Summary: National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish aquatic invasive species reduction and prevention requirements for vessels (including towed vessels and structures) operating in U.S. waters. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to promulgate ballast water management regulations and certification procedures. Requires a program for Department of Defense (DOD) vessels to minimize the risk of invasive species through towed vessel hull and associated hull aperture transfers. Directs the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to establish a priority pathway management program that identifies those pathways that pose the highest risk for the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Prohibits the importation of an aquatic organism of a species not in trade without specified screening and approval. Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a national system of ecological surveys for rapid early detection and monitoring of invasive species. Establishes the Emergency Rapid Response Fund to assist states in implementing rapid response measures for aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to approve state rapid response contingency strategies. Requires the National Invasive Species Council to establish a federal rapid response team for each of the ten federal regions. Consolidates the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier Project and the project relating to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier into one project and requires certain actions regarding the project. Requires NOAA, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey (Administering Agencies) to develop and conduct a marine and freshwater research program to assess rates of, patterns of, and conditions surrounding introductions of nonindigenous aquatic species in aquatic ecosystems and efforts to prevent the introduction of, and detect and eradicate, such species. Requires the EPA Administrator to develop an environmentally sound, cost-effective technology development, demonstration and verification grant program. Requires the Secretary and the EPA to develop a vessel pathway standards research program. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry out research in systematics and taxonomy. Requires the National Invasive Species Council to coordinate with the Task Force to combat aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force to recommend to appropriate federal agencies additions to the list of aquatic invasive species. Requires the Task Force, the Council, and the Secretary of State to ensure that international efforts to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species are coordinated with U.S. policies.

amends nonindigenous aquatic nuisance prevention control act establish aquatic invasive species reduction prevention requirements vessels including vessels structures operating waters requires secretary homeland_security secretary promulgate ballast water management regulations certification procedures requires program department_of_defense dod vessels minimize risk invasive species vessel hull associated hull transfers directs establish priority pathway management program identifies pathways pose highest risk introduction aquatic invasive species prohibits importation aquatic organism species trade specified screening approval requires director united_states fish_and_wildlife_service administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa administrator environmental_protection_agency epa implement national system ecological surveys rapid early detection monitoring invasive species establishes assist states implementing rapid response measures aquatic invasive species requires task force approve state rapid response contingency strategies requires national_invasive_species_council establish federal rapid response team federal regions consolidates project relating project requires certain actions project administering agencies develop conduct marine freshwater research program assess rates patterns conditions surrounding nonindigenous aquatic species aquatic ecosystems efforts prevent introduction detect eradicate species requires epa administrator develop environmentally sound cost effective technology development demonstration verification grant program requires secretary epa develop vessel pathway standards research program requires national_science_foundation establish grant program researchers institutions higher education museums carry research taxonomy requires national_invasive_species_council coordinate task_force combat aquatic invasive species requires task force recommend appropriate federal agencies additions list aquatic invasive species requires task force council secretary state ensure international efforts prevent manage aquatic invasive species coordinated policies


Summary: Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require projects receiving sewer overflow control grant assistance to be carried out subject to the requirements applicable to projects receiving assistance from state water pollution control revolving funds, except to the extent that the governor of the state in which the project is located determines that a revolving fund requirement is inconsistent with the purposes of the sewer overflow control grant program. Reauthorizes appropriations for sewer overflow control grants through FY2012.Modifies grant funding allocation provisions to reflect new dates of authorization and reauthorized amounts. Establishes a December 31, 2010, deadline for the report to Congress of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on recommended funding levels for sewer overflow control grants.

water quality investment act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act require projects receiving sewer overflow control grant assistance carried subject requirements applicable projects receiving assistance state water pollution control revolving funds extent governor state project located determines revolving fund requirement inconsistent purposes sewer overflow control grant program reauthorizes appropriations sewer overflow control grants grant funding allocation provisions reflect new dates authorization reauthorized amounts establishes december deadline report environmental_protection_agency epa recommended funding levels sewer overflow control grants


Summary: Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Directs the President, acting through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council, to establish and maintain an integrated system of coastal and ocean observations, data communication and management, analysis, modeling, research, education, and outreach for the timely detection and prediction of changes occurring in the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes environments that impact the nation's social, economic, and ecological systems. Includes in the system a national program, a network of regional associations, data management, communication, and modeling systems, a research and development program, and a coordinated outreach, education, and training program. Makes the Council the oversight body for all aspects of the observing system. Requires the Council to establish an Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to plan and coordinate system implementation. Establishes the Interagency Program Coordinating Office located in, but not an office of, the Department of Commerce, to facilitate the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee's responsibilities for system implementation, budgeting, and administration. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide leadership for system implementation and administration, requiring it to establish an Integrated Ocean Observing Program Office. Requires establishment of a process for the certification of regional associations to be responsible for the development and operation of regional coastal and ocean observing systems. (Sec. 5) Requires NOAA to formulate a process by which funding is made available for intramural and extramural research on new technologies for collecting data on U.S. coastal and ocean waters. (Sec. 6) Authorizes departments and agencies represented on the Council to participate in interagency financing and to share funds appropriated to any Council member. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 10) Requires a biennial report to Congress on the implementation of this Act.

coastal ocean observation system act sec directs president acting national_ocean_research_leadership_council establish maintain integrated system coastal ocean observations data communication management analysis modeling research education outreach timely detection prediction changes occurring ocean coastal great_lakes environments impact nation social economic ecological systems includes system national program network regional associations data management communication modeling systems research development program coordinated outreach education training program makes council oversight body aspects observing system requires council establish plan coordinate system implementation establishes located office department_of_commerce facilitate responsibilities system implementation budgeting administration requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa provide leadership system implementation administration requiring establish requires establishment process certification regional associations responsible development operation regional coastal ocean observing systems sec requires noaa formulate process funding available intramural extramural research new technologies collecting data coastal ocean waters sec authorizes departments agencies represented council participate interagency financing share funds appropriated council member sec authorizes appropriations sec requires biennial report congress implementation act


Summary: Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Program to protect the environmental integrity of important coastal and estuarine areas, including wetlands and forests, that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, aesthetic, or watershed protection values and that are threatened by conversion from their natural, undeveloped, or recreational state to other uses. Requires the program to be administered by the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Authorizes the Secretary to make Program grants to coastal states with approved coastal zone management plans or National Estuarine Research Reserve units for the purpose of acquiring property that will further the goals of an approved Coastal Zone Management Plan or Program, a National Estuarine Research Reserve management plan, or a regional or state watershed protection plan. Prohibits any more than 75% of the funding for any project under this Act from being derived from federal sources. Reserves 15% of program funds for acquisitions benefiting the National Estuarine Research Reserve.Specifies that when property is acquired under this program, the grant recipient shall provide assurances that: (1) title will be held by the recipient (or another public agency designated by the recipient) in perpetuity; (2) property will be managed consistent with the purpose of the Program; and (3) funds will be returned to the Secretary for redistribution if the property is sold, exchanged, or divested.

secretary commerce establish protect environmental integrity important coastal estuarine areas including wetlands forests significant conservation recreation ecological historical watershed protection values threatened conversion natural undeveloped recreational state uses requires program administered national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa authorizes secretary program grants coastal states approved coastal zone management plans units purpose acquiring property goals approved program management plan regional state watershed protection plan prohibits funding project act derived federal sources reserves program funds acquisitions benefiting specifies property acquired program grant recipient shall provide assurances title held recipient public agency designated recipient perpetuity property managed consistent purpose program funds returned secretary redistribution property sold exchanged


