Summary:
Empowering Patients First Act of 2015

This bill repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. This bill replaces those provisions with amendments to the Internal Revenue Code, the Public Health Service Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to address health care coverage.

The bill provides for refundable tax credits for health insurance coverage and health savings account (HSA) contributions.

The bill raises the annual HSA contribution limit, expands eligibility for tax-deductible HSA contributions, and allows HSAs to be used to pay periodic or capitated primary care fees.

A limit is placed on the amount of an employer's contribution to health coverage that can be excluded from the employee's taxable income.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide a grant to each state for high-risk pools or reinsurance pools to subsidize health insurance for high-risk populations and individuals.

Funds authorized, tax credits, and tax deductions under this Act may not be used to pay for an abortion or health coverage that includes abortion, with exceptions.

This bill provides for the establishment and governance of independent health pools, entities that form risk pools to offer health insurance coverage to their members.

Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2015

This bill provides for the establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans sponsored by business associations that meet certain ERISA certification requirements.

Health insurers offering individual coverage may deny coverage to an individual, outside of open enrollment periods. Preexisting conditions may be excluded from coverage under certain conditions.

Individual health insurance coverage is governed by the laws of a state designated by the health insurance issuer.

HHS must issue clinical practice guidelines. The bill specifies how these guidelines may be used in a health care lawsuit.

HHS may not use comparative effectiveness research or patient-centered outcomes research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries to contract with a physician or practitioner for covered health care and submit a claim for payment under Medicare. Health care professionals are exempted from federal and state antitrust laws in connection with negotiations with a health plan to provide health care items or services.

empowering patients act bill repeals patient_protection affordable care act health care provisions health_care_and_education reconciliation act effective enactment bill replaces provisions amendments internal_revenue_code public_health_service_act employee retirement income security act erisa address health care coverage bill provides refundable tax credits health insurance coverage health savings account hsa contributions bill raises annual hsa contribution limit expands eligibility tax deductible hsa contributions allows hsas pay periodic capitated primary care fees limit placed employer contribution health coverage excluded employee taxable income department_of_health_and_human_services hhs provide grant state high risk pools reinsurance pools subsidize health insurance high risk populations individuals funds authorized tax credits tax deductions act pay abortion health coverage includes abortion exceptions bill provides establishment governance independent health pools entities form risk pools offer health insurance coverage members small business health fairness act bill provides establishment governance association health plans group health plans sponsored business associations meet certain erisa certification requirements health insurers offering individual coverage deny coverage individual outside open enrollment periods preexisting conditions excluded coverage certain conditions individual health insurance coverage governed laws state designated health insurance issuer hhs issue clinical practice guidelines bill specifies guidelines health care lawsuit hhs use comparative effectiveness research patient centered outcomes research deny coverage item service federal health care program bill amends title xviii medicare social security act permit medicare beneficiaries contract physician practitioner covered health care submit claim payment medicare health care professionals exempted federal state antitrust laws connection negotiations health plan provide health care items services


Summary:
Veterans Choice Card Prompt Payment Act

This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon receipt of a request from a non-VA entity for reimbursement for health care services provided to a veteran under the Veterans Choice Program, to reimburse the entity even if the request does not include the veteran's medical records.

veterans choice card prompt payment act bill amends accountability act require department_of_veterans_affairs receipt request non-va entity reimbursement health care services provided veteran veterans_choice_program reimburse entity request include veteran medical records


Summary:
Improving Veterans Access to Care in the Community Act

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts or agreements with eligible providers to furnish hospital care and medical services to electing, eligible veterans, which include veterans who are unable to schedule an appointment with a VA health care provider within a specified time frame or who do not reside within 40 miles of a VA medical facility. Such provisions may be referred to as the Veterans Choice Program.

VA reimbursement of veterans for emergency treatment in a non-VA facilities is expanded to include urgent care.

If the VA is not able to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under contracts or sharing agreements, the VA may furnish such care and services by entering into Veterans Care Agreements with certified eligible providers. The VA shall: (1) establish a system to monitor the quality of care and services provided under such Agreements, and (2) review Agreements exceeding $1 million annually at least once every two years.

The bill allows VA agreements with state homes to provide nursing home care for veterans with a service-connected disability to be entered into without the use of competitive procedures.

The bill requires advance appropriations for the Care in the Community Account of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to direct the VA to annually transfer to the VHA an amount estimated to be needed to furnish hospital care, medical services, and other health care through non-VA providers.

The requirement that the VA act as a secondary payer for certain non-service connected disability care is eliminated.

Veterans Choice Fund amounts may be used to: (1) carry out certain disability examinations by non-VA providers; and (2) provide hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care at non-VA facilities.

The VA may record as a U.S. obligation amounts owed for hospital care or medical services furnished at non-VA facilities on the date the payment claim is approved.

The bill requires the VA to be treated as a participating provider for purposes of allowing recovery of costs incurred in providing care to a veteran for a non-service connected disability that is covered under the veteran's health plan contract.

The VA shall assign each veteran enrolled in the annual patient enrollment system a full-time primary care provider using specified distance and travel criteria.

community act bill directs department_of_veterans_affairs enter contracts agreements eligible providers furnish hospital care medical services electing eligible veterans include veterans unable schedule appointment health care provider specified time frame reside miles medical facility provisions referred veterans_choice_program reimbursement veterans emergency treatment non-va facilities expanded include urgent care able furnish hospital care medical services extended care facilities contracts sharing agreements furnish care services entering veterans care agreements certified eligible providers shall establish system monitor quality care services provided agreements review agreements exceeding million annually years bill allows agreements state homes provide nursing home care veterans service connected disability entered use competitive procedures bill requires advance appropriations care community account veterans_health_administration vha accountability act amended direct annually transfer vha estimated needed furnish hospital care medical services health care non providers requirement act secondary payer certain non service connected disability care eliminated amounts carry certain disability examinations non providers provide hospital nursing home domiciliary care non-va facilities record obligation amounts owed hospital care medical services furnished non-va facilities date payment claim approved bill requires treated participating provider purposes allowing recovery costs incurred providing care veteran non service connected disability covered veteran health plan contract shall assign veteran enrolled annual patient enrollment system time primary care provider specified distance travel criteria


Summary:
Veterans Choice Improvement Act of 2016

This bill codifies, revises, and makes permanent the Veterans Choice Program (VCP) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VCP is enlarged to include additional health care providers that meet specified VA criteria.

Veterans eligibility provisions are revised, including by:

 eliminating the August 1, 2014, deadline for enrollment in the VA patient enrollment system; requiring that a veteran does not live within 40 miles driving distance of a VA medical facility with a full-time primary care physician or within 20 miles of a VA medical facility that provides hospital care, emergency medical services, and surgical care rated as having a surgical complexity of standard; and providing eligibility for a veteran enrolled in the VCP pilot program that provides hospital or medical care through qualifying non-VA health care providers to veterans in highly rural areas. Medical service rate exceptions are provided for: (1) highly rural areas, (2) Alaska, and (3) states that have an All-Payer Model Agreement.

The VA shall provide for a nationwide claims processing system.

 The following VA programs, contracts, and agreements shall be consolidated into the VCP by December 31, 2017:

 the patient-centered community care program; contracts for kidney dialysis services; contracts through the retail VA pharmacy network; and health care agreements with federal entities or federally-funded entities, including the Department of Defense, the Indian Health Service, tribal health programs, federally-qualified health centers, and academic teaching affiliates. VCP funds shall be derived from the appropriations account established under the Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015.

The VA shall ensure that VCP health care provider payments comply with the Prompt Payment Act and the requirements of this bill.

VCP claims, with a limited exception, must be submitted electronically as of January 1, 2019. The VA shall establish an electronic claims interface by such date.

This bill terminates certain provisions authorizing medical care through non-VA facilities.

The Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 is amended to extend the pilot program under which the VA provides covered health services in highly rural areas to covered veterans through qualifying non-VA health care providers.

The VA may, if unable to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under other authorized contracts or sharing agreements, enter into a Veterans Care Agreement with an eligible provider to furnish such care and services.

