Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/04/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 110-504, Part II.

Bill Text
To establish the Twenty-First Century Water Commission to study and develop recommendations for a comprehensive water strategy to address future water needs. 6/4/2008--Reported to House amended, Part II.    (There are 2 other summaries) Establishes the Twenty-First Century Water Commission to: (1) use studies and assessments to project future water supply needs and demand, develop national and regional assessments on flood risk and water availability and trends related to water quality; (2) study government and private sector water management programs directed at increasing water supplies, managing flood risk, and improving the availability, reliability, and quality of water resources; and (3) develop recommendations for a comprehensive water strategy.Requires such strategy to: (1) identify incentives to ensure an adequate and dependable supply of water to meet U.S. needs for the next 50 years; (2) consider all available technologies and methods [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.

Bill Text
To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a feasibility study for applying airport bubbles as a method of identifying, assessing, and reducing the adverse environmental impacts of airport ground and flight operations and improving the overall quality of the environment, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 2005 [sic] - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study, and report to Congress on: (1) the feasibility of regulating air, noise, water, and solid waste pollution from all sources in and around airports using airport bubbles; and (2) the feasibility and desirability of strengthening EPA air pollutant emissions standards for airplane engines. Defines an "airport bubble" as an area: (1) in and around an airport (or other facility using aircraft) within which sources of pollution and levels of pollution from those sources are to be [...]

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Latest Action: 07/26/2007 - Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the dumping of industrial waste into the Great Lakes.

7/25/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Expresses disapproval of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's issuance of a permit allowing BP to increase their daily dumping of ammonia and total suspended solids into Lake Michigan. Urges Indiana to reconsider issuance of such permit.

Calls for Congress to take action to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) actions in the Great Lakes basin should be consistent with the goal of preserving and restoring the Great Lakes; and (2) EPA should not allow increased dumping of chemicals and pollutants into the Great Lakes.

Latest Action: 04/17/2007 - Mr. Lantos moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

Bill Text
Supporting the goals and ideals of World Water Day.

4/17/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Supports World Water Day.

Recognizes the importance of increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation as well as the conservation and sustainable management of water resources.

Urges an increased effort and the investment of greater resources by the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and all relevant federal agencies towards providing sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for the poor and very poor.

Latest Action: 07/30/2007 - Committee on Natural Resources discharged.

Bill Text
Recognizing Virginia's James River as "America's Founding River".

7/30/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Recognizes Virginia's James River as America's Founding River and recommits to protecting and restoring it.

Latest Action: 04/23/2008 - Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To establish a national policy for our oceans, to strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to establish a national and regional ocean governance structure, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act - Establishes a national policy to protect, maintain, and restore the health of marine ecosystems and requires that federal agencies administer U.S. policies and laws accordingly. Allows more stringent federal and state requirements. States that there shall be an agency known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), declares that Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (concerning NOAA) shall have no further force or effect, and sets forth NOAA's mission and functions. (Reestablishes NOAA and requires a reorganization plan.) Creates an Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and makes that person the Administrator of NOAA. Requires [...]

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Latest Action: 09/24/2008 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-483. Minority views filed.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require a health advisory and monitoring of drinking water for perchlorate.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Perchlorate Monitoring and Right-to-Know Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) publish a health advisory for perchlorate that fully protects the health of vulnerable persons (including pregnant women, fetuses, and children) considering body weight, exposure patterns, and all routes of exposure; and (2) promulgate a final regulation requiring monitoring for perchlorate in drinking water. Makes such regulation effective unless and until monitoring for perchlorate is required under a national primary drinking water regulation.

Requires consumer confidence reports to disclose the presence and health risks of perchlorate in drinking water.

Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to impose limitations on wetlands mitigation activities carried out through the condemnation of private property.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Rural America Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Army or a state from issuing a permit to a governmental entity for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters where Act compliance is based on a permit condition requiring mitigation of adverse impacts to wetlands through the acquisition of private property if the property is: (1) being acquired by condemnation; and (2) located outside a certain U.S. Geological Survey cataloging unit in which the wetland is located.

Allows issuance of such a permit upon payment of compensation equaling or exceeding the property's fair market value or the average fair market value of a parcel the size of the property in the cataloging unit in which the wetland is located.

Latest Action: 03/20/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement.

