Summary: Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Reauthorization Act - Amends the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 to extend the authorization of appropriations for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network through FY2018.

chesapeake_bay network reauthorization act_-_amends chesapeake_bay initiative act extend authorization appropriations chesapeake_bay network fy2018


Summary: Revises the boundaries of the Long Pond Unit SC-01 in the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System in South Carolina.

revises boundaries long pond unit john chafee coastal barrier resources system south_carolina


Summary: Revises the boundaries of the Huntington Beach Unit SC-03 in the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System in South Carolina.

revises boundaries huntington beach unit john chafee coastal barrier resources system south_carolina


Summary:
Commercial Vessel Discharges Reform Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit a permit from being required under such Act for a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel.

Defines a "covered vessel" to mean every description of watercraft, or other artificial contrivance used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, that is engaged in commercial service and that is: (1) less than 79 feet in length; or (2) a fishing vessel, regardless of length.

Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) determine, within one year, the discharges incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel for which it is reasonable and practicable to develop best management practices to mitigate adverse impacts on the waters of the United States; and (2) review such determination every five years.

Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Administrator, to promulgate regulations on the use of best management practices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of a covered vessel that the Administrator determines are reasonable and practicable.

Prohibits, upon the promulgation of such regulation, the owner or operator of a covered vessel from operating in, or discharging such discharge into, navigable waters, if the owner or operator of the vessel is not using such practices.

commercial vessel discharges reform_act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit permit required act discharge incidental normal operation covered vessel defines covered vessel mean description watercraft artificial contrivance capable means transportation water engaged commercial service feet length fishing vessel regardless length directs administrator environmental_protection_agency epa determine year discharges incidental normal operation covered vessel reasonable practicable develop best management practices mitigate adverse impacts waters united_states review determination years requires secretary department coast_guard operating consultation administrator promulgate regulations use best management practices discharges incidental normal operation covered vessel administrator determines reasonable practicable prohibits promulgation regulation owner operator covered vessel operating discharging discharge navigable waters owner operator vessel practices


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on December 2, 2014. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Revises the boundaries of the following units within the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System:

 Lea Island Complex L07, Wrightsville Beach Unit L08, and Masonboro Island Unit L09 in North Carolina; Sachuest Point Unit RI-04P, Easton Beach Unit RI-05P, Almy Pond Unit RI-06, and Hazards Beach Unit RI-07 in Rhode Island; Gasparilla Island Unit FL-70P in Florida; and Long Pond Unit SC-01 and Huntington Beach Unit SC-03 in South Carolina;

measure amended passed house december summary version repeated revises boundaries following units john chafee coastal barrier resources system lea island complex beach unit island unit north_carolina point unit beach unit pond unit hazards beach unit rhode_island island unit florida long pond unit huntington beach unit south_carolina


Summary:
Making Public Lands Public Access Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure, from amounts requested for the Land and Water Conservation Fund per fiscal year, that not less than the greater of 1.5% of the requested amounts or $10 million be made available for certain projects identified on an annual priority list to be developed pursuant to this Act.

Requires projects identified on such a list to secure, through rights-of-way or the acquisition of lands or interests from willing sellers, recreational public access to existing federal public lands that have significantly restricted access to hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

making public lands public access act_-_amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act direct secretary interior secretary agriculture usda ensure amounts requested land_and_water_conservation_fund fiscal year greater requested amounts million available certain projects identified annual priority list developed pursuant act requires projects identified list secure rights way acquisition lands interests willing sellers recreational public access existing federal public lands significantly restricted access hunting fishing recreational purposes


Summary:
Ensuring Access to Clean Water Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state exercising primary enforcement responsibility for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit programs to carry out a state chemical storage facility source water protection program.

Requires such a program to provide for oversight and inspection of each covered chemical storage facility in accordance with minimum requirements, described in this Act, to prevent the release of chemicals into a navigable water that is designated for use as a domestic water source. Defines "covered chemical storage facility" as a facility at which a chemical is stored and from which a release is determined to pose a risk of harm to such source.

Prohibits this Act from precluding or denying the right of any state to adopt or enforce standards for the oversight and inspection of covered chemical storage facilities that are more stringent than this Act's minimum requirements.

Requires the Administrator to report on a survey of states' best practices in oversight and inspection programs and applicable regulations implementing the programs.

Authorizes the issuance of orders by the Administrator to carry out this Act.

Authorizes an owner or operator of a public water system to commence, or to petition the Administrator to commence, a civil action for equitable relief to address possible imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons supplied by the water system. Provides a special rule to expedite the Administrator's response to a petition in emergency situations.

Sets forth requirements concerning: (1) liability of a facility owner or operator for costs of response actions, (2) pre-transfer inspections of facilities, and (3) information for operators of domestic water systems on navigable waters regarding emergency response plans and chemical inventories.

Establishes a civil penalty of up to $15,000 for each day in which an owner or operator of a covered facility violates this Act.

ensuring access clean water act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act direct administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state exercising primary enforcement responsibility national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permit programs carry state chemical storage facility source water protection program requires program provide oversight inspection covered chemical storage facility accordance minimum requirements described act prevent release chemicals navigable water designated use domestic water source defines covered chemical storage facility facility chemical stored release determined pose risk harm source prohibits act precluding denying right state adopt enforce standards oversight inspection covered chemical storage facilities stringent act minimum requirements requires administrator report survey states best practices oversight inspection programs applicable regulations implementing programs authorizes issuance orders administrator carry act authorizes owner operator public water system commence petition administrator commence civil action equitable relief address possible imminent substantial endangerment health persons supplied water system provides special rule expedite administrator response petition emergency situations sets forth requirements concerning liability facility owner operator costs response actions pre transfer inspections facilities information operators domestic water systems navigable waters emergency response plans chemical inventories establishes civil penalty day owner operator covered facility violates act


Summary:
Community Water Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in making grants under the pilot program for alternative water source projects to meet critical water supply needs, to consider the location and benefits of projects in rural communities (including whether the area is served by a public water system with fewer than 3,000 connections or is located in an area with no public water system).

Includes among such projects: (1) the conjunctive management of groundwater supplies by delivery of surface water instead of groundwater, and (2) water treatment or distribution facilities if the project requires such facilities to deliver the alternative water supply. Authorizes funding for the program through FY2018.

community water enhancement_act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa making grants pilot program alternative water source projects meet critical water supply needs consider location benefits projects rural communities including area served public water system fewer connections located area public water system includes projects conjunctive management groundwater supplies delivery surface water instead groundwater water treatment distribution facilities project requires facilities deliver alternative water supply authorizes funding program fy2018


Summary: Replaces the map included in the set of maps entitled "Coastal Barrier Resources System" (referred to in specified provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and relating to Indian Peninsula Unit FL-92 and Cape San Blas Unit P-30 in Florida) with another map relating to the same unit entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Corrected Indian Peninsula Unit FL-92 and Cape San Blas Unit P-30" of a date to be specified.

replaces map included set maps entitled coastal barrier resources system referred specified provisions coastal_barrier_resources_act relating indian peninsula unit cape san unit florida map relating unit entitled john chafee coastal barrier resources system corrected indian peninsula unit cape san unit date specified


Summary: Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from state volume caps private facility bonds for sewage and water supply facilities.

sustainable water infrastructure investment act amends_the_internal_revenue_code exempt state volume caps private facility bonds sewage water supply facilities


Summary:
Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of, and land acquisition for, a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater in Sacramento County, California.