An eligible provider is:

 a physician, supplier, or service provider that has entered into an agreement under the Social Security Act; a provider of items and services receiving payments under a state Medicaid plan; an aging and disability resource center, an area agency on aging, or a center for independent living; or a provider located in a health shortage area. The VA shall reimburse an ambulance provider or other entity that provides emergency transportation to a non-VA facility for a veteran who is an active VA health care participant who is personally liable for emergency treatment in a non-VA facility.

A veteran seeking VA hospital care or medical services shall provide the VA with information about other health plan coverage.

If the VA establishes or has established a presumption of service connection for disability compensation for a specified illness/condition incurred by a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the VA shall commence payment of such compensation within 90 days of: (1) establishing such presumption, or (2) enactment of this bill for such a presumption established prior to enactment.

veterans choice improvement act bill codifies revises makes permanent veterans_choice_program department_of_veterans_affairs include additional health care providers meet specified criteria veterans eligibility provisions revised including eliminating august deadline enrollment patient enrollment system requiring veteran live miles driving distance medical facility time primary care physician miles medical facility provides hospital care emergency medical services surgical care rated having surgical complexity standard providing eligibility veteran enrolled pilot program provides hospital medical care qualifying non-va health care providers veterans highly rural areas medical service rate exceptions provided highly rural areas alaska states shall provide nationwide claims processing system following programs contracts agreements shall consolidated december patient centered community care program contracts kidney dialysis services contracts retail pharmacy network health care agreements federal entities federally funded entities including department_of_defense indian_health_service tribal health programs federally qualified health centers academic teaching affiliates funds shall derived appropriations account established surface_transportation veterans health care choice improvement act shall ensure health care provider payments comply prompt payment act requirements bill claims limited exception submitted electronically january shall establish electronic claims interface date bill terminates certain provisions authorizing medical care non-va facilities care improvements act amended extend pilot program provides covered health services highly rural areas covered veterans qualifying non-va health care providers unable furnish hospital care medical services extended care facilities authorized contracts sharing agreements enter veterans care agreement eligible provider furnish care services eligible provider physician supplier service provider entered agreement social security act provider items services receiving payments state medicaid plan aging disability resource center area agency aging center independent living provider located health shortage area shall reimburse ambulance provider entity provides emergency transportation non-va facility veteran active health care participant personally liable emergency treatment non-va facility veteran seeking hospital care medical services shall provide information health plan coverage establishes established presumption service connection disability compensation specified illness condition incurred veteran served camp lejeune north_carolina shall commence payment compensation days establishing presumption enactment bill presumption established prior enactment


Summary:
Veterans Choice Equal Cost for Care Act of 2016

This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to permit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recover or collect reasonable charges for hospital care or medical services from a health-care plan when an eligible veteran is furnished such care or services for a non-service-connected disability.

The VA shall have the primary (and sole) responsibility to pay any related health insurance cost sharing amount.

An eligible veteran shall not pay a greater amount for receiving hospital care or medical services than the amount the veteran would pay for receiving the same or comparable care or services at a VA medical facility or from a VA health care provider. (The bill repeals the VA's secondary responsibility to pay the costs of care in such circumstances.)

veterans choice equal cost care act bill amends accountability act permit department_of_veterans_affairs recover collect reasonable charges hospital care medical services health care plan eligible veteran furnished care services non service connected disability shall primary sole responsibility pay related health insurance cost sharing eligible veteran shall pay greater receiving hospital care medical services veteran pay receiving comparable care services medical facility health care provider bill repeals secondary responsibility pay costs care circumstances


Summary: This bill amends the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 to extend through August 7, 2021, the pilot program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides covered health services in highly rural areas to covered veterans through qualifying non-VA health care providers.

bill amends extend august pilot program department_of_veterans_affairs provides covered health services highly rural areas covered veterans qualifying non-va health care providers


Summary:
Preserving Consumer Health Accounts Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on excess benefit employer-sponsored health care plans any amounts contributed to an Archer medical savings plan, a tax-exempt health savings account, or a health flexible spending arrangement by an employee or an employer through salary reduction contributions.

preserving consumer health accounts act bill amends internal_revenue_code exempt excise tax excess benefit employer sponsored health care plans amounts contributed archer medical savings plan tax exempt health savings account health flexible spending arrangement employee employer salary reduction contributions


Summary:
States Achieve Medicaid Expansion (SAME) Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide the enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to every state that expands Medicaid coverage for individuals who are newly eligible under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, regardless of when such expansion takes place.

Under current law, the enhanced FMAP is equivalent to 100% in 2014 through 2016, 95% in 2017, 94% in 2018, 93% in 2019, and 90% thereafter. The bill retains this enhanced FMAP, but bases it on a term of years rather than on specific dates.

The bill applies retroactively.

act bill amends title xix medicaid social security act provide enhanced federal medical assistance percentage fmap state expands coverage individuals newly eligible patient_protection affordable care act regardless expansion takes place current law enhanced fmap equivalent bill retains enhanced fmap bases term years specific dates bill applies retroactively


Summary:
Taxpayers Before Insurers Act

This bill rescinds specified departmental management funds from the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) unless HHS deposits into the Treasury specified funds derived from contributions collected under the Transitional Reinsurance Program.

The rescission is required unless HHS deposits into the Treasury: (1) $2 billion for each of calendar years 2014 and 2015 within 45 days of enactment of this bill, and (2) $1 billion for 2016 by March 1, 2017.

(The Transitional Reinsurance Program was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA] to stabilize premiums in the individual health insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost enrollees. Health insurance issuers and certain group health plans make contributions to the program, and reinsurance payments are made to issuers for enrollees in certain individual market plans with claim costs within a specified level. Portions of the reinsurance contributions are allocated for the reinsurance payment pool, administrative expenses, and the Treasury.)

taxpayers insurers act bill rescinds specified departmental management funds office_of_the_secretary health_and_human_services hhs hhs deposits treasury specified funds derived contributions collected rescission required hhs deposits treasury billion calendar years days enactment bill billion march created patient_protection affordable care act ppaca stabilize premiums individual health insurance market partially reimbursing insurers high cost enrollees health insurance issuers certain group health plans contributions program reinsurance payments issuers enrollees certain individual market plans claim costs specified level portions reinsurance contributions allocated reinsurance payment pool administrative expenses treasury


Summary:
World's Greatest Healthcare Plan Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirements for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage and for large employers to offer affordable coverage to full time employees.

Health insurance is no longer required to cover preventive care at no cost or include the essential health benefits.

Individuals enrolling in health insurance who have not maintained continuous coverage over the previous 12 months are charged an extra 20% on premiums for each consecutive year without coverage, unless the individual is subject to similar state incentives to maintain coverage.

States may enroll uninsured residents in high deductible health plans. Individuals must be permitted to opt-out of this coverage.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop a risk adjustment mechanism for health insurance in the individual market.

For residents of a state to qualify for premium subsidies or the health insurance tax credit in this bill, the state must permit health insurance with an annual limit on benefits to be sold on its exchange.

The bill establishes an advanceable, refundable health insurance tax credit for taxpayers enrolled in health coverage.

States may: (1) apply to HHS to use unclaimed health insurance tax credits for indigent health care; and (2) enroll Medicaid-eligible individuals in health insurance that qualifies for the tax credit instead of in Medicaid, at the individual's option.

The bill establishes Roth HSAs (health savings accounts) for paying certain medical expenses and health insurance premiums.

The tax deduction for medical expenses is eliminated.

