To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to ensure that any solid waste exported from the United States to foreign countries is managed to protect human health and the environment.
Waste Export Control Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to establish as an objective of such Act the assurance that solid waste exports are managed in a manner protective of human health and the environment and no less strict than that which would be required if the waste were managed in the United States. Exempts from this Act's requirements baled waste paper, glass cullet, metals, or plastic that: (1) have been separated by type from solid waste before export; (2) are exported for incorporation into new products with recycled content; and (3) are not hazardous wastes under the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
Prohibits the export of solid waste from the United States unless there is an agreement between the United States and the receiving country which provides for: (1) the exchange of information regarding such export and its management; (2) cooperation on compliance with and enforcement of such agreement; (3) biennial review and revision or suspension of such agreement under certain circumstances; and (4) a prohibition on further transport of such waste from the country of destination without the written consent of parties to the agreement. Deems any agreement concerning shipments of hazardous waste entered into by the United States and in force on this Act's enactment date to meet this Act's requirements for one year following such enactment date.
Prohibits the export of solid waste from the United States unless the exporter has obtained a permit from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Outlines information to be included in the permit application. Requires the Director of the National Enforcement Investigations Center to submit an investigative report on each applicant to the Administrator. Provides that permittees shall have the continuing duty to provide assistance or information requested by the Administrator or the Center and to cooperate in any inquiry conducted by the Center. Limits permit terms to a period of five years. Directs the Administrator to report annually to the Congress on all solid waste exports. Prohibits the issuance of any permit unless the Administrator determines that: (1) the waste generator has used reasonable efforts to eliminate or minimize waste generation prior to export; (2) the receiving facility is capable of treating, storing, and disposing of such waste in a manner protective of human health and the environment and no less strict than that which would be required if the waste were managed in the United States; and (3) the application meets the requirements of this Act. Directs the Administrator to make inspections of any facility handling waste subject to a permit. Authorizes the Administrator to revoke a permit under specified circumstances.
Directs the Administrator to establish a user fee to defray the cost of administering this Act. Requires such fee system to consist of a one-time permit application fee and a waste export permit fee to be paid over the life of the permit.
Authorizes foreign governments to bring actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1986 when damages are incurred with respect to the export of hazardous substances from the United States.
Prescribes criminal penalties for knowing violations of this Act.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations.
Referred to the Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
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