Requires that any such transfer program comply with a specified policy. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Directs the Administrator, not later than March 1, 1983, to:  (1) complete a review of all available data relating to the ambient air quality of the various air quality control regions; (2) determine which of such regions, or portions thereof, do not meet a primary NAAQS; and (3) revise the list of nonattainment areas accordingly.  Allows six months for SIP revisions required as a result of such inclusions on the nonattainment area list. Authorizes the Administrator, where an SIP meets specified requirements, to extend the 1982 deadline for attainment of primary NAAQS for:  (1) up to three years for particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide; and (2) up to five years for nitrogen oxide (retains the current five-year extension for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants, with automobile inspection and maintenance program requirements). Replaces the standard ""lowest achievable emission rate"" (LAER) with that of ""best available control technology"" for purposes of nonattainment area construction or modification permit requirements and guidance documents. Adds new definitions for purposes of nonattainment area requirements.  Includes the reconstruction of a stationary source as defined by specified regulations in effect on December 31, 1980, in the definition of ""new stationary source."" Temporary Variances - Revises provisions for temporary emergency variances of any SIP requirement applicable to a stationary source. Permits a State to apply to the Administrator for a variance of up to six months in any one set of circumstances.  Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove such application in the same manner as the special fast-track review for SIP revisions. Operations and Maintenace - Requires that SIPs include a program for periodic audits of major stationary sources to insure the proper operation and maintenance of pollution control equipment used to comply with emission limitations.  Requires that the results of such audits be available to the public.  Sets a deadline, six months after enactment of this Act, for submission of SIP revisions taking account of such requirements. Title II:  Provisions Relating Primarily to Mobile Sources - Emissions Standards for Vehicles and Engines - Sets forth tables of emissions standards for light-duty vehicles and trucks and engines manufactured during and after model year 1983 and for heavy-duty trucks and truck engines manufactured during and after model year 1984, in terms of emissions in grams per mile (gpm) or in grams per brake horsepower-hour (gpbhh) of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (TSP: total suspended particulates). Retains the current (1982 model year) standards for gasoline-fueled light-duty vehicles and engines for model year 1983 and thereafter (0.41 gpm HC; 3.4 gpm CO; and 1.0 gpm NOx). Sets model year 1983 and thereafter standards for diesel-fueled light-duty vehicles and engines (0.41 gpm HC; 3.4 gpm CO; 1.5 gpm NOx, but 1.0 gpm NOx in 1986 and thereafter; and 0.6 gpm TSP--but 0.2 gpm TSP in 1986 and thereafter). Retains the scheduled EPA standards for light-duty trucks and truck engines (HC: 1.7 gpm for 1983 and 0.8 gpm for 1984; CO: 18 gpm for 1983 and 10 gpm for 1984; and NOx: 2.3 gpm for 1983 and 1984).  Sets the NOx standard for 1985 and thereafter at 2.3 gpm for 1985 and 1.2 gpm (for light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds) or 1.7 gpm (for light-duty trucks between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds) for 1986 and thereafter.  Sets a TSP standard for light-duty trucks of 0.6 for 1983 through 1985 and 2.6 for 1986 and thereafter. Retains the scheduled EPA standards for heavy-duty trucks and truck engines for model year 1984 and thereafter (1.3 gpbhh HC; 15.5 gpbhh CO; and 10.7 gpbhh NOx). Sets the heavy-duty truck NOx standard for 1986 and thereafter at 4.0 gpbhh.  Sets a heavy-duty truck TSP standard of 0.25 gpbhh for 1986 and thereafter, with specified exceptions. Authorizes the Administrator to prescribe different standards for emissions of reactive and nonreactive hydrocarbons from any class of vehicles and engines. Requires that any standard for reactive hydrocarbons emissions not permit a greater amount of such emissions than that which the Administrator determines would have been emitted by a light-duty vehicle conforming to model year 1981 standards. Requires that regulations for emissions of particulate matter (TSP) from heavy-duty diesel-fueled trucks and truck engines manufactured during or after model year 1986 contain emissions limits of 0.25 gpbhh unless, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Administrator promulgates a final rule establishing a different emissions standard. Extends, to model year 1983, the requirement that EPA regulations for CO, HC, and NOx emissions from classes or categories of heavy-duty vehicles and engines reflect the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through the application of available technology and taking into consideration cost, noise, energy, and safety factors.  Postpones, until model year 1984 (current law requires 1983), a provision that such HC and CO emissions standards require a reduction of at least 90 percent from the average of actually measured emissions from heavy-duty gasoline-fueled vehicles or engines, or any class or category thereof, manufactured during a specified baseline model year, except as otherwise provided in the emission standards tables added by this Act. Directs the Administrator to prescribe regulations applicable to emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and engines manufactured after model year 1983 for sale in high altitude areas.  Prohibits such regulations from requiring percentage reductions or numerical standards more stringent than those applicable to vehicles or engines certified under nonhigh altitude conditions. Makes technical and conforming amendments. Warranties - Requires new motor vehicle and engine manufacturer warranties of the ""emission control device or system,"" meaning a catalytic converter, electronic control units, oxygen sensors, and exhaust recirculation valves. (Currently warranties of the vehicle or engine are required with respect to emission control performance.) Requires manufacturers to provide replacement or replacement costs of such emission control devices or systems of light-duty vehicles under certain circumstances. (Currently such replacement or costs are required with respect to parts, devices, or components designed for emission control.) Useful Life - Requires that EPA regulations provide that the useful life of:  (1) light-duty trucks and truck engines be five years or 50,000 miles (the same as for light-duty vehicles and vehicle engines); and (2) heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty vehicle engines be a period which the Administrator determines is the actual average life of the vehicle or engine. High Altitude Waiver - Authorizes the Administrator to waive a requirement that all light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1984 comply with emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Permits such waiver through model year 1985 for not more than 15 percent of the numbers of vehicles and of engines of a model year manufactured by a manufacturer for sale in high altitude areas, if the manufacturer demonstrates that such marketing would otherwise be prevented by the requirement's effect on cost, driveability, and fuel economy at high altitudes.  Directs the Administrator to prescribe emissions standards for vehicles and engines granted such waiver which require a percentage of reduction in emissions at least equal to that otherwise required for the model year involved. Effective Date - Makes the amendments made by this title applicable to vehicles and engines manufactured during or after model year 1983, except as otherwise provided. Title III: Other Amendments - Administrative Procedures - Provides that no rule, regulation, guideline, policy statement, or other action of the Administrator in effect on the date of enactment of this Act may be altered in any manner except:  (1) in accordance with specified administrative procedures; (2) as may be otherwise required pursuant to a court order; or (3) for those aspects of a rule or regulation which are invalidated by this Act. Visibility Study - Directs the Administrator, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, to study means to objectively quantify visibility impairment and its causes.  Specifies items to be included in such study. Directs the Administrator within two years of enactment of this Act to report study results and recommend a uniform procedure for visibility quality trend monitoring and reduction measurement. Diesel Study - Directs the Administrator, within six months of the enactment of this Act and in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to develop and implement a program to monitor and document the relationship between health effects and the introduction of diesel automobiles into the domestic fleet. Requires that the program be made in appropriate regions or areas to determine any different results. Requires that the results of such program be reported to the appropriate congressional committees as soon as practicable. Methanol Study - Directs the Administrator to: (1) accelerate ongoing studies of performance of methanol and other low-emission fueled vehicles; (2) evaluate and monitor ongoing experiments by other entities; (3) assess the cost effectiveness of such alternatives to gasoline; and (4) determine emission characteristics in methanol and other low-emission fueled engines. Directs the Administrator, if such study results are favorable, to develop a policy to encourage conversion of commercial and governmental vehicle fleets to low-emission fuels. Synfuels and Health Effects - Directs the Administrator, in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to study the adverse health effects associated with the development of a full-scale synthetic fuels industry. Indoor Air Pollution - Directs the Administrator, within one year of the enactment of this Act, to report to Congress on indoor air pollution. Requires:  (1) inclusion of specified items; (2) utilization of certain findings and studies; (3) consultation with specified Federal agencies; and (4) accompaniment by recommendations for indoor air pollution control. Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for FY 1982 through FY 1986. Provides for sums necessary for:  (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act, plus percentage increases for each fiscal year equal to Consumer Price Index percentage increases during the preceding calendar year. Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year.  Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act.",2025-08-29T19:49:32Z,
97-s-2090,97,s,2090,A bill to amend the application of the Clean Air Act to the Northern Mariana Islands.,Environmental Protection,1982-02-09,1982-09-13,Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. McClure, James A. [R-ID]",ID,R,M000346,0,Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to exempt the Northern Mariana Islands from the application of such Act upon a finding by the Governor of the Islands that the benefits of compliance are significantly outweighed by the costs of compliance.,2025-04-23T11:41:33Z,
97-hjres-390,97,hjres,390,"A joint resolution making an urgent appropriation for the Environmental Protection Agency for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1982-01-29,1982-02-04,Placed on Union Calendar No: 260.,House,"Rep. Whitten, Jamie L. [D-MS-1]",MS,D,W000428,0,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Appropriations with amendment, H. Rept. 97-427) Makes an appropriation for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for FY 1982, for the wastewater treatment facility construction grants program under title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Prohibits the use of such appropriation to implement specified provisions under such Act, including provisions requiring the EPA Administrator to make grants or allot funds to specified projects.",2024-02-05T11:50:03Z,
97-s-2027,97,s,2027,Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act,Environmental Protection,1982-01-28,1982-01-28,Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV]",WV,D,B001210,13,"Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the ""Acid Precipitation Act of 1980"") to reduce the period covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years.  Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to submit recommendations, to accompany the final report of the Task Force, for specific changes in law supported by scientific findings of the Task Force. Prohibits the Administrator from proposing or promulgating any rule to control sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide emissions if such rule would expand the Administrator's existing regulatory authority, before the final report is transmitted. Directs the Task Force to:  (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit information from State agencies conducting acid deposition research.",2025-08-29T19:51:22Z,
97-hconres-242,97,hconres,242,A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress concerning the resignation of Ann Gorsuch from her post as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.,Environmental Protection,1981-12-16,1982-01-25,"Referred to Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation and Tourism.",House,"Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]",NJ,D,F000215,7,Expresses the sense of the Congress that Ann Gorsuch should resign her post as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and that the President should appoint to that office an individual committed to fulfilling the Agency's statutory mission.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-5252,97,hr,5252,Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-12-16,1982-08-19,Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.,House,"Rep. Luken, Thomas A. [D-OH-2]",OH,D,L000508,52,"Clean Air Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Clean Air Act (""the Act"") to revise provisions applicable to stationary and mobile sources of air pollution. Declares that such revision is for the purposes of:  (1) preserving the basic framework and purposes of the Act; (2) continuing unchanged the Act's statutory requirements for setting and revising national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) (both ""primary"" NAAQS, relating to human health; and ""secondary"" NAAQS, relating to other ""welfare"" factors); (3) lessening the complexity in the process of achieving those standards and other requirements of the Act; (4) expediting the review and approval process for State implementation plans (SIPs); (5) providing reasonably appropriate extensions of time for States to attain NAAQS and providing administrative flexibility for States and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to achieve the purposes of the Act in a timely and reasonably effective way; (6) ensuring adequate consideration of economic, energy, safety, environmental, employment, and other relevant factors in achieving NAAQS and other requirements; (7) supporting training programs for State and local governments; and (8) providing sufficient budget authority and personnel for the Administrator to enable the EPA and the States to carry out the Act in a timely and efficient manner without undue reliance on contractors. Title I:  Amendments Relating Primarily to Regulation of Stationary Sources - Revises title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Act. Use of Best Available Data - Requires that the best available data obtained by monitoring or modeling be used in revisions of a list of air quality control regions that do not meet specified standards. Provides that, where available, ""reliable monitoring data"" shall be considered ""the best available data.""  Directs the Administrator to decide upon ""the best available data"" and ""reliable monitoring data."" State Plans and State Implementation Plans Revision Process - Revises deadlines for development of State implementation plans (SIPs) to extend the current nine-month period to ""a reasonable time as determined by the Administrator (but not to exceed two years)."" Directs the Administrator to participate in public hearings conducted by a State, where appropriate to expedite the approval of any SIP revision.  Authorizes the  Administrator, with the consent of the State, to jointly conduct such hearings. Sets forth new provisions for a State Implementation Plan Revision Process. Directs the Administrator to publish prompt notice of any State submission of any SIP revision.  Provides for a written comment period of 30 to 70 days. Permits the Administrator to approve or disapprove the SIP revision, without additional proceedings, where the revision was submitted after State administrative proceedings certified by the State to be at least comparable to specified Federal rulemaking proceedings (including reasonable notice and public hearing) and after the written comment period.  Authorizes the Administrator to conduct additional proceedings within a specified period. Directs the Administrator to approve or disapprove the SIP revision 70 to 120 days after submission.  Allows the Administrator to: (1) extend for up to 60 days the periods for submission of written comments and for final approval or disapproval; and/or (2) conduct additional proceedings.  Requires published notice of and reasons for such extension. Requires published notice of approval or disapproval before the expiration of the 120-day period or the extended period. Deems any SIP revision that has not been approved or disapproved before the expiration of the required (or extended) period to have been approved. Directs the Administrator to publish notice and a copy of the revision, at the expiration of such period (or extension). Provides that specified ""noncontroversial revisions"" of SIPs shall be deemed approved upon adoption by a State.  Requires a State, upon adoption of a noncontroversial SIP revision and expiration of a 30-day written comment period, to transmit notice, to the Administrator and the Federal Register, to be published as if it were a revision promulgated by the Administrator.  