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, including to turn federal Medicaid payments into block grants.

world greatest healthcare plan act bill amends internal_revenue_code repeal requirements individuals maintain minimum essential coverage large employers offer affordable coverage time employees health insurance longer required cover preventive care cost include essential health benefits individuals enrolling health insurance maintained continuous coverage previous months charged extra premiums consecutive year coverage individual subject similar state incentives maintain coverage states enroll uninsured residents high deductible health plans individuals permitted opt coverage department_of_health_and_human_services hhs develop risk adjustment mechanism health insurance individual market residents state qualify premium subsidies health insurance tax credit bill state permit health insurance annual limit benefits sold exchange bill establishes refundable health insurance tax credit taxpayers enrolled health coverage states apply hhs use unclaimed health insurance tax credits indigent health care enroll medicaid eligible individuals health insurance qualifies tax credit instead medicaid individual option bill establishes roth hsas health savings accounts paying certain medical expenses health insurance premiums tax deduction medical expenses eliminated bill amends title xix medicaid title xviii medicare social security act including turn federal medicaid payments block grants


Summary:
Removing Barriers to Person-Centered Care Act of 2016

This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to establish an alternative payment model for patient-centered care with respect to Medicare beneficiaries with advanced illnesses. Through the voluntary pilot program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall enter into demonstration project agreements with advance care collaboratives to provide Medicare services in a manner that promotes accountability, coordinates services, and encourages investment in infrastructure and redesigned care processes. An "advance care collaborative" is an affiliated group of providers, physicians, or practitioners.

Under the program, a participating advance care collaborative may use a pre-implementation grant to: (1) conduct a needs assessment; (2) modify, upgrade, or purchase health information technology; (3) conduct education and training; (4) hire staff to conduct care management and coordination activities; and (5) conduct other appropriate activities.

With respect to coverage and payment for services provided to a target Medicare beneficiary by a participating collaborative, CMS shall waive specified requirements related to: (1) coverage of curative care with respect to individuals receiving hospice care, (2) alternative certification for home care and hospice care, (3) coverage of skilled nursing services without an inpatient stay, and (4) coverage of home health care without homebound status.

Under the program, a participating collaborative may receive payment for furnishing target Medicare beneficiaries with: (1) inpatient care as an alternative to routine hospice care, and (2) home-based respite care as an alternative to inpatient respite care.

A participating collaborative shall be eligible for shared savings payments.

CMS shall identify and develop a recommended set of advance care quality measures that may be tested in the pilot program.

person centered care act bill amends title general provisions social security act establish alternative payment model patient centered care respect medicare beneficiaries advanced illnesses voluntary pilot program centers cms shall enter demonstration project agreements advance care collaboratives provide medicare services manner promotes accountability coordinates services encourages investment infrastructure care processes advance care collaborative affiliated group providers physicians practitioners program participating advance care collaborative use pre implementation grant conduct needs assessment modify upgrade purchase health information technology conduct education training hire staff conduct care management coordination activities conduct appropriate activities respect coverage payment services provided target medicare beneficiary participating collaborative cms shall waive specified requirements related coverage care respect individuals receiving hospice care alternative certification home care hospice care coverage skilled nursing services inpatient stay coverage home health care homebound status program participating collaborative receive payment furnishing target medicare beneficiaries inpatient care alternative routine hospice care home based respite care alternative inpatient respite care participating collaborative shall eligible shared savings payments cms shall identify develop recommended set advance care quality measures tested pilot program


Summary: This bill requires Members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President to purchase health insurance through a health insurance exchange. These officials may receive a federal subsidy or contribution to the costs of coverage through congressional disbursing offices, the Office of Personnel Management, or tax credits only if the subsidy or contribution is otherwise available to individuals at a similar income level.

bill requires members congress president vice president purchase health insurance health insurance exchange officials receive federal subsidy contribution costs coverage congressional disbursing offices office_of_personnel_management tax credits subsidy contribution available individuals similar income level


Summary:
CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from penalties for failing to purchase and maintain minimum essential health care coverage individuals whose coverage under a plan offered by a qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer receiving funds through the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program was terminated.

bill amends internal_revenue_code exempt penalties failing purchase maintain minimum essential health care coverage individuals coverage plan offered qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer receiving funds program terminated


Summary:
Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016

This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to:

 establish an annual limit on out-of-pocket expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries; expand income-eligibility for cost-sharing and, with respect to beneficiaries consequently eligible for cost-sharing, establish a federal medical assistance percentage of 100% under Medicaid; limit the amount of coinsurance or copayment required of low-income beneficiaries; eliminate the two-year waiting period for Medicare coverage with respect to individuals with disabilities; allow beneficiaries residing in U.S. territories to be eligible for certain premium and cost-sharing subsidies available to other beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and modify other provisions related to special rules for beneficiaries in Puerto Rico, income and resource determinations, and enrollment procedures. The bill also amends the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 to extend funding for specified beneficiary outreach and education activities.

enrollment act bill amends titles xviii medicare xix medicaid social security act establish annual limit pocket expenditures medicare fee service beneficiaries expand income eligibility cost sharing respect beneficiaries eligible cost sharing establish federal medical assistance percentage medicaid limit coinsurance copayment required low income beneficiaries eliminate year waiting period medicare coverage respect individuals disabilities allow beneficiaries residing territories eligible certain premium cost sharing subsidies available beneficiaries medicare prescription drug benefit modify provisions related special rules beneficiaries puerto_rico income resource determinations enrollment procedures bill amends medicare_improvements_for_patients_and_providers_act extend funding specified beneficiary outreach education activities


Summary:
Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to:

 establish, extend, reinstate, or modify various Medicare payment adjustments for rural hospitals; establish a capital infrastructure revolving loan program for rural medical facilities; allow authorized physician assistants to order hospice care under Medicare; establish Medicare coverage for specified mental health counselor services and marriage and family therapist services; create a grant program for state offices of rural health; and modify other provisions related to rural medical facilities.

provider equity act bill amends public_health_service_act title xviii medicare social security act establish extend reinstate modify medicare payment adjustments rural hospitals establish capital infrastructure revolving loan program rural medical facilities allow authorized physician assistants order hospice care medicare establish medicare coverage specified mental health counselor services marriage family therapist services create grant program state offices rural health modify provisions related rural medical facilities


Summary:
Ensuring Patient Access to Healthcare Records Act of 2016

This bill amends the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and update policies that enable certain health care clearinghouses, plans, and providers to: (1) provide patients with access to information related to their care; and (2) develop patient-engagement tools, reports, analyses, and presentations that may demonstrate benefit to the taxpayer.

ensuring patient access healthcare records act bill amends require department_of_health_and_human_services develop update policies enable certain health care clearinghouses plans providers provide patients access information related care develop patient engagement tools reports analyses presentations demonstrate benefit taxpayer


Summary: Chesapeake Bay Restoration Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise requirements for implementation and monitoring grants under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and for reporting on federally-funded projects under such Agreement. Requires federal agencies that carry out activities within the watershed to: (1) participate in planning and restoration programs; and (2) ensure that such activities comply with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and the Federal Agencies Chesapeake Ecosystem Unified Plan. Requires the President to submit as part of the annual federal budget information regarding each federal agency involved in Chesapeake Bay restoration. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report on progress in achieving and maintaining nutrient and sediment reduction goals for each tributary basin. Sets forth the baseline for the report and reporting requirements. Requires the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia to submit to the Administrator information relating to nutrient and sediment reduction for each Chesapeake Bay tributary basin. Prohibits the Administrator from making a grant to any state which fails to provide required information. Requires the Administrator to request the Local Government Advisory Committee to report to EPA on measurable goals for local governments for nutrient and sediment reduction. Requires the Administrator: (1) to establish an implementation assistance program to support tributary strategies and other projects toward achievement of Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals; (2) to assist local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement tributary strategies and other complementary cooperative, locally based protection and restoration programs or projects under the technical assistance and assistance grants program; (3) in cooperation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to provide capacity building assistance to enhance local governments' capabilities to carry out protection and restoration programs or projects within a tributary basin; and (4) to provide grants to implement tributary strategies that accelerate the reduction of nonpoint source nutrient and sediment pollution. Requires specified load allocations to be incorporated into discharge permits until applicable total maximum daily loads are established. Updates reporting deadlines for the study of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act revise requirements implementation monitoring grants chesapeake bay agreement reporting federally funded projects agreement requires federal agencies carry activities watershed participate planning restoration programs ensure activities comply chesapeake bay agreement requires president submit annual federal budget information federal agency involved chesapeake_bay restoration requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa report progress achieving maintaining nutrient sediment reduction goals tributary basin sets forth baseline report reporting requirements requires states delaware maryland new_york pennsylvania virginia west_virginia district_of_columbia submit administrator information relating nutrient sediment reduction chesapeake_bay tributary basin prohibits administrator making grant state fails provide required information requires administrator request report epa measurable goals local governments nutrient sediment reduction requires administrator establish implementation assistance program support tributary strategies projects achievement goals assist local governments nonprofit organizations implement tributary strategies complementary cooperative locally based protection restoration programs projects technical assistance assistance grants program cooperation administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration provide capacity building assistance enhance local governments capabilities carry protection restoration programs projects tributary basin provide grants implement tributary strategies accelerate reduction nonpoint source nutrient sediment pollution requires specified load allocations incorporated discharge permits applicable total maximum daily loads established updates reporting deadlines study authorizes appropriations fy2012


