zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Clean Energy Partnerships Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) a program to govern the creation of credits from emission reductions from uncapped domestic sources and sinks; (2) the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Sequestration Advisory Committee to provide scientific and technical advice on the establishment and implementation of such offset program; and (3) a carbon conservation program to provide incentives to landowners or grazing contractor holders to implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or sequester or permanently store carbon through conservation easements, sequestration contracts, and timber harvest or grazing contracts with the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior. Requires the Administrator to establish a registry to record approved credits issued under such offset program. Requires each appropriate official to: (1) establish and maintain a list of types of offset projects eligible to generate offset credits under the program; and (2) prescribe regulations to ensure the emission reduction integrity of the offset projects. Authorizes the Administrator to issue offset credits for emissions reduced by specified international projects that reduce deforestation. Provides that a person is not required to hold allowances or credits for emissions resulting from the use of gas as an energy source if the gas is derived from an approved domestic methane offset project. Establishes: (1) the Carbon Conservation Fund for the carbon conservation program; and (2) the Rural Clean Energy Resources Fund to provide assistance for the development of biofuel and bioenergy, including by supporting the Rural Energy for America Program and implementing a research and demonstration program that includes approaches to sequestering carbon through agricultural, grazing, and forestry practices and reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production.

Date: 2009-11-04
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal (CLEAR) Act - Requires the President to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to 2005 levels by 20% by 2020, 30% by 2025, 42% by 2030, and 83% by 2050 through this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program to reduce the emission of GHGs by: (1) placing a gradually declining limitation on the quantity of fossil carbon (carbon) permitted to be sold; and (2) requiring each first seller to surrender periodically to the Secretary a number of carbon shares equal to the quantity of covered carbon it produces or imports or be subject to a penalty. Defines a "first seller" as an entity in the business of producing or importing fossil carbon or production process carbon. Requires the President to establish a maximum aggregate quantity of carbon, and a corresponding number of carbon shares, permitted to be introduced into commerce for 2012. Requires that number of shares: (1) for 2012, 2013, and 2014 to be equal to the approximate level of carbon likely to be required by the economy during 2012; and (2) for each subsequent year to be reduced from the quantity of the previous year by 0.25%. Sets forth provisions concerning auctioning, purchasing, and selling shares. Restricts participation in such auctions to first sellers. Prohibits first sellers from directly or indirectly creating, purchasing, selling, or trading carbon share derivatives. Requires the Secretary to: (1) impose fees for the production process of carbon associated with commodities imported for sale; and (2) transfer collected fees and penalties to the Clean Energy Reinvestment Trust Fund established by this Act; and (3) distribute amounts from such Fund to individuals and entities that are unable to compete due to unfair market prices arising from disparate carbon limits or fees among countries. Requires the Secretary to: (1) promulgate regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of markets for carbon share derivatives; (2) provide carbon shares in excess of the aggregate quantity for carbon that is sequestered, injected, or embedded; (3) reduce the aggregate quantity of carbon shares for reductions of carbon emissions attributable solely to voluntary carbon reduction purchases; (4) establish a program that enables individuals to borrow against any future energy security dividends in order to make investments in energy efficiency or clean energy technologies and services; and (5) establish an Office of Consumer Advocacy for energy consumers. Establishes the Carbon Refund Trust Fund to be funded from auction proceeds and to distribute tax-free energy security dividends to U.S. residents.

Date: 2009-12-11
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Clean Air Act Amendments of 2010 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to require the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a sulfur dioxide allowance trading program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions for fossil fuel-fired combustion devices in the contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to issue allowances authorizing specified annual tonnage amounts of emissions of sulfur dioxide from such devices for 2012-2014, 2015-2017, 2018-2020, and 2021 and thereafter. Provides for the distribution of such allowances. Requires the Administrator to establish two nitrogen oxide allowance trading programs (for specified Zone One and Zone Two states) to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions for fossil fuel-fired electric generating facilities that served as generators with nameplate capacities greater than 25 megawatts on or after January 1, 1985, and that produce electricity for sale in the contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Directs the Administrator to issue allowances authorizing specified annual tonnage amounts of nitrogen oxide emissions from such facilities in Zone One and Zone Two states for 2012-2014, 2015-2019, and 2020 and thereafter. Provides for the distribution of such allowances. Requires the Clean Air Interstate Rule and related federal implementation plans promulgated and modified by the Administrator to remain in force and effect with respect to all provisions relating to nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted through 2011. Sets forth exceptions to the rule. Requires the Administrator to: (1) regulate coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units under the CAA's regulations for sources of hazardous air pollutants; and (2) ensure that emission standards for the coal-fired electric utility steam generating units achieve at least a 90% reduction in mercury emissions when applied to the listed category as a whole. Requires electric utility steam generating units to meet maximum achievable control technology emission limitations by January 1, 2015, if the Administrator fails to promulgate nationally applicable emission limitations for such units by January 1, 2012. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations requiring certification of continuous emission monitoring systems to measure the quantity of mercury emitted by electric coal utility steam generating units.

