legislation
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179 rows where congress = 105 and policy_area = "Environmental Protection" sorted by introduced_date descending
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| 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 |
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| 105-s-2636 | 105 | s | 2636 | Clean Power Plant and Modernization Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-10-15 | 1998-10-15 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 0 | Clean Power Plant and Modernization Act of 1998 - Requires fossil fuel-fired generating units (units) that commence operation on or before ten years after this Act's enactment date to achieve and maintain a combustion heat rate efficiency of at least 45 percent (based on the higher heating value of the fuel). Sets such percentage at 50 percent for units commencing operation more than ten years after such date, unless granted a waiver. Authorizes units that commence operation more than ten years after this Act's enactment to apply to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for waivers of the heat rate efficiency standard. Grants such a waiver only if the unit owner or operator: (1) demonstrates that the technology to meet such standard is not commercially available; (2) demonstrates that, despite best technical efforts and willingness to make the financial commitment, the standard is not achievable; and (3) enters into an agreement with the Administrator to offset by a factor of 1.5 to 1, the emission reductions that the unit does not achieve because of the failure to achieve such standard. Requires units receiving waivers to achieve the 45 percent standard. (Sec. 5) Requires units, not later than ten years after this Act's enactment and regardless of the date of construction or commencement of operation, to operate in compliance with new source review requirements under the Clean Air Act (the Act). Establishes specified emission limitations for mercury, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides from units based on the respective efficiency standards. Requires units to obtain permits under the Act that require compliance with such standards and limitations. Directs the Administrator to promulgate fuel sampling and emission monitoring techniques for use by units in calculating mercury emission reductions. Provides for the submission of pollutant-specific reports by owners or operators. Makes facility-specific emission data available to the public. Requires the Administrator to promu… | 2025-08-21T16:13:59Z | |
| 105-hr-4834 | 105 | hr | 4834 | Northwest Salmon Recovery Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-10-14 | 1998-10-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman. | House | Rep. Furse, Elizabeth [D-OR-1] | OR | D | F000434 | 0 | Northwest Salmon Recovery Act of 1998 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a unified plan for salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest region whose goal is to restore sustainable naturally reproducing salmon populations to support tribal and nontribal harvest, cultural, and economic practices. (Sec. 4) Requires such plan to address: (1) treaty, trust, and Endangered Species Act responsibilities; (2) specified statutory requirements governing fish mitigation and enhancement; (3) water quality standards under the Clean Water Act; and (4) the United States-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty commitments. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretaries of Energy and of the Treasury to establish an accounting system for the Bonneville Power Administration that meets prescribed criteria. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, Energy, Commerce, and the Army to implement a specified Memorandum of Agreement and Annex adopted in 1996, including procedures for effective regional involvement and accountability in the expenditure of moneys from the Administration's fund. Prescribes administrative procedures applicable to such Memorandum of Agreement and to the unified plan. Repeals the mandate to the Northwest Planning Council to appoint an Independent Scientific Review Panel. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Natural Resources Recovery Fund for fish and wildlife restoration in the Pacific Northwest region, and for conservation and renewable energy projects. Directs the Administrator to assess specified fees and charges to ensure that the repayment costs of Washington Public Power Supply System debt is repaid and allocated to all Administration customers. Provides that such fees and charges shall be in addition to: (1) rates for power sales by the Administration; and (2) Administration transmission rates. (Sec. 7) Requires that all rates and charges received for the sale of electric energy by the Administration to its electric energy customers recover all federally incurred costs for electric energy… | 2025-08-21T16:11:12Z | |
| 105-s-2617 | 105 | s | 2617 | Credit for Voluntary Early Action Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-10-10 | 1998-10-10 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Chafee, John H. [R-RI] | RI | R | C000269 | 2 | Credit for Voluntary Early Action Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the President to enter into legally binding early action agreements with any person under which the United States agrees to provide greenhouse gas reduction credit usable beginning in the first compliance period during which a domestic greenhouse gas regulatory statute takes effect if such person reduces greenhouse gas emissions or sequesters carbon before 2008. Requires a participant to receive greenhouse gas reduction credit under such an agreement if such participant takes an action that: (1) reduces such emissions or sequesters carbon before 2008; and (2) will result in an addition to the U.S. quantified emission limitation for the first compliance period under any applicable international agreement. Authorizes agreements to entitle a participant to receive credit for a reduction or sequestration that is not creditable under such requirements and is for a project accepted before 2000 under the U.S. Initiative for Joint Implementation. Limits the period in which credit may be earned to the earlier of the earliest date on which credit may be earned for a reduction, sequestration, or comparable project under an international agreement or December 31, 2007. Grants a participant credit if, during the 1999 through 2007 period, the participant's aggregate greenhouse gas emissions from domestic sources covered by the agreement are less than the sum of the participant's annual source baselines during such period. Treats the amount by which the aggregate net carbon sequestration for such period in a participant's domestic carbon reservoirs exceeds the sum of the annual reservoir baselines for such period as an emission reduction. Sets forth circumstances under which a participant is entitled to receive one ton of reduction credit for reductions or sequestration for 1991 through 1998. Authorizes an extension of the period during which credit may be earned if the Congress so permits by law. Entitles participants, on January 1, 2008, to one t… | 2025-08-21T16:14:16Z | |
| 105-s-2620 | 105 | s | 2620 | National Clean Water Trust Fund Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-10-10 | 1998-10-10 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Robb, Charles S. [D-VA] | VA | D | R000295 | 0 | National Clean Water Trust Fund Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a National Clean Water Trust Fund to be composed of monies obtained through enforcement actions. Makes the Fund available for projects to restore waters from damages resulting from violations of such Act and from the discharge of pollutants. Authorizes the use of civil penalties obtained under such Act for mitigation, restoration, or other projects that enhance public health or the environment. | 2025-08-21T16:13:39Z | |
| 105-s-2610 | 105 | s | 2610 | A bill to amend the Clean Air to repeal the grandfather status for electric utility units. | Environmental Protection | 1998-10-09 | 1998-10-09 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT] | CT | D | L000304 | 6 | Amends the Clean Air Act to require emissions standards of performance for new or modified fossil fuel-fired electric utility units to apply to grandfathered units (units that were not subject to standards set forth in Federal regulations pertaining to fossil fuel-fired steam generators for which construction is commenced after August 17, 1971, and certain other steam generating units or to subsequent standards for such units) that: (1) have the capacity to generate more than 25 megawatts of electrical output per hour; and (2) generate electricity that flows through transmission or connected facilities that cross State lines (including electricity in a transaction that for regulatory purposes is treated as an intrastate rather than an interstate transaction). Requires grandfathered units to comply with standards established before this Act's enactment within five years of this Act's enactment and within three years of enactment of any standard established after this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to provide an alternative means of complying with such standards, to: (1) establish national annual limitations for calendar year 2003 and subsequent years for each pollutant subject to standards at a level equal to the aggregate emissions of each pollutant that would result from application of the standards to all affected electric utility units; (2) allocate transferable allowances for such pollutants to such units in an annual quantity not to exceed such limitations based on each unit's share of the total electric generation from such units in each year; and (3) require grandfathered units to meet standards by emitting no more of each regulated pollutant than the quantity of allowances held by such units for the year. | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 105-hr-4635 | 105 | hr | 4635 | To authorize States and political subdivisions of States to control the management of municipal solid waste generated within their jurisdictions, and to exempt States and political subdivisions of States from civil liability with respect to the good faith passage, implementation, and enforcement of flow control ordinances prior to May 16, 1994. | Environmental Protection | 1998-09-25 | 1998-09-30 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Minge, David [D-MN-2] | MN | D | M000795 | 0 | Authorizes States or political subdivisions to require municipal solid waste generated within their jurisdictions to be managed at a designated facility. Permits authority to be exercised only if the designated facility is in compliance with all applicable Federal and State environmental laws and regulations. Prohibits recovery of damages, costs, or attorney's fees in any claim against a State or local government (including a solid waste management district) based on the exercise of flow control authority authorized by this Act. Defines "flow control authority" as the authority to control the movement of municipal solid waste or voluntarily relinquished recyclable material and to direct such waste or material to a waste management or recyclable material facility. Applies such prohibition to cases commenced before and after this Act's enactment date, except those with respect to which a final judgment no longer subject to judicial review has been rendered. | 2025-01-02T17:51:25Z | |
| 105-hr-4584 | 105 | hr | 4584 | Environmental Justice Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-09-16 | 1998-09-30 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Lewis, John [D-GA-5] | GA | D | L000287 | 10 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Identification of Environmental High Impact Areas Title II: Enforcement Initiatives Title III: Community Participation Title IV: Identification and Prevention of Health Impacts Title V: Health Remedies Title VI: Pollution Reduction Title VII: Promotion of Green Space Title VIII: Funding Environmental Justice Act of 1998 - Title I: Identification of Environmental High Impact Areas - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a list of 20 Environmental High Impact Areas (EHIAs) that are either counties or other geographic units in which high levels of chemicals are present and in which the population is exposed to such chemicals. Provides for revision and republication of such list at least every five years. Title II: Enforcement Initiatives - Directs the Administrator and the Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to conduct compliance inspections or reviews of all toxic chemical facilities in EHIAs within one year after the publication of each EHIA list under title I. Title III: Community Participation - Requires the Administrator to make technical assistance grants for individuals in EHIAs for purposes of seeking guidance from experts to improve understanding of environmental and health concerns related to designation as an EHIA. Title IV: Identification and Prevention of Health Impacts - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue for public comment a report identifying the methodology used and nature and extent of acute and chronic impacts on human health in EHIAs as compared to non-EHIAs. (Sec. 402) Provides for a moratorium on the siting or permitting of any new toxic chemical facility in an EHIA shown to emit toxic chemicals in quantities causing significant adverse health impacts if the report finds significant adverse impacts of environmental pollution on human health in EHIAs. Permits such siting or permitting during a moratorium period only… | 2025-08-21T16:13:16Z | |
| 105-hr-4475 | 105 | hr | 4475 | To authorize the Governors of States to limit the quantity of out-of-State municipal solid waste received for disposal at landfills and incinerators in their State. | Environmental Protection | 1998-08-06 | 1998-08-28 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Klink, Ron [D-PA-4] | PA | D | K000270 | 4 | Authorizes a State Governor to limit the quantity of municipal solid waste generated outside the State that may be received for disposal in the State. | 2025-01-02T17:51:10Z | |
| 105-s-2406 | 105 | s | 2406 | A bill to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing the national primary drinking water regulations for copper in drinking water until certain studies are completed. | Environmental Protection | 1998-07-31 | 1998-07-31 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Hagel, Chuck [R-NE] | NE | R | H001028 | 0 | Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing the national primary drinking water regulations for copper under the Safe Drinking Water Act until six months after the two studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the States of Nebraska and Delaware are completed, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and reviewed by the Administrator and the State of Nebraska. | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 105-s-2377 | 105 | s | 2377 | Clean Gasoline Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-07-30 | 1998-07-30 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY] | NY | D | M001054 | 7 | Clean Gasoline Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture, sale, supply, dispensation, transport, or introduction into commerce of motor vehicle gasoline that contains a concentration of sulfur exceeding 40 parts per million per gallon of gasoline. Provides that a person shall not be in violation of such prohibition if, during a one-year period, the person engages in such an activity with respect to gasoline that contains a sulfur concentration between 40 and 80 parts per million per gallon if the average concentration of sulfur in the gasoline during the period is less than 30 parts per million per gallon. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to establish maximum and average allowable sulfur concentrations in motor vehicle gasoline that are lower than such concentrations if: (1) research conducted after this Act's enactment indicates that significant air quality benefits would result from a reduction in allowable sulfur concentration in such gasoline; or (2) advanced vehicle technologies have been developed that can significantly reduce emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles but that require gasoline with a lower concentration of sulfur than that specified under this Act. Prescribes penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the effects of the use of low sulfur motor vehicle gasoline on urban and regional air quality within six and eight years of this Act's enactment date. | 2025-08-21T16:13:17Z | |
| 105-s-2359 | 105 | s | 2359 | National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-07-27 | 1998-08-25 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 524. | Senate | Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK] | OK | R | I000024 | 10 | National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1998 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require that curricula, materials, and training programs developed with support from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education be balanced and scientifically sound. (Sec. 2) Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA. Eliminates requirements for a Director of the Office and a minimum number of staff. Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. (Sec. 3) Reduces from 25 percent to 15 percent the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000. Prohibits the use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Requires the EPA Science Advisory Board to review and approve any guidance by the EPA Administrator before it is issued to applicants for such grants. (Sec. 4) Repeals the authority for environmental internships and fellowships. (Sec. 5) Eliminates all environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. (Sec. 6) Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Requires that membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Repeals specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. (Sec. 7) Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the National Environmental Learning Foundation. Increases the size of the Foundation's Board of the Directors. Repeals the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Allows acknowledgement of donors, but prohibits such acknowledgement from: (1) appearing in educational material to b… | 2025-04-07T15:33:42Z | |
| 105-hr-4235 | 105 | hr | 4235 | Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-07-16 | 1998-10-21 | See H.R.2204. | House | Rep. John, Christopher [D-LA-7] | LA | D | J000110 | 30 | Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 - Directs the President to establish an Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia. Requires the Task Force to develop action plans on harmful algal blooms and on hypoxia. Directs the President to: (1) disestablish such Task Force after the submission of specified reports; and (2) submit a plan for reducing, mitigating, and controlling hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for research, education, and management activities related to prevention, reduction, and control of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. Amends the: (1) National Sea Grant College Program Act to expand the purposes for which a specified sum may be used for competitive grants for research on Pfiesteria piscicida and other harmful algal blooms; and (2) Coastal Zone Management Act to authorize appropriations for grants for technical assistance to support State implementation and analysis of the effectiveness of measures to prevent, reduce, mitigate, or control harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. | 2025-08-21T16:13:34Z | |