Summary: Rural America Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Army or a state from issuing a permit to a governmental entity for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters where Act compliance is based on a permit condition requiring mitigation of adverse impacts to wetlands through the acquisition of private property if the property is: (1) being acquired by condemnation; and (2) located outside a certain U.S. Geological Survey cataloging unit in which the wetland is located. Allows issuance of such a permit upon payment of compensation equaling or exceeding the property's fair market value or the average fair market value of a parcel the size of the property in the cataloging unit in which the wetland is located.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act prohibit secretary army state issuing permit governmental entity discharge dredged fill material navigable waters act compliance based permit condition requiring mitigation adverse impacts wetlands acquisition private property property acquired condemnation located outside certain geological survey cataloging unit wetland located allows issuance permit payment compensation exceeding property fair market value average fair market value parcel size property cataloging unit wetland located


Summary: Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Geological Survey (administering agencies) to: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation and coordination of this Act; and (2) develop a marine and freshwater research program to support efforts to assess introduction rates and patterns of invasive nonnative species into the aquatic ecosystem, and efforts to detect, prevent, and eradicate them. Requires the administering agencies to: (1) develop standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of such species; (2) conduct research to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of such species; and (3) analyze the data collected and develop a profile that determines whether a species planned for importation is likely to invade an aquatic ecosystem. . Requires the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a central, national pathway and ecological surveys database of information. Makes the Invasive Species Council responsible for disseminating such information and develop a national strategy for how it will be shared with federal, state, and local entities. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound, cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate such species. Reauthorizes the ship pathway technology demonstration program. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of ship pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry our research programs in systematics and taxonomy.

act requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa smithsonian_institution administering agencies enter memorandum understanding implementation coordination act develop marine freshwater research program support efforts assess introduction rates patterns invasive nonnative species aquatic ecosystem efforts detect prevent eradicate requires administering agencies develop standardized protocols conducting ecological pathway surveys species conduct research identify relationship introduction establishment species analyze data collected develop profile determines species planned importation likely aquatic ecosystem requires develop central national pathway ecological surveys database information makes responsible disseminating information develop national strategy shared federal state local entities requires environmental_protection_agency epa develop grant program fund research development demonstration verification environmentally sound cost effective technologies methods control eradicate species reauthorizes ship pathway technology demonstration program requires coast_guard epa develop research program support implementation ship pathway standards prevent introduction spread invasive species ships requires national_science_foundation establish grant program researchers institutions higher education museums carry research programs taxonomy


Summary: Replaces the map subtitled "P08", relating to the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System unit designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System Ponce Inlet Unit P08, that is included in the set of maps entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System", and referred to in the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, with another map relating to the unit entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Ponce Inlet Unit P08" and dated XXXXX.

replaces map subtitled relating unit designated included set maps entitled referred coastal_barrier_resources_act map relating unit entitled dated


Summary: Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require projects receiving sewer overflow control grant assistance to be carried out subject to the requirements applicable to projects receiving assistance from state water pollution control revolving funds, except to the extent that the governor of the state in which the project is located determines that a revolving fund requirement is inconsistent with the purposes of the sewer overflow control grant program. Authorizes appropriations for sewer overflow control grants through FY2012. Modifies grant funding allocation provisions to reflect new dates of authorization and reauthorized amounts. Eliminates the set-aside for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make direct grants to municipalities and municipal entities during the second year of authorization. Establishes a December 31, 2010, deadline for the Administrator's report to Congress on recommended funding levels for sewer overflow control grants. Prohibits the funds authorized by this Act from being used to lobby governmental entities or officers or to pay for expenses related to memberships in organizations or associations.

water quality investment act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act require projects receiving sewer overflow control grant assistance carried subject requirements applicable projects receiving assistance state water pollution control revolving funds extent governor state project located determines revolving fund requirement inconsistent purposes sewer overflow control grant program authorizes appropriations sewer overflow control grants fy2012 modifies grant funding allocation provisions reflect new dates authorization reauthorized amounts eliminates set aside administrator environmental_protection_agency epa direct grants municipalities municipal entities second year authorization establishes december deadline administrator report congress recommended funding levels sewer overflow control grants prohibits funds authorized act lobby governmental entities officers pay expenses related memberships organizations associations