Date: 2010-02-04
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Sustainable Schools Pollution Reduction Act of 2010 - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a sustainable schools pollution reduction program, under which the EPA Administrator shall provide competitive grants for each of FY2011-FY2015 to public elementary or secondary schools or a school district that encompasses such schools for use in implementing effective technologies to reduce air pollutants, including greenhouse gas emissions. Requires the Administrator to: (1) provide criteria for selection for grants under the program; (2) submit to Congress a report evaluating the implementation of the program; (3) ensure that at least one grant is awarded to an eligible school in each state; (4) allocate at least 2% of the total annual amount made available to carry out this Act among Indian tribes; and (5) ensure geographical diversity among grant awardees and ensure that grant awardees reflect a variety of schools sizes. Authorizes appropriations.

Date: 2010-05-13
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate areas nominated by local air pollution control districts as air and health quality empowerment zones, which shall be eligible for grants for replacing or retrofitting polluting vehicles and/or engines in order to improve the health of the population living in the zones. Sets forth as area eligibility requirements: (1) being in extreme nonattainment of the eight-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard and in nonattainment of the national ambient air quality standard for PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter that does not exceed 2.5 micrometers) promulgated by the Administrator under the Clean Air Act; (2) having specified emission levels of oxides of nitrogen from farm equipment, or of volatile organic compounds from farming operations, in 2010; (3) meeting or exceeding the national average per capita incidence of asthma; (4) having unemployment rates higher than the national average; and (5) being located in a state and local area that will match at least half of the federal funds provided. Prohibits an area from being designated unless the relevant district provides satisfactory assurances that the strategic plan required to be contained in its application will be implemented. Requires a designation to remain in effect for ten years or until the Administrator revokes it. Authorizes the Administrator to revoke a designation if the relevant district: (1) has been designated as being in attainment with the national ambient air quality standard for PM2.5 and ozone promulgated under the Clean Air Act; or (2) is failing to comply with, or make progress in achieving the goals of, its strategic plan.

Date: 2010-05-13
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Pollution and Costs Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and carry out the Building Pollution Reduction Program to provide assistance to owners of buildings in the United States to reduce the emission of air pollutants and building operating costs by constructing highly efficient buildings or increasing the efficiency of, and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with, existing buildings. Defines "advanced green biofuel" to mean an advanced biofuel that the Administrator determines: (1) has life cycle greenhouse gas emissions that are at least 60% less than the baseline life cycle greenhouse gas emissions; (2) is made from advanced renewable biomass; and (3) minimizes biorefinery water requirements to the maximum extent achievable, taking into consideration costs and other appropriate factors. Defines "advanced renewable biomass" to mean renewable biomass that is produced using sustainable practices as determined by the Administrator taking into consideration factors such as: (1) the maintenance and enhancement of the quality and productivity of the soil; (2) the conservation of soil, water, energy, natural resources, and fish, and wildlife habitat; and (3) the protection of the health and safety of individuals involved in the production system. Requires the Administrator to establish the 1,000,000,000-Gallon Challenge Grant Program under which the Administrator shall provide grants to owners and operators of projects that have the potential, in the aggregate, to produce up to 500,000,000 gallons in annual domestic production capacity of advanced green biofuels. Requires the Administrator to provide four types of grants: (1) a research and development grant; (2) a planning grant; (3) translational grants; and (4) construction grants.