| 105-hr-4242 | 105 | hr | 4242 | Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Partnership Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-07-16 | 1998-10-10 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E2014) | House | Rep. Barcia, James A. [D-MI-5] | MI | D | B000134 | 18 | Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Partnership Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require each permit, order, or decree issued pursuant to such Act for a discharge from a combined storm and sanitary sewer to conform to the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Policy signed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on April 11, 1994. Authorizes the Administrator, notwithstanding specified compliance schedules and permit limitations, to issue or execute a permit, order, or decree for discharges from such sewers that includes a schedule for compliance with a long-term control plan for a term of up to 15 years. Provides for extensions of such term, as appropriate. Modifies any administrative or judicial decree or order issued before this Act's enactment date that establishes any deadline or schedule for the construction of treatment works for control of any discharge from a municipal combined sewer system to extend such deadlines or schedules to conform with this Act, at the request of the municipal owner or operator. Prohibits any permit, order, or decree issued pursuant to the Act from requiring compliance with water quality based requirements contained in a long-term control plan under the Control Policy unless the Administrator has completed the water quality standards-designated use review process called for in the Control Policy. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to municipalities for planning, design, and construction of facilities to intercept, transport, control, or treat combined storm and sanitary sewer flows. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1999 through 2001. Directs the Administrator to report biennially to the Congress on recommended funding levels for the two fiscal years following the date of a report on activities relating to combined storm and sanitary sewer flows. | 2025-08-21T16:14:07Z | |
| 105-hr-4227 | 105 | hr | 4227 | Justice for Displaced Residents Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-07-15 | 1998-07-27 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13] | NJ | D | M000639 | 0 | Justice for Displaced Residents Act - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to make a person liable, without regard to defenses to liability under such Act, for three times the amount of response costs or damages for which the person would otherwise be liable if: (1) at the time of disposal of a designated hazardous substance, the person owned or operated any vessel or facility at which such substance was disposed; (2) the vessel or facility is or has been subject to a removal action by the President or an equivalent State action; and (3) prior to the removal action, the person sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of the facility or vessel under circumstances in which the future residential use of the vessel or facility was reasonably foreseeable. Provides that amounts recovered under this Act are in addition to amounts recovered under existing CERCLA liability provisions. Absolves a person of liability under this Act if the person: (1) acquired the vessel or facility primarily for use as a personal residence, did not contribute to the designated hazardous substance release, and took care with respect to such substance; or (2) acquired the vessel or facility primarily for development for personal residential use, did not contribute to the release, took care with respect to the designated substance, and is an unaffiliated entity with fewer than 25 employees and less than $2 million in gross annual revenues. Makes response costs or damages under this Act recoverable by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or any person who resides or previously resided in the vessel or facility following its sale or disposal. Defines "designated hazardous substance" as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, tetrachloroethylenes, and any other hazardous substance that the Administrator may designate. | 2025-08-21T16:11:16Z | |
| 105-hr-4157 | 105 | hr | 4157 | To amend the Clean Air Act to modify the application of certain provisions regarding the inclusion of entire metropolitan statistical areas within nonattainment areas, and for other purposes. | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-25 | 1998-07-09 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Barr, Bob [R-GA-7] | GA | R | B000169 | 9 | Amends the Clean Air Act to revise procedures regarding the inclusion of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) or consolidated MSAs in nonattainment areas. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to revise the boundaries of all nonattainment areas that included such MSAs before this Act's enactment to exclude all counties within such MSAs that do not contribute significantly to a violation of the national ambient air quality standard concerned. | 2025-01-02T17:50:38Z | |
| 105-s-2218 | 105 | s | 2218 | Atlantic Coast Toxic Microorganism Environmental Remediation Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-25 | 1998-06-25 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Sarbanes, Paul S. [D-MD] | MD | D | S000064 | 4 | Atlantic Coast Toxic Microorganism Environmental Remediation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to evaluate, develop, and implement a watershed strategic master plan for each State on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to address problems associated with the degradation of ecosystems and their dependent activities resulting from toxic microorganisms in wetlands and waters. Limits to 75 percent the Federal share of the cost of evaluating, developing, and implementing such a plan for each such State. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:12:49Z | |
| 105-hr-4136 | 105 | hr | 4136 | Clean Air Common Sense Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-24 | 1998-07-02 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Wise, Robert E., Jr. [D-WV-2] | WV | D | W000654 | 15 | Clean Air Common Sense Act - Sets forth provisions regarding the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to establish a requirement that States submit measures in State implementation plans under the Clean Air Act to ensure that emission reductions are achieved to mitigate transport of ozone pollution and oxides of nitrogen emissions across States included in the Ozone Transport Assessment Group Region (relating to the eastern portion of the United States). Prohibits: (1) the promulgation of a final rule to establish such requirement before the expiration of the one-year period beginning on the date the Administrator publishes notice that data described in this Act is publicly available; and (2) such rule from becoming effective before the later of May 1, 2005, or the expiration of the five-year period beginning on the date the rule is promulgated. Directs the Administrator, during the one-year period beginning on this Act's enactment, to collect data that the States in such region develop through air quality monitoring and modeling with respect to oxides of nitrogen and other pollutants to be regulated for purposes of a specified 1997 proposed rulemaking. Makes data publicly available after the expiration of such period. Establishes additional time frames with respect to the Administrator's findings, and denial of petitions, regarding sources that emit oxides of nitrogen or other pollutants to be regulated under the proposed rulemaking in violation of interstate pollution abatement requirements. Amends the Clean Air Act, with respect to provisions regarding reclassification of an ozone nonattainment area upon failure to attain standards, to extend the deadline by which the Administrator is required to determine whether an area attained a standard by the applicable attainment date to two years (currently, six months) following such date. | 2025-08-21T16:13:13Z | |
| 105-hr-4094 | 105 | hr | 4094 | Brownfield Redevelopment and Environmental Revitalization Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-19 | 1998-06-30 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Franks, Bob [R-NJ-7] | NJ | R | F000349 | 1 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Financial Support for Brownfield Site Remediation Title II: Financial Support for Brownfield Site Prevention and Redevelopment Brownfield Redevelopment and Environmental Revitalization Act of 1998 - Title I: Financial Support for Brownfield Site Remediation - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to provide grants to States and local governments to inventory and conduct site assessments of, and other pre-cleanup activities at, brownfield sites. (Sec. 102) Directs the Administrator to establish a program of grants to States and local governments for capitalization of loan programs for brownfield site cleanup by the locality or owner or prospective purchaser. (Sec. 103) Makes amounts in the Hazardous Substance Superfund (the Fund) available for carrying out such grant programs. Authorizes appropriations from the Fund. (Sec. 104) Imposes funding limitations. (Sec. 107) Authorizes appropriations to carry out the site assessment and loan capitalization programs. Title II: Financial Support for Brownfield Site Prevention and Redevelopment - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a credit that is 50 percent of the costs: (1) paid or incurred by the taxpayer for environmental remediation of any qualified contaminated site which is owned by the taxpayer; and (2) incurred by the taxpayer pursuant to an environmental remediation plan for such site which was approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Prohibits the environmental remediation credit from being determined unless the Administrator certifies that the remediation plan has been completed. Requires the credit to be taken into account ratably over the applicable five-year taxable period if the Administrator certifies that such plan has been completed. Permits a taxpayer to cease such remediation if: (1) the cost of completing the remediation plan exceeds 200 percent of the estimated costs of completing such plan; and (2) the State or … | 2025-08-21T16:13:40Z | |
| 105-s-2189 | 105 | s | 2189 | Water Conservation and Quality Incentives Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-18 | 1998-06-18 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] | OR | D | W000779 | 1 | Water Conservation and Quality Incentives Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the use of State water pollution control revolving funds for assistance to eligible recipients for construction of water conservation improvements and of water quality improvements or practices. Defines "eligible recipients," for purposes of assistance for water conservation improvements, as specified parties located in a State that has enacted laws that: (1) provide a water user who invests in such an improvement with a right to use water conserved by the improvement; (2) provide authority to reserve minimum flows of streams; and (3) prohibit transactions that adversely affect existing water rights. Bars the use of water conserved through such improvements for the irrigation of land that has not been previously irrigated. | 2025-08-21T16:13:00Z | |
| 105-s-2180 | 105 | s | 2180 | Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-16 | 1998-10-21 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12843-12844) | Senate | Sen. Lott, Trent [R-MS] | MS | R | L000447 | 64 | Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled… | 2025-08-21T16:15:02Z | |
| 105-hr-4047 | 105 | hr | 4047 | Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-11 | 1998-06-25 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Deutsch, Peter [D-FL-20] | FL | D | D000275 | 0 | Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of 1998 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority or other appropriate agencies of the State of Florida or Monroe County, Florida. Makes eligible for such grants projects to: (1) replace inadequate wastewater treatment systems in the County; (2) establish, replace, or improve stormwater management systems in the County; or (3) improve water quality in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Requires such grants to be consistent with specified growth management ordinances and agreements, policies of the Water Quality Steering Committee, and Federal water quality standards. Sets forth conditions on grants, including non-Federal cost share and planning and assessment requirements. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:13:13Z | |
| 105-hr-3984 | 105 | hr | 3984 | To require the Secretary of Energy to establish an Office of River Protection at the Hanford Reservation, Richland, Washington, for the management of Hanford Tank Farm operations. | Environmental Protection | 1998-06-03 | 1998-09-28 | Executive Comment Requested from DOD. | House | Rep. Hastings, Doc [R-WA-4] | WA | R | H000329 | 0 | Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Office of River Protection at the Hanford Reservation, Richland, Washington, headed by a senior Department of Energy (DOE) official responsible for managing all aspects of the Tank Waste Remediation System (Hanford Tank Farm operations), including those portions under privatization contracts. Makes the Office responsible for developing an integrated management plan for all aspects of the Tank Farm operations. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit such integrated management plan to certain congressional committees within 90 days after enactment of this Act; and (2) report to the Congress on the success of Office and Tank Farm operations in improving the DOE management structure after such Office has been in operation for two years. | 2025-06-06T14:17:56Z | |
| 105-s-2062 | 105 | s | 2062 | Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-05-12 | 1998-05-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Warner, John [R-VA] | VA | R | W000154 | 0 | Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1998 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled… | 2025-08-21T16:14:56Z | |
| 105-hr-3807 | 105 | hr | 3807 | American Economy Protection Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-05-07 | 1998-05-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Knollenberg, Joe [R-MI-11] | MI | R | K000288 | 117 | American Economy Protection Act - Prohibits the use of Federal funds to implement the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, unless or until the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification of the Protocol. Prohibits Federal agencies from having authority to promulgate regulations to limit the emissions of carbon dioxide, unless a law is enacted specifically granting such authority. | 2025-08-21T16:14:00Z | |
| 105-sres-224 | 105 | sres | 224 | A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding an international project to evaluate and facilitate the exchange of advanced technologies. | Environmental Protection | 1998-05-06 | 1998-05-06 | Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4449-4450) | Senate | Sen. Stevens, Ted [R-AK] | AK | R | S000888 | 5 | Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should instruct the Secretary of Energy to consider the Advanced Technology Research Project and report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on: (1) whether the United States should encourage the establishment of an international project to facilitate the evaluation and international exchange of data relating to advanced nuclear waste technologies; (2) whether such project could be funded privately and administered by an international nongovernmental, nonprofit organization, with operations in countries that have an interest in developing such technologies; and (3) any legislation that the Secretary believes would be required to enable such a project to be undertaken. | 2016-10-26T06:32:06Z | |
| 105-hr-3791 | 105 | hr | 3791 | Omnibus Mercury Emissions Reduction Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-05-05 | 1998-05-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Allen, Thomas H. [D-ME-1] | ME | D | A000357 | 8 | Omnibus Mercury Emissions Reduction Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to establish standards for mercury and mercury compound emissions applicable to: (1) electric utility steam generating units; (2) coal- and oil-fired commercial and industrial boiler units that have a maximum design heat input capacity of ten mmBtu (millions of British thermal units) per hour or greater; (3) chlor-alkali plants that use the mercury cell production process; and (4) dust from Portland cement plants. Requires such units and plants to have permits no later than two years after this Act's enactment. Prescribes a minimum required emission reduction, such that a unit or plant reduce annual poundage of mercury emitted below its mercury emission baseline by at least 95 percent. Authorizes emission trading among electric utility or coal- and oil-fired units contained at a single site if the aggregate annual reduction from all units is at least 95 percent. Requires the Administrator to authorize methods of control of mercury emissions. Sets forth permit requirements, including requirements for monitoring and analysis, inspection, entry, compliance certification, and reporting. Establishes specific mercury emission baselines for classes of electric utility and coal- and oil-fired boiler units, including those in operation before January 1, 1995, and those beginning operation after this Act's enactment. Requires the regulations to ensure that mercury that is captured or recovered is disposed of in a manner that ensures that: (1) the mercury hazards are not transferred from one environmental medium to another; and (2) there is no release of mercury into the environment. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of long-term research to develop and disseminate information on methods such as separating, solidifying, recycling, and encapsulating mercury-bearing waste so that the mercury does not volatize, migrate to groundwater or … | 2025-08-21T16:14:52Z | |
| 105-s-2019 | 105 | s | 2019 | Economic Growth and Sovereignty Protection Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-04-30 | 1998-04-30 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Ashcroft, John [R-MO] | MO | R | A000356 | 0 | Economic Growth and Sovereignty Protection Act - Prohibits the use of Federal funds to implement the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, unless or until the Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification of the Protocol. Prohibits Federal agencies from having authority to promulgate regulations to limit the emissions of carbon dioxide, unless a law is enacted specifically granting such authority. | 2025-08-21T16:13:07Z | |