Summary: Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 - Title I: Technical and Management Assistance - (Sec. 101) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (popularly known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to nonprofit organizations to provide: (1) technical assistance to rural and small municipalities for grants from the Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Funds; (2) technical assistance and training for rural and small publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and decentralized wastewater systems to enable them to protect water quality and comply with the CWA; and (3) information to rural and small municipalities and municipalities that meet a state's affordability criteria with respect to planning, design, construction, and operation of POTWs and decentralized wastewater treatment systems.Authorizes annual appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for grants for: (1) research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution; and (2) financial and technical assistance for communities. Directs that at least 20% of the funding appropriated be used for such financial and technical assistance grants. Requires the Administrator to make available a specified amount to support an EPA clearinghouse that collects and disseminates information on small flows of sewage and innovative or alternative wastewater treatment processes and techniques. Requires the Administrator to establish procedures to promote competition and openness in the award of grants to nonprofit organizations.(Sec. 102) Authorizes annual appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 for state water pollution control grants. (Sec. 103) Includes among the types of pilot projects for which the Administrator is authorized to provide technical assistance and grants for treatment works to carry out projects relating to: (1) stormwater best management practices that control pollutants from municipal separate storm sewer systems and use innovative technologies to manage, reduce, treat, or reuse stormwater, including low-impact technologies; (2) efforts of municipalities and property owners to demonstrate cooperative ways to address nonpoint sources of pollution to reduce adverse impacts on water quality; and (3) development of an integrated water resource plan for the coordinated management and protection of surface water, groundwater, and stormwater resources on a watershed or subwatershed basis. Authorizes annual appropriations through FY2012 for watershed pilot projects. Title II: Construction of Treatment Works - (Sec. 201) Provides that a community seeking financial assistance from the state revolving fund (SRF) for the replacement or major rehabilitation of a sewage collection system existing on January 1, 2007, or for the construction of a new system shall be eligible for such assistance provided that: (1) the replacement and rehabilitation of the existing collection system or the new collection system is to address an existing adverse environmental condition; and (2) otherwise meets the requirements of the CWA.(Sec. 202) Amends the definition of "treatment works" to include the acquisition of lands and interests in land that are necessary for construction. Title III: State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds - (Sec. 302) Adds conditions for states to follow in order to be eligible for capitalization grants for their revolving funds, including directing states to: (1) comply with federal accounting standards governing the reporting of infrastructure assets; (2) require loan applicants to evaluate innovative and alternative processes, materials, techniques, and technologies for carrying out water infrastructure projects and to select projects that may result in greater environmental benefits; (3) require loan applicants to consider the costs and effectiveness of other design, management, and financing approaches for carrying out the project; (4) use at least 15% of their annual capitalization grants received after September 30, 2007, to assist municipalities serving fewer than 10,000 individuals that meet the state's affordability criteria; and (5) require the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates to be paid to workers involved in the construction of treatment works carried out with state assistance from the SRF or federal capitalization grants.(Sec. 303) Expands the types of projects and activities eligible for assistance through SRFs to include: (1) the implementation of lake protection projects under the Clean Lakes Program; (2) the repair or replacement of decentralized wastewater treatment systems that treat domestic sewage; (3) measures to manage, reduce, treat, or reuse municipal stormwater runoff; (4) measures to reduce the demand for POTW capacity through water conservation, efficiency, or reuse; (5) increased security measures at POTWs; and (6) the development and implementation of watershed pilot projects. Authorizes states to extend the repayment period for an SRF loan from the current limit of 20 years to the lesser of 30 years or the design life of the project to be financed with the proceeds.Requires, as a condition of eligibility for a loan from the SRF, that the loan recipient develop and implement a fiscal sustainability plan for any portion of the treatment works proposed for repair, replacement, or expansion. Sets forth the elements that must be included in such a plan.Authorizes states to use: (1) either 4% of the capitalization grant (current law), $400,000 a year, or up to one-fifth of 1% of the total valuation of the SRF, whichever amount is greatest, for administrative expenses, plus any fees collected for such purposes; (2) up to 2% of the capitalization grant to provide owners and operators of treatment works that serve 10,000 individuals or fewer with technical and planning assistance and assistance in financial management, user fee analysis, budgeting, capital improvement planning, facility operation and maintenance, equipment replacement, repair schedules, and other activities to improve wastewater treatment plant management and operations; and (3) provide additional subsidization, including forgiveness of principal and negative interest loans to benefit specified municipalities or to implement an innovative or alternative process, material, technique, or technology (including low-impact technologies, nonstructural protection of surface waters, a new or improved method of waste treatment, and nutrient pollutant trading) that may result in greater environmental benefits.Requires states to establish affordability criteria on or before September 30, 2008, to assist in identifying municipalities that would experience a significant hardship raising the revenue necessary to finance the construction of POTWs. Authorizes: (1) states to use the criteria in previously established affordability criteria that meet specified requirements; (2) the Administrator to publish information to assist states in establishing affordability criteria; and (3) states to give priority to a project by local and state governments for the construction of a POTW if the recipient of the funds meets a state's affordability criteria.Requires states to use 25% of any increases in a federal capitalization grant allotted to a state in fiscal years where the Administrator has more than $1 billion in funds available to provide additional subsidization for projects identified in the state's intended use plan. Limits the total amount of additional subsidization a state may provide to 30% of the total amount of capitalization grants received by the state.(Sec. 304) Preserves the current SRF allotment formula for capitalization grants for the first $1.35 billion of any future fiscal year appropriation. Increases the amount a state may reserve for water quality management planning and state continuing planning processes from the current limit of 1% of such annual grants to 2%. Requires the Administrator, after providing notice and an opportunity for public comment, to publish an allotment formula based on water quality needs in accordance with the most recent survey of needs.(Sec. 305) Requires states, after providing for public comment, to establish: (1) a list of SRF projects and activities that gives priority to projects that achieve the greatest degree of water quality improvement; and (2) a methodology for prioritizing such projects and activities that takes into consideration whether water quality improvements would be realized without SRF assistance and whether the projects and activities would address water quality impairments associated with existing treatment works. Sets forth considerations that states shall consider in determining which projects and activities will achieve the greatest degree of water quality improvement. Authorizes states to: (1) consider the cumulative water quality improvements associated with projects or activities for categories of nonpoint sources of pollution; and (2) use previously developed methodologies that meet applicable requirements. Requires a state's annual intended use plan to include an explanation of why a state does not fund projects in the order established by its priority list.(Sec. 306) Requires states, as part of their existing reporting requirements to EPA, to include a list of eligible purposes for which assistance is provided under the SRF.(Sec. 307) Requires the Administrator: (1) to assist states in establishing simplified procedures for treatment works to obtain SRF assistance; (2) after providing for public comment, to publish a manual to assist treatment works in obtaining such assistance; and (3) at the request of any state and after providing for public comment, to assist in the development of criteria for a state to determine compliance with the conditions of funding assistance.(Sec. 308) Authorizes appropriations for the capitalization of SRFs for FY2008-FY2011.Title IV: General Provisions - (Sec 402) Increases the authorized set-aside from SRF funding for serving Indian tribes from the current amount of one-half of 1% to not more than 1.5% of the total federal appropriation for the capitalization of SRFs.Title V: Studies - (Sec. 501) Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the funding mechanisms and sources available to establish a Clean Water Trust Fund, including an analysis of potential sources that can be efficiently collected, are broad based, are related to water quality, and that support the annual funding levels authorized; and (2) the funding mechanisms and sources potentially available for wastewater infrastructure and other water pollution control activities under the Clean Water Act, including an analysis of funding and investment mechanisms and revenue sources from other potential supplemental or alternative sources that could be used to fund such activities.(Sec. 503) Requires the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the government of Canada, to study the condition of wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into the Great Lakes. Directs the Administrator to: (1) determine the effect that such facilities have on Great Lakes water quality; and (2) develop recommendations to improve water quality monitoring by the operators of such facilities, to establish a protocol for information sharing between the countries, and to promote cooperation between the countries to prevent the discharge of untreated and undertreated waste.Title VI: Tonnage Duties - (Sec. 601) Changes the tonnage duty on specified vessels entering or returning to a U.S. port from 2 cents per ton to: (1) 4.5 cents per ton (but not more than a total of 22.5 cents per ton per year) for FY2006-FY2007; (2) 9 cents per ton (but not more than a total of 45 cents per ton per year) for FY2008-FY2017; and (3) 2 cents per ton (but not more than a total of 10 cents per ton per year) for each fiscal year thereafter. Changes the higher rate of duties imposed on specified vessels at U.S. entry ports from a foreign port from 6 cents per ton to: (1) 13.5 cents per ton (but not more than a total of 67.5 cents per ton per year) for FY2006-FY2007; (2) 27 cents per ton (but not more than a total of $1.35 per ton per year) for fiscal years 2008 through 2017, and (3) 6 cents per ton (but not more than a total of 30 cents per ton per year) for each fiscal year thereafter.Title VII: Secure Maritime and Vessel Workforce - (Sec. 701) Prohibits individuals who have been issued transportation worker identification cards from boarding a maritime vessel if the individual has been convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity, in a civilian or military jurisdiction of any of the following felonies: (1) espionage; (2) sedition; (3) treason; (4) terrorism; (5) a crime involving a transportation security incident; (6) improper transportation of a hazardous material; (7) unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, manufacture, purchase, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, import, export, storage of, or dealing in an explosive or incendiary device, explosive materials, or a destructive device; (8) murder; (9) conspiring or attempting to commit any of such crimes; and (10) specified violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or a comparable state law.