Date: 2010-05-17
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "renewable biomass" as: (1) materials, pre-commercial thinnings, or invasive species from certain National Forest System land and public lands that are byproducts of preventive treatments that are removed to reduce hazardous fuels, reduce or contain disease or insect infestation, or restore ecosystem health, that would not otherwise be used for higher-value products, and that are harvested in accordance with specified requirements for old-growth forests and large tree retention; or (2) any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis from nonfederal land or land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, including specified renewable plant material and waste material. Applies this definition in any federal law enacted after the date of enactment of this Act to: (1) establish a renewable electricity standard; or (2) regulate the emission of greenhouse gases.

Date: 2010-05-17
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Carbon Capture and Sequestration Deployment Revenue Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) expand the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration to include carbon dioxide that is converted to a stable form in which it is securely and permanently sequestered; (2) allow a 30% increase in the qualifying advanced coal project tax credit for the incremental cost of carbon capture and sequestration systems; (3) allow an increase in the carbon dioxide sequestration tax credit for the use of new or retrofit electric utility or industrial units to provide for carbon capture and sequestration in secure geologic storage; and (4) allow issuers of qualified carbon sequestration bonds income and excise tax credits for payments of interest with respect to such bonds. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide additional funding for loan guarantees for: (1) constructing or retrofitting new or existing commercial scale electric generation units or industrial facility units for carbon capture and sequestration; and (2) constructing carbon dioxide transmission pipelines to transport carbon dioxide to sequestration sites or to sites where carbon dioxide will be used for hydrocarbon recovery.

Date: 2010-07-14
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Taxation
Provides that it shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any conference report or other legislation that originates in the House of Representatives, or any Senate bill or related conference report to which the House added a provision, that addresses climate change through the inclusion of a cap-and-trade program if the Senate has not considered and approved a bill addressing climate change that included such a program. Allows such provision to be waived or suspended in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members. Requires a two-thirds vote to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised on such provision.

Date: 2010-07-27
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Congress
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the head of any other federal agency from regulating carbon dioxide emissions until the Secretary of Commerce certifies that China, India, and Russia have initiated measures that require carbon dioxide emission reductions that are substantially similar to those proposed for the United States.

Date: 2010-08-04
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Air Cargo Security Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a system for the screening and inspecting of all cargo transported in domestic and foreign all-cargo aircraft, including in intrastate air transportation, to ensure the security of such aircraft. Requires such systems to meet minimum standards that ensure equipment, technology, procedures, or personnel used for screening cargo provide a level of security commensurate with the security level for screening passenger checked baggage. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a system for regularly screening and inspecting shipments of cargo transported in air transportation, including intrastate air transportation, at shipping facilities to ensure that appropriate security controls, systems, and protocols are observed; and (2) enter into arrangements with civil aviation authorities of foreign countries to ensure the regular screening and inspecting at shipping facilities in such countries of such cargo transported by air to the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the number of air cargo inspectors to carry out such screenings and inspections. Directs the Secretary to establish a training and evaluation program for all individuals who handle air cargo to ensure that such cargo is properly handled and safeguarded from security breaches.

Date: 2010-11-17
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Public Access to Historical Records Act - Directs the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish an official dataset on the historical temperature record. Requires NASA to utilize the raw data related to temperature that is collected by applicable stations and vessels and to quantify the statistical uncertainty of each temperature observation and any subsequent products based on that observation. Requires the gaps that exist in temperature station and temperature reading data to be clearly and fully identified. Creates a panel to assist the Administrator in the establishment of the dataset. Requires the Administrator of NASA, at least once every three years, to contract with an appropriate independent entity to perform a verification and validation of the dataset and requires the publication of any algorithms utilized, and any determinations made, in verifying and validating the dataset. Requires persons and entities engaged in global climate research funded by the federal government to utilize the dataset as a source of data on the historical temperature record. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide for the immediate release of: (1) all raw temperature station data from cooperative observers and automated stations collected by the National Climatic Data Center; and (2) an analysis of the differences between raw and final temperature datasets collected by the Center.