Requires the project to consist of three phases, the first of which shall include the planning, design, and construction of water conveyance and related infrastructure to provide recycled water to irrigate approximately 4,500 acres of land in southern Sacramento County.

amends reclamation_wastewater groundwater_study facilities act authorize secretary interior participate design planning construction land acquisition project reclaim reuse wastewater sacramento county california requires project consist phases shall include planning design construction water conveyance related infrastructure provide recycled water irrigate approximately acres land southern sacramento county


Summary: Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act - Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to authorize states to allow certain entities to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements under the forest legacy program.

forest legacy management flexibility act_-_amends cooperative_forestry_assistance_act authorize states allow certain entities acquire hold manage conservation easements forest legacy program


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise maps of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System to remove from Texas System Unit P-15 the area known as the Preserve at Mustang Island (also known as Tortuga Dunes on Mustang Island) in Nueces County, Texas.

directs secretary interior revise maps john chafee coastal barrier resources system remove texas system unit area known preserve island known dunes island county texas


Summary:
Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 to expand the ocean acidification program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to include an ongoing mechanism that allows affected industry members, coastal stakeholders, non-federal resource managers, and outside scientific experts to provide input on research, data, and monitoring needs that are necessary to support on-the-ground management, decisionmaking, and adaptation related to ocean acidification and its impacts.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through NOAA, to conduct and update at least once every five years an ocean acidification coastal community vulnerability assessment with a corresponding public report. Requires such assessment to identify: (1) U.S. coastal communities, including island communities, low-population rural communities, and subsistence communities, that are most dependent on coastal and ocean resources that may be impacted by ocean acidification; (2) the nature of those communities' social and economic vulnerabilities; (3) impacts from changes in ocean and coastal marine resources that are not managed by the federal government; and (4) key knowledge gaps where research could be devoted to better understand the possible ocean acidification impacts, risks, threats, and possible adaptation strategies for such vulnerable communities.

Requires the strategic plan for federal research and monitoring on ocean acidification developed by the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and Technology Council to make recommendations for research that should be conducted, including in the social sciences and economics, to address the key knowledge gaps identified in the community vulnerability assessment report.

coastal communities ocean acidification act amends federal ocean acidification research monitoring act expand ocean acidification program national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa include ongoing mechanism allows affected industry members coastal stakeholders non federal resource managers outside scientific experts provide input research data monitoring needs necessary support ground management decisionmaking adaptation related ocean acidification impacts directs secretary commerce acting noaa conduct update years ocean acidification coastal community vulnerability assessment corresponding public report requires assessment identify coastal communities including island communities low population rural communities subsistence communities dependent coastal ocean resources impacted ocean acidification nature communities social economic vulnerabilities impacts changes ocean coastal marine resources managed federal_government key knowledge gaps research devoted better understand possible ocean acidification impacts risks threats possible adaptation strategies vulnerable communities requires strategic plan federal research monitoring ocean acidification developed joint subcommittee ocean science_and_technology national_science_and_technology_council recommendations research conducted including social sciences economics address key knowledge gaps identified community vulnerability assessment report


Summary:
Ocean Acidification Innovation Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to authorize any federal agency with a representative serving on the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification, either individually or in cooperation with other agencies, to carry out a program to award prizes competitively under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 for the purpose of stimulating innovation to advance the nation's ability to understand, research, or monitor ocean acidification or its impacts or to develop management or adaptation options for responding to ocean acidification.

Grants priority to establishing programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the impacts of ocean acidification.

ocean acidification innovation_act amends federal ocean acidification research monitoring act authorize federal agency representative serving interagency_working_group ocean acidification individually cooperation agencies carry program award prizes competitively stevenson-wydler_technology innovation_act purpose innovation advance nation ability understand research monitor ocean acidification impacts develop management adaptation options responding ocean acidification grants priority establishing programs address communities environments industries distress impacts ocean acidification


Summary:
Impaired Waters Improvement Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to reduce the discharges of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment (pollutants) in an area that is subject to a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for those pollutants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). Makes eligible for grants the owners and operators of: (1) publicly owned treatment works or storm water management practices serving areas subject to the TMDLs, or (2) privately owned farms implementing methods to reduce discharges of those pollutants in those areas.

Directs the Administrator to increase by 5% the civil penalty for violations of the Clean Water Act. Establishes the Impaired Waters Improvement Fund for making expenditures to carry out the grant program. Transfers for each of FY2015-FY2019 the amount attributable to the penalty increase or $100 million, whichever is less, to the Fund.

impaired waters improvement act_-_authorizes administrator environmental_protection_agency epa grants reduce discharges nitrogen phosphorus sediment pollutants area subject total maximum daily load tmdl pollutants federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act makes eligible grants owners operators publicly owned treatment works storm water management practices serving areas subject privately owned farms implementing methods reduce discharges pollutants areas directs administrator increase civil penalty violations clean water act establishes impaired waters improvement fund making expenditures carry grant program transfers fy2015-fy2019 attributable penalty increase million whichever fund


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

Regulatory Certainty Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to limit the period during which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may prohibit the specification, or restrict the use, of an area as a disposal site for discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States to the period that:

 begins on the date that the Army Corps of Engineers provides notice to the EPA that the Corps has completed all procedures for processing an application for a permit for dredged or fill material and is ready to determine whether the permit should be issued; and ends on the date that the Corps issues the permit. Requires the Corps to ensure that the period consists of at least 30 consecutive days.

Authorizes the Corps to issue a permit for dredged or fill material only after the Corps provides notice to the EPA.

measure amended introduced summary version repeated regulatory certainty act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act limit period environmental_protection_agency epa prohibit specification restrict use area disposal site discharges dredged fill materials waters united_states period begins date army_corps_of_engineers provides notice epa corps completed procedures processing application permit dredged fill material ready determine permit issued ends date corps issues permit requires corps ensure period consists consecutive days authorizes corps issue permit dredged fill material corps provides notice epa


Summary: Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit, beginning January 1, 2018, the distribution of a cosmetic that contains synthetic plastic microbeads.

free waters act amends federal food drug cosmetic act prohibit beginning january distribution cosmetic contains synthetic plastic


Summary:
Advancing Conservation and Education Act of 2014 - Allows Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming (western states) to relinquish state land grant parcels wholly or primarily within federal conservation areas and to select, in exchange, unappropriated public land within the state. Defines "federal conservation areas" as lands within the outer boundaries of units of the National Park, National Wilderness Preservation, National Wildlife Refuge, or National Landscape Conservation Systems and certain designated lands within the National Forest System.

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to create a process for the relinquishment of such parcels.

Allows a western state to select, and the Secretary to convey, lands that are mineral in character.

Requires the overall value of the state land grant parcels and the unappropriated public land to be conveyed to be equal.

Sets forth requirements regarding records of hazardous materials on land conveyed, water rights, and grazing permits.

advancing conservation education act allows alaska arizona california colorado idaho montana new_mexico north_dakota oregon south_dakota utah washington wyoming western states relinquish state land grant parcels wholly primarily federal conservation areas select exchange unappropriated public land state defines federal conservation areas lands outer boundaries units national park national wilderness preservation national wildlife refuge national landscape conservation systems certain designated lands national_forest_system directs secretary interior create process relinquishment parcels allows western state select secretary convey lands mineral character requires overall value state land grant parcels unappropriated public land conveyed equal sets forth requirements records hazardous materials land conveyed water rights grazing permits


Summary:
Agricultural Conservation Flexibility Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the interpretive rule issued on March 25, 2014, entitled, "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of the Army Interpretive Rule Regarding the Applicability of the Clean Water Act Section 404(f)(1)(A)."

