Summary: Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) to establish: (1) financial reporting requirements for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and (2) the Independent Evaluation and Technical Advisory Committee to review and report on restoration activities in the Bay ecosystem and to provide recommendations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on such activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY2013-FY2018. Requires the Administrator to: (1) complete an economic analysis of each EPA statement (i.e., guidance, policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability and future effect that is designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy relating to water quality in the Bay); and (2) establish technical guidelines to be used by the Chesapeake Bay Nutrient and Sediment Trading Commission in establishing a voluntary interstate nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment trading program for the Bay. Prohibits such guidelines from applying to agricultural nonpoint sources or nonindustrial private forest lands except to the extent that such guidelines consist of guidelines issued under the Food Security Act of 1985 concerning environmental service markets. Requires a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment for a segment of the Bay and its tributaries to use timeframes other than daily (such as annual, monthly, or seasonal) for certain economic sectors, including agriculture, in which a nondaily timeframe is appropriate. Authorizes a point source to meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits on nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment through trade administered by the Chesapeake Bay Nutrient and Sediment Trading Commission. Provides that powers are reserved solely to states to implement a total maximum daily nutrient or sediment load in the Bay. Authorizes, in Bay states that have developed TMDL plans that reduce loading through an iterative process that employs adaptive management principles, NPDES permits to be issued for new or existing point source discharges that include wasteload allocations consistent with such plan and that demonstrate progress towards achieving the wasteload allocation specified in such plan by treatment, trading or other means. Authorizes individuals or entities undertaking land development activities to be permitted to meet requirements for managing stormwater by offsetting such activities through the establishment of equivalent stormwater management practices off-site within the Bay ecosystem. Authorizes Bay states to use funds made available under the nonpoint source management program for activities related to reducing losses of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment from agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land through a watershed partnership developed under the Food and Security Act of 1985. Establishes an independent Chesapeake Bay Nutrient and Sediment Trading Commission in the Office of the Chesapeake Bay Program to: (1) administer the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment trading program for Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to ensure that credits are generated to attract market participants and facilitate trading mechanisms among and within such jurisdictions to meet water quality goals; (2) operate a registry for interstate water quality trading; and (3) develop a system to allow for trading to occur between point source and non-point source dischargers and any combination thereof among and within Bay states. Terminates the Commission on September 30, 2018. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the chief executive of a Bay state upon such executive's request to establish a watershed partnership. Authorizes each partnership to establish a watershed strategy for demonstrating aggregate reductions in losses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment, on a basin or subbasin scale in the Bay watershed, from agricultural or nonindustrial private forest land in the state. Requires such strategies to establish an assurance process in which qualified producers or owners of non-industrial forest land may participate. Requires the Secretary to: (1) provide conservation technical assistance to educate agricultural and private forest landowners in the Bay regarding water quality requirements, (2) publish a list of eligible agricultural and forestry activities that result in environmental service benefits, and (3) establish a pilot program for the Bay watershed for the facilitation of creating environmental service markets.

improvement act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa establish financial reporting requirements restoration activities chesapeake_bay watershed review report restoration activities bay ecosystem provide recommendations administrator environmental_protection_agency epa secretary department_of_agriculture usda activities authorizes appropriations fy2013-fy2018 requires administrator complete economic analysis epa statement guidance policy memorandum regulation statement general applicability future effect designed implement interpret prescribe law policy relating water quality establish technical guidelines chesapeake bay nutrient sediment trading commission establishing voluntary interstate nitrogen phosphorus sediment trading program prohibits guidelines applying agricultural nonpoint sources nonindustrial private forest lands extent guidelines consist guidelines issued food security act concerning environmental service markets requires total maximum daily load tmdl nitrogen phosphorus sediment segment bay tributaries use timeframes daily annual monthly seasonal certain economic sectors including agriculture timeframe appropriate authorizes point source meet national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes permit limits nitrogen phosphorus sediment trade administered provides powers reserved solely states implement total maximum daily nutrient sediment load developed tmdl plans reduce loading process employs adaptive management principles npdes permits issued new existing point source discharges include allocations consistent plan demonstrate progress achieving allocation specified plan treatment trading means authorizes individuals entities undertaking land development activities permitted meet requirements managing stormwater offsetting activities establishment equivalent stormwater management practices site authorizes bay states use funds available nonpoint source management program activities related reducing losses nitrogen phosphorus sediment agricultural nonindustrial private forest land watershed partnership developed establishes independent administer nitrogen phosphorus sediment trading program delaware maryland new_york pennsylvania virginia west_virginia district_of_columbia ensure credits generated attract market participants facilitate trading mechanisms jurisdictions meet water quality goals operate registry interstate water quality trading develop system allow trading occur point source non point source combination thereof terminates commission september amends food security act require secretary enter memorandum understanding chief executive executive request establish watershed partnership authorizes partnership establish watershed strategy demonstrating aggregate reductions losses nitrogen phosphorus sediment basin scale bay watershed agricultural nonindustrial private forest land state requires strategies establish assurance process qualified producers owners non industrial forest land participate requires secretary provide conservation technical assistance educate agricultural private forest landowners bay water quality requirements publish list eligible agricultural forestry activities result environmental service benefits establish pilot program bay watershed facilitation creating environmental service markets


Summary: Protecting Pregnant Women and Children From Hexavalent Chromium Act of 2012 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) publish a health advisory for hexavalent chromium that is fully protective of the health of vulnerable individuals (including pregnant women, infants, and children), taking into consideration body weight, exposure patterns, and all routes of exposure; and (2) establish a national primary drinking water regulation for hexavalent chromium that is protective of vulnerable individuals and the maximum contaminant level of which is as close to the maximum contaminant level goal for hexavalent chromium, and as protective of vulnerable individuals, as is feasible.

amends safe drinking water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa publish health advisory chromium fully protective health vulnerable individuals including pregnant women infants children taking consideration body weight exposure patterns routes exposure establish national primary drinking water regulation chromium protective vulnerable individuals maximum contaminant level close maximum contaminant level goal chromium protective vulnerable individuals feasible


Summary: Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation planning and response program to: (1) provide assistance to coastal states to voluntarily develop coastal climate change adaptation plans to minimize contributions to climate change and to prepare for and reduce the negative consequences that may result from climate change in the coastal zone, and (2) provide financial and technical assistance and training to enable coastal states to implement such plans through coastal states' enforceable policies. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to coastal states to develop such plans and to support projects that implement strategies contained in such plans. Requires the Secretary to promote and encourage the use of National Estuarine Research Reserves as sites for pilot or demonstration projects carried out with such grants.

coastal_zone_management_act direct secretary commerce establish coastal climate change adaptation planning response program provide assistance coastal states voluntarily develop coastal climate change adaptation plans minimize contributions climate change prepare reduce negative consequences result climate change coastal zone provide financial technical assistance training enable coastal states implement plans coastal states enforceable policies authorizes secretary grants coastal states develop plans support projects implement strategies contained plans requires secretary promote encourage use sites pilot demonstration projects carried grants