Date: 2010-12-08
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
Heat Island and Smog Reduction Act of 2011 - Requires each federal agency, by April 1, 2012, to develop a heat island reduction plan for all federal property and facilities under its possession or control that are located in an area designated under the Clean Air Act as being in nonattainment with national ambient air quality standards for ozone. Requires each plan to include measures to: (1) maximize tree cover on federal property; and (2) increase solar reflectivity through techniques such as using roofs with high solar reflectivity (cool roofs), vegetated roofs, and paving materials with higher solar reflectivity. Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to submit annual reports to specified congressional committees assessing agency progress in developing and implementing such plans.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Free Industry Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) exclude from the definition of the term "air pollutant" carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride; and (2) declare that nothing in the Act shall be treated as authorizing or requiring the regulation of climate change or global warming.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Ensuring Affordable Energy Act - Prohibits any funds appropriated or otherwise available for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from being used to implement or enforce: (1) a cap-and-trade program; or (2) any statutory or regulatory requirement pertaining to emissions of one or more greenhouse gases from stationary sources that is issued or becomes applicable or effective after January 1, 2011. Defines: (1) "cap-and-trade program" as any regulatory program established after the date of enactment of this Act that provides for the sale, auction, or other distribution of a limited amount of allowances that permit the emission of one or more greenhouse gases; and (2) "greenhouse gas" to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or any other designated anthropogenic gas.

Date: 2011-01-05
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Protect America's Energy and Manufacturing Jobs Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during the two-year period beginning after this Act's enactment, from taking any action under the Clean Air Act (CAA) with respect to any stationary source permitting requirement or requirement concerning standards of performance for new stationary sources relating to carbon dioxide or methane. Exempts from such prohibition: (1) any action relating to the preparation of a report or the enforcement of a reporting requirement; or (2) any action relating to the provision of technical support at a state's request. Provides that no action taken by the Administrator before the end of such period (including any action before enactment of this Act) shall be considered to make carbon dioxide or methane a pollutant subject to regulation under the CAA for any source other than a new motor vehicle or new motor vehicle engine.

Date: 2011-01-06
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Prohibits any federal agency or official from imposing a fee or tax on gaseous emissions emitted directly by livestock in carrying out any Act or program to reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change.

Date: 2011-01-12
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Taxation
FAIR (Foreign Air Impact Regulation) AIR Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to delay the effective date of reclassification of a nonattainment area to a higher classification of nonattainment for failing to meet national ambient air quality standards by applicable deadlines if: (1) the area is adjacent to a foreign country; and (2) the state in which the area is located submits a claim to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the area would have attained the relevant standard by the attainment date but for emissions emanating from outside the United States. Prohibits such reclassification from taking effect unless: (1) the Secretary of State has entered into negotiations with the foreign country involved to develop an air quality improvement plan for the international area encompassing the nonattainment area and submitted that plan to Congress; and (2) taking such plan into consideration, the Administrator has taken appropriate action to improve air quality in the nonattainment area.

Date: 2011-01-19
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from authorizing or allowing the introduction into commerce of gasoline that contains greater than 10-volume-percent ethanol for use in light-duty motor vehicles, including by granting a waiver for new fuels and fuel additives from the Clean Air Act's fuel standards. Includes within the definition of "light-duty motor vehicles" light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles. Repeals any waiver granted under such Act prior to this Act's enactment that allows for the introduction into commerce of gasoline that contains greater than 10-volume-percent ethanol for use in such vehicles, including: (1) the "Partial Grant and Partial Denial of Clean Air Act Waiver Application Submitted by Growth Energy To Increase the Allowable Ethanol Content of Gasoline to 15 Percent; Decision of the Administrator" published on November 4, 2010, and (2) the "Partial Grant of Clean Air Act Waiver Application Submitted by Growth Energy To Increase the Allowable Ethanol Content of Gasoline to 15 Percent; Decision of the Administrator" published on January 26, 2011.

Date: 2011-02-16
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Energy
Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states and Indian tribes to carry out programs to increase quality colorectal cancer screening. Requires such a program to include: (1) providing recommended colorectal cancer screening to individuals who are over 50 years of age or at high risk for such cancer; (2) providing case management and referrals for medical treatment; (3) ensuring the full continuum of follow-up and cancer care for individuals screened; (4) carrying out activities to improve the education, training, and skills of health professionals to ensure the use of evidence-based recommended and quality screening and follow-up in the prevention, detection, and control of colorectal cancer; and (5) developing and disseminating public information and education programs for the prevention, detection, and control of colorectal cancer and promoting the benefits of receiving screenings through this program. Gives priority to low-income individuals who lack adequate coverage under health insurance and health plans with respect to screenings for colorectal cancer. Allows the Secretary to provide training and technical assistance with respect to the planning, development, and operation of programs funded by a grant under this Act. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide medical assistance to individuals who have been screened for colorectal cancer under this Act and who need treatment for complications due to screening or colorectal cancer. Applies provisions related to breast and cervical cancer programs to programs under this Act.