Bill Text
To improve efficiency in the Federal Government through the use of high-performance green buildings, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of General Services to establish an Office of High-Performance Green Buildings. Requires the Office Director to: (1) establish a Green Building Advisory Committee; (2) carry out public outreach; (3) develop and recommend a high-performance green building research plan; (4) analyze current budget and contracting practices that affect achievement of high-performance green buildings; and (5) develop and implement a comprehensive indoor air quality program for federal facilities. Requires the Director to identify incentives to encourage the use of green buildings and related technology in federal government operations. Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to: (1) revise applicable acquisition regulations; and (2) issue [...]

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Latest Action: 06/16/2008 - Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Bingaman without amendment. With written report No. 110-375.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for the San Gabriel Basin Restoration Fund.

6/16/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There are 2 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on December 11, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Amends the Miscellaneous Appropriations Act, 2001 to establish a 35% non-federal matching requirement for specified federal funds made available to: (1) the San Gabriel Water Quality Authority; and (2) the Central Basin Municipal Water District.

Increases the authorization of appropriations for the San Gabriel Restoration Fund. Sets aside a specified sum to carry out the Central Basin Water Quality Project.

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 11/19/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10607)

Bill Text
A bill making supplemental appropriations for job creation and preservation, infrastructure investment, and economic and energy assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 10/01/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10328-10330)

Bill Text
A bill to reduce gas prices by promoting domestic energy production, alternative energy, and conservation, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 09/26/2008 - Committee on Environment and Public Works. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Boxer. With written report No. 110-509. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in the United States. 9/26/2008--Introduced. Water Infrastructure Financing Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to: (1) authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a competitive grant program to provide technical assistance to small and medium treatment works on wastewater and stormwater approaches; (2) expand the list of projects eligible for state water pollution control revolving loan fund (commonly known as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund or CWSRF) assistance; (3) provide assistance, including loan forgiveness, for disadvantaged communities; (4) allow states to forgive repayment of a portion of a loan for alternative approaches to wastewater and stormwater controls; (5) establish a priority system for providing financial assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 09/16/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in the United States. 9/16/2008--Introduced. Water Infrastructure Financing Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to: (1) authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a competitive grant program to provide technical assistance to small and medium treatment works on wastewater and stormwater approaches; (2) expand the list of projects eligible for state water pollution control revolving loan fund (commonly known as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund or CWSRF) assistance; (3) provide assistance, including loan forgiveness, for disadvantaged communities; (4) allow states to forgive repayment of a portion of a loan for alternative approaches to wastewater and stormwater controls; (5) establish a priority system for providing financial assistance from [...]

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Latest Action: 09/12/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8482-8498)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to expand and improve opportunities for service, and for other purposes. 9/12/2008--Introduced. Serve America Act - Amends the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to create two new service-learning programs: (1) a Youth Engagement Zones to Strengthen Communities program, providing competitive grants to partnerships between local educational agencies that serve high-need, low-income communities and certain community-based or state entities to engage students and out-of-school youth in service-learning addressing specific challenges faced by their communities; and (2) a Campus of Service program, which annually grants up to 30 institutions of higher education (IHEs) with exemplary service-learning programs the funds to assist their students' pursuit of public service careers, and the right to nominate additional individuals for ServeAmerica Fellowships. Directs the Corporation for National and Community [...]

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Latest Action: 09/17/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

Bill Text
To greatly enhance the Nation's path toward energy independence and environmental, energy, economic, and national security, by amending Federal policy to increase the production of domestic energy sources, to dedicate fixed percentages of the royalties received for conservation programs, environmental restoration projects, renewable energy research and development, clean energy technology research and development, increased development of existing energy sources, and energy assistance for those in need, and to share a portion of such royalties with producing States, and for other purposes. 7/31/2008--Introduced. National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act - Terminates all federal prohibitions on expenditures of funds to conduct natural gas, oil, oil shale, and energy production leasing and preleasing activities for federal lands. Revokes withdrawals of federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from leasing for natural gas and oil exploration,[...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7952)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for marginal well production preservation an enhancement. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Marginal Well Production Preservation and Enhancement Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase to 27.5% the percentage depletion allowance for domestic crude oil and natural gas production from marginal properties; (2) extend through 2008 the temporary suspension of the taxable income limit with respect to marginal production of crude oil and natural gas; and (3) accelerate to three years the recovery period of qualified tertiary injectant property for depreciation purposes.Amends the Clean Air Act with respect to emissions from small oil and gas exploration and production-related equipment. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) amend the definition of "wastewater treatment facility" to include produced water from an oil production facility; and (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to [...]

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