Summary: Chesapeake Bay State and Local Backstop Limitation Act of 2012 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from: (1) modifying a permit issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) before this Act's enactment for a point source in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to require additional reductions in discharges of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment; or (2) requiring lower levels of discharges of such pollutants under a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit for a point source in such watershed for purposes of compensating for any lack of progress in a state toward meeting the water quality goals established by the 2010 Chesapeake Bay TMDL (total maximum daily load). Prohibits the Administrator from revising, for purposes of application in such watershed, the definitions of: (1) "storm water discharge associated with industrial activity" in regulations concerning storm water discharges in the EPA administered NPDES program, and (2) "concentrated animal feeding operation" in regulations concerning the EPA administered NPDES program. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring a permit under the NPDES program for a discharge of stormwater in such watershed, either from a municipal separate storm sewer system or associated with an industrial activity, for which a permit has not been issued before this Act's enactment. Prohibits the Administrator, before the date on which all of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment TMDLs established in the 2010 Chesapeake Bay TMDL are met, from: (1) revising the 2010 Chesapeake Bay TMDL to establish more specific or finer scale waste load or load allocations and requiring additional reductions in loadings from point sources; or (2) issuing or enforcing regulations regarding such pollutants for any navigable waters within such watershed in Chesapeake Bay states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia), other than the 2010 Chesapeake Bay TMDL, unless the chief executive of a Bay state approves of such regulation. Prohibits the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture from conditioning, withholding, or redirecting grants related to water quality in Bay states under the Clean Water Act or the Food Security Act of 1985 because Bay states do not meet the water quality goals established for them in the 2010 Chesapeake Bay TMDL, unless the Administrator or the Secretary has offered technical assistance in meeting such goals and the Bay state has failed to show reasonable progress in meeting such goals after a sufficient amount of time.

local limitation act prohibits administrator environmental_protection_agency epa modifying permit issued federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act act enactment point source chesapeake_bay watershed require additional reductions discharges nitrogen phosphorus sediment requiring lower levels discharges pollutants national pollutant discharge elimination system npdes permit point source watershed purposes compensating lack progress state meeting water quality goals established chesapeake bay tmdl total maximum daily load prohibits administrator revising purposes application watershed definitions storm water discharge associated industrial activity regulations concerning storm water discharges epa administered npdes program concentrated animal feeding operation regulations concerning epa administered npdes program prohibits administrator requiring permit npdes program discharge stormwater watershed municipal separate storm sewer system associated industrial activity permit issued act enactment prohibits administrator date nitrogen phosphorus sediment established chesapeake bay tmdl met revising chesapeake bay tmdl establish specific scale waste load load allocations requiring additional reductions point sources issuing enforcing regulations pollutants navigable waters watershed chesapeake_bay states delaware maryland new_york pennsylvania virginia west_virginia district_of_columbia chesapeake bay tmdl chief executive approves regulation prohibits administrator secretary agriculture conditioning withholding grants related water quality clean water act food security act meet water quality goals established chesapeake bay tmdl administrator secretary offered technical assistance meeting goals failed reasonable progress meeting goals sufficient time


Summary: Water Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the Water Protection and Reinvestment Trust Fund to support investments in clean water infrastructure. Imposes through 2019 an excise tax on the sale of containers of water-based beverages, water disposal products, and pharmaceutical products and appropriates revenues raised from such taxes to the Trust Fund. Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to study and report on potential funding mechanisms and revenue sources for a clean water trust fund. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allocate amounts from the Trust Fund for specified clean water programs, specified grants under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), and other specified activities under this Act. Amends the Clean Water Act to: (1) expand the types of projects eligible for funding by state revolving loan funds; and (2) set forth additional criteria for states in developing priorities for assistance under such Act. Authorizes the Administrator to use Trust Fund amounts: (1) to make grants to ensure the adequate supply of certified wastewater treatment operators, (2) to award scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study by persons who plan to enter an occupation involving the operation and maintenance of treatment works, and (3) for sewer overflow control grants. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a national water infrastructure research, development, and demonstration program to develop, demonstrate, and transfer innovative or improved technologies and methods for the treatment, control, transport, and reuse of wastewater; (2) make grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning to establish and operate one university water research center in each of such 21 hydro-regions and designate one of such centers as the National Water Research Center; (3) enter an arrangement for a National Academy of Sciences study of the means by which public water systems meet the costs associated with operations, maintenance, capital replacement, and regulatory requirements; and (4) establish a program of grants to local and state entities to reduce discharges of harmful pollutants into navigable waters through programs to take back prescription and over-the-counter drugs from the public and dispose of them in an environmentally sound manner. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish an education program to inform the public about clean water benefits associated with taxes paid to the Trust Fund, and (2) carry out an innovative financing program to make financial assistance available for projects eligible for funding under water pollution control revolving loan funds.

water protection reinvestment act amends internal revenue code establish support investments clean water infrastructure imposes excise tax sale containers water based beverages water disposal products pharmaceutical products appropriates revenues raised taxes trust_fund requires director congressional_budget_office cbo study report potential funding mechanisms revenue sources clean water trust fund directs administrator environmental_protection_agency epa allocate amounts trust_fund specified clean water programs specified grants federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act specified activities act amends clean water act expand types projects eligible funding state revolving loan funds set forth additional criteria states developing priorities assistance act authorizes administrator use trust_fund amounts grants ensure adequate supply certified wastewater treatment operators award scholarships undergraduate graduate study persons plan enter occupation involving operation maintenance treatment works sewer overflow control grants requires administrator establish national water infrastructure research development demonstration program develop demonstrate transfer innovative improved technologies methods treatment control transport reuse wastewater grants nonprofit institutions higher learning establish operate university water research center hydro regions designate centers enter arrangement national_academy_of_sciences study means public water systems meet costs associated operations maintenance capital replacement regulatory requirements establish program grants local state entities reduce discharges harmful pollutants navigable waters programs prescription counter drugs public dispose environmentally sound manner directs secretary treasury establish education program inform public clean water benefits associated taxes paid trust_fund carry innovative financing program financial assistance available projects eligible funding water pollution control revolving loan funds


Summary: Asian Carp Prevention Act of 2012 - Requires the Secretary of the Army to coordinate and lead federal actions with respect to preventing the spread of Asian carp in the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out projects to prevent the spread of Asian carp in the Great Lakes and its tributaries, including: (1) installing electric, acoustic, air bubble, and other barriers; (2) applying pesticides; (3) improving locks; and (4) taking actions at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, Illinois, to prevent the spread of Asian carp. Requires the Secretary to implement measures recommended in the dispersal barrier efficacy study, or provided in interim reports, authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to prevent aquatic nuisance species from bypassing the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Dispersal Barrier Project and dispersing into the Great Lakes.

asian carp prevention act requires secretary army coordinate lead federal actions respect preventing spread asian carp great lakes tributaries authorizes secretary carry projects prevent spread asian carp great lakes tributaries including installing electric acoustic air barriers applying pesticides improving locks taking actions brandon road lock dam illinois prevent spread asian carp requires secretary implement measures recommended dispersal barrier efficacy study provided interim reports authorized water_resources_development_act prevent aquatic nuisance species dispersing great lakes


Summary: Replaces the map included in the set of maps entitled "Coastal Barrier Resources System" (referred to in specified provisions of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and relating to Unit P-31P in the state of Florida) with another map relating to the same unit entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Corrected Unit P-31P."

replaces map included set maps entitled coastal barrier resources system referred specified provisions coastal_barrier_resources_act relating unit state florida map relating unit entitled unit


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a business expense tax deduction for any compensatory payments made to any person or governmental entity on account of the explosion on and sinking of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010.

amends internal revenue code deny business expense tax deduction compensatory payments person governmental entity account explosion sinking mobile offshore drilling unit deepwater_horizon april


Summary: Protecting Pregnant Women and Children From Perchlorate Act of 2011 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) publish a health advisory for perchlorate that is fully protective of the health of vulnerable persons (including pregnant women, infants, and children), taking into consideration body weight, exposure patterns, and all routes of exposure; and (2) establish a national primary drinking water regulation for perchlorate that is protective of vulnerable persons and the maximum contaminant level of which is as close to the maximum contaminant level goal for perchlorate, and as protective of vulnerable persons, as is feasible.

perchlorate act amends safe drinking water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa publish health advisory perchlorate fully protective health vulnerable persons including pregnant women infants children taking consideration body weight exposure patterns routes exposure establish national primary drinking water regulation perchlorate protective vulnerable persons maximum contaminant level close maximum contaminant level goal perchlorate protective vulnerable persons feasible


Summary: Protecting Pregnant Women and Children From Hexavalent Chromium Act of 2011 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) publish a health advisory for hexavalent chromium that is fully protective of the health of vulnerable individuals (including pregnant women, infants, and children), taking into consideration body weight, exposure patterns, and all routes of exposure; and (2) establish a national primary drinking water regulation for hexavalent chromium that is protective of vulnerable individuals and the maximum contaminant level of which is as close to the maximum contaminant level goal for hexavalent chromium, and as protective of vulnerable individuals, as is feasible.