| 105-s-1915 | 105 | s | 1915 | Omnibus Mercury Emissions Reduction Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-04-02 | 1998-04-02 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] | VT | D | L000174 | 3 | Omnibus Mercury Emissions Reduction Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to establish standards for mercury and mercury compound emissions applicable to: (1) electric utility steam generating units; (2) coal- and oil-fired commercial and industrial boiler units that have a maximum design heat input capacity of ten mmBtu (millions of British thermal units) per hour or greater; (3) chlor-alkali plants that use the mercury cell production process; and (4) dust from Portland cement plants. Requires such units and plants to have permits no later than two years after this Act's enactment. Prescribes a minimum required emission reduction, such that a unit or plant reduce annual poundage of mercury emitted below its mercury emission baseline by at least 95 percent. Authorizes emission trading among electric utility or coal- and oil-fired units contained at a single site if the aggregate annual reduction from all units is at least 95 percent. Requires the Administrator to authorize methods of control of mercury emissions. Sets forth permit requirements, including requirements for monitoring and analysis, inspection, entry, compliance certification, and reporting. Establishes specific mercury emission baselines for classes of electric utility and coal- and oil-fired boiler units, including those in operation before January 1, 1995, and those beginning operation after this Act's enactment. Requires the regulations to ensure that mercury that is captured or recovered is disposed of in a manner that ensures that: (1) the mercury hazards are not transferred from one environmental medium to another; and (2) there is no release of mercury into the environment. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of long-term research to develop and disseminate information on methods such as separating, solidifying, recycling, and encapsulating mercury-bearing waste so that the mercury does not volatize, migrate to groundwater or … | 2025-08-21T16:11:39Z | |
| 105-s-1923 | 105 | s | 1923 | Federal Facilities Clean Water Compliance Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-04-02 | 1998-04-02 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Coverdell, Paul [R-GA] | GA | R | C000813 | 2 | Federal Facilities Clean Water Compliance Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to waive immunity of the United States with respect to Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements pertaining to water pollution control, including requirements for permits or reporting, injunctive relief, sanctions to enforce relief, payment of reasonable service charges, administrative orders, and penalties or fines. Absolves Federal employees of personal liability for civil penalties under water pollution control laws for acts or omissions within the scope of official duties. Makes Federal employees subject to criminal sanctions under Federal or State water pollution control laws, but prohibits applying criminal sanctions to Federal agencies. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to pursue enforcement actions against Federal agencies under the Act. Requires States, unless a State law or constitution requires otherwise, to use penalties collected from the Federal Government under the Act only for projects to improve or protect the environment or to defray the costs of environmental protection or enforcement. Includes Federal agencies within the definition of "person" for purposes of the Act. | 2025-08-21T16:14:39Z | |
| 105-hr-3627 | 105 | hr | 3627 | Brownfield Community Empowerment Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-04-01 | 1998-06-09 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1] | IL | D | R000515 | 31 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup Title II: Department of Housing and Urban Development Brownfield Grants Brownfield Community Empowerment Act - Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a program to award grants to local governments and citizens' organizations to inventory brownfield sites, conduct brownfield site assessments, and provide training and support to residents and local citizens in assessment, cleanup, and related activities with respect to brownfields and associated waterways and wetlands. Defines a "brownfield site" as a parcel of land that contains or contained abandoned or under-used commercial or industrial facilities, the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Requires States to submit information to the Administrator on brownfield sites. Directs the Administrator to compile a National Brownfields Registry. (Sec. 112) Requires the Administrator to establish a program to award grants to be used by local governments to capitalize revolving loan funds for the cleanup of brownfield sites and associated properties, rivers, and streams. Authorizes local governments to provide such loans to finance cleanups by such governments or by owners or prospective purchasers of brownfield sites. Gives priority to grant applications that: (1) propose the creation of jobs or job training programs or use existing programs; or (2) involve projects for brownfields located within any empowerment zone or enterprise community. Requires grant recipients to report to the Administrator on the extent of local citizen involvement in funded projects. (Sec. 113) Authorizes appropriations from the Hazardous Substance Superfund (Superfund) for such grants for FY 1999 through 2003. Makes certain facilities ineligible for the grant program, including facilities tha… | 2025-08-21T16:12:15Z | |
| 105-hr-3690 | 105 | hr | 3690 | Clean Air Common Sense Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-04-01 | 1998-04-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Wise, Robert E., Jr. [D-WV-2] | WV | D | W000654 | 26 | Clean Air Common Sense Act - Sets forth provisions regarding the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency's authorities to establish a requirement that States submit measures in State implementation plans under the Clean Air Act to ensure that emission reductions are achieved to mitigate transport of ozone pollution and oxides of nitrogen emissions across States included in the Ozone Transport Assessment Group Region (relating to the eastern portion of the United States). Prohibits: (1) the promulgation of a final rule to establish such requirement before the expiration of the one-year period beginning on the date the Administrator publishes notice that data described in this Act is publicly available; and (2) such rule from becoming effective before the later of May 1, 2005, or the expiration of the five-year period beginning on the date the rule is promulgated. Directs the Administrator, during the one-year period beginning on this Act's enactment, to collect data that the States in such region develop through air quality monitoring and modeling with respect to oxides of nitrogen and other pollutants to be regulated for purposes of a specified 1997 proposed rulemaking. Makes data publicly available after the expiration of such period. Establishes additional time frames with respect to the Administrator's findings, and denial of petitions, regarding sources that emit oxides of nitrogen or other pollutants to be regulated under the proposed rulemaking in violation of interstate pollution abatement requirements. | 2025-08-21T16:11:59Z | |
| 105-hr-3595 | 105 | hr | 3595 | Superfund Improvement Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-03-30 | 1998-06-09 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Manton, Thomas J. [D-NY-7] | NY | D | M000117 | 30 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup Subtitle A: Innocent Landowners and Prospective Purchaser Liability Subtitle B: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup Subtitle C: State Voluntary Response Programs Title II: Liability Title III: Remedy Title IV: Community Participation and Human Health Subtitle A: Community Participation Subtitle B: Human Health Subtitle C: General Provisions Title V: Natural Resource Damages Title VI: Federal Facilities Title VII: State Roles Title VIII: Funding Title IX: Miscellaneous Title X: 5-Year Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund Superfund Improvement Act of 1998 - Title I: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup - Subtitle A: Innocent Landowners and Prospective Purchaser Liability - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), with respect to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made (under current law, "undertaken") appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that an environmental site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements (compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard or with standards issued by the President) and the person fulfills certain responsibilities concerning information compilation, exercise of appropriate care with respect to hazardous substances at the facility, and cooperation with those conducting response actions. (Sec. 102) Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecov… | 2025-08-21T16:12:53Z | |
| 105-hr-3505 | 105 | hr | 3505 | Revised Ozone and Particulate Matter Standards Implementation Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-03-19 | 1998-03-31 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Dooley, Calvin M. [D-CA-20] | CA | D | D000424 | 1 | Revised Ozone and Particulate Matter Standards Implementation Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to provide that all requirements of such Act regarding the implementation of a revised national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) shall apply to the eight-hour ozone and revised particulate matter (PM) standards, except as specified in this Act. Defines the "eight-hour ozone standard" as the NAAQS (primary and secondary) for ozone as revised on July 18, 1997. Makes existing additional provisions relating to ozone nonattainment areas inapplicable to areas that have attained air quality meeting the one-hour ozone standard. Defines the "one-hour ozone standard" as the NAAQS (primary) for ozone existing prior to July 18, 1997. Provides that States shall not be required to prepare maintenance plans for areas that have attained such standard. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to authorize States to establish cap and trade programs to control regional transport of oxides of nitrogen under which a regional limitation is set on pollutant emissions and sources are allowed to trade emissions credits to achieve required reductions. Authorizes States that establish such programs by December 31, 1999, to extend the term of air pollution control permits by up to two years. Provides for a transitional classification for areas attaining the one-hour standard by December 31, 1999, but not attaining the eight-hour standard, subject to certain State implementation plan (SIP) submissions. Sets forth additional requirements for areas ineligible for transitional classification and allows such areas, after December 31, 2000, to petition to be subject to the eight-hour standard in lieu of the one-hour standard. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt transitional areas from specific ozone requirements on a case by case basis. Continues the application of the existing PM-10 NAAQS (primary) to areas that have not attained such standard as of July 18, 1997. Makes the new PM standards inapplicable until … | 2025-08-21T16:11:37Z | |
| 105-hr-3441 | 105 | hr | 3441 | National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-03-11 | 1998-03-27 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families. | House | Rep. Klug, Scott L. [R-WI-2] | WI | R | K000274 | 15 | National Environmental Education Amendments Act of 1998 - Amends the National Environmental Education Act to require that curricula, materials, and training programs developed with support from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Environmental Education be balanced and scientifically sound. Requires that implementation of the Act be through EPA. Eliminates requirements for a Director and a minimum number of staff. Allows activities to be carried out through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts. Reduces from 25 percent to 15 percent the percentage of funds to be obligated for environmental education grants of not more than $5,000. Prohibits the use of grants for certain lobbying activities. Repeals the authority for environmental internships and fellowships. Eliminates all environmental education awards provided for under such Act, except the President's Environmental Youth Awards. Revises requirements for membership on the National Environmental Education Advisory Council. Requires that membership on the Federal Task Force on Environmental Education be open to representatives of any Federal agency actively engaged in environmental education. (Under current law, membership must include specified agency representatives.) Repeals specific requirements for contents of Advisory Council reports. Changes the name of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation to the National Environmental Learning Foundation. Increases the size of the Foundation's Board of the Directors. Repeals the prohibition on the transmission of logos or other means of identification on materials donated to the Foundation for environmental education and training use. Allows acknowledgment of donors, but prohibits such acknowledgment from: (1) appearing in educational material to be presented to students; and (2) identifying a donor by means of a logo, letterhead, or other corporate commercial symbol, slogan, or product. Extends through FY 2004 the authorization of appropriations to the EPA for su… | 2025-08-21T16:11:37Z | |
| 105-hr-3262 | 105 | hr | 3262 | Children's Protection and Community Cleanup Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-02-25 | 1998-06-09 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6] | NJ | D | P000034 | 61 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Remedy Title II: Community Participation and Human Health Subtitle A: Community Participation Subtitle B: Human Health Subtitle C: General Provisions Title III: Right to Know Title IV: Environmental Justice Title V: Children's Environmental Health Title VI: Brownfield Remediation and Environmental Cleanup Subtitle A: Brownfields Subtitle B: Innocent Landowners and Prospective Purchaser Liability Subtitle C: Department of Housing and Urban Development Brownfield Grants Title VII: Natural Resource Damages Title VIII: Federal Facilities Title IX: Liability Title X: Funding Title XI: Miscellaneous Children's Protection and Community Cleanup Act of 1998 - Title I: Remedy - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to revise general rules for the selection of remedial cleanup actions. Removes a provision requiring the President to specifically address the long-term effectiveness of various alternative treatment or resource recovery technologies. Requires remedial actions to: (1) make contaminated property available for beneficial use to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) protect uncontaminated groundwater and surface water, wherever technically feasible, and restore such water to beneficial uses in a reasonable time period given the circumstances of the release of the hazardous substance concerned. Lists minimum factors to be taken into account by the President in assessing alternative remedial actions and selecting remedial actions. Requires selected remedial actions, unless the President determines that a risk-based standard for a contaminant is based on data and assumptions adequate to assure protection of children's health, to reduce contamination to background levels (where more stringent) with respect to such contaminant, to the maximum extent technically feasible.… | 2025-08-21T16:14:21Z | |
| 105-hr-3232 | 105 | hr | 3232 | Farm Sustainability and Animal Feedlot Enforcement Act | Environmental Protection | 1998-02-12 | 1998-02-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Miller, George [D-CA-7] | CA | D | M000725 | 9 | Farm Sustainability and Animal Feedlot Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make it unlawful, except in compliance with a permit issued under this Act, to discharge pollutants from concentrated animal feeding operations. Requires permits, at a minimum, to specify the surface water and groundwater monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements necessary to ensure that no discharge of pollutants is occurring from such operations. Provides that permits shall require operation in conformance with: (1) applicable effluent limitations and standards of performance under the Act; and (2) an approved waste management plan. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish guidance on the preparation and implementation of waste management plans for concentrated animal feeding operations. Lists minimum required elements of such plans. Provides for submission of plans by operators to the Administrator for approval. Requires revision of guidance at least every five years. Directs the Administrator to revise regulations to ensure that concentrated animal feeding operations employ the best available technology economically achievable or, in the case of new or expanded operations, the best available demonstrated technology necessary to achieve no pollutant discharge. Requires effluent limitations and pretreatment standards for new and existing operations and standards of performance for new operations to, at a minimum and within specified time frames: (1) require that new containment structures and waste application systems be sited and constructed to minimize the risk of pollutant discharges to water; (2) prohibit the use of unlined containment structures or those that pose a significant risk of water pollution; (3) eliminate open-air lagoons for the storage of animal waste; (4) eliminate discharges of pollutants to surface water and groundwater; (5) eliminate the atmospheric deposition of nutrients derived from such operations to water; (6) significantly red… | 2025-08-21T16:13:07Z | |
| 105-hr-3238 | 105 | hr | 3238 | NPDES Permit Gap Prevention Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-02-12 | 1998-02-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-5] | TX | R | S000250 | 19 | NPDES Permit Gap Prevention Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide that if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or a State with an approved permit program does not reissue or withdraw a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit on or before the permit's expiration date, the permit shall remain in full force and effect and new discharges may be authorized under such permit until reissued or withdrawn. | 2025-08-21T16:13:28Z | |
| 105-s-1639 | 105 | s | 1639 | Federal Facilities Community Right-To-Know Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1998-02-12 | 1998-02-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Coverdell, Paul [R-GA] | GA | R | C000813 | 0 | Federal Facilities Community Right-To-Know Act of 1998 - Amends the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 to include the United States in the definition of "person" under such Act (thus providing for coverage of Federal facilities). | 2025-08-21T16:12:36Z | |