Defines a ""noncontroversial revision"" as one:  (1) for which no person has filed a written objection based on any provision of the Act or any regulation in effect under the Act; and (2) which is adopted by the State pursuant to Administrator-approved procedures (including reasonable notice and opportunity for participation by the public and the Administrator). Prohibits treating as a noncontroversial revision any change in a stationary source emission limitation, compliance schedule or timetable, or permit provision, until the Administrator has promulgated certain regulations requiring that such changes be limited to a stationary source already in operation and do not permit emissions increases in excess of an amount deemed by rule to be significant. Directs the  Administrator to take specified factors into account in promulgating such regulations. Applies the term ""noncontroversial revision"" also to any revision relating only to specified information requirements. Permits State variances that are SIP revisions issued on a six-month emergency basis to be treated as approved revisions under a process similiar to that for noncontroversial revisions. Directs the Administrator to conduct periodic audits of SIPs and other State activities under the Act.  Directs the Inspector General to periodically review, and report to Congress on, the Administrator's audit activities.  Directs the Administrator to notify a State of information derived from such audits.  Authorizes the Administrator, in addition to requiring appropriate State revision or invoking Federal revisions, to suspend the application of the new SIP revision process where a State fails to correct any deficiency or problem within an appropriate period.  Requires that audit reports be available to the State and the public. Allows the Administrator to grant an extension of up to four years (currently a two-year extension) for SIP compliance with NAAQS. Specifies that the Administrator may delegate approvals or disapprovals of SIPs or SIP revisions. New Source Performance Standards - Revises provisions for New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to limit the application of percentage reduction requirements (under which coal-burning facilities must remove a certain percentage of sulfur emissions) to those categories of stationary sources to which such requirements apply under regulations in effect on December 31, 1981. Enforcement - Provides a one-year period for compliance after issuance of specified Federal enforcement orders (not including Federal orders relating to violations of national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants or State enforcement orders). Repeals a requirement that the Administrator seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty in the case of any major stationary source not in compliance within 30 days of such a Federal enforcement order. Provides discretionary authority for the Administrator to seek injunctions or assess penalties in such cases or in any other cases of noncompliance beyond 30 days of such orders (and continues such discretionary authority in cases not involving major stationary sources). Directs the Administrator to carry out specified enforcement authorities through the use of full-time Federal officers or employees. States that contractors should be used only as necessary to provide technical support for such enforcement.  Prohibits the Administrator from contracting with anyone other than a full-time Federal officer or employee to provide legal assistance for such enforcement. Requires (currently allows) each State to develop and submit to the Administrator a plan for carrying out noncompliance penalty provisions in such State. Repeals the authority of the Administrator to carry out noncompliance penalty provisions in a State under certain conditions. Authorizes (currently requires) the State, or the Administrator if the State has not received a delegation, to carry out penalty provisions to assess and collect a noncompliance penalty in specified circumstances.  Authorizes the State to grant exemptions from penalties in cases of minor noncompliance (and continues the authority of the Administrator, when appropriate, to do so). Repeals a requirement that the Administrator send notices of noncompliance to specified persons, in the event the State fails to send such notices. Requires persons receiving such notices to submit a calculation of the amount of penalty owed and a schedule of payments within a reasonable period prescribed by the Administrator or the State (currently requires such submission within 45 days of notice issuance or petition denial).  Makes a similar change in the deadline for submissions of petitions challenging such notice or alleging entitlement to an exemption.  Provides that public hearings on such petitions be conducted by the Administrator or the State, as appropriate, and that decisions on such petitions be made within a reasonable time (currently requires the Administrator to hold such hearings unless the State agrees to do so and currently requires a decision within 90 days after receipt of the petition).  Repeals provisions authorizing the Administrator to review State decisions on such petitions and requiring such review under certain conditions.  Authorizes the State or the Administrator, as appropriate, to adjust or compromise any penalty assessment if the source is in compliance. Repeals provisions for:  (1) final adjustments of penalties after compliance; and (2) Administrator objections to, and substitutions for, State noncompliance penalties. Revises requirements for noncompliance penalty assessed amount determinations and payment schedules. Attainment Date Extensions - Permits States to receive up to five-year extensions beyond the December 31, 1982, primary NAAQS attainment date for pollutants in nonattainment areas (the Act currently permits extensions up to December 31, 1987, for carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants).  Requires, in order to receive such extensions, that a State:  (1) certify to the Administrator that attainment is not possible before December 31, 1982, despite implementation of all reasonably available measures; and (2) commit itself to not modifying State nonattainment plan provisions so as to adversely affect reasonable further progress.  Directs the Administrator to publish notice of such certification and afford an opportunity of not more than 60 days for public comment, including a hearing where appropriate.  Directs the Administrator, if satisfied that such attainment is not possible, to extend the deadline to a date providing for attainment as expeditiously as possible, but not later than December 31, 1987. Grants the Administrator discretionary authority, upon State application and after notice and public hearing, to provide an additional extension of an attainment date for any NAAQS, for up to six years beyond the December 31, 1987 extension.  Conditions such additional extensions on a State demonstration that: (1) reasonable further progress toward attainment has been made during the previous extension period; (2) air quality problems are so severe and persistent, for identified reasons, that the previous extended deadline cannot be attained; (3) all applicable SIP provisions, including those relating to legislative and funding actions and reasonably available control technology are being adequately implemented; (4) an approved program has been adopted and implemented applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions (including a vehicle inspection and maintenance program, where appropriate in the case of carbon monoxide and photochemical oxidants; and (5) a reasonable and practical program for attainment within a specified period has been submitted as a revision of the SIP.  Directs the Administrator to:  (1) promulgate regulations for determining the terms of such additional extensions; and (2) annually audit the progress of any State that has not attained a NAAQS by the additional extension deadline. Prohibits issuance of a construction or modification permit for any major stationary source which emits a pollutant for which a NAAQS has not been attained by the appropriate deadline.  Permits case-by- case waivers of such prohibition for the construction of any new stationary source to replace an existing stationary source, upon determination that emissions from the new source of each air pollutant for which the area is designated a nonattainment area will be less than such emissions from the existing source.  Directs the Administrator to:  (1) enforce such permit requirements by issuing an order or bringing a civil action; and (2) seek an injunction or assess a civil penalty for violations of such prohibitions against construction or modification. Nonattainment (other amendments) - Revises other part D provisions for permit requirements in nonattainment areas to require that proposed new or modified major stationary sources comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard, in the case of permits issued on or after the date 180 days after the enactment of this Act (compliance with the lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) standard is thus required only for permits issued before such date). Repeals a requirement that SIP provisions for nonattainment areas establish a specific schedule for implementation of a vehicle emission control inspection and maintenance (I and M) program in order to qualify for a deadline extension in meeting the primary NAAQS for photochemical oxidants or carbon monoxide. Requires that SIP nonattainment provisions for urban areas with greater than 500,000 population in which the 1981 photochemical oxidants and/or carbon monoxide level exceeded the respective primary NAAQS by 50 percent or more must contain a cost-effective program applicable to in-use motor vehicle emissions and not inconsistent with title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act.  Requires that such program include an I and M program, if the Administrator deems this appropriate.  Allows a State to decide that the I and M program will apply first to motor vehicle fleets and commercial operators and then, when the State determines necessary for attainment, to other vehicles. Permits any State to:  (1) continue an I and M program for any nonattainment area which does not fall under the new requirements concerning urban areas with the above-mentioned population and pollution areas; or (2) submit revisions to modify or eliminate such program. Makes specified emissions level requirements for construction and operation in nonattainment areas inapplicable in the case of any SIP under which:  (1) all new major stationary sources are required to comply with the best available control technology (BACT) standard; (2) an adequate emissions inventory is maintained; (3) all existing major stationary sources will be in compliance with emission limitations based upon reasonably available control technology (RACT) not later than 1987 (or earlier, as appropriate); and (4) notwithstanding the construction of new major stationary sources, there is a program for obtaining such annual reductions in emissions as represent reasonable further progress. Repeals provisions for Federal authority to withhold Federal grant funds for sewage treatment and highways in cases of noncompliance with the Act. Prevention of Significant Deterioration - Revises provisions for Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality (PSD).  (PSD provisions currently specify allowable short-term and long-term ""increments"" of emissions of sulfur oxide and particulate matter - regulations for other pollutants are not yet final - in areas with cleaner air than that required by NAAQS. Currently the smallest increments are allowed in ""class I"" areas, which include ""statutorily designated"" large national parks and  wilderness areas, with larger increments in ""class II"" areas, and the largest increments in ""class III"" areas.) Repeals the ""increment"" limitations (specified ""maximum allowable increases over baseline concentrations"") for class II and class III areas. Allows, in class I areas, the short-term increment limitation to be exceeded five times per year (currently only one short-term excess is permitted). Permits State Governors to rule that concentrations of particulate matter attributable to fugitive dust from specified sources shall not be taken into account in determining compliance with maximum allowable increases in ambient concentrations, unless the Administrator rules that the inclusion of such fugitive dust is necessary to carry out the purposes of PSD provisions. Eliminates provisions for PSD area redesignations as class III areas. Revises PSD preconstruction review analysis requirements to grant discretion to the permitting authority in determining whether continuous air quality monitoring data is necessary to determine whether emissions from a facility will exceed maximum allowable increases (class I area increments) or maximum allowable concentrations (primary and secondary NAAQS). Eliminates the special definition of ""best available control technology"" (BACT) for purposes of PSD provisions. Defines BACT for purposes of the Act to mean the applicable New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) (the EPA-set technology-based standards for categories of industries), along with applicable national emission limitation standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs).  Retains determination of the BACT by the permitting authority on a case-by-case basis where no NSPS exists for a stationary source in a particular category.  Allows State and local governments to adopt or enforce standards or limitations more stringent than the BACT standard. Provides that PSD preconstruction requirements shall only apply to physical or operational changes resulting in a significant net increase in source emissions of any air pollutant regulated under provisions for NAAQS, NSPS, or NESHAPs.  Sets a de minimis amount for such increase at 100 tons per year (1,000 tons per year of carbon monoxide) for any air pollutant for which a NAAQS is established (except lead). Authorizes the Administrator to determine, by rule, that a lesser amount is necessary to carry out PSD purposes.  Makes technical and conforming amendments. Eliminates the requirement that PSD regulations for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants, and nitrogen oxides contain measures at least as effective as the ""increment"" limitations for sulfur oxides and particulate matter. Effective Data and Transitional Rules - Sets forth an effective date and transitional rules for the amendments relating to Nonattainment provisions and to PSD provisions. Regulatory Stability - Sets forth regulatory stability provisions establishing a ten-year ""grandfather"" period, commencing with construction or modification, during which a stationary source (unless subsequently modified) shall not be subject to more stringent requirements if the construction or modification  is subject to NSPS, obtains a permit or approval, and meets all permit or approval requirements.  Excludes from such ""grandfather"" provision any emission limitation or standard imposed on any stationary source with respect to:  (1) hazardous pollutants designated under NESHAP provisions; (2) pollutants with no NAAQS in effect at commencement of the construction; or (3) any other air pollutant, if the Administrator judges that the public health or welfare may be endangered. Ozone Protection - Directs the President to report to the Congress annually, beginning within two years of the enactment of this Act, on the status of actions toward international agreements concerning the protection of stratosphere.  Requires that copies of such reports be made available to the public. Directs the Administrator to make specified determinations, considerations of study results, and findings before any ozone protection regulation on chloroflurocarbon control is proposed or promulgated. Title II:  Mobile Source Amendments - Revises part A (Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards) of title II (Emission Standards for Moving Sources) of the Act. Establishment of Emission Standards for New Motor Vehicle or New Motor Vehicle Engines - Requires that any more stringent new standard not become effective for at least: (1) 48 months after prescription or revision, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after prescription or revision, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Provides that any more stringent new standards must reflect the degree of emission reduction the Administrator determines to be reasonably achievable through application of technology adequately demonstrated to be available for the appropriate model year.  Directs the Administrator, in making such determination, to consider costs, applicability to gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles or engines, impact on fuel economy, effect on level of all emissions from such vehicles or engines, safety, commercial use, and other appropriate factors. Authorizes the Administrator to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the technical feasibility of such proposed new standards and to submit written reports which shall be available to the public. Revises provisions relating to regulations applicable to emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter from classes or categories of heavy duty vehicles or engines.  Provides that the standards prescribed (after enactment of this Act) in such emissions regulations shall apply for a minimum period of four model years unless less stringent standards are prescribed for any model year during that period.  Requires that standards applicable to emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter be prescribed at the same time. Directs the Administrator to arrange with NAS for a technological feasibility report with respect to any proposed standard for particulate matter to be prescribed for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Revises provisions for a continuing pollutant specific study concerning the effects of air pollutant emissions.  Revises deadlines for such study (making the next deadlines January 1, 1983, and before January 1 of each fourth year thereafter). Requires notice and opportunity for public comment before the Administrator determines that the operation or function of an emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety.  Adds to the factors the Administrator must consider in making such determination any information obtained from any manufacturer under specified compliance testing provisions. Revises standards for regulation of emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured during and after model year 1982 for specified pollutant grams per vehicle mile (gpm):  (1) .41 gpm of hydrocarbons; (2) seven gpm of carbon monoxide; and (3) two gpm of oxides of nitrogen.  Authorizes the Administrator to revise any such standard for any model year after model year 1986.  