Summary: San Francisco Bay Restoration Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide funding to state and local agencies, special districts, and public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, and organizations for activities, studies, or projects identified in an annual priority list, including restoration projects and habitat improvement for fish, waterfowl, and wildlife, that advance the goals and objectives of the comprehensive management plan for the San Francisco Bay estuary. Requires the Administrator, in developing such list, to consult with and consider the recommendations of: (1) the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, (2) California and affected local governments in the San Francisco Bay estuary watershed, and (3) any other relevant stakeholder involved with the protection and restoration of such estuary. Limits grant amounts to 75% of the total cost of eligible activities to be carried out using those amounts. Requires the non-federal share of the total cost of any eligible activities to be carried out using amounts provided under this Act to be no less than 25%. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator to carry out this Act for each of FY2012-FY2016. Prohibits such amounts from being used by a management conference under the National Estuary Program.

san_francisco_bay restoration act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide funding state local agencies special districts public nonprofit agencies institutions organizations activities studies projects identified annual priority list including restoration projects habitat improvement fish waterfowl wildlife advance goals objectives comprehensive management plan san_francisco_bay estuary requires administrator developing list consult consider recommendations california affected local governments san_francisco_bay estuary watershed relevant stakeholder involved protection restoration estuary limits grant amounts total cost eligible activities carried amounts requires non federal share total cost eligible activities carried amounts provided act authorizes appropriations administrator carry act fy2012 fy2016 prohibits amounts management conference national_estuary_program


Summary: Great Lakes Water Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) from intentionally diverting waste streams to bypass any portion of the treatment facility if the diversion results in a discharge into the Great Lakes unless: (1) the bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage; (2) there is no feasible alternative; and (3) the treatment works provides notice; or (4) the bypass does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded and is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the treatment facility. Requires: (1) such notice to be provided to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (or to a state with an approved permit program) prior to an anticipated bypass or by no later than 24 hours after the time at which the POTW first becomes aware of an unanticipated bypass; and (2) follow-up notice regarding the cause and duration of, volume of discharge resulting from, and public access areas affected by an unanticipated bypass. Includes among prohibited bypasses those resulting in discharges from a POTW that consist of effluent routed around treatment units and blended with effluent from treatment units prior to discharge.Directs the Administrator to establish procedures to ensure that permits issued to POTWs under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System include requirements to implement this Act. Provides an increased maximum civil penalty for violations occurring on or after January 1, 2031. Applies the prohibition on diverting waste streams to a bypass occurring after the last day of the one-year period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment. Establishes the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund from which amounts shall be provided for improving wastewater discharges.

federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit publicly owned treatment works potws intentionally diverting waste streams bypass portion treatment facility diversion results discharge great_lakes bypass unavoidable prevent loss life personal injury severe property damage feasible alternative treatment works provides notice bypass cause effluent limitations exceeded essential maintenance ensure efficient operation treatment facility requires notice provided administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state approved permit program prior anticipated bypass later hours time potw aware unanticipated bypass follow notice cause duration volume discharge resulting public access areas affected unanticipated bypass includes prohibited resulting discharges potw consist effluent treatment units blended effluent treatment units prior discharge directs administrator establish procedures ensure permits issued potws national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system include requirements implement act provides increased maximum civil penalty violations occurring january applies prohibition diverting waste streams bypass occurring day year period beginning date act enactment establishes great lakes cleanup fund amounts shall provided improving wastewater discharges


Summary: Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act - Declares that 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 the issuance of a lease or permit authorizing mineral or hydrocarbon exploration, development, production, or transportation by pipeline within the boundaries of the sanctuaries, as modified by this Act. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to complete: (1) a draft supplemental management plan for each of the sanctuaries that focuses on management in the areas added by this Act, and (2) a revised management plan for each of the sanctuaries. Directs the Secretary to carry out an assessment of necessary revisions to the regulations for the sanctuaries, including considering regulations regarding the deposit or release of introduced species and the alteration of stream and river drainage into the sanctuaries. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016.

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 issuance lease permit authorizing mineral hydrocarbon exploration development production transportation pipeline boundaries sanctuaries modified act directs secretary commerce complete draft supplemental management plan sanctuaries focuses management areas added act revised management plan sanctuaries directs secretary carry assessment necessary revisions regulations sanctuaries including considering regulations deposit release introduced species alteration stream river drainage sanctuaries authorizes appropriations fy2012-fy2016


Summary: Responsible Arctic Energy Development Act of 2011 - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in collaboration with other federal agencies, to direct research and take action to improve oil spill prevention, response, and recovery in Arctic waters. Amends the Oil Polllution Act of 1990 to require the NOAA Administrator and the Commandant of the Coast Guard to use amounts made available under this Act for research and related activities in advance of energy exploration and production in the Arctic. Requires the Coast Guard to assess and take action to reduce the risk of, and improve U.S. response to, a maritime disaster in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Sets forth additional Interagency Committee Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research functions, including requiring the Committee to request the National Research Council to conduct an oil spill risk assessment and make recommendations that will enhance safety and lessen the potential adverse environmental impacts of industrial activities in Arctic waters.

requires national oceanic atmospheric administration noaa collaboration federal agencies direct research action improve oil spill prevention response recovery arctic waters amends oil act require noaa administrator commandant coast guard use amounts available act research related activities advance energy exploration production arctic requires coast_guard assess action reduce risk improve response maritime disaster beaufort chukchi_seas sets forth additional functions including requiring committee request national_research_council conduct oil spill risk assessment recommendations enhance safety lessen potential adverse environmental impacts industrial activities arctic waters


Summary: Resources for Oil Spill Research and Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund financing rate by 3 cents a barrel for domestic crude oil and by 7 cents a barrel for any other crude oil; and (2) repeal the termination date of such financing rate. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to expand the allowable uses of Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund amounts to include: (1) payment of costs incurred by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Coast Guard, and other federal agencies to maintain research, prevention, and response capabilities with respect to discharges of oil; (2) payment of costs to carry out environmental assessment studies; and (3) grants to affected states, institutions of higher education, and other entities for research relating to discharges of oil on the Outer Continental Shelf.

increase oil_spill_liability_trust_fund financing rate cents barrel domestic crude oil cents barrel crude oil repeal termination date financing rate amends oil pollution act expand allowable uses oil_spill_liability_trust_fund amounts include payment costs incurred national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa coast_guard federal agencies maintain research prevention response capabilities respect discharges oil payment costs carry environmental assessment studies grants affected states institutions higher education entities research relating discharges oil outer_continental_shelf