Date: 2011-03-03
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Health
Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) include hydrogen sulfide in the list of hazardous air pollutants; (2) repeal the prohibition on aggregating emissions from any oil or gas exploration or production well and emissions from any pipeline compressor or pump station with emissions from other similar units to determine whether such units or stations are major sources of hazardous air pollutants; (3) repeal the prohibition on aggregating emissions from any oil or gas exploration or production well for any purpose relating to hazardous air pollutant emission standards; and (4) repeal the prohibition against the Administrator listing oil and gas production wells as an area source category of hazardous air pollutants.

Date: 2011-03-17
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Green Taxis Act of 2011 - Allows states or political subdivisions to prescribe requirements for fuel economy for taxicabs and other automobiles if such requirements are at least as stringent as federal requirements and if such vehicles: (1) are automobiles that are capable of transporting not more than 10 individuals, including the driver; (2) are commercially available or are designed and manufactured pursuant to a contract with such state or subdivision; (3) are operated for hire pursuant to a license, permit, or other authorization issued by such state or subdivision; (4) provide local transportation for a fare determined on the basis of the time or distance traveled; and (5) do not exclusively provide transportation to and from airports. Amends the Clean Air Act to allow states or political subdivisions to adopt and enforce standards for the control of emissions from new motor vehicles that are taxicabs and other vehicles if such standards will be at least as protective of public health and welfare as applicable federal standards and if such vehicles meet the other criteria specified above.

Date: 2011-03-29
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Transportation and public works
Energy Production Freedom Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) exclude from the definition of the term "air pollutant" carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride; and (2) declare that nothing in the Act shall be treated as authorizing or requiring the regulation of climate change or global warming.

Date: 2011-03-31
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Gas Accessibility and Stabilization Act of 2011 or the GAS Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to waive a control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive if: (1) it is in the public interest to grant such a waiver; and (2) the Administrator determines, and the Secretary of Energy (DOE) concurs, that extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supply circumstances exist that are the result of an unexpected problem with distribution or delivery equipment and such circumstances prevent the distribution of an adequate supply. Requires the Administrator, after providing notice and an opportunity for comment, to remove a fuel from the list of approved fuels under all state implementation plans (SIPs) if the Administrator determines that the fuel has ceased to be included in any SIP or is identical to a federal fuel formulation implemented by the Administrator. Directs the Administrator, on removing a fuel from the list, to publish a revised list that reflects such removal. Repeals the limitation on the Administrator's authority to approve a control or prohibition respecting any new fuel in a SIP plan if such new fuel increases the total number of fuels on such list. Provides that nothing in such Act limits the authority of the Administrator to approve a control or prohibition relating to any new fuel in a SIP if: (1) the new fuel completely replaces a fuel on the list published; and (2) the Administrator publishes in the Federal Register, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, a determination that the control or prohibition will not cause any fuel supply or distribution interruption or have any significant adverse impact on fuel producibility in the affected area or any contiguous area.

Date: 2011-04-07
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Energy
SDHV Energy Efficiency Standards for America Act of 2011 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to revise energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and central air conditioning heat pumps by requiring: (1) the seasonal energy efficiency ratio of small-duct, high-velocity systems to be no less than 11.00 for products manufactured on or after January 23, 2006; and (2) the heating seasonal performance factor of such systems to be 6.8 for products manufactured on or after such date. Defines "small-duct, high-velocity systems" to mean a heating and cooling product that contains a blower and indoor coil combination that: (1) is designed for, and produces, at least 1.2 inches of external static pressure when operated at the certified air volume rate of 220-350 cubic feet per minute per rated ton of cooling; and (2) when applied in the field, uses high velocity room outlets generally greater than 1,000 feet per minute that have less than 6.0 square inches of free area. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to amend by rule the standards established for such systems. Prohibits amended standards from taking effect less than five years after the final rule making the amendment is published. Requires the Secretary to determine whether standards for such systems should be amended no later than June 30, 2012.