Prohibits any revised standard from being more stringent than the standard applicable (without regard to any waiver) to light-duty vehicles and engines manufactured in the 1981 model year. Revises provisions for waivers of such emission standards.  Directs the Administrator, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, to waive any emission standard for any model of vehicles or vehicle engines for up to four model years, upon petition and demonstration by the manufacturer that such waiver is necessary for the use of an innovative power train technology, innovative emission control device or system, or alternative fuel or power source.  Adds ""the potential to conserve energy"" to factors to be considered in granting such waivers. Revises th maximum number of vehicles or engines per manufacturer to which such waivers may apply.  Sets such maximum at 200,000 vehicles or engines per year of such waiver, but not more than 500,0000 for a four model years waiver.  Prohibits extension or renewal of four model years waivers.  Requires that such waivers include appropriate emissions standards to:  (1) ensure, in the Administrator's judgment, no significant adverse impact on achieving applicable NAAQS; and (2) encourage development and production of such model. Limits to one-half the average original actual life for each class or category of motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine (other than light-duty or motorcycle) that period of use the Administrator is authorized to determine as appropriate for specified provisions relating to the ""useful life"" of such vehicles or engines. Provides that future regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States:  (1) shall include the exemptions provided in regulations for model year 1982; and (2) may provide specified high altitude performance adjustments.  Prohibits any regulation requiring a percentage of reduction in emissions from high altitude motor vehicles greater than that required for non-high altitude motor vehicles.  Prohibits regulations applying a numerical standard for determination of such percentage reduction for high altitude vehicles more stringent than that for non-high altitude vehicles. Prohibits regulations requiring that any emission control device or element of design needed to meet the applicable emissions standards under high altitude conditions also be installed on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non-high altitude locations. Prohibited Acts - Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal by any manufacturer to comply with EPA requests for information for a study relating to the availability and distribution to motor vehicle dealers located at high altitudes of models of new light-duty motor vehicles. Compliance Testing and Certification - Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to reliably evaluate or require reliable evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of):  (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Requires that compliance tests or other reliable evaluations determine the average emissions from vehicles or engines.  Requires, in making such determination, that: (1) gasoline-fueled vehicles or engines not be in the same class or category as diesel-fueled; and (2) light-duty vehicles or engines not be in the same class or category as heavy-duty. Allows the inclusion of light-duty trucks, certified as such by the Administrator, in the same class or category as light-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to establish an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Compliance by Vehicles and Engines in Actual Use - Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use to base determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a statistically valid and representative sample.  Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of title II of the Act.  Prohibits manufacturers from including together in the same such actions: (1) both gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles or engines; or (2) both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles or engines. Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. State Standards - Provides that, in the case of any new motor vehicle or engine designed to comply with State emission control standards for which a waiver of Federal standards has been granted, compliance with such State standards shall be treated as compliance with applicable Federal standards. High Altitude Performance Adjustments - Repeals a provision requiring that there be a State-instituted motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (I and M) program in nonattainment areas of a State before authority relating to high altitude performance adjustments may be available to such State. Effective Date - Provides that specified foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Study and Development of Alternative Emissions Control - Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to:  (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program. Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such alternative approach. Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year.  Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such alternative approach.  Prohibits promulgation of such regulations except after final rulemaking as required by this Act and pursuant to legislation reported from the appropriate committees of Congress and enacted either after the date of submission of the report of the study or after the date of submittal of the regulations to the Congress. Warranties and Parts Certifications - Repeals a requirement that manufacturers warrant that new motor vehicles or engines are: (1) designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with emissions standards at the time of sale; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause failure to conform during the period of useful life. Requires, instead, a production warranty that the vehicle or engine is equipped with emission control components designed to enable such vehicle or engine to conform at the time of sale with emissions standards for the first 24 months or first 24,000 miles. Repeals provisions for motor vehicle or engine parts certifications by manufacturers or rebuilders for compliance with emissions standards. Limits a free replacement obligation of manufacturers to emissions control components installed for the sole (currently, sole or primary) purpose of reducing vehicle emissions. Limits specified performance warranties to: (1) the first 24 months or 24,000 miles; and (2) certain components installed for the sole purpose of emissions control. Revises provisions for manufacturers' instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control parts or components to eliminate requirements that: (1) such instructions correspond to regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) the replacement parts be certified.  Eliminates provisions for waivers of a prohibition against including conditions on the purchaser's using components or services unconnected with the manufacturer. Specifies that waivers of the prohibition against State or local standards for emissions control of new motor vehicles or engines subject to Federal standards will be given only: (1) insofar as numerical emission levels are concerned; and (2) if such standards and new motor vehicle certification and other tests are consistent with Federal standards. Specifies that tampering prohibitions refer to parts or components placed on or in motor vehicles or engines for the sole purpose of controlling emissions. Exempts communications regarding any part, component, system, or service provided without charge under the terms of the purchase agreement from specified prohibitions against manufacturer's communications conditioning warranty coverage on use of certain products or services. Prohibits State new motor vehicle emission standards in nonattainment areas from including any provision similar to the production or performance warranty provisions under the Act. Title III:  Study and Conforming Provisions - High Altitude Study - Directs the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U.S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year.  Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers).  Directs the Administrator, within six months after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information. Title IV:  Amendments Relating to Authorizations - Authorization of Appropriations - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator for fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Provides for sums necessary for:  (1) the Administrator and the States to effectively carry out the Act's provisions, including training of State and local personnel, enforcement, abatement, and control, consideration of SIPs and revisions, and audits; and (2) sufficient funding for personnel for the Administrator to carry out the Act, particularly its regulatory functions, without undue reliance on contractors. Requires that such authorization not be less than the appropriations authorized in fiscal year 1981 to carry out the Act (except provisions relating to the National Commission on Air Quality). Prohibits the Administrator from using any funds appropriated under the Act for any payment for a reduction-in-force in any fiscal year.  Directs the Administrator to inform the appropriate committees of the Congress of the reasons for such reduction, its impact on carrying out the Act, and other detailed or pertinent information, at least 30 days prior to issuing any general notice of such reduction. Declares that nothing in this title shall authorize appropriations for any research and development activities under the Act.",2025-08-29T19:49:27Z,
97-hr-5288,97,hr,5288,A bill granting the consent of Congress to the compact between the states of New Hampshire and Vermont concerning solid waste.,Environmental Protection,1981-12-16,1982-10-04,Became Public Law No: 97-278.,House,"Rep. Gregg, Judd [R-NH-2]",NH,R,G000445,1,Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the cooperative agreement between the States of New Hampshire and Vermont for the construction and operation of facilities for the processing or disposal of solid waste.,2023-05-11T13:09:15Z,
97-s-1973,97,s,1973,Great Lakes Protection Act of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-12-15,1981-12-15,Read second time and referred to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.,Senate,"Sen. Riegle, Donald W., Jr. [D-MI]",MI,D,R000249,0,"Great Lakes Protection Act of 1981 - Amends the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 to redesignate specified provisions and to revise definitions under such Act. Establishes a Great Lakes Protection program under such Act. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish within NOAA a Great Lakes Research Office, to be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Administrator. Requires the Executive Director to compile, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, an inventory of all major actions of the Federal, State, and local governments since 1977 which have significantly affected (or may so affect) the Great Lakes.  Requires that such inventory be submitted to the Congress and the President and be updated at least once every three months. Requires that, within one year of the date of enactment of this Act, the Executive Director report to the President and the Congress, together with recommendations for improvement and coordination, on: (1) the current state of Federal efforts to improve the Great Lakes' environmental quality; and (2) the degree of coordination among the States to preserve and protect such quality. Sets forth other responsibilities of the Executive Director. Requires that all Federal agencies prepare Great Lakes environmental impact analyses in their recommendations or reports for major Federal actions significantly affecting the Great Lakes. Sets forth provisions relating to such analyses, including a requirement that copies be available to the President and to the public. Directs that, to the fullest extent practicable: (1) U.S. policies, regulations, and public laws be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies of protection for the Great Lakes set forth in this Act; and (2) any major Federal action significantly affecting the Great Lakes be modified to accommodate such policies and include all possible planning to minimize harm to the Great Lakes. Revises provisions relating to interagency cooperation, dissemination of information, and effect on other laws. Extends through fiscal year 1984 the authorization of appropriations to carry out the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978.  Reserves a specified amount of such appropriations to be obligated and expended on the Great Lakes Research Office in each fiscal year ending after September 30, 1981.",2025-08-29T19:51:22Z,
97-hr-5203,97,hr,5203,"Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1982",Environmental Protection,1981-12-14,1982-09-20,Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Regular Orders. Calendar No. 813.,House,"Rep. Brown, George E., Jr. [D-CA-36]",CA,D,B000918,7,"(Reported to Senate from the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry with amendment, S. Rept. 97-551) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1982 - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act to exclude from the definition of ""use inconsistent with the label"" the use of a registered pesticide for another end-use product or for repackaging such product, unless such use is prohibited by the labeling. Revises pesticide registration provisions. Increases reply time to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data request from 90 to 180 days.  Requires, rather than permits, joint development arrangements where appropriate unless all parties object.  Sets forth a 25 percent or $100,000 (whichever is less) cost-sharing arrangement.  Requires the Administrator of the EPA to suspend the registration of a party for data request noncompliance. Makes such suspension enforceable in U.S. district courts. Expands the scope of suspension appeals. Provides a 15-year protective period for such additional data.  Permits new parties to use such data (and be considered original developers) if they reimburse the joint developers. Permits registrants to replace scientifically insufficient health and safety data with new data submitted after September 30, 1978. Authorizes joint development arrangements. Establishes a 120-day joint developer transition period. Sets forth end-use product formulator exemptions. Requires the Administrator to give 90-day notice to affected registrants of the risks upon which a proposed public interim review will be based.  Subjects an interim decision not to restrict a pesticide's use or classification to judicial review. Sets forth required registration data.  Requires: (1) 90-day reregistration notice: and (2) cancellation (subject to judicial review) for failure to reregister within the permitted time. Provides 15-year exclusive use protection for supporting data for: (1) a pesticide containing a new active ingredient initially registered after September 30, 1978; (2) a new use registration; (3) an experimental use permit for a pesticide containing a new active ingredient; and (4) new uses of existing ingredients originally registered after January 1, 1970. Permits an applicant to use his own data or data already submitted to the EPA, or a combination of both, unless precluded by compensation or exclusive use provisions. Sets forth: (1) transitional exclusive use protection provisions; and (2) effective dates for exclusive use and compensation provisions. Directs the Administrator to: (1) compile and make public a data index for each protected active ingredient within one year; and (2) update such indexes at least semiannually.  Requires that data cited in a new registration application be made public.  Permits original registrants claiming to be adversely affected to have a cancellation hearing.  Provides for judicial review of such hearing. Provides 15-year exclusive use protection for specified applications approved after the enactment of this Act but before the effective date of relevant provisions. Requires the Administrator to take agricultural production and prices into account when considering classification changes.  Authorizes registration phase-out in addition to changes or cancellations. Requires an applicant to explain why specific registration data should be protected from disclosure as a trade secret or commercial or financial information.  Requires the Administrator to provide an applicant with up to 60 days to show that data to be disclosed is protected manufacturing, testing, or ingredient percentage information. Requires the Administrator to issue disclosure regulations.  Requires interim regulations within 60 days. Sets  forth guidelines for nondisclosure of certain information acquired from foreign governments or international organizations. Provides a private right of action for data disclosure violations. Makes it unlawful to disclose or transfer, solicit, or use information in a manner prohibited by such Act. Makes it unlawful to fire a person or adversely affect his or her work status for exercising his or her rights under such Act. Revises provisions regarding penalties for improperly obtaining or using specified pesticide data. Sets forth procedures for State requests of health and safety data concerning State regulated federally registered pesticides. Declares that for purposes of enforcement responsibility, a State shall not be deemed to include its political subdivisions or their agencies. Extends the scientific advisory panel through FY 1992. Authorizes appropriations through FY 1984.",2025-01-14T16:41:20Z,
97-s-1915,97,s,1915,A bill granting the consent of Congress to the compact between the States of New Hampshire and Vermont concerning solid waste.,Environmental Protection,1981-12-04,1981-12-04,Read second time and referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary by unanimous consent with instructions that when the bill is reported it be referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works for not to exceed thirty days.,Senate,"Sen. Stafford, Robert T. [R-VT]",VT,R,S000776,3,Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of Congress to the cooperative agreement between the States of New Hampshire and Vermont for the construction and operation of facilities for the processing or disposal of solid waste.,2025-07-21T19:32:26Z,