Summary: Big Oil Bailout Prevention Unlimited Liability Act of 2011 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to make the party responsible for an offshore facility, except a deepwater port, from which oil is discharged into or upon navigable waters or adjoining shorelines liable for all discharge removal costs and damages for each incident (under current law such party is liable for the total of all removal costs plus $75 million). Makes this Act effective on April 15, 2010.

big_oil_bailout_prevention_unlimited_liability_act amends oil pollution act party responsible offshore facility deepwater port oil discharged navigable waters adjoining shorelines liable discharge removal costs damages incident current law party liable total removal costs plus million makes act effective april


Summary: Mining Jobs Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to repeal provisions that require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consult with the Secretary of the Army before denying or restricting the use of specified areas as disposal sites for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Requires the Administrator to provide, within specified timeframes, to: (1) the Secretary notice of any concerns with respect to a specification for a disposal site proposed to be issued under a permit to discharge into navigable waters; and (2) the Secretary and permit applicants the reasons for any disapproval of permits. Removes the Administrator's authority to prohibit the specification of any defined area as a disposal site: (1) 60 days after the Administrator receives the proposed specification from the Secretary for review; and (2) once the Secretary has issued a permit for dredged or fill material. Authorizes the Secretary to reevaluate and reissue, or to elect not to reissue, a specification in any case in which, before the enactment of this Act, the Administrator disproved of a specification after it was issued by the Secretary. Sets forth requirements that must be met before the Administrator or the head of another agency requests that a proposed permit for dredged or fill material receive a higher level of review by the Secretary.

mining jobs protection act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act repeal provisions require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa consult secretary army denying restricting use specified areas disposal sites discharges dredged fill material waters united_states requires administrator provide specified timeframes secretary notice concerns respect specification disposal site proposed issued permit discharge navigable waters secretary permit applicants reasons disapproval permits removes administrator authority prohibit specification defined area disposal site days administrator receives proposed specification secretary review secretary issued permit dredged fill material authorizes secretary reevaluate reissue elect reissue specification case enactment act administrator specification issued secretary sets forth requirements met administrator head agency requests proposed permit dredged fill material receive higher level review secretary


Summary: Rescinds a specified amount provided to Kalispell, Montana, for water treatment improvements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004. Requires such rescinded amounts to be used to reduce the federal deficit.

rescinds specified provided montana water treatment improvements consolidated appropriations act requires rescinded amounts reduce federal deficit


Summary: Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act or the FRAC Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to repeal the exemption from restrictions on underground injection of fluids or propping agents granted to hydraulic fracturing operations relating to oil and gas production activities under such Act. Requires: (1) state underground injection programs to direct a person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations to disclose to the state (or the Administrator if the Administrator has primary enforcement responsibility in such state) the chemicals intended for use in underground injections before the commencement of such operations and the chemicals actually used after the end of such operations; and (2) a state or the Administrator to make such disclosure available to the public. Requires the applicable person using hydraulic fracturing, when a medical emergency exists and the proprietary chemical formula of a chemical used in such hydraulic fracturing is necessary for medical treatment, to disclose such formula or the specific chemical identity of a trade secret chemical to the state, the Administrator, or the treating physician or nurse upon request, regardless of the existence of a written statement of need or a confidentiality agreement. Authorizes such person to require the execution of such statement and agreement as soon as practicable.

act amends safe drinking water act repeal exemption restrictions underground injection fluids propping agents granted hydraulic fracturing operations relating oil gas production activities act requires state underground injection programs direct person conducting hydraulic fracturing operations disclose state administrator administrator primary enforcement responsibility state chemicals intended use underground injections commencement operations chemicals actually end operations state administrator disclosure available public requires applicable person hydraulic fracturing medical emergency exists proprietary chemical formula chemical hydraulic fracturing necessary medical treatment disclose formula specific chemical identity trade secret chemical state administrator treating physician nurse request regardless existence written statement need confidentiality agreement authorizes person require execution statement agreement soon practicable


Summary: Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2011 - (Sec. 3) Calls for the United States to help undertake a global effort to bring sustainable access to clean water and sanitation to poor people throughout the world. (Sec. 5) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to designate a Senior Advisor for Water to coordinate and conduct the activities described in this Act and the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005. Requires the Senior Advisor to: (1) report directly to the Administrator; (2) develop and oversee implementation in high priority countries of country-specific water strategies and expertise to enable the goal of providing 100 million additional people with sustainable access to safe water and sanitation through direct funding, development activities, and partnerships within six years of this Act's enactment; (3) place primary emphasis on providing safe, affordable, and sustainable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in a manner that is consistent with sound water resource management principles; (4) integrate water strategies with country-specific or regional food security strategies; and (5) ensure that at least 25% of the overall funding necessary to meet such goal is provided by non-federal sources. Designates the individual serving as USAID Global Water Coordinator as of this Act's enactment as the initial Senior Advisor. Requires the Secretary of State, in order to increase the capacity of the Department of State to address international issues regarding safe water, sanitation, integrated river basin management, and other international water programs, to establish a Special Coordinator for International Water to: (1) report to the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs; (2) oversee and coordinate U.S. diplomatic policy with respect to global freshwater issues; and (3) ensure that international freshwater issues are represented within the U.S. government and in key diplomatic, development, and scientific efforts with other nations and multilateral organizations. Designates the individual serving as Special Coordinator for Water Resources as of this Act's enactment as the initial Special Coordinator for International Water. (Sec. 6) Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to require the Special Coordinator to ensure that the safe water and sanitation strategy is integrated into any review or development of a federal strategy for global development, global health, or global food security that sets forth or establishes the U.S. mission for global development, guidelines for assistance programs, and how development policy will be coordinated with policies governing trade, immigration, and other relevant international issues. Requires the safe water and sanitation strategy to include: (1) an assessment of U.S. foreign assistance allocated to the drinking water and sanitation sector during the three previous fiscal years, including assessing whether U.S. efforts are reaching and supporting the goal of enabling first-time access to safe water and sanitation on a sustainable basis for 100 million people in high priority countries; (2) recommendations on actions needed to achieve and support such goals and support the United Nation's Millennium Development Goal on access to safe drinking water; and (3) an assessment of best practices for mobilizing and leveraging the capacity of business, governments, organizations, and civil society in forming public-private partnerships that measurably increase access to safe, affordable, drinking water sanitation. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to establish a program to build the capacity of host country institutions and officials responsible for water and sanitation in countries that receive assistance to provide safe water and sanitation under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator to establish such program in additional countries if the receipt of such capacity building would be beneficial for promoting access to safe drinking water and sanitation, with due consideration given to good governance. Requires the USAID Director for each country receiving a high priority designation and for each region containing a country receiving such designation to report annually to Congress on drinking water and sanitation, including the status of: (1) designating safe drinking water and sanitation as a strategic objective, and (2) integrating the water strategy into a food security strategy. (Sec. 8) Expands the list of activities that may be supported by assistance furnished by the President for programs in developing countries to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation. (Sec. 10) Requires the report regarding water for peace and security to include an assessment of political tensions over water sources and a multidisciplinary assessment of the expected impacts of changes to water supplies in 10, 25, and 50 years. (Sec. 11) Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness and efficiency of U.S. efforts to provide safe water and sanitation for developing countries.