water quality financing act title technical management assistance sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act popularly known clean water act cwa authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa grants nonprofit organizations provide technical assistance rural small municipalities grants technical assistance training rural small publicly owned treatment works potws decentralized wastewater systems enable protect water quality comply cwa information rural small municipalities municipalities meet state affordability criteria respect planning design construction operation potws decentralized wastewater treatment systems authorizes annual appropriations fy2008 fy2012 grants research investigations experiments training demonstrations surveys studies relating causes effects extent prevention reduction elimination pollution financial technical assistance communities directs funding appropriated financial technical assistance grants requires administrator available specified support epa clearinghouse collects disseminates information small flows sewage innovative alternative wastewater treatment processes techniques requires administrator establish procedures promote competition openness award grants nonprofit authorizes annual appropriations fy2008 fy2012 state water pollution control grants sec includes types pilot projects administrator authorized provide technical assistance grants treatment works carry projects relating stormwater best management practices control pollutants municipal separate storm sewer systems use innovative technologies manage reduce treat reuse stormwater including low impact technologies efforts municipalities property owners demonstrate cooperative ways address nonpoint sources pollution reduce adverse impacts water quality development integrated water resource plan coordinated management protection surface water groundwater stormwater resources watershed subwatershed basis authorizes annual appropriations fy2012 watershed pilot projects title construction treatment works sec provides community seeking financial assistance state revolving fund srf replacement major rehabilitation sewage collection system existing january construction new system shall eligible assistance provided replacement rehabilitation existing collection system new collection system address existing adverse environmental condition meets requirements amends definition treatment works include acquisition lands interests land necessary construction title iii state water pollution control revolving funds sec adds conditions states follow order eligible capitalization grants revolving funds including directing states comply federal accounting standards governing reporting infrastructure assets require loan applicants evaluate innovative alternative processes materials techniques technologies carrying water infrastructure projects select projects result greater environmental benefits require loan applicants consider costs effectiveness design management financing approaches carrying project use annual capitalization grants received september assist municipalities serving fewer individuals meet state affordability criteria require prevailing wage rates paid workers involved construction treatment works carried state assistance srf federal capitalization expands types projects activities eligible assistance include implementation lake protection projects clean lakes program repair replacement decentralized wastewater treatment systems treat domestic sewage measures manage reduce treat reuse municipal stormwater runoff measures reduce demand potw capacity water conservation efficiency reuse increased security measures potws development implementation watershed pilot projects authorizes states extend repayment period srf loan current limit years lesser years design life project financed proceeds requires condition eligibility loan srf loan recipient develop implement fiscal sustainability plan portion treatment works proposed repair replacement expansion sets forth elements included plan authorizes states use capitalization grant current law year fifth total valuation srf whichever greatest administrative expenses plus fees collected purposes capitalization grant provide owners operators treatment works serve individuals fewer technical planning assistance assistance financial management user fee analysis budgeting capital improvement planning facility operation maintenance equipment replacement repair schedules activities improve wastewater treatment plant management operations provide additional subsidization including forgiveness principal negative interest loans benefit specified municipalities implement innovative alternative process material technique technology including low impact technologies nonstructural protection surface waters new improved method waste treatment nutrient pollutant trading result greater environmental benefits requires states establish affordability criteria september assist identifying municipalities experience significant hardship raising revenue necessary finance construction potws authorizes states use criteria previously established affordability criteria meet specified requirements administrator publish information assist states establishing affordability criteria states priority project local state governments construction potw recipient funds meets state affordability criteria requires states use increases federal capitalization grant allotted state fiscal years administrator billion funds available provide additional subsidization projects identified state intended use plan limits total additional subsidization state provide total capitalization grants received preserves current srf allotment formula capitalization grants billion future fiscal year appropriation increases state reserve water quality management planning state continuing planning processes current limit annual grants requires administrator providing notice opportunity public comment publish allotment formula based water quality needs accordance recent survey requires states providing public comment establish list srf projects activities gives priority projects achieve greatest degree water quality improvement methodology prioritizing projects activities takes consideration water quality improvements realized srf assistance projects activities address water quality impairments associated existing treatment works sets forth considerations states shall consider determining projects activities achieve greatest degree water quality improvement authorizes states consider cumulative water quality improvements associated projects activities categories nonpoint sources pollution use previously developed methodologies meet applicable requirements requires state annual intended use plan include explanation state fund projects order established priority requires states existing reporting requirements epa include list eligible purposes assistance provided requires administrator assist states establishing simplified procedures treatment works obtain srf assistance providing public comment publish manual assist treatment works obtaining assistance request state providing public comment assist development criteria state determine compliance conditions funding authorizes appropriations capitalization fy2008 general provisions increases authorized set aside srf funding serving indian tribes current half total federal appropriation capitalization title studies sec requires comptroller general study report congress funding mechanisms sources available establish clean water trust fund including analysis potential sources efficiently collected broad based related water quality support annual funding levels authorized funding mechanisms sources potentially available wastewater infrastructure water pollution control activities clean water act including analysis funding investment mechanisms revenue sources potential supplemental alternative sources fund requires administrator consultation secretary state government canada study condition wastewater treatment facilities discharge great lakes directs administrator determine effect facilities great_lakes water quality develop recommendations improve water quality monitoring operators facilities establish protocol information sharing countries promote cooperation countries prevent discharge untreated waste title tonnage duties sec changes tonnage duty specified vessels entering returning port cents ton cents ton total cents ton year cents ton total cents ton year fy2008 fy2017 cents ton total cents ton year fiscal year changes higher rate duties imposed specified vessels entry ports foreign port cents ton cents ton total cents ton year cents ton total ton year fiscal years cents ton total cents ton year fiscal year title vii secure maritime sec prohibits individuals issued transportation worker identification cards boarding maritime vessel individual convicted found guilty reason civilian military jurisdiction following felonies espionage treason terrorism crime involving transportation security incident improper transportation hazardous material unlawful possession use sale distribution manufacture purchase receipt transfer shipping transporting import export storage dealing explosive device explosive materials destructive device murder conspiring attempting commit crimes specified violations racketeer influenced corrupt organizations act comparable state law


Summary: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize appropriations for coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification grants through FY 2012. Amends the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 to reauthorize appropriations to carry out that Act through FY 2012.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act reauthorize appropriations coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification grants amends beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act reauthorize appropriations carry act


Summary: Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (Act) to provide for the adoption of Annex VI (Prevention of Air Pollution From Ships Enforcement) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL Convention, which includes any Protocols or Annexes entered into force for the United States). Makes the Act, with respect to Annex VI, applicable to: (1) ships in a port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or U.S. internal waters; (2) a ship that is bound for, or departing from, a port, shipyard, offshore terminal, or the internal waters of the United States and is in navigable U.S. waters or the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an emission control, or other specified area; (3) a ship that is entitled to fly the flag of, or operating under the authority of, a party to Annex VI and is in navigable U.S. waters or the EEZ, an emission control, or other specified area; and (4) any other ship to the extent that, and in the same manner as, such ship may be boarded to implement or enforce any other U.S. law or Annex I, II, or V of the Convention, and that is in the EEZ or an emission control or other specified area. Authorizes, but does not require with respect to Annex VI, federal agency heads to determine that some or all Act requirements apply regarding vessel air emissions for public vessels operated under an agency's authority. Prohibits construing provisions relating to ships that are subject to preventive measures to restrict in a manner inconsistent with international law navigational rights and freedoms as defined by U.S. law, treaty, convention, or customary international law. (Sec. 5) Permits only the Administrator (the Administrator) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and no other person, to issue Engine International Air Pollution Prevention certificates in accordance with Annex VI and the International Maritime Organization's Technical Code on Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines, on behalf of the United States for a documented U.S. vessel. (Sec. 6) Gives a certificate issued by a country that is a party to the MARPOL Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL Protocol, which includes the Convention) the same validity as a certificate issued by the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard (the Secretary) is operating (currently) or the Administrator. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary and the Administrator, after consulting with appropriate federal agencies, jointly to prescribe regulations setting criteria for determining the adequacy of reception facilities for receiving ozone depleting substances, equipment containing such substances, and exhaust gas cleaning residues at a port or terminal, and stating any additional measures and requirements as are appropriate to ensure such adequacy. Permits denial of entry to a ship to a port without adequate reception facilities to receive such substances and residues. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary to inspect a ship to which the Act applies to verify whether the ship is in compliance with Annex VI to the Convention and the Act and permits either the Secretary or the Administrator to undertake enforcement actions if an inspection or any other information indicates that there is a violation. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Secretary of State, after consulting with the Secretary (currently) or the Administrator, to act for the United States on Protocol and related amendments, including proposed amendments to Annex VI to the Protocol. (Sec. 10) Permits the Administrator (currently, only the Secretary) to assess civil penalties. (Sec. 12) Allows any person having an interest which is, or can be, adversely affected to bring an action on his own behalf against the Administrator for a failure to perform any nondiscretionary act or duty.