| 105-hr-3180 | 105 | hr | 3180 | Innovative Environmental Strategies Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1998-02-11 | 1998-03-03 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, and in addition to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman. | House | Rep. Dooley, Calvin M. [D-CA-20] | CA | D | D000424 | 8 | Innovative Environmental Strategies Act of 1997 - Authorizes owners or operators of facilities subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, requirements, policies, or practices to submit proposals for innovative environmental strategies for achieving better environmental results to the EPA Administrator. Excludes rules for emissions reductions under the Clean Air Act and certain reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 from the definition of "rule." Authorizes the Administrator to enter into an innovative environmental strategy agreement with a facility upon approval of the proposal and subject to other specified requirements. Permits such agreements to: (1) modify or waive otherwise applicable EPA rules, requirements, policies, or practices; (2) establish new environmental standards for a facility; or (3) establish new requirements not contained in existing rules or statutes. Bars such agreements from contravening the specific terms of a statute. Declares that such agreements should further the purposes of environmental statutes. Requires the Administrator to establish procedures under which a person other than the owner or operator may cosponsor a proposal. Gives priority to proposals cosponsored by stakeholder groups. Sets forth requirements for the stakeholder participation process. Permits the Administrator to limit the number of stakeholder participants if it is determined that such participants adequately represent the full range of interests (excluding competitive business interests) that may be affected by the innovative environmental strategy. Lists conditions for the approval of agreements, including that a strategy is expected to achieve better environmental results. Requires the Administrator to give great weight to stakeholders in determining whether to approve or disapprove a strategy. Sets forth conditions under which the Administrator shall deny a proposal if individual stakeholders object. Provides that if a proposed strategy … | 2025-08-21T16:13:32Z | |
| 105-s-1576 | 105 | s | 1576 | A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to permit the exclusive application of California State regulations regarding reformulated gasoline in certain areas within the State. | Environmental Protection | 1998-01-28 | 1998-09-16 | Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-879. | Senate | Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] | CA | D | F000062 | 0 | Amends the Clean Air Act to allow reformulated gasoline rules of States for which a certain waiver is in effect (permitting them to enforce State motor vehicle emissions standards) to apply in an ozone nonattainment area in lieu of Environmental Protection Agency-promulgated requirements if the State rules will achieve reductions in the aggregate mass of emissions of toxic air pollutants and the aggregate mass of emissions of ozone-forming compounds at least as great as would result from application of the Federal requirements. | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 105-hr-3042 | 105 | hr | 3042 | Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-13 | 1998-02-11 | Became Public Law No: 105-156. | House | Rep. Kolbe, Jim [R-AZ-5] | AZ | R | K000306 | 1 | Environmental Policy and Conflict Resolution Act of 1997 - Amends the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental and Native American Public Policy Act of 1992 to include on the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation the chairperson of the President's Council on Environmental Quality. Revises the purposes and authority of the Foundation to include establishment of the United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution to assist the Government in implementing environmental assessment provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Establishes the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund in the Treasury for the establishment and operation of the Institute. Establishes procedures for use by a Federal agency of the Foundation and the Institute to provide assessment, mediation, or related services in connection with a dispute or conflict related to the environment, public lands, or natural resources. Authorizes appropriations to the Fund for capitalization and operation costs. | 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z | |
| 105-hr-3065 | 105 | hr | 3065 | Less Pollution Through Technology Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-13 | 1997-12-09 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, and in addition to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman. | House | Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-16] | CA | D | L000397 | 2 | Less Pollution Through Technology Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and implement a performance-based measurement system to facilitate the use of new environmental monitoring technologies, particularly monitoring required to demonstrate compliance with laws and regulations. Deems existing analytical methods to be acceptable to the Administrator until determined otherwise. Deems performance-based measurement systems to be equivalent to existing EPA analytical methods for purposes of compliance with environmental statutes and regulations. Requires the Administrator to establish a Performance-Based Measurement System Advisory Committee. Directs the Administrator to submit a plan to establish a performance-based measurement system approval process to the Congress. | 2025-08-21T16:13:41Z | |
| 105-s-1553 | 105 | s | 1553 | Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-13 | 1997-11-13 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. D'Amato, Alfonse [R-NY] | NY | R | D000018 | 1 | Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the dumping in Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound of dredged material exceeding 25,000 cubic yards from any Federal or non-Federal project that contains any of the constituents prohibited as other than trace contaminants (as defined by certain Federal ocean dumping criteria set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations), except where it is demonstrated to and certified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency that such dumping will not cause significant undesirable effects, including the threat associated with bioaccumulation of such constituents in marine organisms. Requires any dumping of dredged material in Long Island Sound or Block Island Sound from a Federal project pursuant to Federal authorization, or by a non-Federal applicant, exceeding 25,000 cubic yards, to comply with specified criteria under the Act relating the effects of dumping. | 2025-08-21T16:11:24Z | |
| 105-hr-2980 | 105 | hr | 2980 | National Beverage Container Recycling Initiative Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-09 | 1997-12-09 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Allen, Thomas H. [D-ME-1] | ME | D | A000357 | 0 | National Beverage Container Recycling Initiative Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit the sale of beer, ale, or other drinks produced by fermenting malt, soda or noncarbonated water, and all nonalcoholic carbonated or noncarbonated drinks in liquid form (except for dairy products) in beverage containers by retailers and distributors unless such containers carry a refund value of five cents. Bars sales of wine and spirits unless their beverage containers carry a refund value of 15 cents. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amount at ten-year intervals. Requires: (1) distributors to collect from retailers or redemption centers the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers; and (2) retailers to collect from consumers the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires retailers and distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands (in the same kind and size of container) sold. Authorizes retailers to limit the daily amount of containers accepted from any one person. Directs distributors to pay annually to a State unclaimed refund amounts (the amount by which the total refund value of all containers sold by distributors exceeds the amount paid by distributors to persons in that State). Makes unclaimed refunds available to a State for carrying out pollution prevention and recycling programs. Prohibits distributors and retailers from: (1) selling beverages in metal beverage containers with detachable openings; and (2) disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Makes this Act inapplicable to States that have adopted requirements substantially similar to those under this Act. Prohibits States or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act. | 2025-08-21T16:14:03Z | |
| 105-hr-3000 | 105 | hr | 3000 | Superfund Reform Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-09 | 1998-06-22 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Oxley, Michael G. [R-OH-4] | OH | R | O000163 | 45 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Remedy Selection Title II: Liability Title III: Brownfields Title IV: Natural Resource Damages Title V: State Role Title VI: Federal Facilities Title VII: Community Participation Title VIII: Miscellaneous Title IX: Funding Subtitle A: Expenditures From the Hazardous Substance Superfund Subtitle B: 5-Year Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund Superfund Reform Act - Title I: Remedy Selection - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to revise remedy selection provisions. Requires final remedies for nonthreshold carcinogens to limit cumulative, lifetime additional cancer risk from exposure to hazardous substances from releases at the facility concerned to within the range of one in 10,000 to one in 1 million for the affected population or subpopulation. Requires exposure assessments to be consistent with the current and reasonably anticipated uses of land, water, and other resources identified by the President. Directs the President, for purposes of selecting appropriate methods of remediation for a given facility, to identify current and reasonably anticipated uses of land, water, and other resources at and around the facility and the timing of such uses. Requires the President, in identifying current and reasonably anticipated future groundwater uses, to defer to State determinations regarding such uses where the State has made such determination on a facility-specific basis. Prohibits, unless the State has made a determination otherwise, the use of groundwater from being identified as drinking water for groundwater: (1) that contains more than 10,000 milligrams per liter total dissolved solids; (2) that is so contaminated by naturally occurring conditions or by the effects of human activity unrelated to a specific activity that restoration of drinking water quality is impracticable; or (3) if the potential source of… | 2025-08-21T16:14:44Z | |
| 105-hr-3020 | 105 | hr | 3020 | Brownfields Reclamation Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-09 | 1997-11-24 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Stokes, Louis [D-OH-11] | OH | D | S000948 | 0 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Federal Support for State Voluntary Cleanup Programs Title II: Tax Incentive for the Assessment, Cleanup, and Brownfields Property-Site Economic Redevelopment Title III: Limiting Out-Year Environmental Risk Liability Title IV: Environmental Assessment and Cleanup Research, Development, and Deployment Title V: Encouraging Public-Private-Community Partnerships Title VI: Annual Program Evaluation Brownfields Reclamation Act of 1997 - Title I: Federal Support for State Voluntary Cleanup Programs - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to facilitate and sustain State voluntary cleanup programs by: (1) encouraging State and tribal governments to formulate cleanup, redevelopment, and reuse programs that meet specified criteria; (2) encouraging State programs to assure community participation in decisions regarding brownfields properties, cleanup, redevelopment, and reuse; (3) providing funding for site inventories, inspections, and assessments and grants for the establishment of revolving funds; and (4) providing technical assistance for brownfields programs. Defines "brownfields" as abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by environmental contamination and where conditions, constraints, or circumstances exist that may be detrimental to public health or the environment. Title II: Tax Incentive for the Assessment, Cleanup, and Brownfields Property-Site Economic Redevelopment - Requires the Administrator to work with the Comptroller of the Currency to revise the Community Reinvestment Act Credit to include giving credit to banks that provide loans for the assessment, cleanup, or redevelopment of brownfields properties. Declares that the purpose of the tax incentive is to encourage site reuse by permitting the deductibility of certain remediation costs. Directs the Administrator to allocate tax incentives among States wi… | 2025-08-21T16:11:19Z | |
| 105-s-1497 | 105 | s | 1497 | Equity and Public Involvement in Superfund Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-09 | 1998-10-21 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12909-12910) | Senate | Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] | NJ | D | L000123 | 0 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Enhanced Community Participation Title II: Liability Equity and Public Involvement in Superfund Act of 1997 - Title I: Enhanced Community Participation - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to define: (1) "affected community" as a group of two or more individuals who may be affected by the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant from a covered facility; and (2) "covered facility" as a facility listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List (NPL) at which the President is undertaking a removal action expected to exceed one year or a specified funding limit or with respect to which the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has accepted a petition requesting a health assessment and that is under investigation by the Administrator (Administrator) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (Sec. 102) Requires the President to make all records in the administrative record, with stated exceptions, available to an affected community throughout all phases of a response action. (Sec. 103) Sets forth requirements for expanded public participation in the response action process. Authorizes a member of a local community to propose a remedial action alternative in the same manner as any other interested party. Directs the President to assist in the establishment of a community advisory group for a covered facility to achieve direct and meaningful communication among community members throughout the response action process if: (1) requested by a specified amount of residents of the area in which the facility is located or of any local government; or (2) such group would achieve the purposes of this Act. Requires the President to consult with the group in developing and implementing the response action for a covered facility. Directs the President to ensure that the membership of such group reflects the composition of the affected c… | 2025-08-21T16:11:13Z | |
| 105-hr-2952 | 105 | hr | 2952 | Indoor Air Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-08 | 1997-11-20 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8] | MA | D | K000110 | 1 | Indoor Air Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish: (1) a list of common significant indoor air health risks; and (2) concurrently with such list, voluntary guidelines for identifying, reducing, and preventing such risks. Requires the Administrator to give priority to conducting and providing financial or other assistance to studies concerning indoor air quality. Directs the Administrator to: (1) report to the Congress on persons operating contractor businesses engaged in the identification, reduction, and prevention of significant indoor air health risks and on the need for a program to certify contractors engaged in such activities; and (2) establish a voluntary certification program for contractors engaged in the identification of such risks. Imposes fees for certification. Authorizes the suspension or revocation of certifications for violations of certification requirements. Directs the Administrator to publish and disseminate the list of common significant indoor air health risks, the guidelines for identifying, reducing, and preventing such risks, and indoor air health advisories addressing the health effects of such risks. Requires the Administrator to develop a voluntary program to provide Federal recognition to buildings that are operated and maintained to prevent or minimize such risks and that provide significant energy efficiency benefits. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States and local governments to implement programs to identify, reduce, and prevent such risks. Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to implement a Building Assessment Program to provide assistance and guidance to employers and employees on measures to reduce such risks. Authorizes the Director, at the request of an employer or employee, to conduct on-site assessments of buildings. Directs the Administrator to ensure that the presentation of information on significant indoor air health risks is unbiased and informativ… | 2025-08-21T16:15:01Z | |
| 105-hr-2961 | 105 | hr | 2961 | To permit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to enter into cooperative research and development agreements for environmental protection. | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-08 | 1997-11-18 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment. | House | Rep. Olver, John W. [D-MA-1] | MA | D | O000085 | 0 | Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enter into cooperative research and development agreements with colleges and universities, State environmental protection agencies, and nonprofit organizations to participate in a cooperative research unit to develop research and training programs relating to environmental protection. Limits EPA's participation in the cooperative research unit to: (1) the assignment by the Administrator of EPA scientific personnel to serve at the unit; (2) the provision of assistance for the work of researchers on environmental protection projects; (3) the provision of equipment; and (4) the payment of incidental expenses of EPA personnel and employees of other entities assigned to the unit. | 2024-02-07T15:21:41Z | |
| 105-s-1480 | 105 | s | 1480 | Harmful Algal Bloom Research and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-08 | 1998-09-30 | Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 667. | Senate | Sen. Snowe, Olympia J. [R-ME] | ME | R | S000663 | 10 | Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 - Establishes the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia and requires it to develop plans for comprehensive, coordinated, and timely Federal responses to: (1) harmful algal blooms; and (2) hypoxia in U.S. coastal waters. Requires the Task Force to submit three annual reports to the Congress and the President. Authorizes the President to disestablish the Task Force after submission of its third annual report. Requires the Task Force to submit to the Congress and the President an integrated assessment of hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Directs the President to develop and submit to the Congress a plan based on that assessment for reducing, mitigating, and controlling hypoxia in that area. Mandates publication of a report summary for public comment before submission to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of Commerce for research, education, and management related to the prevention, reduction, and control of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to allow specified amounts to be used for competitive grants for university research, education, training, and advisory services (currently, for university research) on Pfiesteria piscicida and other harmful algal blooms. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for technical assistance to support State implementation and analysis of the effectiveness of measures to prevent, reduce, mitigate, or control harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. | 2025-04-07T15:34:08Z | |