senator paul_simon_water world act sec calls united_states help undertake global effort bring sustainable access clean water sanitation poor people world sec amends foreign assistance act direct administrator united_states_agency international_development usaid designate senior advisor water coordinate conduct activities described act senator paul_simon_water poor act requires senior advisor report directly administrator develop oversee implementation high priority countries country specific water strategies expertise enable goal providing million additional people sustainable access safe water sanitation direct funding development activities partnerships years act enactment place primary emphasis providing safe affordable sustainable drinking water sanitation hygiene manner consistent sound water resource management principles integrate water strategies country specific regional food security strategies ensure overall funding necessary meet goal provided non federal sources designates individual serving usaid global water coordinator act enactment initial senior advisor requires secretary state order increase capacity department_of_state address international issues safe water sanitation integrated river basin management international water programs establish report secretary democracy global affairs oversee coordinate diplomatic policy respect global freshwater issues ensure international freshwater issues represented government key diplomatic development scientific efforts nations multilateral organizations designates individual serving special coordinator water resources act enactment initial special coordinator international water sec amends senator paul_simon_water poor act require special coordinator ensure safe water sanitation strategy integrated review development federal strategy global development global health global food security sets forth establishes mission global development guidelines assistance programs development policy coordinated policies governing trade immigration relevant international issues requires safe water sanitation strategy include assessment foreign assistance allocated drinking water sanitation sector previous fiscal years including assessing efforts reaching supporting goal enabling time access safe water sanitation sustainable basis million people high priority countries recommendations actions needed achieve support goals support millennium development goal access safe drinking water assessment best practices mobilizing leveraging capacity business governments organizations civil society forming public private partnerships measurably increase access safe affordable drinking water sanitation sec requires secretary administrator establish program build capacity host country institutions officials responsible water sanitation countries receive assistance provide safe water sanitation foreign assistance act authorizes secretary administrator establish program additional countries receipt capacity building beneficial promoting access safe drinking water sanitation consideration given good governance requires usaid director country receiving high priority designation region containing country receiving designation report annually congress drinking water sanitation including status designating safe drinking water sanitation strategic objective integrating water strategy food security strategy sec expands list activities supported assistance furnished president programs developing countries provide affordable equitable access safe water sanitation sec requires report water peace security include assessment political tensions water sources multidisciplinary assessment expected impacts changes water supplies years sec requires comptroller general united_states report specified congressional committees effectiveness efficiency efforts provide safe water sanitation developing countries


Summary: Secure Water Facilities Act - Secure Drinking Water Facilities Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to revise and expand requirements for assessment by covered water systems of their vulnerability to a range of intentional acts. Defines a "covered water system" as a public water system that serves a population of more than 3,300 individuals or that presents a security risk that requires regulation. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to establish: (1) increasingly stringent, risk-based performance standards for the security of such systems; (2) requirements and deadlines for systems to conduct and update assessments, develop and revise security plans and emergency response plans, and provide training to system and contractor employees; and (3) four risk-based tiers for the categorization of systems. Requires the Administrator to assign each system to such tiers. Authorizes the Administrator to designate any chemical substance as a substance of concern and establish the threshold quantity for the release or theft of each such substance. Requires the Administrator to: (1) provide baseline information to systems regarding the types of intentional acts that constitute probable threats; (2) direct systems that possess substances of concern in excess of the release threshold quantity to include in their site security plans assessments of methods to reduce the consequences of chemical releases from intentional acts; (3) determine whether to require systems to implement such methods; (4) develop non-binding guidance to assist systems in assessing and implementing methods to reduce consequences of a chemical release by reducing or eliminating reliance on the use of threshold quantities of such substances; and (5) prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of protected information. Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to assist states and systems in complying with this Act and to provide for security-related training of system employees and training for emergency response providers. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016. Secure Wastewater Treatment Facilities Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to establish the same requirements and set forth analogous provisions with respect to covered treatment works. Defines a "covered treatment works" as a treatment works that has a treatment capacity of no less than 2.5 million gallons per day or that presents a security risk that requires regulation.

revise expand requirements assessment covered water systems vulnerability range intentional acts defines covered water system public water system serves population individuals presents security risk requires regulation requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa promulgate regulations establish stringent risk based performance standards security systems requirements deadlines systems conduct update assessments develop revise security plans emergency response plans provide training system contractor employees risk based tiers categorization systems requires administrator assign system tiers authorizes administrator designate chemical substance substance concern establish threshold quantity release theft substance requires administrator provide baseline information systems types intentional acts constitute probable threats direct systems possess substances concern excess release threshold quantity include site security plans assessments methods reduce consequences chemical releases intentional acts determine require systems implement methods develop non binding guidance assist systems assessing implementing methods reduce consequences chemical release reducing eliminating reliance use threshold quantities substances prohibit unauthorized disclosure protected information authorizes administrator provide grants assist states systems complying act provide security related training system employees training emergency response providers authorizes appropriations fy2012-fy2016 secure wastewater treatment facilities act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act establish requirements set forth analogous provisions respect covered treatment works defines covered treatment works treatment works treatment capacity million gallons day presents security risk requires regulation


Summary: Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2011 - Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each Chesapeake Bay state, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, to submit annually to Congress a financial report containing: (1) an interagency crosscut budget for restoration activities that protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat, water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; (2) an accounting of amounts received and obligated by each federal agency for restoration activities; (3) an accounting from each state of all amounts received and obligated from a federal agency for restoration activities; and (4) a description of each of the proposed federal and state restoration activities. Requires: (1) such report to describe only federal restoration activities that have funding amounts of at least $100,000 and state recstoration activities that have funding amounts of at least $50,000; and (2) the Director to submit the report no later than 30 days after the submission of the President's annual budget to Congress. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop, implement, and update every three years an adaptive management plan for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed that includes: (1) a description of specific and measurable objectives to improve water quality, habitat, and fisheries; (2) a process for stakeholder participation; (3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other research and evaluation practices; (4) a process for modification of restoration activities that have not attained or will not attain such objectives; and (5) a process for prioritizing restoration activities and programs to which adaptive management shall be applied. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires the Administrator to report annually to Congress on the Plan. Requires an Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay watershed, who shall review and report to Congress every three years on restoration activities and the use of adaptive management in such activities and any related topics that are suggested by the Council. Requires the Evaluator to be appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted by the Chesapeake Executive Council.

recovery_act requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb consultation chesapeake_executive_council chief executive chesapeake_bay state submit annually congress financial report containing interagency crosscut budget restoration activities protect conserve restore living resources habitat water resources water quality chesapeake_bay watershed accounting amounts received obligated federal agency restoration activities accounting state amounts received obligated federal agency restoration activities description proposed federal state restoration activities requires report describe federal restoration activities funding amounts state activities funding amounts director submit report later days submission president annual budget congress requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa develop implement update years adaptive management plan restoration activities chesapeake_bay watershed includes description specific measurable objectives improve water quality habitat fisheries process stakeholder participation monitoring modeling experimentation research evaluation practices process modification restoration activities attained attain objectives process prioritizing restoration activities programs adaptive management shall applied sets forth reporting requirements requires administrator report annually congress plan requires independent evaluator chesapeake_bay watershed shall review report congress years restoration activities use adaptive management activities related topics suggested council requires evaluator appointed administrator nominees submitted chesapeake_executive_council