maritime pollution prevention act sec amends act prevent pollution ships act provide adoption prevention air pollution ships enforcement international convention prevention pollution ships includes protocols annexes entered force united_states makes act respect applicable ships port shipyard offshore terminal internal waters ship bound departing port shipyard offshore terminal internal waters united_states navigable waters eez emission control specified area ship entitled fly flag operating authority party navigable waters eez emission control specified area ship extent manner ship implement enforce law convention eez emission control specified area authorizes require respect federal agency heads determine act requirements apply vessel air emissions public vessels operated agency authority prohibits construing provisions relating ships subject preventive measures restrict manner inconsistent international law navigational rights freedoms defined law treaty convention customary international law sec permits administrator administrator environmental_protection_agency epa person issue certificates accordance nitrogen oxides behalf united_states documented vessel sec gives certificate issued country party protocol protocol includes convention validity certificate issued secretary department coast_guard secretary operating currently administrator sec requires secretary administrator consulting appropriate federal agencies jointly prescribe regulations setting criteria determining adequacy reception facilities receiving ozone depleting substances equipment containing substances exhaust gas cleaning residues port terminal stating additional measures requirements appropriate ensure adequacy permits denial entry ship port adequate reception facilities receive substances residues sec authorizes secretary inspect ship act applies verify ship compliance convention act permits secretary administrator undertake enforcement actions inspection information indicates violation sec authorizes secretary state consulting secretary currently administrator act united_states protocol related amendments including proposed amendments protocol sec permits administrator currently secretary assess civil penalties sec allows person having interest adversely affected bring action behalf administrator failure perform nondiscretionary act duty


Summary: Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to, among other things: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels (or a structure being towed by a vessel) that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water exchange and treatment and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Prohibits an operator of a vessel from uptaking or discharging ballast water or sediment, except in specified circumstances, from a U.S. vessel operating in U.S. or non-U.S. waters. Requires a vessel to conduct all its ballast water management operations in accordance with an aquatic invasive species plan designed to minimize the discharge of aquatic invasive species. Requires a vessel, before discharging ballast water into U.S. waters, to conduct ballast water treatment so that the discharged ballast water will contain no more than a specified level of living organisms or microbes. Prohibits an operator of a vessel, until the vessel conducts such treatment, from discharging ballast water except after certain ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment requirements are met. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Urges the Secretary to negotiate with foreign countries to develop and implement an international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.

prevention aquatic invasive species act amends nonindigenous aquatic nuisance prevention control act revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements things apply certain vessels certain foreign vessels structure vessel route departed port establish ballast water exchange treatment sediment management standards vessels armed forces prohibits operator vessel discharging ballast water sediment specified circumstances vessel operating waters requires vessel conduct ballast water management operations accordance aquatic invasive species plan designed minimize discharge aquatic invasive species requires vessel discharging ballast water waters conduct ballast water treatment discharged ballast water contain specified level living organisms microbes prohibits operator vessel vessel conducts treatment discharging ballast water certain ballast water exchange ballast water treatment requirements met sets forth civil penalties violations act urges secretary negotiate foreign countries develop implement international program preventing unintentional introduction spread aquatic invasive species


Summary: Safe Water Improvement and Modernization Act of 2007 - Extends through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to states and local governments for coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs; and (2) carrying out the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000. Requires the Administrator to study the benefits of using molecular diagnostics for monitoring and assessing the quality of coastal recreation waters, including by: (1) evaluating the full range of available rapid indicator technologies; and (2) comparing the use of molecular diagnostics to culture testing of same source water. Authorizes the Administrator to award a grant or cooperative agreement to an organization to assist the Administrator in carrying out the study.

safe water improvement modernization act extends fy2012 authorization appropriations grants administrator environmental_protection_agency epa states local governments coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification programs carrying beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act requires administrator study benefits molecular diagnostics monitoring assessing quality coastal recreation waters including evaluating range available rapid indicator technologies comparing use molecular diagnostics culture testing source water authorizes administrator award grant cooperative agreement organization assist administrator carrying study


Summary: Save Our Shores Act - Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to extend the authorization of appropriations for research, education, and monitoring activities related to the prevention, reduction, and control of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. Requires that all federal financial assistance for harmful algal bloom research be awarded on a competitive, peer reviewed basis.

save shores act amends harmful algal bloom hypoxia_research control act extend authorization appropriations research education monitoring activities related prevention reduction control harmful algal blooms hypoxia requires federal financial assistance harmful algal bloom research awarded competitive peer reviewed basis


Summary: Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to extend the award of remaining coral reef conservation program grant funds, in addition to projects addressing emerging priorities or threats, to other appropriate projects, including monitoring and assessment, research, pollution reduction, education, and technical support. Revises the criteria for project approval. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to undertake or authorize actions to minimize injury to a coral reef from vessel impacts, derelict fishing gear, vessel anchors and anchor chains, and unforeseen or disaster-related circumstances and to stabilize, repair, or restore the reef, including vessel removal and emergency restabilization of the vessel or reef. Authorizes any other federal agency to assist, using the other agency's funds. Allows the Administrator to reimburse the other agency. Deems specified terms (such as "sanctuary resources" and "national marine sanctuary"), for purposes of specified provisions of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, to include any coral reef that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or (subject to state consent) any state, without regard to whether the reef is located in a national marine sanctuary. (Sec. 4) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to modify the Act's purposes and to modify the goals and objectives of the national coral reef action strategy. Includes cooperative research and activities designed to minimize the likelihood of physical reef damage in the activities that may be taken under an existing program to conserve coral reefs and reef ecosystems. (Sec. 5) Requires reports to specified congressional committees on all activities to implement the national coral reef action strategy. (Sec. 6) Allows the Coral Reef Conservation Fund to be used to address emergency response actions. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) make community-based planning grants to certain entities that are eligible to receive a coral reef conservation grant to work with local communities and federal and state entities to implement plans for increased protection of high priority coral reefs; (2) maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding incidents involving coral reefs; and (3) identify all coral reefs with a high incidence of vessel impacts and identify measures to reduce such impacts. Establishes the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to coordinate federal actions to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into multiyear cooperative agreements with agencies and organizations to carry out the activities of the national coral reef action strategy and to implement regional strategies. (Sec. 7) Amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to including coral reef ecosystems in the definition of "wildlife" and "wildlife resources." Requires, regarding authorities under the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978, that references to "wildlife" and "fish and wildlife" be construed to include coral reef ecosystems. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical assistance and, subject to appropriations, financial assistance to coastal states (as that term is defined in the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000). (Sec. 8) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to revise various definitions. (Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations, through FY2012, for the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, including for community-based planning grants. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to conduct activities to improve and promote the resilience of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. (Sec. 11) Authorizes appropriations: (1) for a research facility for coral reef research and protection, and coastal ecology and development, at the American Samoa Community College; and (2) to provide funds to the University of Guam for coral reef research and protection. Authorizes the Administrator to enter into, renegotiate, or extend a cooperative agreement with any university or local academic institution or other research center with established programs that support coral reef conservation.

coral reef conservation amendments act sec amends coral_reef_conservation_act extend award remaining coral reef conservation program grant funds addition projects addressing emerging priorities threats appropriate projects including monitoring assessment research pollution reduction education technical support revises criteria project approval sec authorizes administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa undertake authorize actions minimize injury coral reef vessel impacts derelict fishing gear vessel anchors chains unforeseen disaster related circumstances stabilize repair restore reef including vessel removal emergency vessel reef authorizes federal agency assist agency funds allows administrator reimburse agency deems specified terms sanctuary resources national marine sanctuary purposes specified provisions national marine sanctuaries act include coral reef subject jurisdiction united_states subject state consent state regard reef located national marine sanctuary sec amends coral_reef_conservation_act modify act purposes modify goals objectives national coral reef action strategy includes cooperative research activities designed minimize likelihood physical reef damage activities taken existing program conserve coral reefs reef ecosystems sec requires reports specified congressional committees activities implement national coral reef action strategy sec allows address emergency response actions authorizes administrator community based planning grants certain entities eligible receive coral reef conservation grant work local communities federal state entities implement plans increased protection high priority coral reefs maintain inventory vessel grounding incidents involving coral reefs identify coral reefs high incidence vessel impacts identify measures reduce impacts establishes coral reef task force coordinate federal actions preserve protect coral reef ecosystems authorizes administrator enter multiyear cooperative agreements agencies organizations carry activities national coral reef action strategy implement regional strategies sec amends fish wildlife coordination act including coral reef ecosystems definition wildlife wildlife resources requires authorities fish wildlife act fish wildlife improvement act references wildlife fish wildlife construed include coral reef ecosystems authorizes secretary interior provide technical assistance subject appropriations financial assistance coastal states term defined coral_reef_conservation_act sec amends coral reef conservation act revise definitions sec authorizes appropriations fy2012 coral_reef_conservation_act including community based planning grants sec authorizes secretary commerce conduct activities improve promote resilience coral reefs coral reef ecosystems sec authorizes appropriations research facility coral reef research protection coastal ecology development provide funds coral reef research protection authorizes administrator enter renegotiate extend cooperative agreement university local academic institution research center established programs support coral reef conservation