97-hr-5055,97,hr,5055,Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act,Environmental Protection,1981-11-19,1981-12-09,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-4]",WV,D,R000011,28,"Acid Precipitation Accelerated Review and Reporting Act - Amends the Energy Security Act (title VII provisions also known as the ""Acid Precipitation Act of 1980"") to reduce the period to be covered by a comprehensive research plan from ten years to five years.  Makes conforming amendments relating to implementation of, and authorization of appropriations for, the comprehensive research plan. Directs the Acid Precipitation Task Force to submit a final report, with detailed recommendations, within five years of enactment of the Energy Security Act. Directs the Task Force to: (1) study fuel precombustion treatment and low-polluting combustion processes for reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions; and (2) solicit State agency acid deposition research information.",2025-08-29T19:49:21Z,
97-hr-5016,97,hr,5016,High-Level Radioactive Waste Management and Policy Act,Environmental Protection,1981-11-18,1982-09-28,"Committee on Rules Granted a Modified Open Rule with Two and One-Half Hours of Debate, Making in Order the Text of H.R.7187 as an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute.",House,"Rep. Lloyd, Marilyn [D-TN-3]",TN,D,L000381,19,"(Reported to House from the Committee on Science and Technology with amendment, H. Rept. 97-411) High-Level Radioactive Waste Management and Policy Act - States that this Act shall not apply to the siting, construction, or operation of repositories used exclusively for the disposal of radioactive waste or spent fuel from the atomic energy defense activities of the Secretary of Energy. Requires the Secretary to prepare a comprehensive mission plan which will provide an informational basis for decisionmaking with respect to the siting, construction, and operation of repositories for the disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel and the research, development, and demonstration programs required under this Act. Specifies the information to be included in such plan. Directs the Secretary to submit, within a specified time, a draft mission plan to the appropriate States, appropriate Indian tribes, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and other Federal agencies for comments.  Requires that the plan and the comments be available for public inspection and that a statement of reasons be published in the Federal Register if the Secretary does not revise the plan to meet any objections raised.  Directs the Secretary to submit the plan to appropriate congressional committees within a specified time. Makes the plan effective at the end of the 30-day period following transmittal of the plan.  Requires annual reports on the implementation of the plan, including any revisions. Directs the Secretary to complete a final programmatic environmental impact statement on the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel from civilian nuclear activities within 12 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary, in consultation with specified Federal agencies, to issue repository site selection guidelines within six months of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to identify three or more potential repository sites in different geologic media within one year after enactment of this Act.  Sets forth criteria for the location of such sites in addition to the guidelines issued by the Secretary.  Requires notification of the Governor of a State in which a site is located or of the Indian tribe on whose reservation a site is located. Requires the completion of siting research activities for at least three of the potential repository sites within 42 months after the sites have been identified. Requires that the Secretary be able to select a site for the expanded siting research activities pursuant to this Act within 30 months after the site identifications. Requires that within six months of the site identifications, and before beginning siting research activities, the Secretary hold public meetings near each site on the activities to be conducted there and prepare an environmental assessment of the nonradiological impacts of the siting research activities.  Sets forth restrictions on the use of radioactive material at such sites. Requires at least one legislative-type public hearing near a site before repository site selection and within three months after completion of siting research activities by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a site is located or the appropriate Indian tribe if the Secretary selects such site for a repository.  Requires submission of a Repository Development Report by the President to Congress.  Requires submission of a subsequent Repository Development Report for another site if the Secretary's first selection is disapproved by Congress or the President. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for a license for a repository at an approved site within 30 days after the site selection becomes effective and to provide the appropriate Governor or Indian tribe with a copy of the application.  Requires the NRC to submit annual licensing status reports to Congress until an operating license is issued.  Requires the NRC to make a final decision on the issuance of construction authorization within 24 months after the submission of the application.  Permits an extension of the period for such final decision under certain circumstances. Requires the Secretary to select another repository site if the NRC disapproves an application.  Sets forth the procedural requirements for NRC hearings on construction authorization and repository license applications. Requires that within six years after the Secretary obtains a construction authorization:  (1) the Secretary complete construction of facilities needed to initiate emplacement of waste; (2) the Secretary operate the repository as soon as practicable after receiving an operating license; and (3) the NRC approve or disapprove an operating license for all or part of a repository. Authorizes the Secretary to petition the NRC any time after filing a license application for a construction authorization, license, or license amendment on an interim basis before the completion of a required hearing on the application.  Directs the NRC to grant the petition if all legal requirements other than the required hearing are met and there will be adequate protection to the public health and safety. Prohibits the disposal of waste or spent fuel in a repository for which an interim license has been issued until the regular license to receive and possess waste in the repository has been issued. Requires the NRC to promulgate rules and criteria to apply in the review of all repository license applications within six months after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to take title to the radioactive material emplaced in a repository. Grants to the State or Indian tribe notified of a site identification under this Act the immediate and continuing right to participate in a process of consultation and concurrence (including written agreements with the Secretary) whereby: (1) the Secretary keeps the Governor or appropriate Indian tribe informed about economic or public health and safety impacts in all stages of the establishment of a repository and receives, and works to resolve, objections of the Governor or Indian tribe; and (2) the State may independently and reasonably monitor on-site activities. Requires the Secretary to submit to the President, within six months after completing hearings a Repository Development Report containing:  (1) an environmental impact statement for the site selected; (2) the views and comments of the Governor of the affected State, the appropriate Indian tribe, the Governor of any other interested and affected State, the public, and appropriate Federal agencies and the Secretary's responses; (3) the repository license application to be submitted to the NRC; and (4) a plan for transporting the radioactive materials to the repository.  Provides for presidential approval or disapproval of the site selection within 30 days after submission of the report.  Requires notice to Congress of the President's decision.  Makes a site selection effective 30 days after the President transmits approval to Congress unless the Governor of the affected State or the appropriate Indian tribe submits a petition for disapproval to Congress. Provides that if the President approves a site selection and the Governor or the Indian tribe submits a petition for disapproval, the site selection shall be effective 40 days of continuous session of Congress after submission of the petition unless either House of Congress passes a resolution approving such petition. Requires Federal agencies to assist the Secretary in the preparation of reports required by this Act. States that Federal agency action taken before a site selection becomes effective shall not be considered a major Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.  Directs the Secretary and heads of all Federal agencies to avoid duplication of effort in the preparation of reports pursuant to such Act. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate general standards to protect the environment from radioactive material in repositories. Requires the Secretary to establish a Project Decision Schedule which shall constitute the lawful decisionmaking deadlines for Federal agencies involved in the establishment of a repository.  Sets forth procedural requirements for agencies which cannot comply with the schedule. Requires the Secretary to begin, within 64 months after enactment of this Act, the mining and construction of a Test and Evaluation Facility for research on, and demonstration of, the technology for radioactive waste disposal in a repository.  Sets forth design requirements for the facility.  Requires the Secretary to begin within 88 months after enactment of this Act, an in situ testing program of research and development activities with respect to radioactive waste disposal to support the repository program. Sets forth limitations on the use, and the termination date, of the facility.  Requires that the system of engineered barriers and selected geology have the design life required by NRC regulations for repositories. Directs the Secretary to enter into written agreements with the NRC and the Governor of the State in which the Test and Evaluation Facility site is located, or the appropriate Indian tribe to establish consultative and cooperative roles in the construction and operation of the facility.  Requires the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of such agreements. Requires the Secretary to prepare an environmental assessment before excavating major shafts for the facility and an environmental impact statement before conducting tests with radioactive materials. Requires the NRC to carry out a continuing analysis of activities with respect to the facility to evaluate the adequacy of attention to public health and safety considerations.  Directs the NRC to report to the President, the Secretary, and the Congress on such activities. Provides for the establishment of a demonstration program, in cooperation with the private sector, for the dry storage of spent fuel at nuclear powerplant sites.  Directs the Secretary to select between one and three candidate sites at nuclear powerplants and enter into cooperative agreements with the utilities to carry out demonstration projects using alternate dry storage technologies.  Requires the Secretary to undertake a cooperative program with utilities to encourage the development of the technology for spent fuel rod consolidation in existing reactor water storage basins.  Limits the total contribution to the demonstration program by the Secretary from appropriated funds and Federal services and facilities to 25 percent of the estimated total costs of the program.  Provides for the remaining costs to be paid by the utilities involved or from the nuclear waste fund established by this Act. Provides for the Secretary to make specified payments to each State or Indian tribe which has entered into written agreements with respect to the consultation and concurrence process if the State agrees to provide a specified percentage of such payments to the local government which has jurisdiction over the repository site.  Grants the State or Indian tribe discretion to use the payments for whatever purpose it deems necessary under the repository program. Grants to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia original and exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions for review of Federal agency action under this Act and over civil actions challenging the constitutionality of actions taken under this Act.  Provides that the Supreme Court shall have exclusive authority to review interlocutory judgments or orders of the Court of Appeals pursuant to this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with individuals for radioactive waste and spent fuel disposal services. Prohibits the NRC from issuing a license to any person to use a utilization or production facility unless such person has contracted, or is negotiating a contract, with the Secretary for such services. Authorizes the NRC to require such an agreement as a precondition to the issuance of a license or license amendment under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Establishes in the U.S. Treasury a nuclear waste fund to be used by the Secretary in carrying out this Act.",2025-08-29T19:49:22Z,
97-hr-4952,97,hr,4952,A bill to provide states the option of implementing motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs to meet legal requirements until such time that the Congress modifies or reaffirms the provisions in the Clean Air Act relating to motor vehicle inspection and maintenance.,Environmental Protection,1981-11-12,1981-11-16,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Ritter, Don [R-PA-15]",PA,R,R000277,16,Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring that State implementation plans for meeting the national primary ambient air quality standard provide for periodic inspection and testing of motor vehicles until the Congress modifies or reaffirms Clean Air Act provisions relating to motor vehicle inspection and maintenance.,2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-4936,97,hr,4936,Acid Precipitation Control Act of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-11-10,1981-11-20,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Scheuer, James H. [D-NY-11]",NY,D,S000124,6,"Acid Precipitation Control Act of 1981 - Amends title I of the Clean Air Act (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) to establish a new program (Acid Precipitation Control) to:  (1) regulate acid precipitation precursor emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide; and (2) reduce the transport of air pollutants across international boundaries. Establishes an ""acid precipitation mitigation region"" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Requires States in the region to reduce, prior to December 31, 1991, sulfur dioxide emissions from all major stationary sources by an amount equal to 85 percent of the actual 1980 sulfur dioxide emissions from all major emitting powerplants (fossil-fuel-fired electric powerplants with specified emissions levels) within such States.  Disregards, for purposes of determining such reduction, any emissions from a separate generating unit or units of such powerplants that are subject to new source performance standards.  Sets forth formulas for determining the maximum required reduction for any State, based on annual Statewide utility sulfur dioxides emissions rates. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) determine such rates within 60 days; (2) establish a reduction requirement for each State in the region within 90 days; and (3) notify each State of such requirement within 120 days. Requires that, within one year, each applicable State implementation plan be amended to contain enforceable measures for meeting the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction requirement by December 31, 1991.  Permits States to substitute a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions for a reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, at a specified rate. Prohibits States, in meeting the requirement deadline, from including emissions reductions representing compliance with Federal emission standards other than those imposed under this Act by sources in operation before December 31, 1980.  Permits for sources not in operation before such date, inclusion of emissions reductions in excess of those required under such other Federal standards. Directs the Administrator, to:  (1) review State implementation plan amendments within 90 days of submission; (2) approve plan amendments that will insure that the emissions reduction requirement will be met by December 31, 1991; (3) revise plan amendments where necessary to meet the requirement deadline; (4) periodically review such plans; (5) take actions necessary to insure compliance with the requirement deadline; and (6) apply additional sanctions or limitations on emissions with respect to any major emitting powerplant, if necessary to insure such compliance.",2025-08-29T19:49:17Z,
97-s-1771,97,s,1771,"Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1981",Environmental Protection,1981-10-26,1982-03-23,Committee on Governmental Affairs requested executive comment from Environmental Protection Agency; Council on Environmental Quality; Commerce Department; State Department.,Senate,"Sen. Hatfield, Mark O. [R-OR]",OR,R,H000343,10,"Global Resources, Environment, and Population Act of 1981 - Declares it to be the public policy to:  (1) promote national population stabilization; (2) encourage other nations to achieve population stabilization; and (3) coordinate research and national planning concerning global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change. Directs all Federal agencies to:  (1) use reliable demographic research in planning and decisionmaking which affect national and global population characteristics; and (2) develop procedures to insure the consideration of population characteristics, population stabilization, and environmental, economic, and natural resource aspects in agency planning and decisionmaking.  Directs each agency head to:  (1) review the agency's statutory authority, policies, and regulations to determine whether there are any impediments to complying with this Act; and (2) recommend the necessary administrative or legislative actions to eliminate such impediments. Establishes an interagency Council on Global Resources, the Environment, and Population to:  (1) coordinate research, conduct studies, and report to the President and Congress on trends in population characteristics; (2) assess the impact of such trends on population stabilization, the environment, and the availability of natural resources; (3) recommend legislative and administrative actions to modify or eliminate Federal programs, laws, and regulations which limit the achievement of the policies of this Act; and (4) recommend to Congress and the President a national population policy and policies to encourage global population stabilization at a level which maintains the highest possible standard of living and does not deplete the world's natural resources or degrade the global environment. Requires the President to submit to Congress, annually, a national population change and planning report which includes:  (1) an evaluation of the impact that national and global trends in population characteristics, the availability of natural resources, and environmental change will have on the nation's economy and national security; and (2) recommendations for necessary legislative actions.",2025-08-29T19:51:17Z,