Summary: Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants for: (1) vulnerability assessments of publicly owned treatment works; (2) implementation of security enhancements; (3) the development, expansion, or upgrading of emergency response plans and site security plans; and (4) the voluntary creation of mutual aid and emergency network preparedness agreements developed in accordance with the National Incident Management System.Prescribes disclosure limits and protections for vulnerability assessments.Limits the federal cost share of an activity funded by grant under this Act to 50%.Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide technical guidance to small publicly owned treatment works (serving fewer than 10,000 individuals) for conducting vulnerability assessments, emergency response plans, or site security plans and for implementing security enhancements; and (2) make grants to nonprofit organizations to improve assessment methodologies and tools for publicly owned treatment works; and (3) make grants to nonprofit organizations to implement a comprehensive training program for treatment works or privately owned utilities that principally treat municipal wastewater.Requires the Administrator to research and review: (1) means of providing alternative processes to convey, treat, and dispose of wastewater if a disruption of service event occurs; (2) how a collection system of a treatment works could be used to convey hazardous substances and how it could be secured in response to an intentional harmful act; and (3) methods for monitoring a collection system for hazardous substances and unauthorized entry.

wastewater treatment works security act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide grants vulnerability assessments publicly owned treatment works implementation security enhancements development expansion upgrading emergency response plans site security plans voluntary creation mutual aid emergency network preparedness agreements developed accordance prescribes disclosure limits protections vulnerability assessments limits federal cost share activity funded grant act administrator provide technical guidance small publicly owned treatment works serving fewer individuals conducting vulnerability assessments emergency response plans site security plans implementing security enhancements grants nonprofit organizations improve assessment methodologies tools publicly owned treatment works grants nonprofit organizations implement comprehensive training program treatment works privately owned utilities principally treat municipal wastewater requires administrator research review means providing alternative processes convey treat dispose wastewater disruption service event occurs collection system treatment works convey hazardous substances secured response intentional harmful act methods monitoring collection system hazardous substances unauthorized entry


Summary: Chesapeake's Healthy and Environmentally Sound Stewardship of Energy and Agriculture Act of 2007 or CHESSEA Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend funding for the the environmental quality incentives program. Gives program allocation priority to interstate watersheds. Provides a cost-share payment exception for limited resource and beginning farmers.Provides: (1) cost-share and incentive payments for private forest owners to carry out specified conservation activities; and (2) state performance incentives.Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to enter into agreements with states and the District of Columbia containing all or a portion of a large waterbody or its tributaries (including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries) for water quality initiatives. Authorizes appropriations.Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary to pay the cost of conservation innovation grants. Makes such grants available for projects that include a technology transfer plan.Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the conservation security program; and (3) the wetlands reserve program.Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation planning pilot program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes appropriations.Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) extend the agricultural management assistance program; and (2) make Virginia eligible for such assistance.Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to the biorefinery and biofuel grant program to: (1) extend such program; and (2) provide grants for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to develop the commercial viability of no-till soybean biodiesel production, cellulosic ethanol production, manure to energy processes, and other technologies that promote the conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals and the reduction of nutrient impacts to water. Extends the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program. Obligates amounts for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states.

chesapeake healthy environmentally sound stewardship energy agriculture act act amends food security act extend funding environmental quality incentives program gives program allocation priority interstate watersheds provides cost share payment exception limited resource beginning farmers provides cost share incentive payments private forest owners carry specified conservation activities state performance incentives directs secretary agriculture offer enter agreements states district_of_columbia containing portion large tributaries including chesapeake_bay tributaries water quality initiatives authorizes appropriations directs current law authorizes secretary pay cost conservation innovation grants makes grants available projects include technology transfer plan extends conservation reserve program conservation security program wetlands reserve program directs secretary establish conservation planning pilot program chesapeake_bay watershed authorizes appropriations amends federal_crop_insurance_act extend agricultural management assistance program virginia eligible assistance amends farm_security rural investment act respect biorefinery biofuel grant program extend program provide grants states delaware maryland new_york pennsylvania virginia west_virginia district_of_columbia develop commercial viability till biodiesel production cellulosic ethanol production manure energy processes technologies promote conversion biomass fuels chemicals reduction nutrient impacts water extends renewable energy systems energy efficiency improvements program obligates amounts states


Summary: Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY2008-FY2012 for technical assistance to enable small public water systems to comply with national primary drinking water regulations.Requires the Administrator, in providing grants for such assistance, to give priority to qualified small systems organizations that will be most effective at assisting those small systems that have the greatest need (or a majority of need) in the states.

amends safe drinking water act authorize appropriations administrator environmental_protection_agency epa fy2008 fy2012 technical assistance enable small public water systems comply national primary drinking water regulations requires administrator providing grants assistance priority qualified small systems organizations effective assisting small systems greatest need majority need states


Summary: Beach Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (popularly known as the Clean Water Act) to include among eligible grant activities the development and implementation of programs for source tracking, sanitary surveys, and prevention efforts to address the identified sources of beach water pollution. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY2007-FY2012. Requires grant recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method; (2) measures for communication within 24 hours of the results of a water sample concerning pollutants to specified officials and all state agencies with authority to require the prevention or treatment of the sources of beach water pollution; (3) measures to develop and implement a beach water pollution source identification and tracking program for the coastal recreation waters that are not meeting applicable water quality standards for pathogens; (4) a publicly accessible and searchable global information system database with information updated within 24 hours of its availability, organized by beach and with defined standards, sampling plan, monitoring protocols, sampling results, and number and cause of beach closing and advisory days; and (5) measures to ensure that closures or advisories are made or issued within 24 hours after a state government determines that its coastal recreation waters are not meeting applicable water quality standards for pathogens.Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) a review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator of state and local compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and grant conditions; (2) corrective actions by such governments not in compliance; and (3) a review by the Comptroller General such compliance review and corrective action.Amends the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations to carry out such Act through FY2012.

beach protection act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act popularly known clean water act include eligible grant activities development implementation programs source tracking sanitary surveys prevention efforts address identified sources beach water pollution authorizes appropriations grants fy2007 fy2012 requires grant recipients identify use rapid testing method measures communication hours results water sample concerning pollutants specified officials state agencies authority require prevention treatment sources beach water pollution measures develop implement beach water pollution source identification tracking program coastal recreation waters meeting applicable water quality standards pathogens publicly accessible searchable global information system database information updated hours availability organized beach defined standards sampling plan monitoring protocols sampling results number cause beach closing advisory days measures ensure closures advisories issued hours state government determines coastal recreation waters meeting applicable water quality standards pathogens sets forth provisions requiring review environmental_protection_agency epa administrator state local compliance statutory regulatory requirements grant conditions corrective actions governments compliance review comptroller general compliance review corrective action amends beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act authorize appropriations carry act fy2012


Summary: Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to direct the President to provide to designated congressional committees an audit conducted by the Comptroller General that includes an accounting of funds from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund in excess of $100,000 that are: (1) disbursed by the National Pollution Funds Center; and (2) administered and managed by the receiving agencies.Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and federal agencies that, during the preceding fiscal year, received funds from the Fund in excess of $100,000, to submit an annual accounting to the President and the public regarding their uses of the funds, including how those uses relate to: (1) oil pollution liability, compensation, prevention, preparedness, and removal; (2) natural resource damage assessment and restoration; (3) oil pollution research and development; and (4) other oil pollution-related activities.

amends oil pollution act direct president provide designated congressional committees audit conducted comptroller_general includes accounting funds oil_spill_liability_trust_fund excess disbursed administered managed receiving agencies requires secretary department coast_guard operating secretary interior secretary transportation administrator environmental_protection_agency epa federal agencies preceding fiscal year received funds fund excess submit annual accounting president public uses funds including uses relate oil pollution liability compensation prevention preparedness removal natural resource damage assessment restoration oil pollution research development oil pollution related activities