Date: 2011-04-12
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Energy
Commonsense [sic] Ozone Regulation Act - Prohibits a nonattainment area for ozone classified as extreme as of January 1, 2011, pursuant to the 8-hour national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone promulgated on July 18, 1997, from being subject to any control pursuant to the 1-hour national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify such an area pursuant to any rule setting the level of the 8-hour standard for ozone below 0.08 parts per million. Provides that such rule will not apply, and the 8-hour national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone will continue to apply, until six months after a report on the feasibility of compliance with such rule is submitted to Congress and the Administrator. Applies such requirements with respect to such areas only if the governing board of the responsible local air agency agrees to establish a  local advisory committee to study the feasibility of compliance with such rule.  Requires each feasibility study to address the potential adverse employment impacts of, and the cost of compliance with, such rule for local businesses, agriculture operations, and residents in such areas. Requires such committees to report to such boards on the results of such study no later than five years after such rule is promulgated.

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Fire Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to exempt a substance listed as acceptable for use as a fire suppression agent for nonresidential applications from the prohibition against introducing into interstate commerce or using any class II substance (specified hydrochlorofluorocarbons).

Date: 2011-04-15
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "renewable biomass" as: (1) materials (including trees, wood, brush, thinnings, and chips) or invasive species from certain National Forest System land and public lands, including slash and other materials, that would not otherwise be used for higher-value manufactured forest products and that are removed to reduce hazardous fuels, to reduce or contain disease or insect infestation, or to restore or maintain ecosystem health or that are removed from a federally approved vegetation management project, and that are harvested in accordance with applicable law and land management plans and specified requirements for old-growth forests; (2) any organic matter, including specified renewable plant material and waste material (including vegetative, animal, food, and yard waste), that is available on a renewable or recurring basis from non-federal land, land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, or any Indian reservation; and (3) residues or byproducts from wood, pulp, or paper product facilities.

Date: 2011-05-13
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require any air quality impact of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sources to be measured or modeled and determined solely with respect to the impacts in the corresponding onshore area. Provides that: (1) emissions from any vessel servicing or associated with an OCS source, including emissions while at the OCS source or in route to or from the OCS source within 25 miles of the OCS source, shall be considered direct emissions from the OCS source (current law) but shall not be subject to any emission control requirement applicable to such source; and (2) an OCS source, for platform or drill ship exploration, is established when drilling commences at a location and ceases to exist when drilling activity ends at such location or is temporarily interrupted because the platform or drill ship relocates. Requires: (1) final agency action on a permit application for platform or drill ship exploration for an OCS source under such Act to be taken no later than six months after the filing of such  application; (2) such final agency action to be considered to be nationally applicable under judicial review; and (3) judicial review of such action to be without additional administrative review or adjudication. Prohibits: (1) the Environmental Appeals Board of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from having any authority to consider any matter regarding the consideration, issuance, or denial of such permit;  and (2) extending any administrative stay of the effectiveness of such permit beyond six months after the date of filing of such application.

Date: 2011-05-26
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Air Quality Review Interval and Dust Act of 2011 or the ARID Act of 2011 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review at 10-year intervals (currently, five-year intervals) criteria and standards for national primary and secondary ambient air quality standards. Prohibits the Administrator from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing such standards applicable to coarse particulate matter (PM10) prior to December 18, 2016.

Date: 2011-07-08
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue regulations for helicopter operations in Los Angeles County, California, that include requirements for helicopter flight paths and altitudes to reduce helicopter noise pollution in residential areas. Authorizes the Administrator to exempt from such requirements helicopter operations related to emergency, law enforcement, or military activities.

Date: 2011-07-28
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Transportation and public works
America's Energy Independence Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing the final rule entitled "Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals" (commonly referred to as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule) or any successor or substantially similar rule before the end of 2021. Requires the Administrator to: (1) continue to implement the Clean Air Interstate Rule and the rule establishing federal implementation plans for such Rule through the end of 2021, and (2) not promulgate any modification to either such rule.

Date: 2011-09-12
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Provides that: (1) the final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 3, 2010, entitled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines" and any subsequent regulation that is substantially the same shall have no force or effect with respect to existing stationary compression ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines operated for generating electricity or operating a water pump by a state or local government, a public or cooperative utility, or persons or entities engaged in the production of agricultural commodities, including livestock; and (2) the final rule of the same title published by EPA on August 20, 2010, the direct final action published by the EPA on March 9, 2011, entitled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines," and any subsequent regulation that is substantially the same shall have no force or effect with respect to existing stationary spark ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines operated for such purposes by such entities.