Summary: Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Treasury the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund to be available for expenditure for programs and projects to restore, protect, and make sustainable use of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine habitats, coastal wetlands, and the economy of the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Fund 80% of all administrative, civil, and criminal penalties paid after this Act's enactment in connection with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon pursuant to a court order, negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). Amends the Clean Water Act to require 35% of amounts made available from the Fund in any fiscal year to be disbursed to the Gulf Coast states in equal shares. Authorizes such amounts to be used for: (1) coastal protection projects; (2) mitigation of damage to, and restoration of, fish, wildlife, or natural resources; (3) implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan, including fisheries monitoring; and (4) programs to promote tourism and the consumption of Gulf Coast seafood. Authorizes a governor of a Gulf Coast state, in awarding contracts for such a project or program, to give a preference to individuals and companies that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in, a Gulf Coast state. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to: (1) publish a Comprehensive Plan for, and to undertake, projects and programs to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine habitats, and coastal wetland of the Gulf Coast ecosystem; (2) update such Plan every five years; (3) coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, and activities  addressing the restoration and protection of the Gulf Coast ecosystem and associated research; and (4) prepare an integrated financial plan and recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the amounts proposed to be expended by the federal agencies represented on the Council for projects and programs in the Gulf Coast states. Requires 60% of the total amount made available from the Fund to be disbursed to the Council to carry out the Plan. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Monitoring, and Technology Program, under which the NOAA Administrator shall provide grants to establish and operate a center of excellence in each of the Gulf Coast states. Requires each center to focus its curriculum on science, technology, and monitoring in at least one of the following: (1) coastal wetland restoration and protection; (2) coastal and marine fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research, monitoring, mapping, and recovery; (3) offshore energy development; (4) sustainable growth, economic, and commercial development; and (5) port, harbor, and waterway construction and maintenance. Allocates 5% of Fund amounts to such Program.

resources revived economies establishes treasury available expenditure programs projects restore protect sustainable use natural resources ecosystems fisheries marine habitats coastal wetlands economy gulf_coast states alabama florida louisiana mississippi texas requires secretary deposit fund administrative civil criminal penalties paid act enactment connection explosion sinking mobile offshore drilling unit deepwater_horizon pursuant court order negotiated settlement instrument accordance federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act amends clean water act require amounts available fund fiscal year disbursed gulf_coast states equal shares authorizes amounts coastal protection projects mitigation damage restoration fish wildlife natural resources implementation federally approved marine coastal comprehensive conservation management plan including fisheries monitoring programs promote tourism consumption gulf_coast seafood authorizes governor gulf_coast state awarding contracts project program preference individuals companies reside headquartered principally engaged business gulf_coast state establishes publish comprehensive plan undertake projects programs restore protect natural resources ecosystems fisheries marine habitats coastal wetland gulf_coast ecosystem update plan years coordinate development consistent policies strategies plans activities addressing restoration protection gulf_coast ecosystem associated research prepare integrated financial plan recommendations coordinated budget requests amounts proposed expended federal agencies represented council projects programs gulf_coast states requires total available fund disbursed council carry plan establishes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa monitoring technology program noaa administrator shall provide grants establish operate center excellence gulf_coast states requires center focus curriculum science technology monitoring following coastal wetland restoration protection coastal marine fisheries wildlife ecosystem research monitoring mapping recovery offshore energy development sustainable growth economic commercial development port harbor waterway construction maintenance allocates fund amounts program


Summary: Comprehensive Gulf of Mexico Recovery, Restoration, and Resiliency Act - Establishes the Gulf of Mexico Recovery Council, which shall be composed of members of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Requires the Council, in coordination with the natural resource trustees designated with respect to natural resource damages relating to the Gulf oil spill in connection with the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon on April 20, 2010, to: (1) develop the Comprehensive Gulf of Mexico Recovery Plan to restore, revitalize, and increase the resiliency of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem; (2) provide grants to local political subdivisions affected by the oil spill for activities relating to Gulf coast economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public health rehabilitation; (3) establish the Gulf of Mexico Observation System, which shall be implemented through a Gulf of Mexico Exploration Research Center, to observe, monitor, and map the Gulf in a comprehensive manner; (4) establish a Fishery Endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing industry in the Gulf; and (5) administer the Gulf of Mexico Recovery Fund established by this Act for activities relating to economic development, ecosystem restoration, and public rehabilitation. Establishes the Citizens' Advisory Committee to report on: (1) the achievement of safe operations in the Gulf of oil and gas activities; (2) unresolved problems and concerns with operations, activities, and plans; and (3) the operations and expenditures, needs, issues, and recommendations of such Committee. Establishes the Scientific Advisory Committee to: (1) provide advice to the Council regarding the science behind the Plan and the long-term monitoring and restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem; and (2) report to the Council on the science regarding the impacts to the Gulf and the Gulf coast from the oil spill; (3) the progress of restoration activities; and (4) the Plan's implementation.

comprehensive gulf mexico recovery restoration gulf mexico recovery council shall composed members requires council coordination natural resource trustees designated respect natural resource damages relating gulf oil spill connection blowout explosion mobile offshore drilling unit deepwater_horizon april develop comprehensive gulf mexico recovery plan restore revitalize increase resiliency gulf_of_mexico ecosystem provide grants local political subdivisions affected oil spill activities relating gulf_coast economic development ecosystem restoration public health rehabilitation establish shall implemented observe monitor map gulf comprehensive manner establish fishery endowment ensure long term sustainability fish stocks recreational commercial charter fishing industry gulf administer established act activities relating economic development ecosystem restoration public rehabilitation establishes report achievement safe operations gulf oil gas activities unresolved problems concerns operations activities plans operations expenditures needs issues recommendations committee establishes provide advice council science plan long term monitoring restoration gulf_coast ecosystem report council science impacts gulf gulf_coast oil spill progress restoration activities plan implementation


Summary: Drinking Water Right to Know Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require a public water system that detects an unregulated contaminant included in EPA's list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems and included in the national drinking water occurrence data base, to continue to monitor for the detected contaminant for such period, at such frequency, and at such levels of concentration as the Administrator determines to be appropriate. Authorizes the data contained in the national drinking water contaminant occurrence data base to be used by the public. Requires the Administrator to: (1) evaluate the extent to which such data is accessible to and useable by the public; and (2) make such data more accessible to and useable by the public.

drinking water right know act amends safe drinking water act direct administrator environmental_protection_agency epa require public water system detects unregulated contaminant included epa list unregulated contaminants monitored public water systems included national drinking water occurrence data base continue monitor detected contaminant period frequency levels concentration administrator determines appropriate authorizes data contained national drinking water contaminant occurrence data base public requires administrator evaluate extent data accessible public data accessible public


Summary: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to define "Northwest Straits" as the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County, Washington. Sets forth the membership of the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to appoint an employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the Department of Commerce and to attend the Commission's meetings and events as a nonvoting participant. States the goal of the Commission as the protection and restoration of the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region in Washington to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. Enumerates the duties of the Commission and establish benchmarks for its work. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports to Congress and the Under Secretary on its activities and its progress in achieving specified benchmarks. Authorizes the Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program of Washington's Department of Ecology, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, to appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. Requires the Director to be confirmed by the Commission. Provides for the establishment of marine resources committees in specified counties of Washington. Authorizes the Director of the Commission and the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to establish the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation as a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the marine resources committees established by this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

amends define northwest_straits marine waters strait_of_juan_de_fuca puget sound canadian border south end washington sets forth membership northwest_straits_advisory_commission directs secretary commerce acting secretary oceans atmosphere appoint employee national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa serve liaison commission department_of_commerce attend commission meetings events nonvoting participant states goal commission protection restoration marine waters habitats species northwest_straits region washington achieve ecosystem health sustainable resource use enumerates duties commission establish benchmarks work requires commission submit annual reports congress secretary activities progress achieving specified benchmarks authorizes manager washington recommendation commission director padilla_bay_national_estuarine_research_reserve appoint terminate director commission requires director confirmed commission provides establishment marine resources committees specified counties washington authorizes director commission director padilla_bay_national_estuarine_research_reserve establish northwest_straits_marine_conservation_foundation nonprofit foundation support commission marine resources committees established act authorizes appropriations