97-hr-4816,97,hr,4816,"A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to control acid precipitation, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1981-10-22,1981-11-20,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. D'Amours, Norman E. [D-NH-1]",NH,D,D000017,6,"Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to require States within an acid rain mitigation area to include control of acid deposition in their State implementation plans.  (Defines ""acid precipitation mitigation area"" to mean the 31 States east of a line running south from the western borders of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas). Provides that, if a State fails to submit within one year of this Act's enactment a plan meeting acid precipitation mitigation requirements or if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency does not approve such plan within one year and four months after such date, no plan shall be promulgated by the Administrator. Requires, in such cases, that specified electric utility steam generating units comply, within five years of this Act's enactment, with a specified emission limitation for sulfur dioxide. Requires that, for purposes of required provisions for revision of State plans, a one-year period after enactment expire before the Administrator may submit a notice of a determination of noncompliance with acid deposition mitigation requirements or treat any plan as not complying with such requirements. Provides for a new program of Mitigation of Acid Precipitation to establish sulfur dioxide emission limitations applicable to certain large stationary sources in the acid rain mitigation area in order to: (1) prevent any net increase of such emissions in the area; and (2) attain a substantial and reasonably achievable reduction in such emissions from the area. Directs the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, lists of electric utility steam generating units in the area not subject to new stationary source performance standards, identifying: (1) the 50 units with the highest annual sulfur dioxide emissions for 1980; and (2) all other such units with a generating capacity of more than 100 megawatts. Requires that applicable State implementation plans establish statewide programs for net reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions from such units.  Sets forth statewide program schedule requirements: (1) for any of the 50 units to attain in three three-year periods before 1990; and (2) for any of the other units to attain in two three-year periods before 1990.  Directs the Administrator to publish baseline levels, for any of the 50 units, from which such emissions reductions schedules can be determined according to a specified formula. Permits achievement of required total emission reductions by application of enforceable emission reduction techniques to any of such units or to any other sources of sulfur dioxide in the acid rain mitigation area. Specifies some permissible emission reduction techniques.  Requires continuous emissions monitoring and publication of resultant data by applicable sources.  Requires assurances that States will have adequate personnel, funding, and authority to carry out required plan provisions. Provides that emissions limitations or other requirements under the acid precipitation mitigation program shall apply only if they are more stringent than the requirements they replace. Directs the Administrator to establish an emission reduction credit program for the specified stationary source units in the acid rain mitigation area, as divided into five emission reduction credit regions.  Sets forth formulas and procedures for compliance with emission limitations through purchase or exchange of such credits within such regions.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-4829,97,hr,4829,Acid Deposition Control Act,Environmental Protection,1981-10-22,1981-11-20,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Moffett, Toby [D-CT-6]",CT,D,M000839,62,"Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) of the Clean Air Act to establish a new program entitled ""Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction."" Establishes an  ""acid deposition region"" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) study air pollution problems associated with long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Establishes an acid deposition regional target providing for a ten-year phased schedule of reductions to achieve an annual average emission level that is 10,000,000 tons of sulfur dioxide below the 1980 baseline level. Directs the Administrator, within six months, to compute and publish a target and a schedule for each affected State.  Permits two or more States to agree to change their share of the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction (""reduction""). Requires that State reduction schedules begin within five years, be substantially complete within eight years, and reach the State target within ten years of enactment of this Act.  Sets forth formulas for: (1) State reduction fractions (based on 1980 emissions from electric utility steam generating units); and (2) the 1980 baseline level for the region or any State within the region. Requires States within the region to prepare, publish, and submit to the Administrator, within two years of enactment of this Act, State programs of reduction in accordance with the State schedules.  Directs the Administrator to approve State programs, within four months of submission, if such programs: (1) were adopted after public notice, opportunity for hearing, and submission to Governors of the other States in the region; and (2) contain enforceable reduction measures, including emission limitations, monitoring requirements, and compliance schedules. Requires State programs to include enforceable continuous emission reduction measures. Lists some measures that State programs may include. Permits a State or any person subject to State program requirements to substitute a reduction of twice as many units of oxides of nitrogen emissions for each unit of required reductions of sulfur dioxide emissions. Provides for an EPA alternative program if a State program:  (1) has not been adopted by a State within two years; or (2) has not been approved by the Administrator within two years and four months. Requires, in such cases, that any owner or operator of an electric utility steam generating unit in such State submit, within three years of enactment of this Act, a unit plan and schedule for reductions.  Requires unit plans and schedules only from units which: (1) are major stationary sources; (2) are not subject to new source performance standards; and (3) actually emitted, or were permitted to emit, sulfur dioxide during 1980 in excess of a specified rate.  Requires that unit plans and schedules provide for a reduction to a specified rate of emissions, according to a phased schedule (beginning within five years, substantially complete within eight years, and finally complete within ten years of the enactment of this Act).  Sets forth provisions for approval of unit plans and schedules. Provides that any unit for which a plan has not been submitted and approved must comply with the specified emission limitation within five years of the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of purchase and sale of emission reduction credits among stationary sources of sulfur dioxide in five emission reduction credit regions within the acid deposition region. Provides that specified requirements under this Act shall be treated as emission limitation requirements of applicable State implementation plans. Sets forth procedures for petitions for determination that programs or plans will not meet deadlines and for petitions for review of such determinations or denials.",2025-08-29T19:49:17Z,
97-hr-4830,97,hr,4830,Acid Rain Research Implementation Act of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-10-22,1981-12-09,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Gregg, Judd [R-NH-2]",NH,R,G000445,29,"Acid Rain Research Implementation Act of 1981 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States to strengthen specified research and development programs relating to acid precipitation pollution and to establish a process for cooperative decisionmaking on strategies to control such pollution. Directs the the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (""the Administrator""), the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to ensure that the comprehensive research plan prepared under the Acid Precipitation Act of 1980 satisfies such policy. Directs the Administrator of NOAA, as director of task force research under such Act, to provide the Administrator with a status report within 12 months of enactment of this Act and once every 24 months thereafter.  Directs the Administrator, within specified periods, to: (1) determine whether new measures are necessary; (2) report, with recommendations to Congress; and (3) issue proposed rules requiring measures that may help prevent, limit, and remedy the harmful effects of acid precipitation. Directs the Administrator, in order to prepare such reports and proposed rules, to: (1) contract with the National Academy of Science for specified services; (2) work with the task force, State, local, and foreign governments, and private industrial, environmental, scientific, and international organizations in establishing and strengthening monitoring networks to determine the sources and effects of acid precipitation and other long-range pollutants; and (3) arrange, with such entities, for information exchange and cooperative data analysis to ensure that remedial measures may be planned and implemented cooperatively, with minimum social and economic dislocation and maximum environmental protection. Directs the Administrator, working within the plan and in cooperation with other programs, to:  (1) ensure that adequate analysis and comparative consideration is given to institutional arrangements (including cost sharing and capital formation approaches that will minimize unforseen or inequitable economic impacts on particular regions or economic sectors) necessary to implement new measures specified in such reports; and (2) include in the task force's annual report a description of actions taken to ensure such analysis and consideration, as well as any recommendations for legislative or administrative action concerning such institutional arrangements. Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of NOAA, to include in the annual task force report a statement concerning the adequacy of task force resources to carry out this Act.",2025-08-29T19:49:17Z,
97-hres-252,97,hres,252,Commitment to the Clean Air Act Resolution of the Ninety-Seventh Congress,Environmental Protection,1981-10-21,1981-11-20,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4]",MN,D,V000087,120,"Commitment to the Clean Air Act resolution of the Ninety-seventh Congress - Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that:  (1) clean air is fundamentally important for the health and well-being of the citizens, economy, and environment of the United States; and (2) the existing Clean Air Act should be maintained and strengthened subject only to changes that will improve its administration and effectiveness.",2025-08-29T19:47:26Z,
97-hr-4740,97,hr,4740,Radioactive Waste Repository Restriction Act,Environmental Protection,1981-10-14,1981-10-28,Referred to Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Lott, Trent [R-MS-5]",MS,R,L000447,0,"Radioactive Waste Repository Restriction Act - Restricts the location of permanent radioactive waste repositories to land that, on or before October 14, 1981, is owned by the Federal Government and is used as a permanent radioactive waste storage site or a nuclear weapon test site.  Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from recommending or approving sites in densely populated areas for the location of permanent radioactive waste repositories.",2025-08-29T19:49:13Z,
97-s-1716,97,s,1716,Clean Water Act Amendments of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-10-07,1981-10-29,Indefinitely postponed by Senate by Voice Vote.,Senate,"Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI]",RI,R,C000269,0,"(Measure passed Senate, amended) Clean Water Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Clean Water Act (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) to revise provisions for Grants for Construction of Treatment Works (title II). Prohibits Federal grants, after October 1, 1981, which provide assistance only for facility plans, or plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed construction of treatment works. Provides that non-Federal funds expended during the facility planning and advanced engineering and design phase shall be reimbursed at the prevailing Federal share, if the proposed project later receives a Federal grant for construction. Authorizes each State to use up to ten percent of allotted funds to establish a revolving fund for advancing facility planning costs to potential grant applicants otherwise unable to prepare construction cost grant requests. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a specified sewage treatment grant to the State of California. Lowers the Federal share for treatment works grants (from 75 percent in fiscal year 1981) to 65 percent for fiscal years 1982 through 1984 and to 55 percent thereafter, for specified grants. Requires that treatment works grants be made only for: (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost effective alternative; and (2) new interceptors and appurtenances. Revises formulas for determining the amount of any grant, made after September 30, 1978, for treatment works using innovative or alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques. Sets such amount at a percentage rate of the construction costs 20 percent greater than the rate established for other treatment works grants or the modified uniform percentage rate, up to 85 percent of such costs. Extends the definition of the term ""eligible treatment works"" to cover those which can be fully funded by States in fiscal years beyond fiscal year 1981 (and which meet specified other requirements). Authorizes the Administrator, upon the request of the Governor of an affected State, to use funds from State allotments to assist new sewage collection systems in existing communities and to address storm water and sanitary sewer overflow problems, under specified circumstances. Makes available to the Administrator, beginning in fiscal year 1983, specified additional funds per fiscal year to be used to address water quality problems of bays and estuaries due to discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows, not otherwise eligible for Federal payments for treatment works.  Authorizes the use of such funds upon the request of and demonstration of water quality benefits by the Governor of an affected State. Raises the total estimated cost limit for treatment works for which single grants may be awarded to cover the combined Federal share of plan preparation costs and construction costs.  Repeals a provision that allows a higher (than the current) limit in cases of unusually high construction costs. Revises conditions on treatment works grants to prohibit grants to construct that portion of the treatment works providing reserve capacity (except for specified planning and preparation grants).  Directs the Administrator to base determinations of size and capacity of eligible treatment works upon 1980 population statistics.  Permits the total eligible design flow capacity of a treatment works to include existing industrial flows. Prohibits publicly owned treatment works grants made after November 15, 1981, from being used to treat, store, or convey flows from industrial users in excess of existing flows. Revises provisions relating to ""brand name or equal"" descriptions for technical requirements by grantees. Requires that treatment works construction grants provide that the engineers or firms providing architect engineering or supervisory services during construction shall: (1) continue their relationship to the grant applicant for one year after the completion of construction and initial operation; (2) supervise operation and train operating personnel during such year; and (3) certify whether the treatment works meet specifications. Requires that failures to meet specifications be corrected in a timely manner at other than Federal expense. Sets forth formulas, schedules, and procedures for the allotment of funds for treatment works grants in fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Extends a formula for specified State and territorial allotments, as well as an authorization of appropriations for such allotments, through fiscal year 1985. Sets forth a formula for reserving specified funds from each State's allotment for fiscal year 1982 and thereafter.  Authorizes the Administrator to reserve an additional amount from State allotments to be available to States, local governments, or multijurisdictional agencies for: (1) water quality management decision-making as to treatment works construction; and (2) implementing provisions for water quality standards and implementation plans. Extends through fiscal year 1985 requirements that specified minimum amounts be expended from State allotments in order to increase the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques.  Revises formulas for determining such amounts. Lowers the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for treatment works construction grants.  Authorizes appropriations, in such lowered amount, for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 for such purpose. Eliminates provisions for project priority that relate to: (1) specified categories of projects; (2) required allocation of funds; and (3) the authority to remove a project from a State's priority list. Provides that the determination of priority shall be made by the State in which the projects are to be constructed, consistent with the treatment works grants provisions of such Act.  