Summary: Ballast Water Management Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to replace provisions relating to preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes through the exchange of ballast water with provisions relating to the introduction and spread of such species from ballast water and other ship-borne vectors. (Currently, the provisions focus only on the Great Lakes.) Requires vessel operators to conduct all ballast water management operations in accordance with an approved ballast water management plan that meets requirements prescribed by regulation. Requires maintenance of a ballast water record book in English on board the vessel. Prohibits the discharge of ballast water in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction except after conducting ballast water exchange in accordance with regulations, using a treatment technology meeting certain requirements, or using alternative ballast water treatment technology. Allows exceptions, including for safety or stability. Allows waiver for a substantial business hardship. Allows discharge of unexchanged ballast water in designated areas or into a reception facility. Prohibits the discharge of ballast water or sediment containing aquatic nuisance species within a marine sanctuary, a national marine monument, or any other waters designated by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating. Sets forth standards for ballast water treatment and requires a review to determine whether appropriate technologies are available to achieve those standards. Requires, if such technologies are not available or cost-effective for any class of vessels, the use of the best performing, cost-effective technology available that at least meets the ballast water discharge standard of the International Maritime Organization. Requires, if no technology is available that meets either set of standards, delay of the application of the standards in the first sentence of this paragraph. Requires notice to vessel owners and operators of any area in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which vessels may not uptake ballast water due to known conditions. Prohibits removing or disposing of sediment from spaces designed to carry ballast water except in accordance with the ballast water management plan required under this Act and the requirements of this paragraph. Makes it unlawful to construct a vessel in the United States unless the vessel is designed and constructed in a way that minimizes sediment uptake and entrapment, facilitates sediment removal, and provides for safe access for sediment removal and sampling. Requires promulgation of sediment reception facility standards. Requires: (1) the Secretary to examine vessels annually to determine if there is a ballast water management plan and if the ballast water and sediment management equipment is functioning properly; and (2) an annual report to be made available on the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse summarizing the results of ballast water inspection and enforcement activities. Provides, for violating vessels, for vessel detention, civil and criminal penalties, and revocation of clearance. Addresses international cooperation. Directs the Secretary to provide support, including grants, for research and development of innovative technologies for the management, treatment, and disposal of ballast water and sediment, for finalizing the validation testing of the verification protocol of the Environmental Technology Verification Program, for ballast water exchange, and for other vessel vectors of aquatic nuisance species such as hull-fouling. Authorizes appropriations. Requires: (1) an evaluation of vessel discharges other than aquatic nuisance species incidental to the normal operation of a vessel; and (2) submission of a related report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Requires a report to specified congressional committees on vessel-borne vectors of aquatic nuisance species and pathogens other than ballast water and sediment, including vessel hulls, anchors, and equipment. Directs the Secretary to develop a strategy to address other vessel sources of aquatic nuisance species and to reduce the introduction of invasive species into and within the United States from vessels. Requires a related report to such committees. Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard to report to such committees regarding the magnitude and potential adverse impacts of ballast water operations from foreign vessels that are transiting waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Directs the President to prepare and publish a national rapid response plan for killing, removing, or minimizing the spread of aquatic nuisance species in the waters of the United States, including establishment of a national center to provide coordination and direction for operations in carrying out the plan and including a fish and wildlife response plan. (Sec. 4) Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations to carry out the Act.

sec amends nonindigenous_aquatic_nuisance_prevention control act replace provisions relating preventing introduction spread aquatic nuisance species great lakes exchange ballast water provisions relating introduction spread species ballast water ship borne currently provisions focus great lakes requires vessel operators conduct ballast water management operations accordance approved ballast water management plan meets requirements prescribed regulation requires maintenance ballast water record book english board vessel prohibits discharge ballast water waters subject jurisdiction conducting ballast water exchange accordance regulations treatment technology meeting certain requirements alternative ballast water treatment technology allows exceptions including safety stability allows waiver substantial business hardship allows discharge ballast water designated areas reception facility prohibits discharge ballast water sediment containing aquatic nuisance species marine sanctuary national marine monument waters designated secretary department coast_guard operating sets forth standards ballast water treatment requires review determine appropriate technologies available achieve standards requires technologies available cost effective class vessels use best performing cost effective technology available meets ballast water discharge standard international_maritime_organization requires technology available meets set standards delay application standards sentence paragraph requires notice vessel owners operators area waters subject jurisdiction vessels uptake ballast water known conditions prohibits removing disposing sediment spaces designed carry ballast water accordance ballast water management plan required act requirements paragraph makes unlawful construct vessel united_states vessel designed constructed way minimizes sediment uptake entrapment facilitates sediment removal provides safe access sediment removal sampling requires promulgation sediment reception facility standards requires secretary examine vessels annually determine ballast water management plan ballast water sediment management equipment functioning properly annual report available summarizing results ballast water inspection enforcement activities provides violating vessels vessel detention civil criminal penalties revocation clearance addresses international cooperation directs secretary provide support including grants research development innovative technologies management treatment disposal ballast water sediment finalizing validation testing verification protocol ballast water exchange vessel aquatic nuisance species hull authorizes appropriations requires evaluation vessel discharges aquatic nuisance species incidental normal operation vessel submission related report senate_committee_on_commerce science transportation requires report specified congressional committees vessel borne aquatic nuisance species pathogens ballast water sediment including vessel anchors equipment directs secretary develop strategy address vessel sources aquatic nuisance species reduce introduction invasive species united_states vessels requires related report committees requires commandant coast guard report committees magnitude potential adverse impacts ballast water operations foreign vessels transiting waters subject jurisdiction united_states directs president prepare publish national rapid response plan killing removing minimizing spread aquatic nuisance species waters united_states including establishment national center provide coordination direction operations carrying plan including fish wildlife response plan sec amends nonindigenous_aquatic_nuisance_prevention control act authorize appropriations carry act


Summary: Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to declare that it is the national policy to: (1) create and use a National Estuarine Research Reserve System; and (2) encourage innovative coastal management practices and coastal and estuarine environmental technologies to improve long-term conservation. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to coastal states for development of coastal zone management programs. Allows the use of state coastal zone management program grants to develop and implement coastal nonpoint pollution control program components. Revises the eligible uses of resource management improvement grants and resource management improvement grant requirements. Revises requirements for the Coastal Zone Management Fund. Requires state loan repayments to the Fund to be made available to make grants to states for intrastate as well as interstate projects. Requires such projects to apply an integrated, watershed-based management approach and advance the purpose of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to: (1) states for implementing coastal zone management program changes, or for projects that demonstrate significant potential for improving ocean resource management or integrated coastal and watershed management at the local, state, or regional level; and (2) coastal states to assist in specified community and local activities, including coastal resource protection and community revitalization. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a cooperative program to develop and apply innovative coastal and estuarine environmental technology and methodology and to support the development, application, training and technical assistance, and transfer of effective coastal management practices.

amends coastal_zone_management_act declare national policy create use encourage innovative coastal management practices coastal estuarine environmental technologies improve long term conservation authorizes secretary commerce grants coastal states development coastal zone management programs allows use state coastal zone management program grants develop implement coastal nonpoint pollution control program components revises eligible uses resource management improvement grants resource management improvement grant requirements revises requirements requires state loan repayments fund available grants states intrastate interstate projects requires projects apply integrated watershed based management approach advance purpose act authorizes secretary grants states implementing coastal zone management program changes projects demonstrate significant potential improving ocean resource management integrated coastal watershed management local state regional level coastal states assist specified community local activities including coastal resource protection community revitalization authorizes secretary conduct cooperative program develop apply innovative coastal estuarine environmental technology methodology support development application training technical assistance transfer effective coastal management practices