Date: 2011-10-13
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Save Our Climate Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on the carbon content of any taxable fuel sold by a manufacturer, producer, or importer. Sets the amount of such tax at $10 per ton of the carbon dioxide produced by combustion in such fuel, with annual increases in the amount of such tax until the level of carbon dioxide emissions for a calendar year does not exceed 20% of the level of such emissions for calender year 1990 (target attainment year). Exempts from such tax the sale or in-kind exchange of fuel for deposit in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and certain exports or resales of such fuel. Defines "taxable fuel" as coal (including lignite and peat), petroleum and any petroleum product, natural gas, biomass, municipal solid waste, and any organic material other than coal, petroleum, and natural gas that is sold for the purpose of energy production, which is extracted, manufactured, or produced in the United States or entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing.

Date: 2011-10-24
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Taxation
Regional Haze Federalism Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate a federal implementation plan in place of a state implementation plan to remedy any impairment to visibility in designated class I areas (international parks, wilderness areas and memorial parks that exceed 5,000 acres, and national parks that exceed 6,000 acres) only if: (1) such state failed to consider the costs of, the time necessary for, and and the energy and non-air quality environmental impacts of compliance with such plan and the remaining useful life of any existing air pollution source; and (2) compliance with federal implementation plan requirements is not required earlier than five years after the date of promulgation. Requires: (1) the Administrator to revoke an existing federal or state implementation plan for a state regarding visibility or any determination made in 2010 or 2011 of best available retrofit technology for a source upon receipt of a request by such state; and (2) such state to submit to the Administrator a visibility plan or a revised retrofit technology determination within a reasonable period of time. Provides that states have sole discretion, after considering certain economic factors, in determining emission limits, schedules of compliance, and other measures for each applicable implementation plan for a state for any area that is listed as contributing to impairment of visibility. Requires the state, in determining best available retrofit technology (or the Administrator in determining emission limitations that reflect such technology), to consider, in addition to other factors, the economic impacts to the state and the degree of improvement in visibility that may reasonably be anticipated to result from measures described in the applicable implementation plan. Provides that a state's determination of such technology for any source may be subject to review by the Administrator or an administrative entity or federal or state court only pursuant to a clearly erroneous standard of review.

Date: 2011-11-04
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from granting a waiver from prohibitions concerning new fuels and additives in light duty motor vehicles for any fuel or fuel additive that will: (1) reduce the fuel efficiency of the vehicle or engine, or (2) cause or contribute to any damage to the vehicle engine.

Date: 2011-11-15
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Generator Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 - Provides that: (1) the final rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 3, 2010, entitled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines" and any subsequent regulation that is substantially the same shall have no force or effect with respect to existing stationary compression ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines operated for generating electricity for emergency or demand response purposes or operating a water pump; and (2) the final rule of the same title published by EPA on August 20, 2010, the direct final action published by the EPA on March 9, 2011, entitled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines," and any subsequent regulation that is substantially the same shall have no force or effect with respect to existing stationary spark ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines operated for such purposes.

Date: 2011-12-08
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Common Sense Waiver Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to waive any emission standard or other requirements for hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act applicable to the control of asbestos emissions in the demolition or renovation of a building if the the building has been condemned and there is a reasonable expectation of the building's structural failure. Requires the Administrator to approve or disapprove a request for such a waiver within 90 days or the request shall be deemed to be approved.

Date: 2011-12-15
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Accountability in Grants Act of 2012 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from awarding grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other financial assistance under the national research and development program for the prevention and control of air pollution for any program, project, or activity to occur outside the United States and its territories and possessions.

Date: 2012-03-22
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection
Prohibits requiring a state that was not required to reduce emissions or levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxides under the Clean Air Interstate Rule to comply with any requirement under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule before January 1, 2017. Defines: (1) the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" as the final rule promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entitled "Rule To Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone (Clean Air Interstate Rule); Revisions to the Acid Rain Program; Revisions to the NOX SIP Call"; and (2) the "Cross-State Air Pollution Rule" as the final rule entitled "Federal Implementation Plans: Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone and Correction of SIP Approvals" and revisions to that final rule entitled "Revisions to Federal Implementation Plans To Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone."

Date: 2012-04-18
Topic: Environment (Air Pollution)
Subject: Environmental protection