Summary: National Endowment for the Oceans Act - Establishes in the Treasury the National Endowment for the Oceans which shall fund grants for programs to restore, protect, maintain, or understand living marine resources and their habitats, and ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, including baseline scientific research, ocean observing, and other programs in coordination with federal and state agencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for such purposes. Requires state matching funds for specified projects. States that programs funded in Great Lakes states shall also seek to attain the goals embodied in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Plan, the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, or other collaborative planning efforts of the Great Lakes Region. Directs the Secretary to make grants to: (1) coastal states or affected Indian tribes, and (2) regional planning bodies to create and implement regional strategic plans. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Endowment for the Oceans Council.

treasury shall fund grants programs restore protect maintain understand living marine resources habitats ocean coastal great_lakes resources including baseline scientific research ocean observing programs coordination federal state agencies authorizes secretary commerce grants purposes requires state matching funds specified projects states programs funded great_lakes states shall seek attain goals embodied great lakes restoration initiative plan great lakes regional collaboration strategy great_lakes_water_quality_agreement collaborative planning efforts great lakes region directs secretary grants coastal states affected indian tribes regional planning bodies create implement regional strategic plans directs secretary establish national endowment


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

amends internal revenue code deny tax deduction business related expenses paid incurred responsible party relating incident resulting discharge oil navigable waters incident caused act god act war


Summary: Small System Safe Drinking Water Act of 2011 - 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 disinfectants and disinfection byproducts, arsenic and compliance and new source monitoring, or groundwater or any other final rule promulgated by the Administrator after this Act's enactment. 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.

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 final rule promulgated administrator act enactment establishes pilot programs explore new technologies approaches comply drinking water standard research technology transfer issues disinfection strategies relating drinking water


Summary: Trash Free Seas Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act to restate a purpose of such Act to be to address the adverse impacts of marine debris on the marine environment, navigation safety, and the U.S. economy through research, source identification, assessment, reduction, removal, and prevention. (Sec. 3) Renames the Marine Debris Prevention and Removal Program as the Marine Debris Program. Revises Program components to include requiring the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to undertake marine debris research and assessment and reduction and prevention efforts, with a focus on marine debris posing a threat to living marine resources, the marine environment, navigation safety, or the U.S. economy, including: (1) research and assessment of derelict fishing gear; (2) research and assessment of plastics, with respect to the health of the marine environment; (3) the establishment of a process for maintaining an inventory of the types and impacts of marine debris found in the navigable waters of the United States and the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ); and (4) measures to identify the origin, location, and projected movement of marine debris within U.S. navigable waters, the EEZ, and the high seas. Requires the Administrator to undertake efforts to prevent, reduce, and remove the occurrence and impacts of marine debris, including the adverse impacts of derelict fishing gear, including by: (1) working with other agencies to address land-based sources of marine debris; (2) conducting research and development of alternatives to gear posing threats to the marine environment and of methods for marking gear used in specific fisheries to enhance the tracking, recovery, and identification of lost and discarded gear; (3) conducting research related to shoreline resiliency to marine debris impacts for purposes of navigation safety, protecting living marine resources and the marine environment, or protecting the U.S. economy; (4) developing effective nonregulatory measures and incentives to cooperatively reduce the volume of lost and discarded fishing gear and to aid in its recovery; (5) developing interagency action plans for the preparation for, and timely response to, a severe marine debris event; (6) carrying out research relating to assessing the potential economic impacts of severe marine debris events on the economies of coastal states, including impacts to fishing, shipping, transportation, aquaculture, ecotourism, and other industries; (7) developing and implementing strategies, methods, priorities, and a plan for tracking, preventing, and removing marine debris that is in, or likely to enter, U.S. navigable waters or the EEZ, including the development of local or regional protocols for removal of derelict fishing gear and other marine debris; (8) providing national and regional coordination to assist states, Indian tribes, and regional organizations in addressing local marine debris issues; (9) promoting international action to reduce the incidence of marine debris; and (10) developing and disseminating tools and products related to such activities. Requires the Administrator to undertake outreach and education of the public and other stakeholders, such as the fishing industry, fishing gear manufacturers, other marine-dependent industries, and the plastic and waste management industries, on: (1) sources of marine debris; (2) threats associated with marine debris; and (3) approaches to identify, determine sources of, assess, reduce, remove, and prevent marine debris and its adverse impacts on the marine environment, navigation safety, and the U.S. economy. (Sec. 4) Requires the federal information clearinghouse on marine debris to include information on best practices. (Sec. 5) Defines "marine debris" as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes. Requires the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee to report on progress in meeting the purposes of such Act every two (currently, every three) years. (Sec. 6) Extends the authorization of appropriations for such program and clearinghouse through FY2016.

trash free seas act sec amends reduction act purpose act address adverse impacts marine debris marine environment navigation safety economy research source identification assessment reduction removal prevention sec renames revises program components include requiring administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa undertake marine debris research assessment reduction prevention efforts focus marine debris posing threat living marine resources marine environment navigation safety economy including research assessment derelict fishing gear research assessment plastics respect health marine environment establishment process maintaining inventory types impacts marine debris found navigable waters united_states exclusive economic zone eez measures identify origin location projected movement marine debris navigable waters eez high seas requires administrator undertake efforts prevent reduce remove occurrence impacts marine debris including adverse impacts derelict fishing gear including working agencies address land based sources marine debris conducting research development alternatives gear posing threats marine environment methods marking gear specific fisheries enhance tracking recovery identification lost gear conducting research related shoreline resiliency marine debris impacts purposes navigation safety protecting living marine resources marine environment protecting economy developing effective nonregulatory measures incentives cooperatively reduce volume lost fishing gear aid recovery developing interagency action plans preparation timely response severe marine debris event carrying research relating assessing potential economic impacts severe marine debris events economies coastal states including impacts fishing shipping transportation aquaculture industries developing implementing strategies methods priorities plan tracking preventing removing marine debris likely enter navigable waters eez including development local regional protocols removal derelict fishing gear marine debris providing national regional coordination assist states indian tribes regional organizations addressing local marine debris issues promoting international action reduce incidence marine debris developing disseminating tools products related activities requires administrator undertake outreach education public stakeholders fishing industry fishing gear manufacturers marine dependent industries plastic waste management industries sources marine debris threats associated marine debris approaches identify determine sources assess reduce remove prevent marine debris adverse impacts marine environment navigation safety economy sec requires federal information clearinghouse marine debris include information best practices sec defines marine debris persistent solid material manufactured processed disposed abandoned marine environment great lakes requires interagency marine debris coordinating committee report progress meeting purposes act currently years sec extends authorization appropriations program clearinghouse fy2016


Summary: Replaces the map subtitled "Sachuest Point Unit RI-04P, Easton Beach Unit RI-05P, Almy Pond Unit RI-06, Hazards Beach Unit RI-07," included in the set of maps entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System" (referred to in the Coastal Barrier Resources Act as the set of maps entitled "Coastal Barrier Resources System") relating to certain units in Rhode Island, with the map entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Sachuest Point Unit RI-04P, Easton Beach Unit RI-05P, Almy Pond Unit RI-06, and Hazards Beach Unit RI-07" and dated September 30, 2009.

replaces map subtitled hazards beach unit included set maps entitled referred coastal_barrier_resources_act set maps entitled coastal barrier resources system relating certain units rhode_island map entitled dated september