Summary: Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to specified congressional committees a national coral reef ecosystem action strategy. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to make grants for projects for the conservation of coral reef ecosystems (currently, conservation of coral reefs). Modifies various requirements of the grant program. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with nonprofit organizations (currently, an agreement with a nonprofit organization) for public-private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation. (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) execute contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as necessary to carry out the Act, including entering into, extending, or renegotiating agreements with universities and research centers with established management-driven national or regional coral reef research institutes to conduct ecological research and monitoring explicitly aimed at building capacity for more effective resource management; (2) use, with their consent, the land, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of any domestic or foreign governmental entity, Indian tribal government, or international organization; and (3) apply for, accept, and obligate research grant funding from any federal source operating competitive grant programs. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary (currently, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] acting alone), 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. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct activities, including with local, regional, or international programs and partners, to conserve coral reef ecosystems. (Current law does not does not provide for the inclusion of local, regional, or international programs and partners.) Directs the Secretary to provide for the long-term stewardship of environmental data, products, and information. Directs the Secretary to establish the Emergency Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account in the existing Damage Assessment Restoration Revolving Fund. (Sec. 10) Directs the Secretary to establish an International Coral Reef Conservation Program to carry out activities consistent with this Act in waters outside U.S. jurisdiction, including submitting to specified congressional committees an international coral reef ecosystem strategy and establishing an international coral reef ecosystem partnership program to provide support, including funding and technical assistance, for activities that implement that strategy. (Sec. 11) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants for work with federal, state, and local entities to increase protection of coral reef areas identified by the community and scientific experts as high priorities. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to maintain an inventory of all vessel reef grounding incidents, identify reef ecosystems with a high incidence of vessel impacts, and identify preventive measures, including the acquisition and placement of aids to navigation, moorings, designated anchorage areas, fixed anchors and other devices. (Sec. 13) Prohibits the provisions of this paragraph from affecting the operation of other federal, state, or local laws or regulations providing protection to coral reef ecosystems. Makes it unlawful to destroy, take, cause the loss of, or injure any coral reef or any part thereof, except if it was caused by: (1) fishing gear used in a way permitted by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act or other federal or state law; (2) an activity authorized or allowed by federal or state law; (3) bona fide marine scientific research; (4) a federal agency during an emergency, law enforcement, or search and rescue; or (5) actions by a vessel master to ensure the safety of the vessel or to save a life at sea. (Sec. 14) Makes anyone who engages in an activity that injures a coral reef ecosystem liable for response costs and damages, costs of seizure, forfeiture, storage, and disposal, and related interest. Provides for in rem liability. Declares that specified provisions do not limit the amount of liability. Bars the commencement of a civil action for response costs and damages unless filed within three years after the date on which the Secretary completes a damage assessment and restoration plan for the coral reef. (Sec. 15) 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, and injunctive relief. (Sec. 16) Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for research and activities that would otherwise be prohibited by the Act. (Sec. 17) Directs Secretary to enter into written agreements with any states with coral reefs regarding the way in which response and restoration activities will be conducted. (Sec. 19) Requires a report to appropriate congressional committees on all activities undertaken to implement the strategy. (Sec. 20) Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 21) Regulates judicial review of the Secretary's actions under the Act.

coral reef conservation amendments act sec amends coral_reef_conservation_act direct secretary commerce submit specified congressional committees national coral reef ecosystem action strategy sec directs secretary grants projects conservation coral reef ecosystems currently conservation coral reefs modifies requirements grant program sec authorizes secretary agreements nonprofit organizations currently agreement nonprofit organization public private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation sec authorizes secretary execute contracts leases grants cooperative agreements necessary carry act including entering extending agreements universities research centers established management driven national regional coral reef research institutes conduct ecological research monitoring explicitly aimed building capacity effective resource management use consent land services equipment personnel facilities domestic foreign governmental entity indian tribal government international organization apply accept obligate research grant funding federal source operating competitive grant programs sec authorizes secretary currently administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa acting cooperation federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide assistance state local territorial government agency unforeseen disaster related circumstance coral reef ecosystems sec authorizes secretary conduct activities including local regional international programs partners conserve coral reef ecosystems current law provide inclusion local regional international programs partners directs secretary provide long term stewardship environmental data products information directs secretary establish emergency response stabilization restoration account existing damage assessment restoration revolving fund sec directs secretary establish carry activities consistent act waters outside jurisdiction including submitting specified congressional committees international coral reef ecosystem strategy establishing international coral reef ecosystem partnership program provide support including funding technical assistance activities implement strategy sec authorizes secretary grants work federal state local entities increase protection coral reef areas identified community scientific experts high priorities sec authorizes secretary maintain inventory vessel reef grounding incidents identify reef ecosystems high incidence vessel impacts identify preventive measures including acquisition placement aids navigation designated anchorage areas fixed anchors devices sec prohibits provisions paragraph affecting operation federal state local laws regulations providing protection coral reef ecosystems makes unlawful destroy cause loss injure coral reef thereof caused fishing gear way permitted magnuson stevens fishery conservation management act federal state law activity authorized allowed federal state law bona fide marine scientific research federal agency emergency law enforcement search rescue actions vessel master ensure safety vessel save life sea sec makes engages activity injures coral reef ecosystem liable response costs damages costs seizure forfeiture storage disposal related interest provides rem liability declares specified provisions limit liability bars commencement civil action response costs damages filed years date secretary completes damage assessment restoration plan coral reef sec provides enforcement including civil administrative judicial penalties denial suspension amendment revocation permit involved provides rem jurisdiction criminal civil forfeiture injunctive relief sec authorizes secretary issue permits research activities prohibited act sec directs secretary enter written agreements states coral reefs way response restoration activities conducted sec requires report appropriate congressional committees activities undertaken implement strategy sec authorizes appropriations sec regulates judicial review secretary actions act


Summary: Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Amendments Act of 2007 - Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for projects for the conservation of coral reef ecosystems (under current law, conservation of coral reefs). Modifies various requirements of the grant program. Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with nonprofit organizations (under current law, an agreement with a nonprofit organization) for public-private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation. 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 does not mention FEMA.) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct activities, including with local, regional, or international programs and partners, to conserve coral reef ecosystems. (Current law does not mention local, regional, or international programs and partners.) Directs the Secretary to provide for the long-term stewardship of environmental data, products, and information. Directs the Secretary to establish the Emergency Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account in the existing Damage Assessment Restoration Revolving Fund. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for activities that would otherwise be prohibited by the Act. Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to include coral reef ecosystems in the definition of "wildlife" and "wildlife resources." Requires construing the Acts commonly known as the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 to include coral reef ecosystems in those terms. Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to states, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, for management and conservation of coral reef ecosystems.

coral reef ecosystem conservation amendments act amends coral reef conservation act direct secretary commerce grants projects conservation coral reef ecosystems current law conservation coral reefs modifies requirements grant program authorizes secretary agreements nonprofit organizations current law agreement nonprofit organization public private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation authorizes secretary cooperation federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide assistance state local territorial government agency unforeseen disaster related circumstance coral reef ecosystems current law mention fema authorizes secretary conduct activities including local regional international programs partners conserve coral reef ecosystems current law mention local regional international programs partners directs secretary provide long term stewardship environmental data products information directs secretary establish emergency response stabilization restoration account existing damage assessment restoration revolving fund authorizes secretary issue permits activities prohibited act amends fish wildlife coordination act include coral reef ecosystems definition wildlife wildlife resources requires construing acts commonly known fish wildlife act fish wildlife improvement act include coral reef ecosystems terms amends coral_reef_conservation_act authorize secretary interior provide technical financial assistance states american_samoa commonwealth_of_the_northern_mariana_islands guam puerto_rico virgin_islands management conservation coral reef ecosystems


