To amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit liability for the effects of emissions, and emission byproducts, resulting from or caused by an act of nature, and for other purposes.

April 30, 2003

Mr. PAUL introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

To amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit liability for the effects of emissions, and emission byproducts, resulting from or caused by an act of nature, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. LIABILITY UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ACT.

Section 307 of the Clean Air Act is amended by adding the following new subsection at the end thereof:

`(i) A State, and any political subdivision thereof, or Tribe shall not be held liable under this Act for the effects of emissions into the atmosphere, and any byproducts of such emissions, that result from or are caused by an act of nature, including volcanic eruptions and dust storms; accident; war; terrorism; or fires that occur beyond its jurisdiction related to land clearing, agriculture and ecological restoration and management.'.

END