Prohibits the Corps and the EPA from using the interpretive rule, or any substantially similar rule or guidance, as the basis for any rulemaking, decision, or action regarding the scope or enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Provides that the use of rule or a substantially similar rule or guidance as the basis for any rule, decision, or action is grounds for vacating the rule, decision, or action.

Requires soil and water conservation practices to be treated as normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities under permits for non-prohibited discharges of dredged or fill material. Prohibits such practices from being treated as a new use of an area of navigable waters, an impairment of the flow or circulation of navigable waters, or a reduction in the reach of such waters under those permits.

Applies this Act to activities occurring on or after March 25, 2014.

agricultural conservation flexibility act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require army_corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency epa withdraw interpretive rule issued march entitled environmental_protection_agency department_of_the_army interpretive rule applicability clean water act section prohibits corps epa interpretive rule substantially similar rule guidance basis rulemaking decision action scope enforcement clean water act provides use rule substantially similar rule guidance basis rule decision action grounds vacating rule decision action requires soil water conservation practices treated normal farming ranching activities permits non prohibited discharges dredged fill material prohibits practices treated new use area navigable waters impairment flow circulation navigable waters reduction reach waters permits applies act activities occurring march


Summary:
Coal Jobs Protection Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state acting pursuant to an equivalent approved state program (permitting authority) from basing a determination on whether to approve a permit for discharges from a point source (a source of water pollution that comes from a single, discrete place, such as a pipe) on the permit applicant's adherence to guidance issued by the EPA.

Authorizes an applicant, if the permitting authority does not approve or deny a substantially complete application for a new permit within 270 days after the date of receipt of an application, to discharge as if the application were approved.

Prohibits the EPA from disapproving or withdrawing approval of a state permit program under NPDES, or limiting financial assistance for the program, based on: (1) the failure of the program to incorporate or comply with EPA guidance, or (2) the implementation of a water quality standard that has been adopted by the state and approved by the EPA.

Prohibits the EPA from objecting or denying the issuance of a NPDES permit by a state based on EPA guidance or the EPA's interpretation of a water quality standard that has been adopted by the state and approved by the EPA.

 (Sec. 3) Establishes deadlines for completing environmental assessments or environmental impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) if they are required for permits to discharge dredged or fill material into navigable waters. Considers permits to be approved if the Army Corps of Engineers fails to act by those deadlines. Prohibits permits from being subject to judicial review if the Secretary fails to act by the deadlines.

Requires a state to concur with the EPA's determination that a discharge will result in an unacceptable adverse effect in order for the EPA to deny or restrict the specification of any defined area as a disposal site or the use of defined areas as disposal sites.

Shortens the deadline for other agencies to submit comments to the Army Corps on a proposed discharge permit from 90 days to 30 days (or 60 days if additional time is requested).

(Sec. 4) Requires the EPA to analyze the impact of issuing a regulation, policy statement, guidance, response to a petition, or other requirement or implementing a new or substantially altered program under the Clean Water Act on employment levels or economic activity in each state before taking an action. Requires a hearing in each state if the EPA finds more than a de minimis negative impact.

(Sec. 5) Prohibits the EPA from: (1) promulgating a water quality standard for a pollutant when the EPA has approved a state water quality standard for the pollutant unless the state concurs; or (2) taking action to supersede a state's determination that a discharge will comply with discharge limitations, water quality standards, controls on the discharge of pollutants, and toxic and pretreatment discharge standards under the Clean Water Act.

(Sec. 6) Increases the authority of states to determine the list of impaired waters in their states and the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs) of pollutants for those waters. Authorizes states to disregard, accept, or modify the EPA's disagreement with, and recommendations for, a state's identification of: (1) waters as areas with insufficient controls, and (2) pollutants suitable for TMDL measurement.

(Sec. 7) Codifies the current regulatory definition of "fill material," thereby determining what material is subject to the permit program for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters of the United States. Includes as fill material rock, sand, soil, clay, plastics, construction debris, wood chips, overburden from mining or other excavation activities, and materials used to create any structure or infrastructure in the waters of the United States. Exempts trash and garbage from requirements governing the discharge of fill material into waters of the United States.

coal jobs protection act sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes prohibit environmental_protection_agency epa state acting pursuant equivalent approved state program permitting authority basing determination approve permit discharges point source source water pollution comes single discrete place pipe permit applicant adherence guidance issued epa authorizes applicant permitting authority approve deny substantially complete application new permit days date receipt application discharge application approved prohibits epa disapproving withdrawing approval state permit program npdes limiting financial assistance program based failure program incorporate comply epa guidance implementation water quality standard adopted state approved epa prohibits epa denying issuance npdes permit state based epa guidance epa interpretation water quality standard adopted state approved epa sec establishes deadlines completing environmental assessments environmental impact statements national_environmental_policy_act nepa required permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters considers permits approved army_corps_of_engineers fails act deadlines prohibits permits subject judicial review secretary fails act deadlines requires state concur epa determination discharge result unacceptable adverse effect order epa deny restrict specification defined area disposal site use defined areas disposal sites deadline agencies submit comments army corps proposed discharge permit days days days additional time requested sec requires epa analyze impact issuing regulation policy statement guidance response petition requirement implementing new substantially altered program clean water act employment levels economic activity state taking action requires hearing state epa finds minimis negative impact sec prohibits epa promulgating water quality standard pollutant epa approved state water quality standard pollutant state concurs taking action supersede state determination discharge comply discharge limitations water quality standards controls discharge pollutants toxic discharge standards clean water act sec increases authority states determine list impaired waters states total maximum daily load pollutants waters authorizes states disregard accept modify epa disagreement recommendations state identification waters areas insufficient controls pollutants suitable tmdl measurement sec codifies current regulatory definition fill material determining material subject permit program discharge dredged fill material navigable waters united_states includes fill material rock sand soil clay plastics construction debris wood mining excavation activities materials create structure infrastructure waters united_states exempts trash garbage requirements governing discharge fill material waters united_states


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014 - Prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from:

 developing, finalizing, adopting, implementing, applying, administering, or enforcing the proposed rule entitled, "Definition of 'Waters of the United States' Under the Clean Water Act," issued on April 21, 2014, or the proposed guidance entitled, "Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected By the Clean Water Act," dated February 17, 2012; or using the proposed rule or proposed guidance, any successor document, or any substantially similar proposed rule or guidance as the basis for any rulemaking or decision regarding the scope or enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). Requires the Army Corps and the EPA to withdraw the interpretive rule entitled, "Notice of Availability Regarding the Exemption from Permitting Under Section 404(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act to Certain Agricultural Conservation Practices," issued on April 21, 2014.

Requires the Army Corps and the EPA to: (1) consult with relevant state and local officials to develop recommendations for a regulatory proposal that would identify the scope of waters covered under the Clean Water Act and the scope of waters not covered; (2) provide for the public review and comment of a draft report that includes a recommendation only if consensus has been reached with regard to the recommendation among the Army Corps, the EPA, and state and local officials; (3) publish a final report; and (4) report to Congress on the recommendations.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated waters united_states regulatory overreach protection act prohibits army_corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency epa developing finalizing adopting implementing applying administering enforcing proposed rule entitled definition waters united_states clean water act issued april proposed guidance entitled guidance identifying waters protected clean water act dated february proposed rule proposed guidance successor document substantially similar proposed rule guidance basis rulemaking decision scope enforcement federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act requires army corps epa withdraw interpretive rule entitled notice availability exemption permitting section clean water act certain agricultural conservation practices issued april requires army corps epa consult relevant state local officials develop recommendations regulatory proposal identify scope waters covered clean water act scope waters covered provide public review comment draft report includes recommendation consensus reached regard recommendation army corps epa state local officials publish final report report congress recommendations


Summary:
Estuary Urgent Needs Priority Program Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise the National Estuary Program by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make competitive awards to address urgent and challenging issues that threaten the economic and ecological well-being of coastal areas, including extensive seagrass habitat losses, recurring harmful algae blooms, unusual marine mammal mortalities, invasive exotic species, and jellyfish proliferation limiting community access to water during peak tourism seasons.