Summary: Oil Pollution Prevention and Response Act of 2007 - Establishes requirements for the promulgation of safety standards for towing vessels. Requires a variety of measures to reduce the risk of oil spills, including Coast Guard inspections, regulations regarding the transfer of oil to or from a tank vessel, identification of the types of human errors that cause oil spills and near-miss oil spill incidents and actions designed to reduce human error risks, routing or other navigational measures, and an oil spill prevention and education program for small vessels. Amends the the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to codify the establishment of the Oil Spill Advisory Council. Authorizes state enforcement of any marine resource law enforced by the Secretary and allows state inspection of vessels. Allows owners and operators of tank and non-tank vessels to form nonprofit cooperatives to comply with National Response System provisions. Requires completion of the electronic navigation chart suite for all U.S. coastal waters. Requires a rapid response system to collect and predict in situ information about oil spill behavior. Allows Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund amounts to be used for response and damage assessment capabilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Prohibits using Fund amounts for claims under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Requires owners of certain tank vessels to maintain evidence of financial responsibility. Makes owners of oil (in addition to vessel owners) transported in single hull tank vessels with a poor safety or operational record liable for removal costs and damages. Establishes the Federal Oil Spill Research Committee. Establishes grant programs: (1) for new technologies to prevent, detect, or mitigate oil discharges and to protect the environment; and (2) to develop cost-effective technologies for detecting discharges of oil from vessels and to improve detection and recovery of submerged and sinking oils.

oil pollution prevention response act establishes requirements promulgation safety standards towing vessels requires variety measures reduce risk oil spills including coast_guard inspections regulations transfer oil tank vessel identification types human errors cause oil spills near oil spill incidents actions designed reduce human error risks routing navigational measures oil spill prevention education program small vessels amends oil pollution act codify establishment authorizes state enforcement marine resource law enforced secretary allows state inspection vessels allows owners operators tank non tank vessels form nonprofit cooperatives comply provisions requires completion electronic navigation suite coastal waters requires rapid response system collect predict information oil spill behavior amounts response damage assessment capabilities national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa prohibits fund amounts claims robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance act requires owners certain tank vessels maintain evidence financial responsibility makes owners oil addition vessel owners transported single hull tank vessels poor safety operational record liable removal costs damages establishes federal_oil_spill_research_committee establishes grant programs new technologies prevent detect mitigate oil discharges protect environment develop cost effective technologies detecting discharges oil vessels improve detection recovery submerged sinking oils


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude any amount derived from an investment of federal grant or related state matching amounts made in connection with any revolving fund established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act from a determination of whether a bond is an arbitrage bond (thus allowing states to retain arbitrage earnings from state revolving loan funds).

amends internal revenue code exclude derived investment federal grant related state matching amounts connection revolving fund established federal_water_pollution_control_act safe_drinking_water_act determination bond arbitrage bond allowing states retain arbitrage earnings state revolving loan funds


Summary: Toxic Chemical Exposure Reduction Act of 2008 or the TCE Reduction Act of 2008 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a health advisory for trichloroethylene that fully protects, with an adequate margin of safety, the health of susceptible populations (including pregnant women, infants, and children), taking into consideration body weight, exposure patterns, and all routes of exposure.Requires the Administrator to promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for trichloroethylene: (1) that is protective of susceptible populations; and (2) the maximum contaminant level of which is as close to the maximum contaminant level goal for trichloroethylene, and as protective of those susceptible populations, as is feasible. Requires consumer confidence reports to disclose the presence of, and the potential health risks to susceptible populations from exposure to, trichloroethylene in drinking water.Requires the Administrator to: (1) publish a health advisory for trichloroethylene that fully protects the health of susceptible populations from vapor intrusion; (2) establish an integrated risk information system reference concentration of trichloroethylene vapor that is protective of susceptible populations; and (3) apply such reference concentration with respect to any potential vapor intrusion-related investigations or actions to protect public health with respect to trichloroethylene exposure carried out pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

toxic chemical exposure reduction act reduction act amends safe drinking water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa publish health advisory fully protects adequate margin safety health susceptible populations including pregnant women infants children taking consideration body weight exposure patterns routes exposure requires administrator promulgate national primary drinking water regulation protective susceptible populations maximum contaminant level close maximum contaminant level goal protective susceptible populations feasible requires consumer confidence reports disclose presence potential health risks susceptible populations exposure drinking water requires administrator publish health advisory fully protects health susceptible populations vapor intrusion establish integrated risk information system reference concentration vapor protective susceptible populations apply reference concentration respect potential vapor intrusion related investigations actions protect public health respect exposure carried pursuant safe_drinking_water_act


Summary: Small Community Drinking Water Funding Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish within EPA, not later than July 1, 2008, a Small Public Water System Assistance Program for states and Indian tribes. Directs the head of such Program to: (1) establish and administer a small public water system assistance program for, and provide grants to, eligible entities located in areas governed by Indian tribes; (2) identify priorities for program activities; (3) provide funds to states for establishing small public water system assistance programs; and (4) report to the Administrator on program activities. Defines: (1) "small public water system" as a public water system that serves a population of 10,000 or fewer; and (2) "eligible entity" as such a system that is located in a state or an area governed by an Indian tribe and that serves a disadvantaged community. Sets forth criteria for the allocation and use of funds for state and Indian tribe small public water systems.Requires the Administrator to report annually between 2009 and 2014 to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on Program activities and make such reports public.Sets forth requirements for state and Indian tribe small public water system assistance programs, including identification of priorities relating to health and compliance with national primary water regulations, use of funds, cost sharing, and reporting.Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2014.

small community drinking water funding act amends safe drinking water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish epa later july states indian tribes directs head program establish administer small public water system assistance program provide grants eligible entities located areas governed indian tribes identify priorities program activities provide funds states establishing small public water system assistance programs report administrator program activities defines small public water system public water system serves population fewer eligible entity system located state area governed indian tribe serves disadvantaged community sets forth criteria allocation use funds state indian tribe small public water systems requires administrator report annually house_committee_on_energy_and_commerce activities reports public sets forth requirements state indian tribe small public water system assistance programs including identification priorities relating health compliance national primary water regulations use funds cost sharing reporting authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2014


Summary: Recreational Boating Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (popularly known as the Clean Water Act) to redefine the term "pollutant" to exclude any deck runoff from a recreational vessel, any engine cooling water, gray water, bilge water effluent from a properly functioning recreational marine engine, laundry, shower, and galley sink waste from a recreational vessel, or any other discharge incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel. Declares that such exclusion does not apply to rubbish, trash, garbage, or any other similar material discharged overboard by a recreational vessel.Defines "recreational vessel" to mean a vessel that is: (1) manufactured for operation, or operated primarily for recreational purposes; or (2) leased, rented, or chartered to an individual for recreational purposes.

recreational boating act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act popularly known clean water act redefine term pollutant exclude deck runoff recreational vessel engine cooling water gray water bilge water effluent properly functioning recreational marine engine laundry shower galley sink waste recreational vessel discharge incidental normal operation recreational vessel declares exclusion apply trash garbage similar material discharged overboard recreational vessel defines recreational vessel mean vessel manufactured operation operated primarily recreational purposes leased rented chartered individual recreational purposes