Summary: Clean Estuaries Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to reauthorize the National Estuary Program. Revises the purpose of management conferences convened with respect to estuaries to expand requirements governing a comprehensive conservation and management plan by requiring such a plan to: (1) identify the estuary and the associated upstream waters to be addressed by the plan; (2) recommend priority protection and conservation actions that address point and nonpoint sources of pollution; (3) identify healthy and impaired watershed components, including significant adverse impacts to the estuary outside the area addressed by the plan that could affect the water quality and ecological integrity of the estuary, and the sources of those impacts, by carrying out integrated assessments of aquatic habitat and biological integrity, water quality, and natural hydrological flows; (4) provide the applicable federal or state authority with information on any identified adverse impacts and the sources of those adverse impacts; (5) consider sustainable commercial activities in the estuary; (6) address the impacts of the changing climate on the estuary; (7) increase public education and awareness with respect to the ecological health and water quality conditions of the estuary and to ocean, estuarine, land, and atmospheric connections and interactions; (8) include performance measures and goals to track implementation of the plan; (9) include a coordinated monitoring strategy for government and other entities; (10) monitor (and make results available to the public regarding) water quality conditions in the estuary and the associated upstream waters, watershed and habitat conditions that relate to the ecological health and water quality conditions of the estuary, and the effectiveness of actions taken pursuant to the plan; and (11) provide information and educational activities on the estuary's ecological health and water quality conditions. Requires a management conference's membership to include, among other entities, not-for-profit organizations. Requires a management conference, in updating or developing a new plan, to make use of collaborative processes to: (1) ensure equitable inclusion of affected interests and the accessibility of relevant information to members; (2) engage with members of the conference through the use of consensus-based decision rules and assistance from impartial facilitators; (3) promote accountability and transparency by ensuring members are informed of conference purposes and objectives and evaluation results in a timely manner; (4) identify roles and responsibilities of members in conference proceedings and plan implementation; and (5) seek resolution of conflicts or disputes. Considers a plan to be approved if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fails to respond to its submission within 120 days. Requires the Administrator to terminate a management conference if it fails to submit or secure approval for a comprehensive conservation and management plan within three years of being convened. Requires the Administrator to: (1) evaluate the implementation of each comprehensive conservation and management plan developed under the Program to determine the degree to which the goals of the plan have been met every five years; (2) submit the results of the evaluation to the appropriate management conference for review and comment; and (3) report on the results of the evaluation and make such report available to the public in the Federal Register and on the Internet. Requires management conferences to update plans 18 months after they are evaluated. Authorizes the Administrator to consider a management conference to be in probationary status if the conference has not received approval for an updated plan within five years of the date of the evaluation's publication. Requires the Administrator to: (1) reduce a grant for the implementation of a plan developed by a management conference with probationary status; and (2) terminate a management conference and cease funding for the implementation of the plan if the conference has been in probationary status for two consecutive years. Requires, after the Administrator's approval of a plan for an estuary, any federal action or activity affecting such estuary to be conducted in a manner consistent with such plan. Requires the Secretary of the Army, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the heads of other appropriate federal agencies to: (1) cooperate and coordinate activities, including monitoring activities, related to the implementation of such plans; and (2) collaborate on the development of tools and methodologies for monitoring the ecological health and water quality conditions of estuaries covered by a management conference. Requires EPA to serve as the lead coordinating agency for such activities. Requires an agency head, in making annual budget requests, to consider the agency's responsibilities under the Program. Repeals provisions authorizing the Administrator to give grants to individuals for the development and implementation of plans. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2017 for management conferences, grants, and monitoring the administration of plans. Requires the Administrator to include measures to track the introduction and establishment of non-native species within the trend assessment program that monitors variations in environmental parameters which may affect estuarine zones. Requires the Administrator, every five years, to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the Program in, and identify best practices for, improving water quality, natural resources, and sustainable uses of estuaries covered by conferences; (2) assess the reasons why such practices resulted in the achievement of program goals; (3) identify and develop a plan for limiting redundant requirements for reporting by grant recipients; and (4) report on such evaluation to management conferences convened and the public. Repeals provisions directing the Administrator to give priority to specified areas in the convening of conferences. Revises the definition of: (1)"estuary" to include near coastal waters and other bodies of water within the Great Lakes similar in form and function to waters otherwise described in such definition; and (2) "estuarine zones" to include such waters and transitional areas, associated aquatic ecosystems, and those portions of tributaries.

clean estuaries act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act reauthorize national_estuary_program revises purpose management conferences convened respect estuaries expand requirements governing comprehensive conservation management plan requiring plan identify estuary associated upstream waters addressed plan recommend priority protection conservation actions address point nonpoint sources pollution identify healthy impaired watershed components including significant adverse impacts estuary outside area addressed plan affect water quality ecological integrity estuary sources impacts carrying integrated assessments aquatic habitat biological integrity water quality natural hydrological flows provide applicable federal state authority information identified adverse impacts sources adverse impacts consider sustainable commercial activities estuary address impacts changing climate estuary increase public education awareness respect ecological health water quality conditions estuary ocean estuarine land atmospheric connections interactions include performance measures goals track implementation plan include coordinated monitoring strategy government entities monitor results available public water quality conditions estuary associated upstream waters watershed habitat conditions relate ecological health water quality conditions estuary effectiveness actions taken pursuant plan provide information educational activities estuary ecological health water quality conditions requires management conference membership include entities profit organizations requires management conference updating developing new plan use collaborative processes ensure equitable inclusion affected interests accessibility relevant information members engage members conference use consensus based decision rules assistance impartial facilitators promote accountability transparency ensuring members informed conference purposes objectives evaluation results timely manner identify roles responsibilities members conference proceedings plan implementation seek resolution conflicts disputes considers plan approved administrator environmental_protection_agency epa fails respond submission days requires administrator terminate management conference fails submit secure approval comprehensive conservation management plan years convened requires administrator evaluate implementation comprehensive conservation management plan developed program determine degree goals plan met years submit results evaluation appropriate management conference review comment report results evaluation report available public federal_register internet requires management conferences update plans months evaluated authorizes administrator consider management conference probationary status conference received approval updated plan years date evaluation publication requires administrator reduce grant implementation plan developed management conference probationary status terminate management conference cease funding implementation plan conference probationary status consecutive years requires administrator approval plan estuary federal action activity affecting estuary conducted manner consistent plan requires secretary army administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa director united_states fish_and_wildlife_service secretary department_of_agriculture director united_states_geological_survey usgs secretary department_of_transportation secretary housing_and_urban_development hud heads appropriate federal agencies cooperate coordinate activities including monitoring activities related implementation plans collaborate development tools methodologies monitoring ecological health water quality conditions estuaries covered management conference requires epa serve lead coordinating agency activities requires agency head making annual budget requests consider agency responsibilities program repeals provisions authorizing administrator grants individuals development implementation plans authorizes appropriations fy2012 fy2017 management conferences grants monitoring administration plans requires administrator include measures track introduction establishment non native species trend assessment program monitors variations environmental parameters affect estuarine zones requires administrator years evaluate effectiveness program identify best practices improving water quality natural resources sustainable uses estuaries covered conferences assess reasons practices resulted achievement program goals identify develop plan limiting redundant requirements reporting grant recipients report evaluation management conferences convened public repeals provisions directing administrator priority specified areas convening conferences revises definition include near coastal waters bodies water great_lakes similar form function waters described definition estuarine zones include waters transitional areas associated aquatic ecosystems portions tributaries