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 amend Pub. L. No. 93-435 with respect to the Northern Mariana Islands, providing parity with Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.

would establish the Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area in the State of New Mexico.

would amend the renewable fuel program under §211(o) of CAA to require the cellulosic biofuel requirement to be based on actual production.

would amend NEPA and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to promote energy efficiency via information and computing technologies.

would amend the Helium Act to complete the privatization of the Federal helium reserve in a competitive market fashion that ensures stability in the helium markets while protecting the interests of American taxpayers.

would place a moratorium on permitting for mountaintop removal coal mining until health studies are conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services.

would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify that the Administrator of EPA does not have the authority to disapprove a permit after it has been issued by the Secretary of the Army under §404 of such Act.

would convey certain land inholdings owned by the United States to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona.

would amend SMCRA to clarify that uncertified states and Indian tribes have the authority to use certain payments for certain noncoal reclamation projects.

would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to disallow a deduction for amounts paid or incurred by a responsible party relating to a discharge of oil.