| 105-hr-2910 | 105 | hr | 2910 | Mercury Environmental Risk and Comprehensive Utilization Reduction Initiative | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-07 | 1997-11-25 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. | House | Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6] | NJ | D | P000034 | 3 | Mercury Environmental Risk and Comprehensive Utilization Reduction Initiative - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to prohibit the sale or offering for sale of an alkaline or lead-acid battery unless the container is clearly labeled with a refund value, to be determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency according to class or category. Requires distributors of batteries to collect amounts of refund values from retailers and retailers to collect such amounts from consumers. Establishes procedures for return of refund values (and handling costs) and disposition of refunds that are unclaimed or in excess of amounts collected. Makes amounts of unclaimed refunds available for pollution prevention and recycling programs in the State. Prohibits disposal of such a battery by a retailer or distributor in any landfill or other solid waste disposal facility. Makes the refund program's requirements inapplicable in States with procedures substantially identical to those imposed by this Act or which demonstrate a battery recycling or reuse rate of at least 70 percent. Establishes civil penalties for violations of refund program requirements. Prohibits, with stated exceptions, the intentional introduction of mercury to packaging or a packaging component during manufacturing or distribution. Sets threshold levels for mercury presence in packaging or components. Requires manufacturers and suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance to purchasers and make such certificates available, upon request, to the public. Establishes civil penalties for violation of these prohibitions. Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to prohibit the Administrator from registering or reregistering any fungicide containing phenylmercuric acetate and cancels existing registrations of such fungicides. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the use and disposal of mercury by the Department of Defense. Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a program to the … | 2025-08-21T16:12:51Z | |
| 105-hr-2914 | 105 | hr | 2914 | Sound Science for the Environment Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-07 | 1997-11-13 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Basic Research. | House | Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3] | NJ | R | S000097 | 92 | Sound Science for the Environment Act - Authorizes and directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a National Institute for the Environment to: (1) initiate, facilitate, and perform comprehensive assessments of the current state of knowledge of environmental issues and their implications; (2) establish a Center for Environmental Assessment; (3) award competitively grants and contracts for extramural scientific research; (4) establish an Office of Research and a universally accessible National Library for the Environment; and (5) sponsor education and training of environmental scientists and professionals and improve public environmental literacy. Establishes a Board of Governors for the Institute. Requires the Institute to be operated by a nonprofit organization under contract with the NSF. Provides for interagency acquisition of information and requires the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council or an equivalent body to serve as an Interagency Advisory Committee to ensure that the scientific efforts of the Institute and Federal agencies are complementary. Makes scientists, engineers, and other researchers eligible to receive funding from the Institute. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:12:24Z | |
| 105-s-1386 | 105 | s | 1386 | A bill to facilitate the remediation of contaminated sediments in the waters of the United States. | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-06 | 1997-11-06 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI] | MI | D | L000261 | 1 | Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish final numerical sediment quality criteria for the ten toxic, persistent, or bioaccumulative substances that are most likely to adversely affect human health and the environment. Provides for review and revision of the list of such substances every three years. Directs the Administrator to revise the hazard ranking system (part of the national hazardous substance response plan under CERCLA) to ensure that the system more accurately assesses the health and environmental risks from aquatic sites with contaminated sediments (as such term is applied under provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) dealing with contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes). Prohibits such assessment from including consideration of costs of carrying out response actions or requiring identification of the source of a hazardous substance release. Authorizes the Administrator to expend up to $3 million per fiscal year out of the Hazardous Substance Superfund to carry out response and other corrective actions at facilities containing contaminated sediments (as such term is applied under the Clean Water Act provisions). Requires the Administrator, from the national survey of data regarding aquatic sediment quality conducted under the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, to identify the 20 facilities containing contaminated sediments (as such term is applied under the Clean Water Act provisions) that are most likely to adversely affect health and the environment and that have not been the subject of Federal or State response actions or other corrective actions. Directs the Administrator to prepare and submit to the Congress a comprehensive scoring package under the hazard ranking system for each facility unless a State or remedial action planning committee objects to the assessment necessary for scoring in an area or watershed under i… | 2025-01-14T17:12:38Z | |
| 105-hr-2823 | 105 | hr | 2823 | National Urban Watershed Model Restoration Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-11-05 | 1997-11-17 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large] | DC | D | N000147 | 4 | National Urban Watershed Model Restoration Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to develop and carry out a pilot program to serve as a national model for the restoration of urban watersheds and community environments. Requires such program to be carried out in the Anacostia River watershed, District of Columbia and Maryland. Authorizes the Administrator to set aside amounts for grants to local community groups and nonprofit organizations to foster community involvement in the decision making process, environmental educational goals, and restoration strategies. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:13:38Z | |
| 105-s-1348 | 105 | s | 1348 | Innovative Environmental Strategies Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-30 | 1997-10-30 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Lieberman, Joseph I. [D-CT] | CT | D | L000304 | 4 | Innovative Environmental Strategies Act of 1997 - Authorizes owners or operators of facilities subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, requirements, policies, or practices to submit proposals for innovative environmental strategies for achieving better environmental results to the EPA Administrator. Excludes rules for emissions reductions under the Clean Air Act and certain reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 from the definition of "rule." Authorizes the Administrator to enter into an innovative environmental strategy agreement with a facility upon approval of the proposal and subject to other specified requirements. Permits such agreements to: (1) modify or waive otherwise applicable EPA rules, requirements, policies, or practices; (2) establish new environmental standards for a facility; or (3) establish new requirements not contained in existing rules or statutes. Bars such agreements from contravening the specific terms of a statute. Declares that such agreements should further the purposes of environmental statutes. Requires the Administrator to establish procedures under which a person other than the owner or operator may cosponsor a proposal. Gives priority to proposals cosponsored by stakeholder groups. Sets forth requirements for the stakeholder participation process. Permits the Administrator to limit the number of stakeholder participants if it is determined that such participants adequately represent the full range of interests (excluding competitive business interests) that may be affected by the innovative environmental strategy. Lists conditions for the approval of agreements, including that a strategy is expected to achieve better environmental results. Requires the Administrator to give great weight to stakeholders in determining whether to approve or disapprove a strategy. Sets forth conditions under which the Administrator shall deny a proposal if individual stakeholders object. Provides that if a proposed strategy … | 2025-08-21T16:13:02Z | |
| 105-hr-2762 | 105 | hr | 2762 | Wetlands and Watershed Management Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-29 | 1997-12-09 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Gilchrest, Wayne T. [R-MD-1] | MD | R | G000180 | 0 | Wetlands and Watershed Management Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to include wetlands in the definition of "navigable waters." Declares that areas certified by the Secretary of Agriculture as prior converted cropland are not navigable waters unless cropping has ceased and the area meets the definition of wetland. Defines "wetlands" as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil conditions. Directs the Secretary of the Army (Secretary), acting through the Chief of Engineers, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture, to use the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987) in carrying out provisions regarding permits for discharges of dredged or fill material into navigable waters unless a new manual has been formally adopted. Requires any new manual to specifically consider the recommendations of the 1995 National Academy of Sciences report concerning the characteristics and boundaries of wetlands. Directs the Secretary to develop materials and conduct training courses for consultants, State and local governments, and landowners explaining the use of the 1987 Manual in the delineation of wetland areas. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator to develop supplemental technical criteria and procedures pertaining to wetland hydrology, soils, and vegetation for identification of regional wetland types. Makes the alteration (including draining, dredging, and excavation) of navigable waters unlawful, except as in compliance with the Act. Requires applicants for Federal permits (for potential discharges into, or alterations of, navigable waters) to provide a certification from the State where the discharge or alteration originates that the discharge or alteration will comply with applicable provisions of th… | 2025-08-21T16:13:54Z | |
| 105-s-1332 | 105 | s | 1332 | State Environmental Audit Protection Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-29 | 1997-11-12 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12535-12536) | Senate | Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY] | WY | R | E000285 | 0 | State Environmental Audit Protection Act - Amends Federal law to allow State laws to provide that: (1) voluntary environmental audit reports shall not be subject to discovery under Federal, State, or local law or be admissible as evidence in Federal, State, or local judicial actions or administrative proceedings; (2) individuals performing such audits shall not be required to give testimony in such actions or proceedings; and (3) an entity that promptly discloses information about noncompliance with specified Federal environmental and other laws (covered laws) that is discovered through an audit or compliance management system may be protected from an enforcement action in such actions or proceedings. Makes protections from discovery or testimony inapplicable to information that is otherwise required to be disclosed under law. Makes protection unavailable with respect to noncompliance with a covered Federal law that is not discovered voluntarily or that is the result of a willful and knowing violation or gross negligence by the entity disclosing the information. Bars Federal agencies from: (1) refusing to delegate enforcement authority under a covered Federal law to a State or local agency or to approve a State or local program under such a law because the State has a voluntary environmental audit incentive law in effect; (2) making a permit, contract, or settlement agreement contingent on a person waiving any protection under such State law; or (3) taking any other action that has the effect of requiring a State to rescind or limit any protection of such law. Requires States to report annually to the appropriate Federal agencies on the performance of such laws in order for the protections to apply. Amends the Small Business Act to expand the duties of small business development centers to include assisting small businesses in complying with requirements necessary to receive protections provided by State voluntary environmental audit incentive laws. | 2025-08-21T16:13:21Z | |
| 105-hr-2750 | 105 | hr | 2750 | Superfund Cleanup Acceleration and Liability Equity Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-28 | 1998-06-09 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Barcia, James A. [D-MI-5] | MI | D | B000134 | 3 | TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Remedy Selection Title II: Liability and Allocation Title III: Community Participation and Human Health Subtitle A: Community Participation Subtitle B: Human Health Subtitle C: General Provisions Title IV: Natural Resource Damages Title V: State Role Title VI: General Provisions Superfund Cleanup Acceleration and Liability Equity Act - Title I: Remedy Selection - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to revise provisions regarding general rules for remedy selection. Requires exposure assessments to be consistent with the current and reasonably anticipated uses of land, water, and other resources identified by the President. Directs the President, for purposes of selecting appropriate methods of remediation for a given facility, to identify current and reasonably anticipated uses of land, water, and other resources at and around the facility and the timing of such uses. Permits land use assumptions restricting future use to be used in evaluating remedial alternatives only to the extent that institutional controls meeting specified criteria have been or will be adopted in the final remedy. Requires the President, in identifying current and reasonably anticipated future groundwater uses, to defer to State determinations regarding such uses where the State has made such determination on a facility-specific basis. Prohibits the use of groundwater from being identified as drinking water for groundwater: (1) that contains more than 10,000 milligrams per liter total dissolved solids; (2) that is so contaminated by naturally occurring conditions or by the effects of human activity unrelated to a specific activity that restoration of drinking water quality is impracticable; or (3) if the potential source of drinking water is physically incapable of yielding 150 gallons per day of water to a well or spring without adverse environmental consequences. Directs the Pre… | 2025-08-21T16:11:28Z | |
| 105-s-1321 | 105 | s | 1321 | A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to permit grants for the national estuary program to be used for the development and implementation of a comprehensive conservation and management plan, to reauthorize appropriations to carry out the program, and for other purposes. | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-28 | 1998-07-09 | Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-819. | Senate | Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ] | NJ | D | T000317 | 20 | Amends the Clean Water Act to require grants made under the National Estuary Program to be used for assisting activities necessary for the development and implementation of conservation and management plans (currently, for research and other technical work necessary for the development of such plans). Reauthorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 1999 through 2004. | 2025-04-07T15:32:30Z | |
| 105-hr-2733 | 105 | hr | 2733 | Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-24 | 1998-06-09 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Tauzin, W. J. (Billy) [R-LA-3] | LA | R | T000058 | 310 | Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1997- Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve persons (other than owners or operators) who arranged for the recycling of recyclable material from liability for environmental response actions. Deems transactions involving scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, or rubber (other than whole tires) to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that the following criteria were met: (1) the recyclable material met a commercial specification grade and a market existed for the material; (2) a substantial portion of the material was made available for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of a new saleable product; (3) the material (or product to be made from the material) could have been a replacement for a virgin raw material; and (4) with respect to transactions occurring 90 days after this Act's enactment, the person exercised reasonable care to determine that the facility where the material would be managed by another was in compliance with Federal, State, or local environmental laws or regulations. Deems transactions involving scrap metal to be arranging for recycling if the person who arranged the transaction demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; (2) he or she complied with applicable standards regarding activities associated with the recycling of scrap metals; and (3) the scrap metal was not melted prior to the transaction. Deems transactions involving spent lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, or other batteries to be arranging for recycling if the person involved demonstrates that: (1) the criteria for scrap materials were met; and (2) he or she complied with applicable Federal environmental regulations or standards regarding such batteries. Makes the exemptions from liability under this Act inapplicable if the person: (1) had an objectively reasonable basis to believe at the time of the recycling transaction that the recyclable material would not be recycled … | 2025-08-21T16:13:06Z | |