Summary: Global Warming and Acidification Coastal and Ocean Resiliency Act - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to: (1) establish a national strategy to protect, maintain, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems so that they are more resilient and better able to withstand the additional stresses associated with global warming, including relative sea level rise, and ocean acidification; and (2) revise the strategy within five years and every ten years thereafter to reflect new information.Requires the Secretary to establish an Advisory Board to provide advice on: (1) the impact of global warming and strategies and mechanisms to mitigate the impact on the ocean and coastal communities; (2) priorities for research or information collection; and (3) priority needs for achieving systematic improvements in ocean and coastal resiliency.Requires the Secretary to make grants for protecting, maintaining, or restoring the resilience and health of coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources.Requires the Secretary to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences for a report to Congress on the impact of global warming, including relative sea level rise, and ocean acidification and on effective mitigation strategies for the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems and U.S. resources.Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary to establish a coastal climate change resiliency planning and response program and to issue guidelines for the implementation of climate change resiliency planning grants (authorized by this Act) to states.

ocean resiliency act requires secretary commerce establish national strategy protect maintain restore coastal marine ecosystems resilient better able withstand additional associated global warming including relative sea level rise ocean acidification revise strategy years years reflect new information requires secretary establish advisory_board provide advice impact global warming strategies mechanisms mitigate impact ocean coastal communities priorities research information collection priority needs achieving systematic improvements ocean coastal resiliency requires secretary grants protecting maintaining restoring resilience health coastal ocean great_lakes ecosystems resources requires secretary arrange national_academy_of_sciences report congress impact global warming including relative sea level rise ocean acidification effective mitigation strategies ocean coastal great_lakes ecosystems resources amends coastal_zone_management_act require secretary establish coastal climate change resiliency planning response program issue guidelines implementation climate change resiliency planning grants authorized act states


Summary: Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to limit the liability for damages resulting from the discharge of oil into U.S. navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone by a cargo vessel to the same extent as such damages are limited for tank vessels. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest amounts deposited into the Damage Assessment and Restoration Revolving Fund in interest bearing U.S. obligations and to deposit the earned interest in such Fund.

amends oil pollution act limit liability damages resulting discharge oil navigable waters exclusive economic zone cargo vessel extent damages limited tank vessels requires secretary treasury invest amounts deposited interest bearing obligations deposit earned interest fund


Summary: Small System Safe Drinking Water Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) to convene a working group to study barriers to using specified treatments; (2) to develop model guidance to assist states in regulating and promoting such treatment options; and (3) when establishing affordability criteria for variance technology, to consider specified cost factors, to give extra weight to households below the poverty level and to communities that meet state affordability criteria, and to ensure that the criteria are not more costly, on a per-capita basis, to a small public water system than the per capita cost to a large water system of acquiring feasible technology. Requires the Administrator or a state, before initiating any enforcement action, to ensure that sufficient funds have been made available to assist each public water system that serves fewer than 10,000 individuals in meeting regulation requirements.Revises provisions allowing an exemption of a system from maximum containment level and treatment technique requirements to: (1) increase the population threshold; and (2) allow state determinations of a renewal period.Revises technical assistance provisions to require water systems serving fewer than 10,000 individuals to receive adequate technical assistance and training to meet requirements of final rules. Gives priority to systems not in compliance with specified rules concerning: (1) disinfectants and disinfection byproducts; (2) arsenic and compliance and new source monitoring; and (3) groundwater. Establishes pilot programs to: (1) explore new technologies or approaches to comply with a drinking water standard; and (2) research technology transfer issues and disinfection strategies relating to drinking water.Requires the Administrator to establish a panel to study the health effects of exposure to arsenic and disinfection byproducts.

small system safe drinking water act amends safe drinking water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa convene working group study barriers specified treatments develop model guidance assist states regulating promoting treatment options establishing affordability criteria variance technology consider specified cost factors extra weight households poverty level communities meet state affordability criteria ensure criteria costly capita basis small public water system capita cost large water system acquiring feasible technology requires administrator state initiating enforcement action ensure sufficient funds available assist public water system serves fewer individuals meeting regulation requirements revises provisions allowing exemption system maximum containment level treatment technique requirements increase population threshold allow state determinations renewal period revises technical assistance provisions require water systems serving fewer individuals receive adequate technical assistance training meet requirements final rules gives priority systems compliance specified rules concerning disinfection byproducts arsenic compliance new source monitoring groundwater establishes pilot programs explore new technologies approaches comply drinking water standard research technology transfer issues disinfection strategies relating drinking water requires administrator establish panel study health effects exposure arsenic disinfection byproducts


Summary: Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act - Declares it is U.S. policy to protect and preserve living and other resources of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (Farallones NMS) and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Cordell Bank NMS) marine environments. Makes certain adjustments to expand the boundaries of the Farallones NMS and the Cordell NMS. Prohibits within the Farallones NMS and the Cordell Bank NMS: (1) the leasing, exploration, development, production, or transporting by pipeline of minerals or hydrocarbons; (2) the conduct of aquaculture (with exceptions); and (3) subject to limitation, the discharge of materials, substances, or introduced species or a harmful change in the salinity. Prohibits the conduct of aquaculture within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to complete: (1) an interim supplemental management plan for each sanctuary that focuses on protective resource management in the areas added by this Act; and (2) a revised comprehensive management plan for each of the sanctuaries. Requires the Secretary to review the operations of the Farallones NMS to determine whether area added to it by this Act shall be designated as a new and separate NMS.

gulf cordell_bank_national_marine_sanctuaries_boundary_modification protection act declares policy protect preserve living resources gulf_of_the_farallones_national_marine_sanctuary farallones_nms cordell_bank_national_marine_sanctuary cordell_bank_nms marine environments makes certain adjustments expand boundaries farallones_nms prohibits farallones_nms cordell_bank_nms leasing exploration development production transporting pipeline minerals hydrocarbons conduct aquaculture exceptions subject limitation discharge materials substances introduced species harmful change salinity prohibits conduct aquaculture directs secretary commerce complete interim supplemental management plan sanctuary focuses protective resource management areas added act revised comprehensive management plan sanctuaries requires secretary review operations farallones_nms determine area added act shall designated new separate


Summary: Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires all new U.S. vessels with a building contract date after enactment of this Act or delivered after August 1, 2010, and with an aggregate capacity of 600 cubic meters or more of oil used as fuel, to comply with a specified regulation requiring double hulls. (Sec. 3) Amends the Ports and Waterways Safety Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to order any vessel to change heading and speed if the vessel does not comply with any regulation, law, or treaty or does not satisfy port entry conditions, or if the order is justified for safety. Directs the Secretary to continue individual port and waterway safety assessments to determine the U.S. ports, waterways, and channels needing new or improved vessel traffic management risk mitigation measures, including vessel traffic service (VTS) systems. Directs the Secretary to identify infrastructure requirements to improve existing or support new VTSs. Requires a report to Congress containing recommendations for implementing the study results. Directs the Secretary to review and validate the recruiting, retention, training, and expansion of the VTS personnel workforce and require basic navigation training for VTS watchstander personnel. (Sec. 4) Establishes the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee and requires it to advise the Secretary regarding: (1) medical certification determinations for issuance of merchant mariner credentials; (2) medical standards and guidelines for the operators of commercial vessels; (3) medical examiner education; and (4) medical research. Requires, in addition, that the Committee develop specific courses and materials for medical examiners listed in the national registry established under this Act. Directs the Secretary, among other things, to: (1) establish, review, and revise medical standards for merchant mariners and requirements for periodic physical examinations of merchant mariners; (2) require each merchant mariner to have a current valid medical certificate; (3) conduct periodic reviews of a select number of medical examiners on the national registry; and (4) require each such medical examiner to, at a minimum, self-certify that he or she has completed specific training. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and maintain a current national registry of medical examiners, requiring that the examiners be licensed physicians; (2) remove any examiner from the registry who fails to meet or maintain established qualifications; (3) accept as valid only medical certificates issued by persons on the national registry of medical examiners; and (4) include in the registry licensed physicians who are certified by the Secretary of Transportation to perform medical examinations of operators of commercial motor vehicles. Authorizes the Secretary to make participation of medical examiners in the national registry voluntary if such a change will enhance the safety of merchant mariners holding U.S. Coast Guard issued credentials. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to conduct a comprehensive study and report to Congress on marine casualty causes and contributing factors. Requires the study to identify measures that will improve the ability of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to evaluate future marine casualties, monitor trends to identify causes and contributing factors, and develop effective safety improvement policies. (Sec. 6) Requires the Coast Guard's commandant to report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the need for tractor tug escorts to be used by vessels carrying petroleum products or with large supplies of fuel onboard in the five largest U.S. ports, by volume, where the use of such tugs by those vessels is not otherwise required by state law or Captain-of-the-Port order. (Sec. 7) Amends provisions relating to the general authority of the National Transportation Safety Board to declare that specified provisions do not affect the authority of another department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal or of a state government (under current law, of the government) to investigate an accident under applicable law or to obtain information directly from the parties involved in, and witnesses to, the accident. (Sec. 8) Requires the Commandant, to the extent practicable, to ensure that there is at least one trained and experienced pollution investigator on duty, or in an on-call status, at all times for each Coast Guard Sector Command.