Requires the EPA to give priority to national estuary programs that are not part of the Geographic Programs as described in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014.

estuary urgent needs priority program act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise national_estuary_program requiring environmental_protection_agency epa competitive awards address urgent challenging issues threaten economic ecological coastal areas including extensive habitat losses recurring harmful algae blooms unusual marine mammal invasive exotic species proliferation limiting community access water peak tourism requires epa priority national estuary programs geographic programs described consolidated_appropriations_act


Summary:
Smart Water Management Conservation and Efficiency Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish and carry out a smart water management pilot program to award grants to three to five eligible entities (authorities that provide drinking water, wastewater treatment, or water reuse services) to demonstrate and deploy novel and innovative technology-based solutions that will: (1) increase the energy and water efficiency of drinking water, wastewater treatment, and water reuse systems; (2) improve such systems to help communities make significant progress in conserving water, saving energy, and reducing costs; and (3) support the implementation of innovative processes and the installation of advanced automated systems that provide real-time data on energy and water.

Directs the Secretary, in selecting grant recipient, to consider:

 energy and cost savings; the novelty of the technology to be used; the degree to which the project integrates next-generation sensors, software, analytics, and management tools; the anticipated cost-effectiveness of the pilot project in terms of energy efficiency savings, water savings or reuse, and infrastructure costs averted; whether the technology can be deployed in a variety of geographic regions and the degree to which the technology can be implemented on a smaller or larger scale; and whether the project will be completed in five years or less. Requires the Secretary to evaluate, annually, each project for which a grant is provided and make best practices identified available to the public.

smart water management conservation efficiency_act directs secretary energy doe establish carry smart water management pilot program award grants eligible entities authorities provide drinking water wastewater treatment water reuse services demonstrate deploy novel innovative technology based solutions increase energy water efficiency drinking water wastewater treatment water reuse systems improve systems help communities significant progress conserving water saving energy reducing costs support implementation innovative processes installation advanced automated systems provide real time data energy water directs secretary selecting grant recipient consider energy cost savings technology degree project integrates generation sensors software analytics management tools anticipated cost effectiveness pilot project terms energy efficiency savings water savings reuse infrastructure costs technology deployed variety geographic regions degree technology implemented smaller larger scale project completed years requires secretary evaluate annually project grant provided best practices identified available public


Summary:
WaterSense Efficiency, Conservation, and Adaptation Act of 2014 - Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a WaterSense program to identify and promote water efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services so as to:

 reduce water use; reduce the strain on water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; conserve energy used to pump, heat, transport, and treat water; and preserve water resources through the voluntary labeling of, or other forms of communications about, products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services that meet the highest water efficiency and performance criteria. Requires the Administrator of EPA to identify other voluntary approaches to encourage recycling and reuse technologies to improve water efficiency or lower water use and to implement those approaches, if appropriate.

Establishes a State Residential Water Efficiency and Conservation Incentives Program to provide financial incentives for consumers to purchase and install products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services labeled under the WaterSense program.

Requires the Administrator to make grants to owners or operators of water systems to address, mitigate, and adapt to address any ongoing or forecasted impact of climate change on the water quality or quantity of a U.S. region.

watersense efficiency conservation adaptation act establishes environmental_protection_agency epa watersense program identify promote water efficient products buildings landscapes facilities processes services reduce water use reduce strain water wastewater stormwater infrastructure conserve energy pump heat transport treat water preserve water resources voluntary labeling forms communications products buildings landscapes facilities processes services meet highest water efficiency performance criteria requires administrator epa identify voluntary approaches encourage recycling reuse technologies improve water efficiency lower water use implement approaches appropriate establishes state residential water efficiency conservation incentives program provide financial incentives consumers purchase install products buildings landscapes facilities processes services labeled watersense program requires administrator grants owners operators water systems address mitigate adapt address ongoing forecasted impact climate change water quality quantity region


Summary:
Columbia River Basin Restoration Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Columbia River Basin Restoration Program to reduce toxic contamination and clean up contaminated sites. Requires the program to be collaborative and stakeholder-based.

Requires the EPA to: (1) assess trends in water quality and toxic contamination or toxics reduction; (2) collect, characterize and assess data on toxics and water quality to identify possible causes of environmental problems; (3) update the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Plan (Action Plan) and the Estuary Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (Estuary Plan) and ensure that the plans form a coherent toxic contamination reduction strategy; and (4) provide technical assistance in implementing and updating the Action Plan.

Directs the EPA to establish a Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Working Group to: (1) participate in developing updates to the Action Plan, (2) recommend and prioritize projects and actions for the Action Plan, and (3) review progress made.

Requires the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership to perform those duties and fulfill those responsibilities of the Working Group relating to the Lower Columbia River Estuary.

Requires the EPA to establish a Columbia River Basin toxics grant program to provide funding to develop or implement projects to implement the Action Plan and the Estuary Plan.

columbia_river_basin restoration act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require environmental_protection_agency epa establish columbia_river_basin restoration program reduce toxic contamination clean contaminated sites requires program collaborative stakeholder based requires epa assess trends water quality toxic contamination toxics reduction collect characterize assess data toxics water quality identify possible causes environmental problems update columbia_river_basin toxics reduction plan action plan estuary partnership comprehensive conservation management plan estuary plan ensure plans form coherent toxic contamination reduction strategy provide technical assistance implementing updating action plan directs epa establish columbia_river_basin toxics reduction working_group participate developing updates action plan recommend prioritize projects actions action plan review progress requires lower_columbia river estuary partnership perform duties fulfill responsibilities working_group relating lower_columbia river estuary requires epa establish columbia_river_basin toxics grant program provide funding develop implement projects implement action plan estuary plan


Summary:
No More Land Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to prohibit the Land and Water Conservation Fund from being used for acquisition.

Directs the heads of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, and the National Park Service to reduce the value of backlogged maintenance that exists on lands under the administrative jurisdiction of that agency by at least 20% in five years, with additional decreases in the backlog for subsequent years.

Instructs each agency to publish reports to Congress that document the progress made by reducing the backlogs.

Requires each agency to submit to Congress a report that prioritizes lands owned by the federal government and under the administrative jurisdiction of that agency by order of importance to the success of agency programs.

land act_-_amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act prohibit land_and_water_conservation_fund acquisition directs heads bureau_of_land_management blm fish_and_wildlife_service forest_service national_park_service reduce value maintenance exists lands administrative jurisdiction agency years additional decreases backlog subsequent years instructs agency publish reports congress document progress reducing backlogs requires agency submit congress report prioritizes lands owned federal_government administrative jurisdiction agency order importance success agency programs


Summary:
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to reauthorize and revise the National Estuary Program for FY2014-FY2018.

Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to make competitive awards to address urgent and challenging issues that threaten the economic and ecological well-being of coastal areas, including:

 extensive seagrass habitat losses, recurring harmful algae blooms, unusual marine mammal mortalities, invasive exotic species, jellyfish proliferation limiting community access to water during peak tourism seasons, flooding which may be related to sea level rise or wetland degradation or loss, or low dissolved oxygen conditions in estuarine waters.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act reauthorize revise national_estuary_program fy2014-fy2018 requires environmental_protection_agency competitive awards address urgent challenging issues threaten economic ecological coastal areas including extensive habitat losses recurring harmful algae blooms unusual marine mammal invasive exotic species proliferation limiting community access water peak tourism flooding related sea level rise wetland degradation loss low dissolved oxygen conditions estuarine waters


Summary:
Indian River Lagoon Nutrient Removal Assistance Act of 2014 - Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an Indian River Lagoon Nutrient Removal Assistance Grant Program to assist projects related to the protection and restoration of the Indian River Lagoon in Florida.

Directs the EPA to issue regulations regarding grant selection criteria that prioritize projects that: (1) produce the greatest nutrient load reductions, (2) result in the greatest environmental benefits to the Lagoon, and (3) advance the goals and objectives of the comprehensive and management plan for the Indian River Lagoon approved under the National Estuary program of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act).

Requires the EPA to issue regulations to increase by 5% each civil penalty amount established for a violation of the Clean Water Act.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an Indian River Lagoon Nutrient Removal Assistance Trust Fund for the Program. Requires an amount equal to the increase in civil penalties to be transferred to the Fund.

indian river nutrient removal assistance_act requires environmental_protection_agency epa establish indian river nutrient removal assistance grant program assist projects related protection restoration indian river florida directs epa issue regulations grant selection criteria prioritize projects produce greatest nutrient load reductions result greatest environmental benefits advance goals objectives comprehensive management plan indian river approved national_estuary_program federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act requires epa issue regulations increase civil penalty established violation clean water act amends_the_internal_revenue_code establish indian river nutrient removal assistance trust_fund program requires equal increase civil penalties transferred fund


Summary:
Water in the 21st Century Act or W21 - Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a WaterSense program to identify and promote water efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services.

 Requires the EPA to identify other voluntary approaches to encourage recycling and reuse technologies to improve water efficiency or lower water use and to implement those approaches, if appropriate.

Establishes a State Residential Water Efficiency and Conservation Incentives Program to provide financial incentives for consumers to purchase and install products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services labeled under the WaterSense program.

Requires the EPA to make grants to owners or operators of water systems to address, mitigate, and adapt to any ongoing or forecasted impact of climate change on a region's water quality or quantity.

 Authorizes the Department of the Interior to provide financial assistance for water recycling, water infrastructure, enhanced energy efficiency in water systems, desalination projects, permanent water storage, and integrated water management in specified states.

Authorizes the transfer of title to nonfederal entities of reclamation projects in need of rehabilitation that are authorized before enactment of this Act under certain conditions. Requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish an open water data system.

Reauthorizes the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 and the Water Desalination Act of 1996 through FY2020.

Requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, after receiving a request from a nonfederal sponsor, to review the operation of a reservoir and update the water control manual to incorporate improved weather and runoff forecasting methods, if appropriate.

Directs the EPA to develop voluntary national drought resilience guidelines relating to preparedness planning and investments for water users and providers.

Requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare a salmon drought plan for California.

water 21st century act establishes environmental_protection_agency epa watersense program identify promote water efficient products buildings landscapes facilities processes services requires epa identify voluntary approaches encourage recycling reuse technologies improve water efficiency lower water use implement approaches appropriate establishes state residential water efficiency conservation incentives program provide financial incentives consumers purchase install products buildings landscapes facilities processes services labeled watersense program requires epa grants owners operators water systems address mitigate adapt ongoing forecasted impact climate change region water quality quantity authorizes department_of_the_interior provide financial assistance water recycling water infrastructure enhanced energy efficiency water systems desalination projects permanent water storage integrated water management specified states authorizes transfer title nonfederal entities reclamation projects need rehabilitation authorized enactment act certain conditions requires geological survey usgs establish open water data system reauthorizes water_resources_research_act water desalination act fy2020 requires army_corps_of_engineers receiving request nonfederal sponsor review operation reservoir update water control manual incorporate improved weather runoff forecasting methods appropriate directs epa develop voluntary national drought resilience guidelines relating preparedness planning investments water users providers requires fish_and_wildlife_service prepare salmon drought plan california


Summary: Prohibits the use of federal funds made available for FY2015 for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.

prohibits use federal funds available fy2015 bay delta conservation plan


Summary:
Great Lakes and Fresh Water Algal Bloom Information Act - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create an online database of research and information on the causes and corrective actions being taken with regard to algal blooms in the Great Lakes, their tributaries, and other surface fresh waters. Requires NOAA to include relevant chemical, physical, and biological data that have been collected by an accredited university, association or organization, research group, federal agency, state, or local government in the United States or Canada.

Declares that this Act does not grant NOAA any new authority, including the authority to require submission of data.

great_lakes fresh water algal bloom information act_-_requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa create online database research information causes corrective actions taken regard algal blooms great_lakes tributaries surface fresh waters requires noaa include relevant chemical physical biological data collected accredited university association organization research group federal agency state local government united_states canada declares act grant noaa new authority including authority require submission data


Summary:
Protecting Our Great Lakes Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit any discharge of dredged material into waters within Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior lakeward from a line drawn across the mouth of tributaries to the Lakes. Includes within the area protected from discharges all waters enclosed by constructed breakwaters (barriers built in a body of water to break the force of waves and protect surrounding land). Excludes connecting channels from the protected area.

Requires any dredged material resulting from activity in the Great Lakes System to be reused in beneficial ways on land or disposed of in a confined land- or water-based disposal area determined to be economically and environmentally viable by the Army Corps of Engineers in consultation with concerned states.

Treats violators of the prohibition as having violated a condition or limitation set forth in a permit to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.

protecting great_lakes act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit discharge dredged material waters lake lake_huron lake lake michigan lake lake superior line drawn mouth tributaries lakes includes area protected discharges waters enclosed constructed barriers built body water break force waves protect surrounding land excludes connecting channels protected area requires dredged material resulting activity great_lakes system beneficial ways land disposed confined land- water based disposal area determined economically environmentally viable army_corps_of_engineers consultation concerned states treats violators prohibition having violated condition limitation set forth permit discharge dredged fill material waters united_states


Summary: Directs the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to revise the management plan for the conservation pool in Lake Texoma (Oklahoma and Texas) to ensure that: (1) the water surface elevation is maintained between 619 and 614 mean sea level; (2) if the water surface elevation is at or below 614 mean sea level, hydroelectric power generation is only conducted upon a determination by the Secretary, in consultation with the Lake Texoma Advisory Committee, that there are emergency power needs, including needs resulting from a natural disaster; and (3) additional water capacity resulting from the revised mean surface elevation may be made available for allocation and, if allocated, district water suppliers will be prioritized.

directs secretary army acting chief_of_engineers revise management plan conservation pool lake texoma oklahoma texas ensure water surface elevation maintained mean sea level water surface elevation mean sea level hydroelectric power generation conducted determination secretary consultation lake texoma advisory_committee emergency power needs including needs resulting natural disaster additional water capacity resulting revised mean surface elevation available allocation allocated district water suppliers prioritized


Summary: Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Assessment Act of 2014 - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to assess and report on the cultural and historic resources in the waters of the Great Lakes. Directs the Under Secretary to make recommendations in the report on whether: (1) underwater geographic areas in the Great Lakes should be designated as national marine sanctuaries to protect resources of historical and archeological significance; and (2) the designation of a network of underwater Great Lakes areas that protect those resources could bring significant educational opportunities, economic development, jobs, and tourism to the Great Lakes region.

great_lakes maritime heritage assessment act requires secretary commerce oceans atmosphere assess report cultural historic resources waters great_lakes directs secretary recommendations report underwater geographic areas great_lakes designated national marine sanctuaries protect resources historical archeological significance designation network underwater great_lakes areas protect resources bring significant educational opportunities economic development jobs tourism great_lakes region


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for FY2015-FY2019.