| 105-hr-2741 | 105 | hr | 2741 | To provide a conditional exemption under section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, relating to discharges of dredged or fill material, for maintenance of certain flood control projects. | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-24 | 1998-01-28 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. McKeon, Howard P. "Buck" [R-CA-25] | CA | R | M000508 | 17 | Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt maintenance and repair of partially vegetated flood control channels that are components of flood control projects from regulation under provisions regarding permits for discharges of dredged or fill material. | 2025-04-07T15:23:27Z | |
| 105-s-1317 | 105 | s | 1317 | Environmental Health Protection Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-24 | 1997-10-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] | NJ | D | L000123 | 1 | Environmental Health Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to require the President to notify State, local, and tribal public health authorities whenever a release (or threat of release) of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant has occurred or is about to occur and such release is under investigation pursuant to CERCLA. Provides that in a public health emergency, exposed persons shall be eligible for referral to licensed or accredited health care providers. (Currently, such persons are eligible for admission to hospitals and other facilities and services operated by the Public Health Service.) Requires the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to prepare toxicological profiles of hazardous substances that are not currently on the list of those that pose a most significant threat to human health but have been detected at covered facilities and are determined to pose a significant potential health threat due to known or suspected toxicity to humans and potential for human exposure. Defines "covered facilities" as facilities: (1) that are listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List (NPL); (2) at which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is undertaking a removal action that is anticipated to exceed one year or a specified funding limit; or (3) with respect to which the ATSDR Administrator has approved a petition for a health assessment or related health activity. Includes Indian tribes in the list of individuals to whom the ATSDR Administrator is required to provide consultations on health issues related to hazardous substance exposure. Provides for cooperation with Indian tribes with respect to certain ATSDR activities. Directs the ATSDR Administrator to perform a health assessment or related health activity for each covered facility (currently a health assessment for each NPL facility). Applies existing authorities related to assessments… | 2025-08-21T16:12:58Z | |
| 105-hr-2727 | 105 | hr | 2727 | Superfund Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-23 | 1998-06-17 | Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4641) | House | Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-23] | NY | R | B000586 | 45 | Title I: Remedy Selection and Environmental Standards Title II: Community Participation and Human Health Subtitle A: Community Participation Subtitle B: Human Health Title III: Liability Reform Title IV: Brownfields Revitalization Title V: State Role Title VI: Natural Resources Damages Title VII: Oil Pollution Title VIII: Miscellaneous Title IX: Funding Subtitle A: Expenditures From the Hazardous Substance Superfund Subtitle B: 5-Year Extension of Hazardous Substance Superfund Superfund Acceleration, Fairness, and Efficiency Act - Title I: Remedy Selection and Environmental Standards - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to revise remedy selection provisions. Authorizes remedial actions to achieve protection of human health and the environment through: (1) treatment that reduces the toxicity, mobility, or volume of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants; (2) natural attenuation; (3) containment or other controls to limit exposure or release; (4) removal of contaminated media; (5) a combination of treatment, containment, and removal; or (6) other methods of protection. (Current law requires that actions in which treatment which permanently and significantly reduces the volume, toxicity, or mobility of such substances is a principal element are to be preferred over actions not involving such treatment.) Requires the President to give preference to remedies that include a treatment component for discrete areas within a facility that contain: (1) high concentrations of highly toxic substances that present such a threat to human health or the environment that it would be imprudent to rely solely on remedies that exclude such component; or (2) high concentrations of such substances that cannot be controlled reliably through engineered barriers and therefore could present such threats if not treated. Directs the President, i… | 2025-08-21T16:14:32Z | |
| 105-hr-2654 | 105 | hr | 2654 | To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to permit States and political subdivisions to control the disposal of out-of-State municipal solid waste within their boundaries. | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-09 | 1997-10-27 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Greenwood, James C. [R-PA-8] | PA | R | G000439 | 0 | Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) to authorize State Governors to impose limitations or prohibitions on the receipt of out-of-State municipal solid waste by landfills or incinerators. Permits a political subdivision: (1) notwithstanding such limitation or prohibition, to permit incinerators or landfills located in the subdivision to receive such waste; and (2) in the absence of such a limitation or prohibition, to impose a limitation or prohibition on the receipt of such waste by incinerators or landfills in the subdivision. Exempts the following from this Act's authorities: (1) solid waste identified as a hazardous waste under the SWDA; (2) solid waste resulting from a response action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or a comparable State law or from a corrective action under the SWDA; (3) recyclable materials that have been separated from waste destined for disposal; (4) materials and products returned from a dispenser or distributor to the manufacturer for credit, evaluation, and possible reuse; (5) specified solid waste that is generated by an industrial facility and is transported to a facility affiliated with the generator for purposes of treatment, storage, or disposal; and (6) medical waste that is not mixed with other solid waste. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 105-hr-2670 | 105 | hr | 2670 | To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to permit grants for the national estuary program to be used for the development and implementation of a comprehensive conservation and management plan, to reauthorize appropriations to carry out the program, and for other purposes. | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-09 | 1997-10-23 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Saxton, Jim [R-NJ-3] | NJ | R | S000097 | 37 | Amends the Clean Water Act to require grants made under the National Estuary Program to be used for assisting activities necessary for the development and implementation of conservation and management plans (currently, for research and other technical work necessary for the development of such plans). Reauthorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 1998 through 2003. | 2025-04-07T14:47:00Z | |
| 105-hr-2627 | 105 | hr | 2627 | Asthma Inhalers Regulatory Relief Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-07 | 1997-11-14 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Foley, Mark [R-FL-16] | FL | R | F000238 | 29 | Asthma Inhalers Regulatory Relief Act of 1997 - Bars the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, under title VI of the Clean Air Act, from prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, or sale of metered-dose inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons unless the Administrator and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs jointly certify to the Congress that alternatives are available for all populations of inhaler users that are comparable in terms of safety, effectiveness, costs, and retail availability. | 2025-08-21T16:12:25Z | |
| 105-hr-2601 | 105 | hr | 2601 | To exempt prescribed burning on national forestlands from regulation under the Clean Air Act. | Environmental Protection | 1997-10-01 | 1997-10-15 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Rogan, James E. [R-CA-27] | CA | R | R000386 | 4 | Amends the Clean Air Act to suspend the application of such Act to prescribed burning carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture on national forest system lands for purposes of demonstrating that an aggressive prescribed burning program over time will lower the total amount of particulate produced from combined outputs of prescribed fires and wildfires. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 105-s-1224 | 105 | s | 1224 | Federal Facility Superfund Compliance Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-26 | 1997-09-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Allard, Wayne [R-CO] | CO | R | A000109 | 1 | Federal Facility Superfund Compliance Act of 1997 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to subject each department, agency, and instrumentality of the Federal Government to all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements and other laws relating to response or restoration actions or management of hazardous waste, pollutants, or contaminants (current law refers only to compliance with CERCLA provisions) in the same manner and to the same extent as a nongovernmental entity. Waives any U.S. immunity otherwise applicable with respect to any such requirement. Absolves Federal employees of personal liability for civil penalties under Federal or State law relating to response actions or management of hazardous substances for acts or omissions within the scope of official duties. Makes Federal employees subject to criminal sanctions under such laws, but exempts Federal agencies from such sanctions. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an abatement order to a Federal entity and requires initiation of an administrative enforcement action in the same manner and under the same circumstances as action would be initiated against any other person. Removes provisions for application (and preemption) of State laws concerning removal and remedial action at Federal facilities not on the National Priorities List. Precludes interagency remedial action agreements from impairing or diminishing State, local, individual, or court authority to enforce requirements of State or Federal law, unless such requirements have been addressed or waived without objection after notice to the State. | 2025-08-21T16:14:49Z | |
| 105-hr-2479 | 105 | hr | 2479 | To authorize a study by the National Academy of Sciences on the migration of plutonium underground at the Nevada Test Site. | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-16 | 1997-10-27 | Executive Comment Requested from DOE. | House | Rep. Ensign, John [R-NV-1] | NV | R | E000194 | 1 | Instructs the Secretary of Energy to contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report to the Congress on: (1) the extent and manner of plutonium migration from each test location at the Nevada Test Site; (2) the extent of its expected future migration; and (3) the potential for current and future human exposure and possible health risks to communities. Urges that such study consider: (1) all future potential routes of exposure, such as use of contaminated groundwater as drinking water; and (2) potential future trends in population growth over the next 1,000 years in the Nevada Test Site vicinity. | 2025-06-06T14:17:56Z | |
| 105-hr-2485 | 105 | hr | 2485 | Common Sense Superfund Liability Relief Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-16 | 1998-06-09 | See H.R.2727. | House | Rep. Stupak, Bart [D-MI-1] | MI | D | S001045 | 22 | Common Sense Superfund Liability Relief Act of 1997 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to absolve of liability for response actions a person who does not impede a response action or natural resource restoration to the extent liability is based solely on arrangement, transportation, or acceptance provisions relating to disposal or treatment of hazardous substances and such activities only involved municipal solid waste or sewage sludge possessed by the person and the person is: (1) the owner, operator, or lessee of residential property; (2) a small business; or (3) a small nonprofit organization. Adds provisions related to defenses to liability of an owner of after-acquired property, to deem a person to have made (under current law, "undertaken") appropriate inquiry into the property's previous ownership and uses if the person establishes that an environmental site assessment was conducted which meets specified requirements (compliance with an American Society for Testing and Materials standard or with standards issued by the President) and the person fulfills certain responsibilities concerning information compilation, exercise of appropriate care with respect to hazardous substances at the facility, and cooperation with those conducting response actions. Absolves from liability for response actions bona fide prospective purchasers to the extent liability at a facility for a release or threat thereof is based solely on ownership or operation of a facility. Gives a lien upon a facility to the United States for unrecovered response costs in any case in which there are such unrecovered costs for which the owner is not liable by reason of this section and the facility's fair market value has increased above that which existed 180 days before the action was taken. | 2025-08-21T16:11:33Z | |
| 105-s-1176 | 105 | s | 1176 | State and Local Government Participation Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-15 | 1997-09-15 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Thomas, Craig [R-WY] | WY | R | T000162 | 1 | State and Local Government Participation Act of 1997 - Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to require Federal officials, prior to making environmental impact statements on proposed actions and legislative proposals, to obtain the comments of Federal and State agencies and county governments (currently, Federal agencies) which have jurisdiction or special expertise with respect to involved environmental impacts. | 2025-08-21T16:12:06Z | |
| 105-hr-2451 | 105 | hr | 2451 | Children's Environmental Protection Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-10 | 1997-09-19 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman. | House | Rep. Moran, James P. [D-VA-8] | VA | D | M000933 | 17 | Children's Environmental Protection Act - Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to state U.S. policy regarding protection of vulnerable subpopulations from exposure to environmental pollutants. Defines "vulnerable subpopulations" as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with a history of serious illness, and other subpopulations identified by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as likely to experience elevated health risks from environmental pollutants. Directs the Administrator to: (1) consistently and explicitly evaluate environmental health risks to vulnerable subpopulations in all risk assessments and characterizations, environmental and public health standards, and general regulatory decisions; (2) ensure that all EPA standards protect such subpopulations with an adequate margin of safety; (3) develop and use a separate assessment with respect to such subpopulations; and (4) issue revised standards, after reevaluation, that meet the criteria of this Act. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify pollutants commonly used or found in areas reasonably accessible to children; (2) create and review at least annually a list of substances with known, likely, or suspected health risks to children and a list of safer-for-children substances and products for use in such areas; (3) establish guidelines to reduce and eliminate exposure to pollutants in such areas, including advice on integrated pest management; (4) create a family right-to-know information kit; and (5) make all information described above publicly available. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services to: (1) coordinate and support the development and implementation of research initiatives to examine the health effects and toxicity of pesticides and other pollutants on vulnerable subpopulations; and (2) report to the Congress. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:11:42Z | |
| 105-s-1152 | 105 | s | 1152 | National Environmental Technology Achievement Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-08 | 1997-09-08 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] | AZ | R | M000303 | 0 | National Environmental Technology Achievement Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of Commerce to present an annual National Environmental Technology Achievement Award. Requires the Award to recognize the premier technology that advances U.S. ability to prevent and clean up sources of land, air, and water pollution. Establishes the National Environmental Technology Achievement Award Panel. | 2025-08-21T16:13:35Z | |
| 105-hr-2415 | 105 | hr | 2415 | To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act concerning the effect of administrative orders on civil penalty actions. | Environmental Protection | 1997-09-05 | 1997-09-18 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Condit, Gary A. [D-CA-18] | CA | D | C000670 | 0 | Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt from certain civil penalties violations subject to administrative orders that occur at publicly owned treatment works utilizing innovative or alternative technology funded by Environmental Protection Agency construction grants which failed to meet design performance specifications during a period in which additional funding is being sought, or design and construction are occurring pursuant to an authorization of such funding, for modification or replacement facilities. | 2025-04-07T15:24:09Z | |