Limits projects included on a State's priority list to those eligible for funding under specified provisions.  Directs a State to give highest priority to projects which demonstrate that significant public health or water quality benefits will be achieved, and in particular to projects having the greatest effect on water quality improvement. Requires that the review, revision, adoption, or promulgation of revised or new water quality standards, pursuant to specified provisions of such Act, be completed three years after the enactment of this Act. Requires that, to the extent practicable, the establishment of total maximum daily loads of pollutants, pursuant to specified provisions, also be completed by such date. Prohibits the making of grants for a project after such date until water quality standards are reviewed and revised and total maximum daily loads of pollutants are established for the waters affected by the project, except where the Administrator has not approved or disapproved good faith State submissions within 120 days of receipt. Extends to July 1, 1988, the period during which the Administrator may issue or modify permits to extend compliance deadlines for specified effluent limitations, in cases where reductions in the amount of financial assistance under such Act or changed conditions affecting the rate of construction beyond the control of the owner or operator will make it impossible to complete construction by July 1, 1983. Repeals a provision that all publicly owned treatment works must comply by a certain date with specified requirements for study and evaluation of alternative waste management techniques and for application of best practicable waste treatment technology. Expresses the sense of Congress that courts take judicial notice of specified amendments made by this Act of reduced authorization levels, and of final compliance date extensions, in considering modifications of court ordered deadlines and schedules. Provides that, for purposes of specified information and guidelines provisions, certain biological treatment facilities shall be deemed the equivalent of secondary treatment upon a showing satisfactory to the Administrator by the owner or operator that water quality will not be adversely affected. Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with the States, to submit to Congress, within 18 months, a report: (1) identifying those publicly owned treatment works needed to comply with specified requirements and standards; and (2) taking into account all actions of the Administrator pursuant to specified provisions, estimating the total cost and the Federal share necessary for the construction of such works. Declares that this Act shall not be construed to restrict, affect, or modify the obligations or liabilities of any person, or the right to seek abatement or damages, under other Federal, State, or common law.",2025-08-29T19:51:16Z,
97-s-1718,97,s,1718,A bill to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to interstate pollution abatement.,Environmental Protection,1981-10-07,1981-10-29,Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT]",CT,D,D000388,1,"Amends the Clean Air Act to revise provisions relating to interstate pollution abatement. Extends required State implementation plan prohibitions against interstate pollution to cover emissions:  (1) from any source (currently, stationary sources) within a State; (2) interfering with (currently, preventing) another State's attaining or maintaining) national air quality standards; and (3) contributing to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare in another State. Mandates that State implementation plans require each major proposed new (or modified) source that may significantly contribute to violations of such prohibitions to provide written notice to all possibly affected nearby States at least 60 days prior to the date on which opportunity for public comment on the construction or modification permit commences (currently, prior to commencement of construction).  Requires implementation plans, not later than July 1, 1982, to:  (1) identify areas of emissions from all sources (in addition to all major existing stationary sources) that may have such an interstate pollution impact; and (2) notify all nearby States of the location and level of pollutants from (in addition to the identity of) such sources and areas. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a finding or deny a State or local government petition for a finding that any source violates such interstate pollution prohibitions within 120 days after receipt of such petition (currently, 60 days after receipt and after public hearing).  Requires a public hearing to be held during such 120-day period.  Prohibits the Administrator, in considering such petitions, from requiring the petitioner to rely solely on modeling or other previously approved methodologies for estimating interstate air pollution.  Directs the Administrator to also consider:  (1) total emissions of a pollutant in each State; (2) reasonable estimates of outside contributions to air quality problems in the petitioning State; (3) meteorological factors; (4) comparative economic impact; and (5) other factors established by regulation. Permits the petitioning State to apply for a court order directing the Administrator to act, if the Administrator has not made a ruling on such petition within 120 days of receipt.  Permits the petitioning State to apply for such order without regard to a normal 60-day notice requirement. Directs the court, on finding that the Administrator has failed to act within the 120 days, to issue such order, award costs to the petitioning State, and assess a $100,000 civil penalty against the United States, to be paid to the petitioning State. Requires that State implementation plan procedures for review of new source locations provide an opportunity for public comment, to extend for at least 60 days, prior to issuance of a permit to commence construction or modification.",2025-01-14T17:12:38Z,
97-hr-4697,97,hr,4697,"Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1981",Environmental Protection,1981-10-06,1981-11-18,For Further Action See H.R.5016.,House,"Rep. Goldwater, Barry, Jr. [R-CA-20]",CA,R,G000268,16,"Nuclear Waste Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1981 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to review the Department of Energy's research and development program for high-level radioactive waste disposal and to prepare a comprehensive management plan for research, development, and demonstration activities under this Act. Requires the Secretary to identify, within one year, three geographically distributed sites in different geologic media in the continental United States and to select one site for a test and evaluation facility by January 1, 1985.  Specifies design requirements for such facility.  Requires that the facility be in operation by the end of fiscal year 1988.  Provides that the operation of the facility shall terminate when the Secretary determines it is no longer needed.  Requires the Secretary to conduct various in situ research and development activities with respect to high-level radioactive waste disposal.  Prohibits the conversion of the facility into a permanent disposal facility unless the Secretary can comply with legislation authorizing high-level radioactive waste repositories. Directs the Secretary, upon authorization by Federal law, to establish waste solidification facilities which provide a waste form resistant to the release of radionuclides in a repository.  Requires that the waste forms and components of such facilities be ready for placement in the demonstration facility by the end of fiscal year 1988. Requires consultation and coordination with the officials of each State in which a potential facility site is located. Directs the Secretary to prepare and transmit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive management plan for the activities under this Act.  Requires submission of a description of such plan as in effect each year to Congress. States that this Act shall not be construed to authorize remedial action or commercialization activities. Authorizes appropriations.",2025-08-29T19:49:12Z,
97-s-1706,97,s,1706,Acid Deposition Control Act,Environmental Protection,1981-10-06,1981-10-29,Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Mitchell, George J. [D-ME]",ME,D,M000811,19,"Acid Deposition Control Act - Amends title I of the Clean Air Act (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) to establish a new program (Interstate Transport and Acid Precursor Reduction) to:  (1) regulate the long-range transport of pollutants and their transformation products; and (2) reduce acid compounds, and their precursors, in the atmosphere. Establishes a long-range transport corridor, the ""acid deposition impact region,"" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to:  (1) conduct a study of air pollution problems associated with the long-range transport of pollutants in the portions of the continental United States not included in the acid deposition impact region; and (2) report the results to Congress within two years. Prohibits the increase of emissions of sulfur dioxide and of oxides of nitrogen from stationary sources in the acid deposition impact region over such total actual emissions there as of January 1, 1981.  Prohibits any major stationary source in the region from significantly increasing such emissions, unless a not otherwise required net reduction of such regional pollution, in excess of the proposed increase, has been identified.  Requires a ten-year phased reduction in annual emissions of sulfur dioxide in the region of 10,000,000 tons from the total 1980 level.  Requires each State to achieve reductions in annual sulfur dioxide emissions according to a formula based on each State's share of utility emissions in the region.  Permits State Governors to agree to reallot the required reductions. Requires each State in the region to adopt, within two years, enforcement measures to achieve such reduction. Directs the Administrator to approve such measures within four months if specified criteria are met. Sets forth a uniform sulfur dioxide emission limit for fossil-fuel-burning electric generating facilities (which are major stationary sources not subject to new performance standards) in any State that has not adopted, or has not had approved, such enforcement measures by such deadlines. Requires that owners or operators of such sources:  (1) submit an approvable reduction plan and schedule within three years of enactment of this Act; (2) comply with such plan and schedule; and (3) achieve the required emission reduction at the earliest practicable date, but no later than ten years after enactment of this Act. Specifies methods or programs for enforceable net emission reduction that may be used by a State or the owner or operator of a source.  Permits a State or owner or operator to substitute reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen for required sulfur dioxide emissions reductions, at a specified rate. Adds to State implementation plan requirements a prohibition of stationary source air pollutant emissions in amounts that will contribute to atmospheric loadings of pollutants or their transformation products so as to adversely affect public health or welfare or the environment in any other State or foreign country.",2025-08-29T19:51:16Z,
97-s-1709,97,s,1709,Acid Precipitation Control Act of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-10-06,1981-10-29,Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.,Senate,"Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY]",NY,D,M001054,0,"Acid Precipitation Control Act of 1981 - Amends title I of the Clean Air Act (Air Pollution Prevention and Control) to establish a new program (Acid Precipitation Control) to:  (1) regulate acid precipitation precursor emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide; and (2) reduce the transport of air pollutants across international boundaries. Establishes an ""acid precipitation mitigation region"" consisting of 31 States (east of or bordering the Mississippi River) and the District of Columbia. Requires States in the region to reduce, prior to December 31, 1991, sulfur dioxide emissions from all major stationary sources by an amount equal to 85 percent of the actual 1980 sulfur dioxide emissions from all major emitting powerplants (fossil-fuel-fired electric powerplants with specified emissions levels) within such States.  Disregards, for purposes of determining such reduction, any emissions from a separate generating unit or units of such powerplants that are subject to new source performance standards.  Sets forth formulas for determining the maximum required reduction for any state, based on annual statewide utility sulfur dioxide emission rates. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) determine such rates within 60 days; (2) establish a reduction requirement for each State in the region within 90 days; and (3) notify each State of such requirement within 120 days. Requires that, within one year, each applicable State implementation plan be amended to contain enforceable measures for meeting the sulfur dioxide emissions reduction requirement by December 31, 1991.  Permits States to substitute a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions for a reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions, at a specified rate.  Prohibits States, in meeting the requirement deadline, from including emissions reductions representing compliance with Federal emission standards other than those imposed under this Act by sources in operation before December 31, 1980.  Permits for sources not in operation before such date, inclusion of emissions reductions in excess of those required under such other Federal standards. Directs the Administrator to:  (1) review State implementation plan amendments within 90 days of submission; (2) approve plan amendments that will insure that the emissions reduction requirement will be met by December 31, 1991; (3) revise plan amendments where necessary to meet the requirement deadline; (4) periodically review such plans; (5) take actions necessary to insure compliance with the requirement deadline; and (6) apply additional sanctions or limitations on emissions with respect to any major emitting powerplant, if necessary to insure such compliance.",2025-08-29T19:51:16Z,
97-hr-4681,97,hr,4681,"A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to promote competitiveness in the motor vehicle aftermarket and to preserve consumer freedom of choice to select parts and service of the consumer's own choosing, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1981-10-05,1981-10-07,Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.,House,"Rep. Lee, Gary A. [R-NY-33]",NY,R,L000192,24,"Amends the Clean Air Act to revise provisions for compliance with emissions standards by vehicles and engines in actual use. Repeals a requirement that manufacturers warrant that new motor vehicles or engines are: (1) designed, built, and equipped so as to conform with emissions standards at the time of sale; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause failure to conform for its useful life.  Requires, instead, a production warranty that the vehicle or engine is equipped with emission control components designed to enable such vehicle or engine to conform at the time of sale with emissions standards for the first 12 months or first 12,000 miles. Repeals provisions for motor vehicle or engine parts certifications by manufacturers or rebuilders for compliance with emissions standards. Limits a free replacement obligation of manufacturers to emissions control components installed for the sole (currently, sole or primary) purpose of reducing, vehicle emissions. Limits specified performance warranties to: (1) the first 12 months or 12,000 miles; and (2) certain components installed for the sole purpose of emissions control. Revises provisions for manufacturers' instructions for the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control parts or components to eliminate requirements that: (1) such instructions correspond to regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) replacement parts be certified. Eliminates provisions for waivers of a prohibition against such instructions, including conditions on the purchaser's using components or services unconnected with the manufacturer. Specifies that waivers of the prohibition against State or local standards for emissions control of new motor vehicles or engines subject to Federal standards will be given only: (1) insofar as numerical emission levels are concerned; and (2) if such standards and new motor vehicle certification and other tests are consistent with Federal standards. Specifies that tampering prohibitions refer to parts or components placed on or in motor vehicles or engines for the sole purpose of controlling emissions. Prohibits State new motor vehicle emission standards in nonattainment areas from including any provision similar to the production or performance warranty provisions under the Clean Air Act. Sets forth effective dates for specified amendments made by this Act.",2024-02-05T14:30:09Z,
