Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would authorize NOAA to establish a climate change education program.

would require EPA  to promulgate regulations to establish national goals for the reduction and recycling of municipal solid waste, and to address the growing problem of marine debris.

would amend the CWA to provide assistance for nutrient removal technologies to states in the Great Lakes system.

would permanently prohibit oil and gas leasing off the coast of California.

would prohibit the use of hydraulic fracturing or acid well stimulation treatment in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region until DOI prepares an EIS and conducts a study with respect to such practices.

would amend the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the United States Trade Representative to take discretionary action if a foreign country is engaging in unreasonable acts, policies, or practices relating to the environment.

would amend the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act to provide for trade sanctions against countries involved in illegal trade of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn.

would provide regulatory relief to alternative fuel producers and consumers.

would require DOI and the Department of Agriculture to more efficiently develop mineral sources of strategic and critical importance to United States national security and economic competitiveness.

would amend the OSH Act to allow employers a grace period to abate certain occupational health and safety violations before being subject to a penalty.