| 105-hr-2374 | 105 | hr | 2374 | DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-08-01 | 1997-08-14 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] | NY | D | L000480 | 20 | DeLauro-Lowey Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the authorization of appropriations for the State water pollution control revolving fund program through FY 2004. Requires a specified percentage (increasing with each succeeding fiscal year) of such appropriations to be used for capitalization grants for estuary plans to qualified States. Prohibits a qualified State from submitting an estimate of needs unless the estimate is approved by each management conference that is implementing an approved estuary plan and of which the State is a member. Makes States that fail to submit approved need estimates ineligible for assistance. Directs States to establish separate Estuary Accounts in their water pollution control revolving funds, to be used for implementing approved estuary plans. Permits loans made with Account funds to be for terms of up to 40 years or for the useful life of a facility constructed with the loan, whichever is less, if the borrower demonstrates financial hardship. Establishes a State matching requirement for deposits into Accounts. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants for the implementation of estuary conservation and management plans. Authorizes appropriations. Permits certain grants under the National Estuary Program to be used for interim actions adopted by management conferences to protect the water and sediment quality of estuaries. Extends the authorization of appropriations for management conferences, grants, conservation and management plans, and research under the National Estuary Program through FY 2002. Requires a management conference to be convened for at least five years (currently, not to exceed five years). Sets forth conditions under which management conferences may be extended or terminated. Sets forth provisions regarding the reconvening of conferences. Revises approval and implementation procedures for estuary conservation and management plans and establishe… | 2025-08-21T16:11:37Z | |
| 105-hr-2328 | 105 | hr | 2328 | Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-31 | 1997-08-18 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Condit, Gary A. [D-CA-18] | CA | D | C000670 | 12 | Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1997 - Amends Clean Air Act provisions regarding State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards to require a State, for each upwind area which causes or significantly contributes to a violation of the ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision that requires the upwind area to either: (1) reduce emissions of ozone or its precursors by an amount necessary to mitigate impacts to pollution concentrations in the downwind area commensurate with the level of contribution caused; or (2) make payments to the State or the air quality district as compensation to the downwind area for the costs of emission reduction measures to fully mitigate the impacts of transported pollutants. Directs States which cause or significantly contribute to violations of such standards (upwind States) in another State (downwind area) to revise plan provisions for interstate pollution abatement to meet the requirements described above. Requires a State, for each Moderate ozone nonattainment area determined to cause or significantly contribute to a violation of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area or State, to submit a plan revision including all provisions necessary for an enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program described in provisions concerning Serious areas and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Requires amendment by a State of its plan for maintenance (required when a State requests redesignation of a nonattainment area as an area which has attained the national ambient air quality standard) to include measures for such an inspection program if the area concerned is causing or significantly contributing to a violation of such standards for ozone in a downwind area or State. Provides for amendments to maintenance plans in upwind areas and States that cause or significantly contribute to violations of such standards in downwind areas or States to require imp… | 2025-08-21T16:14:30Z | |
| 105-hr-2365 | 105 | hr | 2365 | Acid Deposition Control Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-31 | 1997-08-08 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Solomon, Gerald B. H. [R-NY-22] | NY | R | S000675 | 23 | Acid Deposition Control Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Nitrogen Oxide Allowance Program under which the contiguous States and the District of Columbia will be allocated allowances, beginning in the year 2000, to emit limited monthly amounts of nitrogen oxides. Allocates such allowances in proportion to a State's share of total electric power generated in the contiguous States. Sets forth requirements for the intrastate distribution of allowances among affected facilities (facilities with combustion units that serve an electricity generator with a minimum capacity of 25 megawatts) by a State or the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations: (1) authorizing allowances to be transferred among affected facilities or persons; and (2) for issuing and tracking the use and transfer of allowances. Permits unused allowances to be carried forward for subsequent years. Requires the Administrator, for States for which the Administrator distributes allowances, to place ten percent of the total allowances in a new source reserve. Provides for the auctioning and sale of undistributed allowances in such reserve during 2003 through 2005. Distributes auction proceeds to affected sources in proportion to the number of allowances that would have been received but for the auction. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate or limit allowances. Makes it unlawful, after January 1, 2000, for: (1) the owner or operator of an affected facility to emit nitrogen oxides exceeding the amount permitted by allowances held by such facility; or (2) any person to hold, use, or transfer such allowances, except as provided under this Act. Repeals the nitrogen oxides emission reduction program under the Clean Air Act. Bars the use of an allowance before the calendar year for which the allowance is allocated. Amends the Clean Air Act to require owners or operators of industrial facilities with a minimum capacity of 100 million British thermal units (mmBtus) per hour to… | 2025-08-21T16:11:50Z | |
| 105-hres-211 | 105 | hres | 211 | Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the conditions for the United States becoming a signatory to any international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-31 | 1997-08-21 | Referred to the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade. | House | Rep. Knollenberg, Joe [R-MI-11] | MI | R | K000288 | 102 | Declares that the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997 or thereafter which would: (1) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex 1 Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period; or (2) result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Calls for any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification to be accompanied by: (1) a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement it; and (2) an analysis of the detailed financial costs which would be incurred by, and other impacts on, the U.S. economy. | 2024-02-07T11:38:03Z | |
| 105-s-1097 | 105 | s | 1097 | Acid Deposition Control Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-31 | 1998-10-06 | Subcommittee on Air, Wetlands, Property, & Nuclear. Hearings held. | Senate | Sen. Moynihan, Daniel Patrick [D-NY] | NY | D | M001054 | 5 | Acid Deposition Control Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Nitrogen Oxide Allowance Program under which the contiguous States and the District of Columbia will be allocated allowances, beginning in the year 2000, to emit limited monthly amounts of nitrogen oxides. Allocates such allowances in proportion to a State's share of total electric power generated in the contiguous States. Sets forth requirements for the intrastate distribution of allowances among affected facilities (facilities with combustion units that serve an electricity generator with a minimum capacity of 25 megawatts) by a State or the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations: (1) authorizing allowances to be transferred among affected facilities or persons; and (2) for issuing and tracking the use and transfer of allowances. Permits unused allowances to be carried forward for subsequent years. Requires the Administrator, for States for which the Administrator distributes allowances, to place ten percent of the total allowances in a new source reserve. Provides for the auctioning and sale of undistributed allowances in such reserve during 2003 through 2005. Distributes auction proceeds to affected sources in proportion to the number of allowances that would have been received but for the auction. Authorizes the Administrator to terminate or limit allowances. Makes it unlawful, after January 1, 2000, for: (1) the owner or operator of an affected facility to emit nitrogen oxides exceeding the amount permitted by allowances held by such facility; or (2) any person to hold, use, or transfer such allowances, except as provided under this Act. Repeals the nitrogen oxides emission reduction program under the Clean Air Act. Bars the use of an allowance before the calendar year for which the allowance is allocated. Amends the Clean Air Act to require owners or operators of industrial facilities with a minimum capacity of 100 million British thermal units (mmBtus) per hour to… | 2025-12-19T17:42:06Z | |
| 105-s-1084 | 105 | s | 1084 | Ozone and Particulate Matter Research Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-29 | 1997-10-22 | Subcommittee on Air, Wetlands, Property, & Nuclear. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-355. | Senate | Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK] | OK | R | I000024 | 23 | Ozone and Particulate Matter Research Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) request the National Academy of Sciences to convene an independent panel of scientists with expertise on the health effects of air pollution to establish priorities for research on the health effects of particulate matter; and (2) report the panel's recommendations to the Congress. Requires the President to establish the Particulate Matter Interagency Committee to develop recommendations for, and periodically evaluate, a program to coordinate the activities of Federal agencies engaged in research on health effects of particulate matter that ensures that such research advances the prioritized agenda of the panel. Directs the Administrator to: (1) review the air quality criteria and standards under the Clean Air Act for ozone and particulate matter; and (2) determine whether to retain or revise such standards and criteria or promulgate new ones. Authorizes the Administrator to require State implementation plans under such Act to require ambient air quality monitoring for fine particulate matter. Provides for grants to States to carry out such monitoring. Reinstates the national ambient air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter in effect on July 15, 1997. Bars revision of such standards until the Administrator's scientific review under this Act is completed. Directs the National Institutes of Health to begin a research program to study the health effects of allergens on asthmatics, particularly in inner city areas. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-12-19T17:42:06Z | |
| 105-hr-2222 | 105 | hr | 2222 | Federal Facilities Clean Water Compliance Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-23 | 1997-08-04 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. DeFazio, Peter A. [D-OR-4] | OR | D | D000191 | 13 | Federal Facilities Clean Water Compliance Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Act) to waive immunity of the United States with respect to Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements, administrative authorities, sanctions, and penalties concerning water pollution control. Absolves Federal employees of personal liability for civil penalties under water pollution control laws for acts or omissions within the scope of official duties. Makes Federal employees subject to criminal sanctions under Federal or State water pollution control laws, but prohibits applying criminal sanctions to Federal agencies. Permits the imposition of civil penalties or the issuance of compliance orders against Federal agencies determined to be in violation of specified water pollution control or permit requirements. Authorizes the suspension or revocation of permits. Permits the issuance of emergency administrative orders to, and penalties against, Federal agencies. Prohibits an administrative action commenced by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency or the Secretary of the Army for violations by Federal facilities from precluding a civil enforcement action for the same violations. Permits citizen civil actions against Federal agencies alleged to have violated orders issued by the Administrator or the Secretary or that fail to pay a penalty within one year of the effective date of a final order. Includes Federal agencies within the definition of "person" for purposes of the Act. | 2025-08-21T16:13:57Z | |
| 105-hr-2207 | 105 | hr | 2207 | Coastal Pollution Reduction Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-22 | 1998-07-09 | Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. | House | Resident Commissioner Romero-Barcelo, Carlos A. [D-PR-At Large] | PR | D | R000417 | 1 | Coastal Pollution Reduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the owner or operator of the Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, publicly owned treatment works, in order to be eligible to apply for a waiver of secondary treatment requirements, to transmit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency the results of a study of the marine environment of coastal areas in the Mayaguez area to determine the feasibility of constructing a deep ocean outfall for the treatment works. Authorizes the owner or operator of such treatment works to submit an application for modification of secondary treatment requirements. Prohibits the filing of such application unless the applicant has entered into a binding consent decree with the United States that includes certain minimum requirements for schedules of compliance, milestones, and a commitment to contribute a minimum amount to the Mayaguez Watershed Initiative. Bars the Administrator from granting a modification unless the outfall will use a well-designed and operated diffuser that discharges into unstressed ocean waters and is situated so as to avoid discharge to coral reefs, sensitive marine resources or recreational areas, and shorelines. Makes a modification effective only if the outfall is operational within four and a half years of the date of the Administrator's initial determination on the application. Permits certain grants for the development of estuary conservation and management plans to be used for the implementation of plans as well. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Estuary Program through FY 1998. | 2025-04-07T15:33:09Z | |
| 105-hr-2155 | 105 | hr | 2155 | To authorize continuation of a nationwide permit for discharges of dredged or fill materials into headwaters and isolated waters, and for other purposes. | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-11 | 1997-07-24 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Neumann, Mark W. [R-WI-1] | WI | R | N000054 | 0 | Provides that, notwithstanding a contrary provision of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Part 330 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to a nationwide permit for discharges of dredged or fill materials into navigable U.S. waters, shall continue as in effect on December 12, 1996, to the extent that such rules relate to nationwide permit 26. Prohibits the Secretary of the Army from modifying or rescinding such Part as it relates to such permit. Allows multiple permits under permit 26 to the extent that they do not cause more than minimal adverse effects to the environment. | 2024-02-07T16:02:17Z | |
| 105-hr-2138 | 105 | hr | 2138 | Municipal Biological Monitoring Use Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-10 | 1997-07-24 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5] | CO | R | H000444 | 2 | Municipal Biological Monitoring Use Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to a State's adoption of water quality standards to provide that, with respect to publicly owned treatment works, municipal separate storm sewer systems, and municipal combined sewer overflows (public sewer facilities), nothing in such Act shall be construed to authorize the use of water quality standards or permit effluent limitations which result in a finding of a violation upon failure of whole effluent toxicity or biological monitoring tests. Requires criteria for such testing to employ an aquatic species that is indigenous to the type of waters, a species that is representative of such species, or other appropriate species to indicate the toxicity of the effluent in the specific receiving waters, taking into account the natural biological variability of the species. States that where the permitting authority determines that the discharge from a public sewer facility has reasonable potential to cause or contribute to an in-stream excursion above the criterion for whole effluent toxicity, the permit may contain terms, conditions and limitations requiring further toxicity analysis and evaluation. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to follow the above criteria when the Administrator determines that it is necessary to include biological monitoring, whole effluent toxicity testing, or assessment methods as a permit term, condition or limitation issued to a public sewer facility. States that the failure of a biological monitoring or whole effluent toxicity test at a public sewer facility shall not result in a finding of a violation under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. | 2025-08-21T16:12:14Z | |
| 105-hr-2118 | 105 | hr | 2118 | Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-07-08 | 1997-10-28 | Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 9 - 0. | House | Rep. Traficant, James A., Jr. [D-OH-17] | OH | D | T000350 | 8 | Ban on Smoking in Federal Buildings Act - Prohibits smoking in any indoor portion of a Federal building. | 2025-08-21T16:13:12Z | |
| 105-hr-2083 | 105 | hr | 2083 | To prohibit the shipment of spent nuclear fuel to the Goshute Indian reservation in Utah. | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-26 | 1997-07-10 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads. | House | Rep. Cook, Merrill [R-UT-2] | UT | R | C000722 | 0 | Prohibits the shipment of spent nuclear fuel to the Goshute Indian reservation in Utah. | 2024-02-07T16:02:17Z | |
| 105-hr-2086 | 105 | hr | 2086 | To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to limit the portion of the Superfund expended for administration, oversight, support, studies, design, investigations, monitoring, assessment, and evaluation, and enforcement activities. | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-26 | 1997-07-14 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Gillmor, Paul E. [R-OH-5] | OH | R | G000210 | 12 | Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to limit the amount of Hazardous Substance Superfund expenditures for administration, oversight, support, studies, design, investigations, monitoring, assessment, evaluation, and enforcement activities to: (1) 25 percent of total Superfund monies in FY 1998 through 2000; and (2) 20 percent of such total in FY 2001 and thereafter. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to the Congress on any regulatory or statutory relief required to operate under such funding limitations. | 2024-02-07T16:02:17Z | |