97-hr-4668,97,hr,4668,A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend certain compliance deadlines applying to publicly owned treatment works.,Environmental Protection,1981-10-02,1981-10-16,Referred to Subcommittee on Water Resources.,House,"Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3]",WI,R,G000524,0,Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend specified compliance deadlines applying to publicly owned treatment works.,2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-s-1662,97,s,1662,National Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982,Environmental Protection,1981-09-24,1982-04-29,Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 69-9. Record Vote No: 93.,Senate,"Sen. McClure, James A. [R-ID]",ID,R,M000346,4,"(Measure passed Senate, amended, roll call #93 (69-9)) National Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 - Title I: Findings and Purpose - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the establishment of a Federal policy for the acquisition and interim storage of spent fuel and the long-term storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste generated by civilian nuclear activities. Title II: Definitions and General Provisions - Defines the terms used in this Act. Sets forth the applicability of certain provisions in this Act to atomic energy defense activities of the Department of Energy. Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to:  (1) develop a program of inplant drills for nuclear powerplant operators, to be conducted by civilian nuclear powerplant licensees; and (2) promulgate regulations for training and qualifications of civilian nuclear powerplant operating personnel.  Requires the NRC to report to Congress within one year of enactment of this Act on its efforts to comply with these requirements. Title III: Interim Storage of Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Powerplants - Directs the Secretary of Energy to enter into contracts with owners of civilian nuclear powerplants which cannot provide adequate spent fuel storage capacity at the powerplant site.  Requires that under such contracts the Government agree to take title to any spent fuel which cannot be stored onsite and transport it to, and store it in, federally owned and operated interim storage facilities, pending further processing, storage, or disposal. Prohibits contracts for spent fuel in amounts in excess of available storage capacity.  States that this Act does not authorize contracts with respect to spent fuel from a nuclear powerplant located outside the United States.  Sets forth contract requirements with respect to: (1) a one-time payment by the owner of the spent fuel to cover transportation, storage, and disposal costs; (2) the owner's right to the value of the remaining fuel resource; (3) the transfer of title to the spent fuel; and (4) the effective date of the contract.  Requires the Secretary to publish notice of intent to enter into such contracts and the one-time payment charge in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to construct or acquire one or more interim storage facilities for such spent fuel. Limits the total storage capacity at all such facilities. Directs the Secretary to contract with private industry for the transportation of spent fuel.  Authorizes the use of Federal transportation services if private industry cannot or will not provide such services at a reasonable cost. Directs the Secretary to make annual impact assistance payments to State and local governments to mitigate Social and economic impacts caused by the construction and subsequent operation of any interim away-from-reactor storage facilities within such governments' jurisdictions. Subjects such payments to certain terms and restrictions. Makes funds funds available for the establishment of the interim storage facilities. Requires the Secretary to inform the Governor and the legislature and the eligible Indian tribes of any State in which a potential site for an interim storage facility is located of the investigation and selection of such site for such facility.  Requires the Secretary to enter into negotiations with the State and any eligible Indian tribes at the time of site selection to establish a cooperative agreement under which the State and Indian tribes shall have the right to participate in a process of consultation  and concurrence, based on public health and safety and environmental concerns, in all stages of the development, operation, and closure of an interim storage facility.  Directs the Secretary to report periodically to Congress on the status of such negotiations. Requires the Secretary to:  (1) suspend work on a facility if the Governor of a State or an eligible Indian tribe objects; and (2) transmit such objections, with recommendations, to the President. Directs the Secretary to terminate such work unless the President, within 90 days of being notified by the Secretary, determines such facility is essential to the national interest. Amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 to provide that the NRC shall have licensing and related regulatory authority over storage facilities for high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel from foreign reactors whose transfer is authorized under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Subjects the transportation of spent fuel under this Act to licensing and regulation by the NRC as provided under existing law. Requires the Secretary, the NRC, and Federal officials to encourage and expedite the effective use of existing storage facilities and the addition of needed new storage capacity at civilian nuclear powerplant sites. Directs the Secretary to establish a cooperative program to assist private development of alternate technologies for spent fuel storage which can be licensed by the NRC on a generic basis for use at all civilian nuclear powerplant sites. Declares it to be the policy of the United States to cooperate with, and provide technical assistance to, non-nuclear weapon states in the field of spent fuel storage and disposal. Requires the Secretary and the NRC to publish a joint notice of such policy in the Federal Register.  Requires the joint notice to be updated and reissued annually for five succeeding years.  Directs the Secretary of State to:  (1) inform the governments of non-nuclear weapon states and, where feasible, organizations operating nuclear powerplants in such states of the U.S. policy; and (2) solicit their expressions of interest in participating in expanded U.S. cooperation and technical assistance programs in these fields.  Requires the President to include funding requests for such programs in the budget presentation for the Department of Energy and the NRC for FY 1984 through 1989. Permits an applicant for a license or license amendment to expand the spent fuel storage capacity at a civilian nuclear powerplant site to petition the NRC for an interim license or license amendment prior to a required hearing on the application.  Authorizes the NRC to issue an interim license or license amendment if: (1) all legal requirements other than a required hearing are met;  (2) there will be adequate protection of the public health and safety and the environment during the interim period;  and (3) refusal to grant the petition will prevent the petitioner from maintaining a full core reserve storage capability at the powerplant site.  Prohibits the NRC from issuing an interim license or license amendment for the first application to expand onsite spent fuel storage capacity by a new technology not previously approved for use at a nuclear powerplant. Sets forth administrative review requirements with respect to an application for a license or license amendment to expand spent fuel storage capacity at a civilian nuclear powerplant site.  Prohibits the NRC from considering spent fuel storage in away-from-reactor facilities as spent fuel storage alternatives. Title IV: Disposal of Solidified High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose standards for offsite releases of radionuclides from repositories for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. Requires the NRC to promulgate technical criteria for review of applications for: (1) authority to construct repositories; and (2) licenses to emplace such waste and spent fuel in repositories. Directs the Secretary to issue guidelines for repository site recommendations. Requires the Secretary to make repository site characterization recommendations to the President according to a specified time schedule. Requires the Secretary to notify the Governor of the State in which a site is located and affected Indian tribes and to hold public meetings in the vicinity of the site before making a site characterization recommendation to the President. Provides for Presidential approval or disapproval of a site characterization recommendation within 60 days after submission of the recommendation.  Authorizes the President to delay a decision for six months if there is insufficient information to make a decision.  States that the site shall be considered approved if the President fails to act within the required time periods. Requires the Secretary to submit to the NRC, the Governor of the affected State, and affected Indian tribes for review: (1) an environmental assessment of the impacts of the site characterization activities planned for an approved site and alternatives to avoid such impacts; (2) a general plan for site characterization activities; and (3) proposals for the packaging of the waste and spent fuel to be emplaced in the repository.  Requires the Secretary to consider fully any comments received and conduct site characterization activities so as to minimize any significant adverse environmental impacts identified in the environmental assessment.  Directs the Secretary to report to the NRC, the Governor, and the Indian tribes during site characterization activities.  Requires the Secretary to conduct, and report to them on, tests to provide data for a construction authorization application for a repository at the site and for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.  Restricts the Secretary's use of radioactive materials during site characterization activities. Requires the Secretary to recommend for Presidential approval characterized sites for the development of repositories according to a specified schedule.  Requires the Secretary to hold public meetings in the vicinity of a site to receive area residents' comments before recommending the site for Presidential approval.  Requires that a final environmental impact statement accompany each site recommendation. Provides for Presidential approval or disapproval of a site recommendation within 60 days after its submission.  Requires the Secretary to make another recommendation within 60 days in the event of Presidential disapproval of a recommendation. Directs the Secretary to apply to the NRC for authorization to construct a repository at a site selected by the President.  Requires the NRC to report to Congress on the application proceedings.  Requires that the NRC issue a final decision on the first such application by December 31, 1989, and on the second such application by December 31, 1992.  Directs the Secretary, the NRC, and Federal officials to achieve operational status of a repository licensed under this Act as soon as possible. Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a proposal for at least one test and evaluation facility for developing the packaging, handling, and emplacement technology for solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel.  Requires that an environmental assessment accompany such proposal.  Makes the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable when Congress authorizes construction of the facility. States that the facility shall not be subject to an NRC license but that the Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the NRC in the establishment of the facility.  Requires the Secretary to provide for the participation of any affected State and any affected Indian tribe in a process of consultation and concurrence in all stages of development, operation, and closure of such a facility. Requires the Secretary and the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a national site survey program to be used for identifying and recommending sites for site characterization. Directs the Secretary to accelerate a research and development program on alternate technologies for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from civilian nuclear activities, atomic energy defense activities of the Secretary, and Federal research and development activities. Prohibits the issuance of any license or other approval by the Government or the President for the disposal of low-level nuclear waste, including contaminated materials in the oceans:  (1) until the EPA reports on a comparison of the adverse effects of such disposal on the marine environment with the adverse effects of land disposal and Congress authorizes such disposal; or (2) unless the proposed disposal is only for purposes of research on the effects of low-level radiation on the marine environment. Requires the Secretary to contract with civilian nuclear powerplant owners and operators and owners of spent fuel or high- level radioactive waste generated by civilian nuclear powerplants for Federal storage or disposal of their spent fuel and high-level radioactive waste.  Permits any person, with whom the Secretary has contracted, to bring an action for damages for any breach of contract by the Government, unless the Government shows that its breach of contract occurred because of safety considerations and not Government delay. Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress by January 1, 1983, a detailed management plan for the actions required by this title.  Requires the President to submit with such plan an evaluation of a plan to establish an independent establishment in the executive branch to manage repositories and temporary storage sites. Title V: Long-Term Storage of Solidified High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel From Civilian Nuclear Activities - Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress a proposal for the consideration of monitored, retrievable storage facilities for spent fuel and solidified high-level radioactive waste. Requires that an environmental assessment accompany such proposal.  Makes requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable when Congress authorizes the construction of the initial facility.  Subjects any such facility authorized under this Act to a license under the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. Requires the Secretary to make annual impact aid payments to local governments in order to mitigate social and economic impacts caused by the construction and subsequent operation of any monitored, retrievable storage facilities within such governments' jurisdictions.  Subjects such payments to certain terms and restrictions. Title VI: Financial Arrangements - Establishes in the Treasury a separate account for the operation of the storage and disposal program under this Act. Permits the Secretary to borrow money from the Treasury in amounts provided in appropriations Acts. Imposes a mandatory fee on electricity generated and sold by civilian nuclear powerplants 90 days or more after enactment of this Act, in order to cover the costs of the storage and disposal of solidified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel.  Requires the persons owning and operating such powerplants to collect such fees and pay them to the Treasury for deposit in the separate account. Provides for the establishment of a one time fee for electricity generated from spent fuel or solidified high-level radioactive waste which was removed from a civilian nuclear powerplant before the enactment of this Act and delivered to the Federal Government for long-term storage and permanent disposal. Requires that the fee be paid by the persons delivering the spent fuel and waste to the Treasury for deposit in the separate account. Makes the funds resulting from the fee collection available for the construction and operating costs of away-from-reactor facilities. Title VII: State Participation in the Development of Repositories and Monitored, Retrievable Storage Facilities For Solidified High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel - Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor, the State legislature, and affected Indian tribes of States with potentially acceptable repository or storage facility sites.  Requires the Secretary to establish a cooperative agreement with each State and Indian tribe notified under which the State or Indian tribe shall have the right to participate in all stages of the establishment of a repository or a retrievable, monitored storage facility.  Authorizes such participation once site approval for a repository or site designation for a retrievable, monitored storage facility has occurred, or upon written request of the State or Indian tribe, whichever of these three events occurs first.  Specifies the provisions which a cooperative agreement must include. Directs the Secretary to notify the Governor, the State legislature, and affected Indian tribes of an affected State at least 90 days before applying to the NRC for construction authorization for a repository or storage facility.  Requires the Secretary to transmit to Congress, within 90 days after receipt of such notice: (1) objections made by the Governor or an Indian tribe; and (2) recommendations concerning such objections.  Requires suspension of work on the proposed repository or storage facility if either the House of Representatives or the Senate passes a resolution disapproving the proposal for the repository or storage facility within 60 days after submission of such objections to Congress. Title VIII:  Permanent Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste From Atomic Energy Defense Activities - Requires the President to evaluate the use of the repositories developed, pursuant to title IV of this Act, for the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste from atomic energy defense activities in the report on permanent disposal plans for such waste required by the Department of Energy National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act of 1982.  Directs the Secretary to arrange for the use of one or more of the repositories developed pursuant to this Act for the permanent disposal of such waste, with costs to be paid by the Government, unless the President determines that national security needs require the development of separate repositories for such waste.  Requires that any such separate repository comply with requirements under this Act and licensing and NRC requirements.",2025-04-23T11:41:33Z,