oil spill prevention act sec requires new vessels building contract date enactment act delivered august aggregate capacity cubic meters oil fuel comply specified regulation requiring double sec amends ports waterways safety act authorize secretary department coast_guard operating order vessel change heading speed vessel comply regulation law treaty satisfy port entry conditions order justified safety directs secretary continue individual port waterway safety assessments determine ports waterways channels needing new improved vessel traffic management risk mitigation measures including vessel traffic service systems directs secretary identify infrastructure requirements improve existing support new requires report congress containing recommendations implementing study results directs secretary review validate recruiting retention training expansion personnel workforce require basic navigation training personnel sec establishes merchant mariner medical advisory committee requires advise secretary medical certification determinations issuance merchant mariner credentials medical standards guidelines operators commercial vessels medical examiner education medical research requires addition committee develop specific courses materials medical examiners listed national registry established act directs secretary things establish review revise medical standards merchant mariners requirements periodic physical examinations merchant mariners require merchant mariner current valid medical certificate conduct periodic reviews select number medical examiners national registry require medical examiner minimum self certify completed specific training directs secretary establish maintain current national registry medical examiners requiring examiners licensed physicians remove examiner registry fails meet maintain established qualifications accept valid medical certificates issued persons national registry medical examiners include registry licensed physicians certified secretary transportation perform medical examinations operators commercial motor vehicles authorizes secretary participation medical examiners national registry voluntary change enhance safety merchant mariners holding issued credentials sec directs secretary conduct comprehensive study report congress marine casualty causes contributing factors requires study identify measures improve ability department coast_guard operating evaluate future marine casualties monitor trends identify causes contributing factors develop effective safety improvement policies sec requires coast_guard commandant report senate_committee_on_commerce science transportation need tug escorts vessels carrying petroleum products large supplies fuel onboard largest ports volume use vessels required state law captain port order sec amends provisions relating general authority national_transportation_safety_board declare specified provisions affect authority department agency instrumentality federal state government current law government investigate accident applicable law obtain information directly parties involved witnesses accident sec requires commandant extent practicable ensure trained experienced pollution investigator duty status times


Summary: Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the liability limits for damages resulting from the discharge of oil into U.S. navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone by a single-hull vessel (including a single-hull vessel fitted with double sides only or a double bottom): (1) from $3,000 per ton to $6,000 per ton for 2009; and (2) to the maximum amount allowable, consistent with the substantive due process requirements of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, for 2010, and beyond.

amends oil pollution act increase liability limits damages resulting discharge oil navigable waters exclusive economic zone single hull vessel including single hull vessel fitted double double ton ton maximum allowable consistent substantive process requirements fifth amendment


Summary: Clean Boating Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to provide that no permit shall be required by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the national pollutant discharge elimination system for the discharge from a recreational vessel of graywater, bilge water, cooling water, weather deck runoff, oil water separator effluent, or effluent from properly functioning marine engines or for any other discharge that is incidental to the normal operation of such vessel.Defines a "recreational vessel" as any vessel that is leased, rented, or chartered to a person for that person's pleasure or that is manufactured or used primarily for pleasure, excluding vessels that are subject to Coast Guard inspection and that are engaged in commercial use or that carry paying passengers.Requires the Administrator to: (1) determine the discharges that are incidental to the normal operation (excluding sewage) of a recreational vessel for which it is reasonable and practicable to develop management practices to mitigate adverse impacts on U.S. waters within a year of this Act's enactment and to review such determinations every five years; and (2) develop management practices for recreational vessels to mitigate the adverse impacts of such discharges on U.S. waters. Directs the Administrator, in determining what discharges are incidental to normal operations, to consider: (1) the nature of the discharge; (2) its environmental effects; (3) the practicability of using a management practice; (4) the effect that such practice would have on the operation, operational capability, or safety of the vessel; (5) applicable federal and state law and international standards; and (6) the economic costs of the use of the management practice. Requires the Administrator to: (1) promulgate federal standards of performance (which may distinguish among vessel types) for each discharge for which such a management practice is developed; and (2) review them every five years. Requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to promulgate regulations governing the design, construction, installation, and use of management practices for recreational vessels as necessary to meet such standards. Prohibits a recreational vessel from operating in or discharging in U.S. waters if such owner or operator is not using applicable management practices in compliance with such regulations.

clean boating act amends federal water pollution control act commonly known clean water act provide permit shall required administrator environmental_protection_agency epa national pollutant discharge elimination system discharge recreational vessel graywater bilge water cooling water weather deck runoff oil water effluent effluent properly functioning marine engines discharge incidental normal operation vessel defines recreational vessel vessel leased rented chartered person person pleasure manufactured primarily pleasure excluding vessels subject coast_guard inspection engaged commercial use carry paying passengers requires administrator determine discharges incidental normal operation excluding sewage recreational vessel reasonable practicable develop management practices mitigate adverse impacts waters year act enactment review determinations years develop management practices recreational vessels mitigate adverse impacts discharges waters directs administrator determining discharges incidental normal operations consider nature discharge environmental effects practicability management practice effect practice operation operational capability safety vessel applicable federal state law international standards economic costs use management practice requires administrator promulgate federal standards performance distinguish vessel types discharge management practice developed review years requires secretary department coast_guard operating promulgate regulations governing design construction installation use management practices recreational vessels necessary meet standards prohibits recreational vessel operating discharging waters owner operator applicable management practices compliance regulations


Summary: Marine Emergency Protocol and Hull Requirement Act of 2008 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to authorize the Coast Guard's appropriate sector commander, during a time of a terrorist or enemy attack, dangerously low visibility at sea or in port, an oil spill over 5,000 gallons, or any other period of enhanced danger as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, to assume direct authority over all vessels within the area and to issue any orders to ensure the health and safety of the individuals located in, and the environment of, the sector. Declares that nothing in the amendments made by this Act limits or otherwise preempts any state from establishing a more stringent law or regulation. Prohibits certain cargo vessels that carry a significant (as determined by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating) quantity of oil or petroleum-based fuel to power the vessel from operating in the navigable waters or the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the United States without fuel tanks that have a double hull, or a double containment system as effective as a double hull, for the prevention of a fuel discharge. Phases in the prohibition over a specified period of years, based on vessel age and tonnage.