| 105-hr-2087 | 105 | hr | 2087 | Polluter Pays Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-26 | 1997-07-14 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Gillmor, Paul E. [R-OH-5] | OH | R | G000210 | 0 | Polluter Pays Act of 1997 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to revise provisions describing liable persons to make any person who causes the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance liable for response actions and related costs and damages under such Act. Applies this Act to any case in which there has been no final decree or settlement that is not subject to appeal. | 2025-08-21T16:14:33Z | |
| 105-hr-2094 | 105 | hr | 2094 | Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-26 | 1998-08-06 | Subcommittee Hearings Held. | House | Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6] | NJ | D | P000034 | 52 | Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1997 - Requires States to adopt water quality criteria for coastal recreation waters consistent with those published by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies for use in developing: (1) a more complete list of potential health risks; and (2) better indicators and more expeditious methods for detecting or predicting the presence of pathogens in coastal recreational waters. Requires the Administrator to issue revised water quality criteria for pathogens in such waters that are harmful to human health. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator to publish and revise regulations requiring monitoring of, and specifying methods to be used by States to monitor, coastal recreation waters at public beaches for compliance with water quality criteria and protection of public safety. Requires notification of local governments and the public of exceedances, or the likelihood of exceedances, of water quality criteria for such waters. Directs the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in such waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance establishing core performance measures for testing, monitoring, and posting programs and for the delegation of such programs to local government authorities. Makes State resources available to such authorities if the programs are so delegated. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:14:13Z | |
| 105-hr-2102 | 105 | hr | 2102 | To amend the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 to repeal the sunset of the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Ombudsman, and for other purposes. | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-26 | 1997-07-14 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials. | House | Rep. Talent, Jim [R-MO-2] | MO | R | T000024 | 1 | Amends the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 to repeal the termination (thus, provide for the revival) of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Ombudsman. Requires the Office (within the EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response) to report to the Congress on the status of health and environmental concerns addressed by Ombudsman cases. Directs EPA to facilitate structuring the Office consistent with the American Bar Association's Model Ombudsman Statute. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 105-s-971 | 105 | s | 971 | Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-26 | 1997-06-26 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] | NJ | D | L000123 | 6 | Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health Act of 1997 - Requires States to adopt water quality criteria for coastal recreation waters consistent with those published by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Directs the Administrator to conduct studies for use in developing: (1) a more complete list of potential health risks; and (2) better indicators and more expeditious methods for detecting or predicting the presence of pathogens in coastal recreational waters. Requires the Administrator to issue revised water quality criteria for pathogens in such waters that are harmful to human health. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator to publish and revise regulations requiring monitoring of, and specifying methods to be used by States to monitor, coastal recreation waters at public beaches for compliance with water quality criteria and protection of public safety. Requires notification of local governments and the public of exceedances, or the likelihood of exceedances, of water quality criteria for such waters. Directs the Administrator to: (1) issue guidance on uniform assessment and monitoring procedures for floatable materials in such waters; and (2) specify the conditions under which the presence of floatable material constitutes a threat to public health and safety. Requires the Administrator to issue guidance for the delegation of State testing, monitoring, and posting programs to local government authorities. Makes State resources available to such authorities if the programs are so delegated. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to fulfill requirements under this Act. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:11:16Z | |
| 105-s-951 | 105 | s | 951 | Quiet Communities Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-24 | 1997-06-24 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ] | NJ | D | T000317 | 7 | Quiet Communities Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reestablish an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which shall be responsible for coordinating Federal noise abatement activities, updating or developing noise standards, providing technical assistance to local communities, and promoting research and education. Requires the Administrator to: (1) conduct a study of airport noise, examining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) selection of noise measurement methodologies, health impact thresholds, and abatement program effectiveness; and (2) submit such study to the Congress and the FAA. Authorizes appropriations. | 2025-08-21T16:13:52Z | |
| 105-hr-1984 | 105 | hr | 1984 | To provide for a four-year moratorium on the establishment of new standards for ozone and fine particulate matter under the Clean Air Act, pending further implementation of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, additional review and air quality monitoring under that Act. | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-19 | 1997-10-09 | Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Peterson (MN). Petition No: 105-2. | House | Rep. Klink, Ron [D-PA-4] | PA | D | K000270 | 202 | Places a four-year moratorium on the promulgation of new or revised national ambient air quality standards for ozone or fine particulate matter under the Clean Air Act by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Requires the Administrator, within five years of this Act's enactment date, to: (1) complete a review of the air quality criteria and standards for ozone and particulate matter; and (2) determine whether to retain or revise such standards or promulgate new standards. Directs the Administrator, in reviewing such criteria for particulate matter, to: (1) evaluate any adverse health effects of exposure to airborne particulate matter; (2) determine the amount and size of particles inhaled and retained in the lungs; and (3) investigate the biological mechanisms by which particulate matter may induce adverse health effects. Authorizes the Administrator to require State implementation plans to require air quality monitoring for fine particulate matter and to make grants to States for such purposes. Authorizes appropriations. | 2024-02-05T14:30:09Z | |
| 105-hr-1910 | 105 | hr | 1910 | Electric Utility Nitrogen Oxide Limitation Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-17 | 1997-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Carson, Julia [D-IN-10] | IN | D | C000191 | 0 | Electric Utility Nitrogen Oxide Limitation Act of 1997 - Makes it unlawful for any fossil-fuel fired utility unit with a nameplate capacity of greater than 25 megawatts of electrical output to emit nitrogen oxides in excess of a maximum allowable emission standard of 0.35 pounds per million Btu. Cites circumstances under which the owner of several electric utility units within a single State may elect to use alternative contemporaneous annual emission limitations and receive operating permits accordingly. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue implementation and enforcement regulations. Sets a deadline after which no unit under this Act may operate without a permit subject to the Clean Air Act. Declares that the requirements of this Act shall be treated as an emission limitation under the Clean Air Act. | 2025-08-21T16:11:48Z | |
| 105-hr-1911 | 105 | hr | 1911 | Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-17 | 1997-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Condit, Gary A. [D-CA-18] | CA | D | C000670 | 10 | Transported Air Pollution Mitigation Act of 1997 - Amends Clean Air Act provisions regarding State implementation plans for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards to require a State, for each upwind area which causes or significantly contributes to a violation of the ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision that requires the upwind area to either: (1) reduce emissions of each air pollutant concerned and its precursors by an amount necessary to mitigate impacts to pollution concentrations in the downwind area commensurate with the level of contribution caused; or (2) make payments to the State or the air quality district as compensation to the downwind area for the costs of emission reduction measures to fully mitigate the impacts of transported pollutants. Requires a State, for each Moderate ozone nonattainment area determined to cause or significantly contribute to a violation of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone in a downwind area, to submit a plan revision including all provisions necessary for an enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program described in provisions concerning Serious areas and Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Requires amendment by a State of its plan for maintenance (required when a State requests redesignation of a nonattainment area as an area which has attained the national ambient air quality standard) to include measures for such an inspection program if the State determines that the area concerned is causing or significantly contributing to a violation of such standards for ozone in a downwind area. Provides for amendments to maintenance plans in upwind areas that cause or significantly contribute to violations of such standards in downwind areas to require implementation of all measures contained in the State implementation plan for upwind areas before redesignation as attainment areas. Requires implementation of all control measures necessary to fully mitigate the transport of ozon… | 2025-08-21T16:14:44Z | |
| 105-hr-1878 | 105 | hr | 1878 | To impose an indefinite moratorium on enforcement of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 against certain de minimis parties. | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-12 | 1997-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Canady, Charles T. [R-FL-12] | FL | R | C000107 | 4 | Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from continuing or beginning to conduct an enforcement action against a de minimis party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) that: (1) did not cause the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance; and (2) had no knowledge of the release or threat of release until after it occurred. Requires certain time limitations on the filing of actions for natural resource damages, cost recovery, or contributions to be tolled with respect to such enforcement actions for the period during which the moratorium under this Act is in effect. | 2024-02-07T16:02:17Z | |
| 105-hr-1884 | 105 | hr | 1884 | Voluntary Environmental Self-Evaluation Act | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-12 | 1997-06-26 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. | House | Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5] | CO | R | H000444 | 2 | Voluntary Environmental Self-Evaluation Act - Provides that information contained in, and testimony relating to, voluntary environmental self-evaluations shall not be admissible evidence or subject to discovery in Federal or State administrative or judicial proceedings under Federal environmental laws. Authorizes waivers of such privilege by the entity concerned. Permits persons seeking disclosure of such information, in cases where an entity invokes the nondisclosure privilege, to request an administrative law judge or the court, as appropriate, to convene an in camera proceeding to determine applicability of the privilege. Makes the privilege inapplicable in civil proceedings if an administrative law judge or the court determines that: (1) the document or testimony indicates non-compliance with an environmental law by such entity and the entity failed to achieve compliance within a reasonable time period; (2) such entity is asserting the privilege for a fraudulent purpose; or (3) the report was prepared for purposes of avoiding disclosure of information required for a pending or imminent investigative, administrative, or judicial proceeding of which the entity had knowledge. Provides for appeals of such determinations. Makes the nondisclosure privilege inapplicable in criminal proceedings brought by Federal or State agencies if the court makes any of the determinations described above for civil proceedings. Authorizes seizures of reports believed to constitute evidence of criminal offenses but limits use of the information to review by such agencies until the court determines it subject to disclosure. Provides immunity from Federal or State prosecution to entities making voluntary disclosures of violations of environmental laws as a result of making self-evaluations or using environmental management systems and makes such disclosures inadmissible in courts or administrative proceedings if the entity: (1) meets certain conditions regarding promptness of disclosure, efforts to achieve compliance, and availabi… | 2025-08-21T16:13:42Z | |
| 105-s-899 | 105 | s | 899 | Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-12 | 1997-06-12 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. | Senate | Sen. Dodd, Christopher J. [D-CT] | CT | D | D000388 | 0 | Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1997 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize States, political subdivisions, and public service authorities to exercise flow control authority for municipal solid waste and for recyclable materials voluntarily relinquished by the owner or generator that are generated in their jurisdictions by directing such waste and materials to waste management facilities, public service authorities, or recyclables facilities if such authority: (1) had been exercised before and was being implemented on May 15, 1994, pursuant to a law, regulation, or other legally binding provision or had been exercised before such date without regard to whether implementation was prevented by injunction, temporary restraining order, or other court action or was suspended by the State or political subdivision because of such actions; or (2) has been implemented by designating before such date the particular waste facilities or public service authorities in operation as of such date (or before but temporarily inoperative on such date) to which the waste or recyclable materials is to be delivered. Limits such authority to categories of waste to which flow control authority requiring a movement to a facility was applied on or before May 15, 1994, or to the specific categories for which a State, political subdivision, or public service authority, before such date, had committed to the designation of a facility. Establishes additional flow control authority for States or political subdivisions that, on or before January 1, 1984, adopted regulations that required the transportation, management, or disposal of solid waste from residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial sources to waste management facilities. Authorizes a political subdivision to exercise such authority notwithstanding the requirement that facilities are designated before such date if the subdivision has taken specified actions, prior to such date, to commit to the designation of a facility to be constructed. Lists addition… | 2025-08-21T16:14:50Z | |
| 105-sres-98 | 105 | sres | 98 | A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the conditions for the United States becoming a signatory to any international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-12 | 1997-07-25 | Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Yea-Nay Vote. 95-0. Record Vote No: 205. | Senate | Sen. Byrd, Robert C. [D-WV] | WV | D | B001210 | 64 | Declares that the United States should not be a signatory to any protocol to, or other agreement regarding, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 1992, at negotiations in Kyoto in December 1997 or thereafter which would: (1) mandate new commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the Annex 1 Parties, unless the protocol or other agreement also mandates new specific scheduled commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for Developing Country Parties within the same compliance period; or (2) result in serious harm to the U.S. economy. Calls for any such protocol or other agreement which would require the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification to be accompanied by: (1) a detailed explanation of any legislation or regulatory actions that may be required to implement it; and (2) an analysis of the detailed financial costs which would be incurred by, and other impacts on, the U.S. economy. | 2025-04-07T15:32:34Z | |
| 105-hr-1863 | 105 | hr | 1863 | Job Protection Act of 1997 | Environmental Protection | 1997-06-11 | 1997-06-18 | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment. | House | Rep. Ney, Robert W. [R-OH-18] | OH | R | N000081 | 42 | Job Protection Act of 1997 - Prohibits the promulgation of any new or revised national ambient air quality standard for particulate matter and ozone under the Clean Air Act until after the final date on which the standards for particulate matter and ozone are required to be attained in areas having the highest concentrations of particulate matter (December 31, 2001) or ozone (November 15, 2010). | 2025-08-21T16:14:19Z |
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CREATE TABLE legislation (
bill_id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
congress INTEGER,
bill_type TEXT,
bill_number INTEGER,
title TEXT,
policy_area TEXT,
introduced_date TEXT,
latest_action_date TEXT,
latest_action_text TEXT,
origin_chamber TEXT,
sponsor_name TEXT,
sponsor_state TEXT,
sponsor_party TEXT,
sponsor_bioguide_id TEXT,
cosponsor_count INTEGER DEFAULT 0,
summary_text TEXT,
update_date TEXT,
url TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_congress ON legislation(congress);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_type ON legislation(bill_type);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_policy ON legislation(policy_area);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_date ON legislation(introduced_date);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor ON legislation(sponsor_name);
CREATE INDEX idx_leg_sponsor_bioguide ON legislation(sponsor_bioguide_id);