97-hr-4503,97,hr,4503,Municipal Wastewater Treatment Construction Grant Amendments of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-09-16,1981-12-29,Became Public Law No: 97-117.,House,"Rep. Roe, Robert A. [D-NJ-8]",NJ,D,R000383,3,"(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 97-408) Municipal Wastewater Treatment Construction Grant Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require that, after October 1, 1984, treatment works grants be made only for:  (1) secondary treatment or more stringent treatment, or any cost effective alternative; (2) new interceptors and appurtenances; and (3) infiltration-in-flow correction. Extends, to September 30, 1985, the prohibition on making grants for treatment works for control of pollutant discharges from separate storm sewer systems. Prohibits Federal grants that provide assistance only for facility plans, or plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed construction of treatment works.  Provides that non-Federal funds expended during the facility planning and advanced engineering and design phase shall be reimbursed at the prevailing Federal share, if the proposed project later receives a Federal grant for construction. Authorizes each State to use up to ten percent of allotted funds for facility planning costs of potential grants applicants otherwise unable to prepare construction cost grant requests. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make a specified sewage treatment grant to the State of California. Directs the Administrator to make grants to the cities of Eureka and San Diego, California. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the request of the Governor of an affected State, to use funds from State allotments to address water quality problems caused by discharges from combined storm water and sanitary sewer overflows. Makes available to the Administrator, beginning in fiscal year 1983, specified additional funds per fiscal year to be used to address water quality problems of bays and estuaries due to such discharges not otherwise eligible for Federal payments for treatment works.  Authorizes the use of such funds upon the request of and demonstration of water quality benefits by the Governor of an affected State. Directs the Administrator to assist grant applicants to develop and file capital financing plans. Reduces the Federal share of treatment works construction grants to 55 percent beginning in fiscal year 1985. Revises formulae for determining the amount of any grant, made after September 30, 1978, for treatment works using innovative or alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques.  Sets such amount at a percentage rate of the construction cost 20 percent greater than the rate established for other treatment works grants or the modified uniform percentage rate, up to 85 percent of such costs. Extends the definition of the term ""eligible treatment works"" to cover those which can be fully funded by States in fiscal years beyond fiscal year 1981 (and which meet other specified requirements). Extends through fiscal year 1985 requirements that specified minimum amounts be expended from State allotments in order to increase the Federal share of grants for construction of treatment works utilizing innovative processes and techniques.  Revises formulae for determining such amounts. Redefines the term ""construction"" as used in such Act to include field testing of innovative or alternative waste water treatment processes and techniques that meet specified guidelines. Raises the total estimated cost limit for treatment works for which single grants may be awarded to cover the combined Federal share of plan preparation costs and construction costs.  Repeals a provision that allows a higher (than the current) limit in cases of unusually high construction costs. Revises conditions on treatment works grants to prohibit grants to construct that portion of a treatment works providing reserve capacity in excess of existing needs, with specified exceptions. Ends the prohibition against the use of publicly owned treatment works grants made after November 15, 1981, to treat, store, or convey flows from industrial users in excess of existing flow. Allows grantees in writing the specifications for bids in connection with a treatment works to use a ""brand name or equal"" description to define the performance or other requirements of a procurement. Requires that treatment works construction grants provide that the engineers or firms providing architect engineering  or supervisory services during construction shall:  (1) continue their relationship to the grant applicant for one year after the completion of construction and initial operation; (2) supervise operation and train operating personnel during such year; and (3) certify whether the treatment works meet specifications.  Requires that failures to meet specifications be corrected in a timely manner at other than Federal expense. Sets forth formulae, schedules, and procedures for the allotment of funds for treatment works grants in fiscal years 1982 through 1985. Extends a formula for specified State and territorial allotments, as well as an authorization of appropriations for such allotments, through fiscal year 1985. Sets forth a formula for reserving specified funds from each State's allotment for fiscal years 1982 through 1985.  Directs the Administrator to reserve an additional amount from State allotments to be available to States to carry out water quality management planning. Directs the Administrator to allot funds to the State of New York to pay for conveying sewage from the New York City Convention Center to the Newtown, New York, sewage treatment plant. Lowers the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1982 for treatment works construction grants. Authorizes appropriations, in such lowered amount, for fiscal years 1983 through 1985 for such purpose. Declares it congressional policy that waste treatment and management projects undertaken with Federal assistance under such Act shall be economical and cost effective and designed to achieve optimum water quality management. Requires a value engineering review in connection with grants for the erection, alteration, or extension of certain treatment works. Describes procedures for approval or disapproval of State applications for such construction grants. Extends to July 1, 1988, the period during which the Administrator may issue or modify permits to extend compliance deadlines for specified effluent limitations, in cases where reductions in the amount of financial assistance under such Act or changed conditions affecting the rate of construction beyond the control of the owner or operator will make it impossible to complete construction by July 1, 1983.  Repeals a provision that all publicly owned treatment works must comply by a certain date with specified requirements for study and evaluation of alternative waste management techniques and for application of the best practicable waste technology. Modifies permit requirements concerning pollutants discharged into marine waters. Prohibits applicants for permits concerning discharges into marine waters, other than the city of Avalon, California, from receiving such permits for one year after enactment of this Act. Provides that, for purposes of specified information and guidelines provisions, certain biological treatment facilities shall be deemed the equivalent of secondary treatment. Requires that the review, revision, adoption, or promulgation of revised or new water quality standards, pursuant to specified provisions of such Act, be completed three years after the enactment of this Act. Prohibits the making of grants for a project after such date until water quality standards are reviewed and revised, except where the Administrator has not approved or disapproved good faith State submissions within 120 days of receipt. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress concerning the Federal water pollution control program. Declares that judicial notice should be taken of this Act and that parties to Federal consent decrees concerning the construction of publicly owned treatment works should reexamine the provisions therein. Makes the publicly owned treatment works for Bath Township, Michigan, eligible for payments from sums allocated to Michigan under such Act.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-4466,97,hr,4466,"A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act pertaining to permits which modify the requirements for discharging pollutants from publicly owned treatment works into the oceans, and for other purposes.",Environmental Protection,1981-09-11,1981-12-23,Executive Comment Received From EPA.,House,"Rep. Goldwater, Barry, Jr. [R-CA-20]",CA,R,G000268,0,"Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to modify the procedures followed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in regard to treatment of pollutants discharged from publicly owned treatment works into marine waters. Makes municipalities eligible to receive permits that modify such procedures. Declares that specified costs incurred in applying for such permits shall be eligible for certain grants under such Act.  Authorizes the Administrator to increase such grants. Directs the Administrator to authorize States to administer permit programs under specified conditions. Repeals provisions in regard to applications for modifications of provisions concerning publicly owned treatment works in existence on July 1, 1977, or approved before June 30, 1974, or certain effluent limitations defined by the Administrator.",2024-02-07T16:02:17Z,
97-hr-4400,97,hr,4400,Mobile Source Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-08-04,1981-09-23,Subcommittee Hearings Held.,House,"Rep. Traxler, Bob [D-MI-8]",MI,D,T000356,61,"Mobile Source Clean Air Act Amendments of 1981 - Title I:  Amendments to Title II - Amends title II of the Clean Air Act (Emission Standards for Moving Sources, also known as the ""National Emission Standards Act"") to provide that where any national ambient air quality standard is established pursuant to such Act for any pollutant, the standard applicable to the emissions of such pollutant shall relate to the achievement of the national ambient air quality standard.  Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in prescribing any such standard, to consider specified factors, including compliance costs, potential inflationary or recessionary effects, and effects on small business competition, consumer costs, and energy use. Requires that more stringent standards shall not become effective for at least:  (1) 48 months after final prescription, in the case of heavy-duty vehicles or engines; and (2) 36 months after final prescription, in the case of all other new motor vehicles or engines. Repeals requirements that standards reflecting the greatest degree of emission reduction achievable through application of available technology be contained in regulations applicable to:  (1) emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides from heavy-duty vehicles or engines manufactured during model years 1979 through 1982; and (2) emissions of particulate matter from vehicles manufactured during and after model year 1981 (or during any earlier model year, if practicable). Repeals requirements that regulations applicable to vehicles or engines manufactured during and after model year:  (1) 1983 require a reduction of at least 90 percent of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions; and (2) 1985 require reduction of at least 75 percent of nitrogen oxides emissions. Provides for notice and opportunity for comment before the Administrator determines that any emission control device, system, or element of design will cause or contribute to an unreasonable risk to public health, welfare, or safety (and therefore may not be used to comply with emission standards).  Directs the Administrator to include specified information obtained from manufacturers in making such determination. Excludes methane from any hydrocarbon standard for motor vehicle emissions under such Act.  Directs the Administrator to establish an appropriate allowance applicable to the exhaust hydrocarbon standard for those vehicles and engines that emit low levels of evaporative hydrocarbon emissions, except that measurement of such emissions shall not be required in specified new vehicle or motor compliance tests. Revises provisions for regulations applicable to emissions from light-duty vehicles and engines. Eliminates the requirement that regulations applicable to such vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1981 require:  (1) reduction of at least 90 percent of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions from those allowable under standards applicable to 1970 models; and (2) limitation of nitrogen oxides emissions to one gram per vehicle mile. Provides also that regulations applicable to such vehicles manufactured during or after model year 1982 shall not contain standards more stringent than 0.39 grams per vehicle mile of non-methane exhaust hydrocarbons (exclusive of allowances for evaporative hydrocarbons), seven grams per vehicle mile of carbon monoxide, and two grams per vehicle mile of nitrogen oxides. Revises provisions relating to waivers of such standards.  Replaces, as a precondition for such waivers, a determination of a potential for both long-term air quality benefit and meeting average fuel economy standards with a determination of a potential to conserve energy.  Makes 500,000 units the maximum number of vehicles or engines of each model to which such waivers may apply (the current maximum is five percent of the manufacturer's production or 50,000 of such units, whichever is larger). Revises provisions relating to any future prescribed regulations affecting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles or engines for high altitude areas of the United States to require inclusion of exemptions prescribed for model year 1982 and to permit specified performance adjustments.  Prohibits more stringent numerical standards in regulation of high altitude vehicles of any model year than those applicable to vehicles certified under non-high altitude conditions. Prohibits any regulation requiring the installation, on motor vehicles or engines intended for principal use in non- high altitude locations, of any emission controls needed to meet the applicable standards under high altitude conditions. Includes among prohibited acts the failure or refusal of any manufacturer to comply with requests by the Administrator for specified information on new light-duty motor vehicles and their use at high altitudes. Revises provisions for compliance testing and conformity certification to direct the Administrator to evaluate or to require evaluation of (but not necessarily to test or require testing of):  (1) any new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine submitted by a manufacturer; and (2) any emission control system incorporated in a vehicle or engine submitted by any person.  Prohibits the revision of any test applicable to 1981 model heavy-duty vehicles or engines until after the 1986 model year. Repeals a one-year maximum limit on the period which a certificate of conformity may cover. Directs the Administrator to establish:  (1) methods and procedures for making tests for determining average emissions from vehicles; and (2) an acceptable quality level for all new motor vehicles equivalent to the level applicable to 1981 model year light-duty vehicles. Repeals a requirement that all light-duty vehicles manufactured during and after  model year 1984 comply with specified emission standards regardless of the altitude at which they are sold. Revises provisions for compliance by vehicles and engines in actual use.  Bases determinations of nonconformity with regulations by any class or category of vehicles and engines manufactured after a specified date upon the average performance in testing a statistically valid and representative sample. Permits manufacturers to elect to take other actions, in lieu of remedying such nonconformity, with respect to those or other vehicles or engines, consistent with the purposes of such title.  Directs the Administrator to consider the effects on competition, in approving a manufacturer's plan to remedy or take other actions with respect to such nonconformity. Repeals a requirement that dealers furnish purchasers of new light-duty motor vehicles certificates of conformity with applicable emission standards, including notice of purchaser warranty rights. Repeals a requirement that the manufacturer remedy, at its own cost, any nonconformity, during a specified period, of a motor vehicle with emission standards. Revises provisions relating to:  (1) State standards; and (2) high altitude performance adjustments. Provides that the foregoing amendments made by this title shall take effect with respect to vehicles and engines manufactured in model years beginning more than 60 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires that the economic impact assessment with respect to any motor vehicle emission or fuel standard or regulation under such title also contain an analysis of the noise, safety, and other factors deemed appropriate by the Administrator associated with application of any technology necessary to comply with the standard or regulation. Directs the Administrator to initiate a study and related proceedings, including appropriate informal public hearings, to:  (1) develop alternative and practicable approaches to emission control of any air pollutant, subject to such regulation, from new motor vehicles or engines; and (2) evaluate the existing control program.  Sets forth the factors to be considered by the Administrator concerning such new approach. Requires that a report of such study, including public comments, be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Congress within one year.  Sets forth criteria for proposed regulations under any such new approach. Title II:  Study and Conforming Provisions - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator, upon the request of any national association of motor vehicle dealers with a membership which includes a majority of U. S. retail franchisers selling imported and domestic new light-duty motor vehicles, to compile data relating to the availability and distribution to dealers located at high altitudes of all models of such vehicles manufactured by any specified manufacturer in a specified model year. Authorizes the Administrator to utilize specified information and to require manufacturers to submit relevant information (except information identifying shipments to individual dealers).  Directs the Administrator, within six months after such a request is made, to submit to the Congress and publish in the Federal Register a report setting forth the data so compiled, including specified information.",2025-08-29T19:49:08Z,
97-hr-4359,97,hr,4359,Public Lands Protection Act of 1981,Environmental Protection,1981-07-31,1981-08-18,"Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice.",House,"Rep. Hertel, Dennis M. [D-MI-14]",MI,D,H000547,0,"Public Lands Protection Act of 1981 - Authorizes specified parties to maintain an action, in the United States district court for the district in which the alleged violation occurred or is likely to occur, for  declaratory and equitable relief against a party for the protection of the air, water, and other natural resources of any public land or the public trust therein. Sets forth procedures concerning the rebuttal of plaintiff's evidence and the showing of an affirmative defense. Permits the court to appoint a master or referee to take testimony and report his or her findings to the court. Describes the types of relief that may be granted by the court, including temporary and permanent equitable relief. Declares that this Act shall be supplementary to existing administrative and regulatory procedures provided by law.",2025-08-29T19:49:09Z,