marine emergency protocol hull requirement act amends oil pollution act authorize coast_guard appropriate sector commander time terrorist enemy attack low visibility sea port oil spill gallons period enhanced danger determined secretary homeland_security assume direct authority vessels area issue orders ensure health safety individuals located environment sector declares amendments act limits preempts state establishing stringent law regulation prohibits certain cargo vessels carry significant determined secretary department coast_guard operating quantity oil petroleum based fuel power vessel operating navigable waters exclusive_economic_zone eez united_states fuel tanks double hull double containment system effective double hull prevention fuel discharge phases prohibition specified period years based vessel age tonnage


Summary: Beach Protection Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to include among eligible grant activities the development and implementation of programs for source tracking, sanitary surveys, and prevention efforts to address the identified sources of beach water pollution. Authorizes appropriations for such grants for FY2008-FY2013.(Sec. 3) Amends the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations to carry out such Act through FY2013.(Sec. 5) Requires grant recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method; (2) measures for communication within 24 hours of the results of a water sample concerning pollutants to specified officials and all state agencies with authority to require the prevention or treatment of the sources of beach water pollution; (3) measures to develop and implement a beach water pollution source identification and tracking program for the coastal recreation waters that are not meeting applicable water quality standards for pathogens; (4) a publicly accessible and searchable global information system database with information updated within 24 hours of its availability, organized by beach and with defined standards, sampling plan, monitoring protocols, sampling results, and number and cause of beach closing and advisory days; and (5) measures to ensure that closures or advisories are made or issued within 24 hours after a state government determines that its coastal recreation waters are not meeting applicable water quality standards for pathogens.Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to: (1) publish a revised list of rapid testing methods; and (2) validate such methods no later than two years after this Act's enactment and periodically thereafter.(Sec. 8) Sets forth provisions requiring: (1) a review by the Administrator of state and local compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and grant conditions, including compliance with public health and safety performance criteria and state and local program content requirements; (2) corrective actions by such governments not in compliance; and (3) a review by the Comptroller General of such compliance review and corrective action. (Sec. 9) Directs the Administrator to study and report to Congress on the formula for the distribution of grants for coastal recreation water quality monitoring under the Clean Water Act for the purpose of identifying potential revisions of that formula. Requires the Administrator to consider the emphasis and valuation placed on the length of beach season and to revise the distribution formula in accordance with the study's recommendations.

beach protection act sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act include eligible grant activities development implementation programs source tracking sanitary surveys prevention efforts address identified sources beach water pollution authorizes appropriations grants fy2008 amends beaches environmental assessment coastal health act authorize appropriations carry act requires grant recipients identify use rapid testing method measures communication hours results water sample concerning pollutants specified officials state agencies authority require prevention treatment sources beach water pollution measures develop implement beach water pollution source identification tracking program coastal recreation waters meeting applicable water quality standards pathogens publicly accessible searchable global information system database information updated hours availability organized beach defined standards sampling plan monitoring protocols sampling results number cause beach closing advisory days measures ensure closures advisories issued hours state government determines coastal recreation waters meeting applicable water quality standards pathogens requires environmental_protection_agency epa administrator publish revised list rapid testing methods validate methods later years act enactment periodically sets forth provisions requiring review administrator state local compliance statutory regulatory requirements grant conditions including compliance public health safety performance criteria state local program content requirements corrective actions governments compliance review comptroller_general compliance review corrective action sec directs administrator study report congress formula distribution grants coastal recreation water quality monitoring clean water act purpose identifying potential revisions formula requires administrator consider emphasis valuation placed length beach season revise distribution formula accordance study recommendations


Summary: Water Essential Storage To Enhance Regions in Need Act or the WESTERN Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Secretary of the Army, not later than 90 days after the receipt of an application for a permit for a water storage project, to provide to the applicant a statement that describes: (1) whether the Secretary concurs with the assessment of, and alternatives for, the purposes and needs of such project as proposed by the applicant; and (2) if the Secretary doesn't concur, the Secretary's assessment.Requires the Secretary, before issuing a permit, to provide to applicants records of decisions describing applicable conditions that will apply to such permits.Requires the Secretary to establish the Corps of Engineers Board of Appeals to make determinations on all appeals relating to permits issued pursuant to such Act for water storage projects, including appeals regarding a purpose and need statement, a record of decision, and the Secretary's final decisions on permit approval. Sets forth factors for the Board to consider in making a determination on an appeal.Provides that a determination by the Board supersedes other Corps of Engineers' appellate determinations regarding permits.

water essential storage enhance regions western act amends federal water pollution control act commonly known clean water act require secretary army later days receipt application permit water storage project provide applicant statement describes secretary concurs assessment alternatives purposes needs project proposed applicant secretary concur secretary assessment requires secretary issuing permit provide applicants records decisions describing applicable conditions apply permits requires secretary establish determinations appeals relating permits issued pursuant act water storage projects including appeals purpose need statement record decision secretary final decisions permit approval sets forth factors board consider making determination appeal provides determination board supersedes appellate determinations permits


Summary: Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist suppliers of drinking water in adapting to the effects of climate change.Requires research areas to include: (1) water quality and quantity impacts and solutions; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration; (3) infrastructure impacts and solutions; (4) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies; (5) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization; (6) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions; (7) utilities management, decision support systems, and water management models; (8) greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy demand management; (9) water conservation and demand management; and (10) communications, education, and public acceptance.Authorizes appropriations.

climate change drinking water adaptation research act requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa establish provide funding program directed applied research conducted nonprofit water research foundation sponsored drinking water utilities assist suppliers drinking water adapting effects climate change requires research areas include water quality quantity impacts solutions impacts groundwater supplies carbon sequestration infrastructure impacts solutions desalination water reuse alternative supply technologies energy efficiency greenhouse gas minimization regional hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions utilities management decision support systems water management models greenhouse gas emissions reduction energy demand management water conservation demand management communications education public acceptance authorizes appropriations


Summary: Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to include among activities that the Great Lakes National Program Office is authorized to carry out for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern: (1) demonstration or pilot projects that use innovative approaches, technologies, or techniques for the remediation of sediment contamination; and (2) activities to restore aquatic habitat after remediation. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide additional consideration to projects that are funded by potentially responsible parties (individuals or entities that may be liable under federal or state environmental remediation laws with respect to a project carried out under such Act) and determined to be of greater environmental significance than competing proposals. Revises provisions concerning the nonfederal share of the costs of such projects. Authorizes the Administrator, Acting through the Program Office, to enter into agreements with nonfederal sponsors to implement projects under which such sponsors may pay in advance their share of the project costs and receive reimbursement for such costs from the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to implement a public information and participation program relating to the remediation of contaminated sediment in areas of concern in the United States.Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) such remediation; (2) the public information and participation program; and (3) research on the development and use of innovative approaches, technologies, and techniques for such remediation.

great_lakes legacy act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act include activities authorized carry remediation sediment contamination areas concern demonstration pilot projects use innovative approaches technologies techniques remediation sediment contamination activities restore aquatic habitat remediation authorizes administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide additional consideration projects funded potentially responsible parties individuals entities liable federal state environmental remediation laws respect project carried act determined greater environmental significance competing proposals revises provisions concerning nonfederal share costs projects authorizes administrator acting program_office enter agreements nonfederal sponsors implement projects sponsors pay advance share project costs receive reimbursement costs administrator requires administrator implement public information participation program relating remediation contaminated sediment areas concern united_states authorizes appropriations fy2009 fy2013 remediation public information participation program research development use innovative approaches technologies techniques remediation


Summary: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prohibit the sale in the United States of residential dishwashing detergent that contains phosphorus in any form in excess of 0.5% (by weight expressed as elemental phosphorus) beginning July 1, 2010.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa prohibit sale united_states residential detergent contains phosphorus form excess weight expressed elemental phosphorus beginning july