Requires that the Initiative carry out programs and projects for Great Lakes protection and restoration. Directs the Initiative to prioritize programs and projects, including:

 the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern; the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts; the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution (water pollution that comes from many diffuse sources, such as pollution on the ground picked up by rain or snow); habitat and wildlife protection and restoration; and accountability, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and partnership activities. Prohibits funding made available to implement the Initiative from being used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) for which funding is made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program.

Requires federal agencies to maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities without regard to funding under the Initiative and identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure great_lakes restoration initiative act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize environmental_protection_agency great_lakes restoration initiative fy2015-fy2019 requires initiative carry programs projects great_lakes protection restoration directs initiative prioritize programs projects including remediation toxic substances areas concern prevention control invasive species impacts protection restoration near shore health prevention mitigation nonpoint source pollution water pollution comes sources pollution ground rain snow habitat wildlife protection restoration accountability monitoring evaluation communication partnership activities prohibits funding available implement initiative water infrastructure activity green infrastructure project improves habitat ecosystem functions great_lakes funding available clean water drinking water state revolving fund program requires federal agencies maintain base level funding great_lakes activities regard funding initiative identify new activities support environmental goals initiative


Summary:
Water Quality Investment Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to reauthorize the sewer overflow control grants program through FY2019.

Requires a project that receives a grant to be carried out under the same requirements as a project that receives assistance from a state water pollution control revolving fund, unless the state determines the requirements are inconsistent with treating sewer overflow.

water quality investment act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act reauthorize sewer overflow control grants program fy2019 requires project receives grant carried requirements project receives assistance state water pollution control revolving fund state determines requirements inconsistent treating sewer overflow


Summary: Revises the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Unit P16 in Florida.

revises boundaries john chafee coastal barrier resources system unit florida


Summary:
California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act of 2013 - Expands the boundary of the California Coastal National Monument, established by Presidential Proclamation 7264, to include the Point Arena-Stornetta public lands in Mendocino County, California.

Requires management of such lands: (1) in accordance with such Proclamation, and (2) as part of the Monument.

Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to finalize an amendment to the Monument's management plan for the long-term protection and management of the lands added to the Monument under this Act.

Requires management of the Monument as part of the National Landscape Conservation System.

california coastal national_monument expansion act expands boundary california coastal national_monument established presidential proclamation include point public lands mendocino county california requires management lands accordance proclamation monument instructs secretary interior finalize amendment monument management plan long term protection management lands added monument act requires management monument national_landscape_conservation_system


Summary:
Secure Water Facilities Act - Secure Drinking Water Facilities Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to revise and expand requirements for assessment by covered water systems of their vulnerability to a range of intentional acts. Defines a "covered water system" as a public water system that serves a population of more than 3,300 individuals or that presents a security risk that requires regulation.

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to establish: (1) increasingly stringent, risk-based performance standards for the security of such systems; (2) requirements and deadlines for systems to conduct and update assessments, develop and revise security plans and emergency response plans, and provide training to system and contractor employees; and (3) four risk-based tiers for the categorization of systems. Requires the Administrator to assign each system to such tiers.

Authorizes the Administrator to designate any chemical substance as a substance of concern and establish the threshold quantity for the release or theft of each such substance. Requires the Administrator to: (1) provide baseline information to systems regarding the types of intentional acts that constitute probable threats, (2) direct systems that possess substances of concern in excess of the release threshold quantity to include in their site security plans assessments of methods to reduce the consequences of chemical releases from intentional acts, (3) determine whether to require systems to implement such methods, (4) develop non-binding guidance to assist systems in assessing and implementing methods to reduce consequences of a chemical release by reducing or eliminating reliance on the use of threshold quantities of such substances, and (5) prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of protected information.

Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to assist states and systems in complying with this Act and to provide for security-related training of system employees and training for emergency response providers. Authorizes appropriations for FY2013-FY2017.

Secure Wastewater Treatment Facilities Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to establish the same requirements and set forth analogous provisions with respect to covered treatment works. Defines a "covered treatment works" as a treatment works that has a treatment capacity of no less than 2.5 million gallons per day or that presents a security risk that requires regulation.

secure water facilities act secure drinking water facilities act_-_amends safe_drinking_water_act revise expand requirements assessment covered water systems vulnerability range intentional acts defines covered water system public water system serves population individuals presents security risk requires regulation requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa promulgate regulations establish stringent risk based performance standards security systems requirements deadlines systems conduct update assessments develop revise security plans emergency response plans provide training system contractor employees risk based tiers categorization systems requires administrator assign system tiers authorizes administrator designate chemical substance substance concern establish threshold quantity release theft substance requires administrator provide baseline information systems types intentional acts constitute probable threats direct systems possess substances concern excess release threshold quantity include site security plans assessments methods reduce consequences chemical releases intentional acts determine require systems implement methods develop non binding guidance assist systems assessing implementing methods reduce consequences chemical release reducing eliminating reliance use threshold quantities substances prohibit unauthorized disclosure protected information authorizes administrator provide grants assist states systems complying act provide security related training system employees training emergency response providers authorizes appropriations fy2013 fy2017 secure wastewater treatment facilities act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act establish requirements set forth analogous provisions respect covered treatment works defines covered treatment works treatment works treatment capacity million gallons day presents security risk requires regulation


Summary:
Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2013 - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Makes monies covered into the Fund available for expenditure to carry out the purposes of the Act without further appropriation.

Requires not less than 1.5% of the annual authorized funding amount to be made available for projects that secure recreational public access to existing federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

land water conservation authorization funding act amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act permanent authorization land_and_water_conservation_fund makes monies covered fund available expenditure carry purposes act appropriation requires annual authorized funding available projects secure recreational public access existing federal public land hunting fishing recreational purposes


Summary:
Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require owners or operators of publicly owned treatment works to: (1) institute monitoring systems to provide timely alerts of sewer overflows, (2) notify the public not later than 24 hours after receiving knowledge of such overflows in areas where human health is potentially affected, (3) notify public health authorities and other affected entities immediately of an overflow that may imminently and substantially endanger human health, (4) report each overflow on discharge monitoring reports to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state, and (5) annually report to the Administrator or the state on the total number of overflows in a calendar year.

Makes specified exceptions to notification and reporting requirements for backups into single-family residences and for overflows that occur in the course of treatment works maintenance, respectively.

Requires annual summary reports by states to the Administrator.

Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations, including to establish overflow assessment guidance and develop communications measures to provide notification under this Act.

Makes the monitoring systems eligible for state water pollution control revolving fund assistance.

sewage overflow community right know act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require owners operators publicly owned treatment works institute monitoring systems provide timely alerts sewer overflows notify public later hours receiving knowledge overflows areas human health potentially affected notify public health authorities affected entities immediately overflow imminently substantially endanger human health report overflow discharge monitoring reports administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state annually report administrator state total number overflows calendar year makes specified exceptions notification reporting requirements single family residences overflows occur course treatment works maintenance respectively requires annual summary reports states administrator requires administrator promulgate regulations including establish overflow assessment guidance develop communications measures provide notification act makes monitoring systems eligible state water pollution control revolving fund assistance


Summary: Rural Heritage Conservation Extension Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes; and (2) prohibit any such deduction for contributions of an easement for use on, or intended use on, a golf course.

rural heritage conservation extension act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent tax deduction charitable contributions individuals corporations real property interests conservation purposes prohibit deduction contributions easement use intended use golf course


Summary: Replaces the map included in the set of maps entitled "Coastal Barrier Resources System" (referred to in specified provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and relating to Unit L06 in the state of North Carolina) with another map relating to the same unit entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Corrected Unit L06."

replaces map included set maps entitled coastal barrier resources system referred specified provisions coastal_barrier_resources_act relating unit state north_carolina map relating unit entitled john chafee coastal barrier resources system corrected unit


Summary:
Great Lakes Water Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) from performing a discharge (defined as an intentional diversion of waste streams to bypass any portion of a treatment facility which results in a discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into the Great Lakes) unless: (1) the bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage, there is no feasible alternative, and the treatment works provides notice; or (2) the bypass does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded and is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the treatment facility.