Summary: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Treatment Act - Allows taxpayers who are plaintiffs in the civil action In re Exxon Valdez, No. 89-095-CV (HRH) (Consolidated) (D. Alaska), or their heirs or dependents, to: (1) elect to average, for income tax purposes, income received in settlement of such civil action for the period beginning on January 1, 1994, and ending on December 31 of the year in which any settlement income is received; and (2) make contributions of any amount of such settlement income to certain tax-exempt retirement plans in the year such income is received.

valdez oil spill tax treatment act allows taxpayers plaintiffs civil action valdez consolidated alaska heirs dependents elect average income tax purposes income received settlement civil action period beginning january ending december year settlement income received contributions settlement income certain tax exempt retirement plans year income received


Summary: Great Lakes Collaboration Implementation Act - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to: (1) require certain vessels operating in U.S. waters to have invasive species management plans; (2) direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish vessel performance requirements, including provisions for ballast water exchange, treatment, and discharge, and civil and criminal penalties for violations; (3) require federal agencies to restrict the importation of live aquatic organisms of species not in trade without screening and approval; and (4) declare importation of such species to be unlawful and prescribe civil and criminal penalties for violations.Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) upgrade and make permanent the Chicago sanitary and ship canal dispersal barrier in Chicago, Illinois; (2) construct Barrier II; and (3) operate and maintain Barriers I and II.Renames the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as the Nonindigenous Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990.National Invasive Species Council Act - Prohibits federal agencies from authorizing, funding, or carrying out any action that would promote the introduction or spread of invasive species unless the benefits of the action outweigh the harm. Establishes the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) as an independent entity in the executive branch to lead and coordinate efforts to minimize the negative effects caused by invasive species and to reduce the threat of further invasions. Requires NISC to develop a National Invasive Species Management Plan and to establish an Invasive Species Advisory Committee.Reauthorizes and modifies the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990.Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to: (1) authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide funding for wastewater assistance to certain municipalities and small publicly-owned treatment works; (2) authorize states to provide additional subsidization to benefit certain municipalities or state agencies that already receive assistance from the water pollution control revolving fund or to implement certain alternative techniques; (3) replace each reference to "navigable waters of the United States" with a reference to "waters of the United States"; (4) require the Great Lakes National Program Office to provide grants to reduce the quantity of mercury in the Great Lakes; and (5) require the President include a joint Great Lakes research plan in the annual budget submitted to Congress.Authorizes funding for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants for Great Lakes research and monitoring activities.Requires: (1) the President, acting through the National Ocean Research Leadership Council, to establish a system that detects and predicts changes in the ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes environment that impact certain U.S. systems; and (2) the Council to establish an interagency program office to be known as OceanUS to be responsible for program planning and coordination of such system.Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the Program Office to develop specified science-based indicators of water quality and related environmental factors in the Great Lakes. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide financial assistance for certain restoration or remediation projects; and (2) restore and remediate waterfronts and related areas.Establishes: (1) the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, as established by Executive Order 13340, as a task force within EPA; (2) a Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Executive Committee to hold meetings and make recommendations and reports on Great Lakes restoration goals and progress; and (3) the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration to develop a restoration and protection strategy for use in Great Lakes program implementation and funding decisions, to serve as a forum for addressing regional issues relating to ecosystem restoration and protection of the Great Lakes, and to establish an oversight forum to coordinate and enhance implementation of Great Lakes programs.Provides funding for a variety of Great Lakes programs.

implementation act amends nonindigenous aquatic nuisance prevention control act require certain vessels operating waters invasive species management plans direct secretary homeland_security establish vessel performance requirements including provisions ballast water exchange treatment discharge civil criminal penalties violations require federal agencies restrict importation live aquatic organisms species trade screening approval declare importation species unlawful prescribe civil criminal penalties violations directs secretary army upgrade permanent chicago sanitary ship canal dispersal barrier chicago illinois construct operate maintain barriers nonindigenous_aquatic_nuisance_prevention control act control act invasive species council act prohibits federal agencies authorizing funding carrying action promote introduction spread invasive species benefits action outweigh harm establishes national_invasive_species_council independent entity executive branch lead coordinate efforts minimize negative effects caused invasive species reduce threat develop establish reauthorizes modifies great lakes fish wildlife restoration act federal_water_pollution_control_act authorize administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide funding wastewater assistance certain municipalities small publicly owned treatment works authorize states provide additional subsidization benefit certain municipalities state agencies receive assistance water pollution control revolving fund implement certain alternative techniques replace reference navigable waters united_states reference waters united_states require great lakes national program office provide grants reduce quantity mercury great lakes require president include joint great lakes research plan annual budget submitted congress authorizes funding requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa provide grants great_lakes research monitoring activities requires president acting national_ocean_research_leadership_council establish system detects changes ocean coastal great_lakes environment impact certain systems council establish interagency program office known responsible program planning coordination system amends federal_water_pollution_control_act require program_office develop specified science based indicators water quality related environmental factors great lakes authorizes secretary provide financial assistance certain restoration remediation projects restore remediate waterfronts related areas establishes great lakes interagency task force established executive order task force epa great lakes regional collaboration executive committee hold meetings recommendations reports great lakes restoration goals progress great lakes regional collaboration develop restoration protection strategy use great_lakes program implementation funding decisions serve forum addressing regional issues relating ecosystem restoration protection great lakes establish oversight forum coordinate enhance implementation great_lakes programs provides funding variety great_lakes programs


Summary: Community Beaches Protection Act - Rewrites provisions regarding the federal shore protection program to: (1) provide for the protection and restoration of beaches and other coastal infrastructure, as well as shore protection; and (2) include the purpose of promoting healthful recreation. Includes among areas to be given preference: (1) areas where regional sediment management plans have been adopted; and (2) areas that promote human health and safety and the quality of life. Directs the Secretary of the Army to pay the federal share of the cost of carrying out shore protection projects and research that encourages the protection, restoration, and enhancement of shores, sandy beaches, and other coastal infrastructure. Sets forth revised provisions regarding the federal share of the cost, which shall be equal for beach erosion control projects for purposes of recreation or for storm damage protection or environmental restoration. Directs the Secretary, at the request of a nonfederal interest and with congressional approval, to extend the period of federal participation in certain shore protection projects. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to prohibit the Secretary from: (1) soliciting contributions, in excess of the nonfederal share assigned to specified project purposes, from nonfederal interests for costs of constructing authorized projects; or (2) conditioning federal participation on the receipt of such contributions. Makes permanent the national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Requires the program to include provisions for technology transfers to educational institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing agreements with nonfederal interests, and to modify existing shoreline protection projects, under specified circumstances.

community beaches protection act rewrites provisions federal shore protection program provide protection restoration beaches coastal infrastructure shore protection include purpose promoting healthful recreation includes areas given preference areas regional sediment management plans adopted areas promote human health safety quality life directs secretary army pay federal share cost carrying shore protection projects research encourages protection restoration enhancement shores sandy beaches coastal infrastructure sets forth revised provisions federal share cost shall equal beach erosion control projects purposes recreation storm damage protection environmental restoration directs secretary request nonfederal interest congressional approval extend period federal participation certain shore protection projects amends water_resources_development_act prohibit secretary soliciting contributions excess nonfederal share assigned specified project purposes nonfederal interests costs constructing authorized projects conditioning federal participation receipt contributions makes permanent national shoreline erosion control development demonstration program requires program include provisions technology transfers educational institutions authorizes secretary enter cost sharing agreements nonfederal interests modify existing shoreline protection projects specified circumstances