Requires a POTW to provide prior notice for any anticipated discharge, or notice as soon as practicable for any unanticipated discharge (but no later than two hours after a discharge begins for a POTW with an automated detection system or 12 hours after a discharge begins for a POTW without such system), to: (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (or a state if the state has an approved permit program), (2) each local health department (or a state health department if a local department does not exist), (3) the municipality in which a discharge occurred, (4) each municipality with jurisdiction over waters that may be affected, (5) a daily newspaper of general circulation in each county in which such a municipality is located, and (6) the public.

Requires a POTW, within five days after such initial notice, to provide follow-up notice regarding the cause of, reason for, dates and times of, anticipated duration of, volume of, public access areas affected by, and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent recurrence of, the discharge. Requires the Administrator (or a state with an approved permit program) to annually publish and make available to the public a list of the POTWs from which a follow-up notice was received.

 Includes among prohibited bypasses those resulting in discharges from a POTW that consist of effluent routed around treatment units and blended with effluent from treatment units prior to discharge.

Directs the Administrator to establish procedures to ensure that permits issued to POTWs under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System include requirements to comply with this Act.

Establishes a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 per day for violations of this Act occurring on or after January 1, 2033.

Establishes the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund into which penalties for violations of this Act shall be deposited and from which amounts shall be provided for improving wastewater discharges.

great_lakes water protection act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit publicly owned treatment works potw performing discharge defined intentional diversion waste streams bypass portion treatment facility results discharge untreated partially treated sewage great_lakes bypass unavoidable prevent loss life personal injury severe property damage feasible alternative treatment works provides notice bypass cause effluent limitations exceeded essential maintenance ensure efficient operation treatment facility requires potw provide prior notice anticipated discharge notice soon practicable unanticipated discharge later hours discharge begins potw automated detection system hours discharge begins potw system administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state state approved permit program local health department state health department local department exist municipality discharge occurred municipality jurisdiction waters affected daily newspaper general circulation county municipality located public requires potw days initial notice provide follow notice cause reason dates times anticipated duration volume public access areas affected steps taken planned reduce eliminate prevent recurrence discharge requires administrator state approved permit program annually publish available public list potws follow notice received includes prohibited resulting discharges potw consist effluent treatment units blended effluent treatment units prior discharge directs administrator establish procedures ensure permits issued potws national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system include requirements comply act establishes maximum civil penalty day violations act occurring january establishes great_lakes cleanup fund penalties violations act shall deposited amounts shall provided improving wastewater discharges


Summary: Oil Spill Tax Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax deduction for business-related expenses paid or incurred by a responsible party relating to an incident resulting in the discharge of oil into the navigable waters, other than an incident caused by an act of God or an act of war.

oil spill tax fairness act amends_the_internal_revenue_code deny tax deduction business related expenses paid incurred responsible party relating incident resulting discharge oil navigable waters incident caused act god act war


Summary:
National Endowment for the Oceans Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish the National Endowment for the Oceans as a permanent endowment fund to support programs and activities to restore, protect, maintain, or understand living marine resources and their habitats and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, including baseline scientific research, ocean observing, and other programs in coordination with federal and state agencies.

Requires the contribution of non-federal matching funds for certain projects.

Specifies that programs funded in Great Lakes states shall also seek to attain the goals embodied in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Plan, the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, or other collaborative planning efforts of the Great Lakes Region. Prohibits the funding of litigation.

Directs the Foundation, according to a specified allocation formula, to award a minimum percentage of funds as grants to coastal states while awarding a lesser percentage of funds to entities including states, Indian tribes, regional bodies, associations, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions.

Sets forth a process for the Foundation, with approval of the Secretary, to establish application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and grant approval procedures.

Requires coastal states, as a condition to grant eligibility, to submit a five-year plan (updated at least every five years to continue receiving a grant) to the Secretary for approval after the Secretary has provided an opportunity for public comment. Directs the Foundation to establish an advisory panel to review and make recommendations with respect to the grant applications of other entities.

national endowment oceans act_-_authorizes secretary commerce national_fish_and_wildlife_foundation establish national endowment oceans permanent endowment fund support programs activities restore protect maintain understand living marine resources habitats ocean coastal great_lakes resources including baseline scientific research ocean observing programs coordination federal state agencies requires contribution non federal matching funds certain projects specifies programs funded great_lakes states shall seek attain goals embodied great_lakes restoration initiative plan great_lakes regional collaboration strategy great_lakes_water_quality_agreement collaborative planning efforts great_lakes region prohibits funding litigation directs foundation according specified allocation formula award minimum percentage funds grants coastal states awarding lesser percentage funds entities including states indian tribes regional bodies associations non governmental organizations academic institutions sets forth process foundation approval secretary establish application guidelines eligibility criteria grant approval procedures requires coastal states condition grant eligibility submit year plan updated years continue receiving grant secretary approval secretary provided opportunity public comment directs foundation establish advisory_panel review recommendations respect grant applications entities


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2013 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to transfer certain authority from the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary). Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a national coral reef ecosystem action strategy, revised as necessary, that includes discussions of: (1) coastal uses and management, including land-based sources of pollution; (2) climate change; and (3) other matters required under existing law. (Currently, such strategy is submitted by the NOAA Administrator.)

(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to give priority to community-based local action strategies when awarding certain grants for conservation projects. Authorizes funds for monitoring and assessment, research, pollution reduction, education, and technical support. Revises the project proposal approval process by directing the Secretary to consider criteria, including: (1) coral reef ecosystems (current law refers only to coral reefs) and biodiversity; (2) international ecosystems; (3) mitigation of coral disease, ocean acidification, and bleaching; and (4) support for community-based planning with local governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Defines "coral reef ecosystem" as the system of coral reefs and geographically associated species, habitats, and environment, including any adjacent or associated mangroves and seagrass habitats, and the processes that control its dynamics.

(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with nonprofit organizations for public-private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation. (Current law refers to a nonprofit organization and coral reef conservation.)

(Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) execute contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements, including agreements with universities and research centers aimed at building capacity for effective resource management; (2) use, with consent, the land, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of entities including any federal agency, state, local government, tribal government, foreign government, or international organization; (3) accept research grant funding from certain federal sources operating competitive grant programs; and (4) transfer limited funds to certain federal, state, local, tribal, educational, nonprofit, and commercial entities and private persons.

(Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide assistance to any state, local, or territorial government agency for any unforeseen or disaster-related circumstance regarding coral reef ecosystems. (Current law refers to the NOAA Administrator and does not mention FEMA.)

(Sec. 9) Revises the Secretary's enumerated authorized activities to include: (1) partnerships with local, state, regional, or international programs; (2) socioeconomic and biodiversity research; (3) emergency response; (4) central archiving and data distribution to the general public; and (5) damage prevention. (Current law does not provide for the inclusion of local, regional, or international programs and partners.)

Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the long-term stewardship of environmental data; and (2) establish the Emergency Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account in the existing Damage Assessment Restoration Revolving Fund for emergency actions. Specifies funds for deposit and sets forth procedures for the Secretary to request and the Secretary of the Treasury to invest certain funds.

(Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the economic, social, and environmental values and impacts of the U.S. corals market, including an assessment of import and export trades and economic incentives, and identification of any actions necessary to ensure that the U.S. market does not contribute to coral reef ecosystem degradation. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to carry out international coral reef conservation activities in waters outside the U.S. jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress regarding an international coral reef ecosystem strategy, and (2) establish an international coral reef ecosystem partnership program. Allows the Secretary to transfer limited funds to a foreign government or international organization and accept funds from such entities.

(Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants for entities to work with local communities and through federal and state entities to increase protection of priority coral reef areas.

(Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary to maintain an inventory of all vessel reef grounding incidents and identify reef ecosystems with a high incidence of vessel impacts.

(Sec. 14) Makes it unlawful to destroy, take, cause the loss of, or injure any coral reef or part, except if caused by: (1) permitted fishing gear use, (2) a federally or state permitted use, (3) bona fide marine scientific research, (4) certain federal emergency activity, or (5) a vessel master's actions to ensure vessel safety or to save a life at sea.

(Sec. 15) Makes anyone who engages in an activity that injures a coral reef ecosystem liable, jointly and severally, to the United States for response costs and damages, takings, costs of seizure, forfeiture, storage, disposal, and related interest. Makes vessels used in prohibited activities liable in rem. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon the Secretary's request, to commence a civil action for response costs, seizure, forfeiture, storage, or disposal costs, and damages, as well as specified interest. Bars such a civil action unless filed within three years after the date on which the Secretary completes a damage assessment and restoration plan for the coral reef.

(Sec. 16) Authorizes enforcement officials to: (1) board, search, inspect, and seize certain vessels or conveyances suspected of violations; (2) execute court-issued warrants; and (3) arrest persons reasonably believed to have committed a prohibited act. Provides for enforcement, including through civil administrative and judicial penalties and denial, suspension, amendment, or revocation of any permit involved. Provides for in rem jurisdiction, criminal and civil forfeiture, criminal fines and imprisonment, and injunctive relief. Ensures that customs laws and enforcement shall still apply insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with this Act. Allows the Secretary to issue subpoenas. Includes the internal waters and territorial sea of the United States, the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States, and the continental shelf, consistent with international law, in the area of application and enforceability of this Act.

(Sec. 17) Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for research and activities that would otherwise be prohibited by the Act.

(Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary and other federal members of the Coral Reef Task Force to work in coordination with other federal agencies, states, and U.S. territorial governments to implement the strategies developed under this Act to address multiple threats to coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enter written agreements with states in which coral reefs are located regarding the manner in which response and restoration activities will be conducted, and (2) update cooperative enforcement agreements with states to include enforcement of this Act.

(Sec. 19) Requires any regulations promulgated under this Act to be in accordance with international law.

(Sec. 20) Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress: (1) by a specified date, and every three years thereafter, a report describing activities undertaken to implement such strategies; and (2) by March 1, 2016, and every five years thereafter, a report assessing the conditions of coral reefs and management actions.

(Sec. 21) Authorizes appropriations through FY2017.

(Sec. 22) Precludes judicial review except for civil administrative penalties, permit sanctions, and final agency action regarding the issuance of certain permits. Allows the court in any judicial proceeding to award costs of litigation to any prevailing party.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure coral reef conservation amendments act sec amends coral_reef_conservation_act transfer certain authority administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa secretary commerce secretary directs secretary submit congress national coral reef ecosystem action strategy revised necessary includes discussions coastal uses management including land based sources pollution climate change matters required existing law currently strategy submitted noaa administrator sec directs secretary priority community based local action strategies awarding certain grants conservation projects authorizes funds monitoring assessment research pollution reduction education technical support revises project proposal approval process directing secretary consider criteria including coral reef ecosystems current law refers coral reefs biodiversity international ecosystems mitigation coral disease ocean acidification support community based planning local governmental nongovernmental organizations defines coral reef ecosystem system coral reefs geographically associated species habitats environment including adjacent associated habitats processes control dynamics sec authorizes secretary agreements nonprofit organizations public private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation current law refers nonprofit organization coral reef conservation sec authorizes secretary execute contracts leases grants cooperative agreements including agreements universities research centers aimed building capacity effective resource management use consent land services equipment personnel facilities entities including federal agency state local government tribal government foreign government international organization accept research grant funding certain federal sources operating competitive grant programs transfer limited funds certain federal state local tribal educational nonprofit commercial entities private persons sec authorizes secretary cooperation federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide assistance state local territorial government agency unforeseen disaster related circumstance coral reef ecosystems current law refers noaa administrator mention fema sec revises secretary enumerated authorized activities include partnerships local state regional international programs socioeconomic biodiversity research emergency response central archiving data distribution general public damage prevention current law provide inclusion local regional international programs partners directs secretary provide long term stewardship environmental data establish emergency response stabilization restoration account existing damage assessment restoration revolving fund emergency actions specifies funds deposit sets forth procedures secretary request secretary treasury invest certain funds sec requires secretary report congress economic social environmental values impacts market including assessment import export trades economic incentives identification actions necessary ensure market contribute coral reef ecosystem degradation authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary carry international coral reef conservation activities waters outside jurisdiction directs secretary report congress international coral reef ecosystem strategy establish international coral reef ecosystem partnership program allows secretary transfer limited funds foreign government international organization accept funds entities sec authorizes secretary additional grants entities work local communities federal state entities increase protection priority coral reef areas sec authorizes secretary maintain inventory vessel reef grounding incidents identify reef ecosystems high incidence vessel impacts sec makes unlawful destroy cause loss injure coral reef caused permitted fishing gear use federally state permitted use bona fide marine scientific research certain federal emergency activity vessel master actions ensure vessel safety save life sea sec makes engages activity injures coral reef ecosystem liable jointly severally united_states response costs damages takings costs seizure forfeiture storage disposal related interest makes vessels prohibited activities liable rem authorizes attorney general secretary request commence civil action response costs seizure forfeiture storage disposal costs damages specified interest bars civil action filed years date secretary completes damage assessment restoration plan coral reef sec authorizes enforcement officials board search inspect seize certain vessels conveyances suspected violations execute court issued warrants arrest persons reasonably believed committed prohibited act provides enforcement including civil administrative judicial penalties denial suspension amendment revocation permit involved provides rem jurisdiction criminal civil forfeiture criminal fines imprisonment injunctive relief ensures customs laws enforcement shall apply insofar applicable inconsistent act allows secretary issue subpoenas includes internal waters territorial sea united_states exclusive_economic_zone united_states continental_shelf consistent international law area application enforceability act sec authorizes secretary issue permits research activities prohibited act sec directs secretary federal members coral reef task_force work coordination federal agencies states territorial governments implement strategies developed act address multiple threats coral reefs coral reef ecosystems requires secretary enter written agreements states coral reefs located manner response restoration activities conducted update cooperative enforcement agreements states include enforcement act sec requires regulations promulgated act accordance international law sec directs secretary submit congress specified date years report describing activities undertaken implement strategies march years report assessing conditions coral reefs management actions sec authorizes appropriations fy2017 sec precludes judicial review civil administrative penalties permit sanctions final agency action issuance certain permits allows court judicial proceeding award costs litigation prevailing party