Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding the environment, climate change, and fish, wildlife and habitat conservation. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2025-06-29 to 2025-07-05

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada announces over $21.5 million for carbon capture and storage technologies in Alberta

The Government of Canada has allocated more than $21.5 million toward a portfolio of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects in Alberta. Announced by Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, this funding supports five initiatives, including a $10 million storage demonstration project by Bow Valley Carbon Cochrane Limited Partnership, which will capture up to 40,000 tonnes of CO2 per year from the Interpipeline Cochrane Natural Gas Extraction Plant. Other recipients include Enbridge’s Wabamun Hub ($4 million), Enhance Energy’s Origins CCS Hub ($5 million), OptiSeis Solutions for subsurface imaging ($538,000), and OCCAM’s Technologies for oxy-fire combustion in diesel generators ($2 million). Projects are situated across Calgary, Cochrane, and Nisku, with data shared to support further research on carbonate sequestration and facilitate practical applications of CCUS in multiple sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Canada confirms first case of Dermo disease in Prince Edward Island oysters

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has identified the presence of Dermo, caused by Perkinsus marinus, in oysters from Egmont Bay, Prince Edward Island. While Dermo does not impact human health or food safety, it raises oyster mortality and reduces growth, posing a substantial threat to the province's oyster industry. In response, the CFIA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and the Province of PEI are instituting movement controls in the affected region, conducting ongoing monitoring and research to track disease spread, and engaging local harvesters and industry partners to report any observed abnormalities. The findings represent the first confirmed detection of Dermo in the province’s oyster stocks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Canada partners with Manitoba for aquatic invasive species roadside inspection blitz

In a joint operation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Government of Manitoba conducted a roadside aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection blitz along Highway 1 near the Manitoba-Ontario border. The June initiative, focused on preventing the spread of AIS such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels, checked 383 vehicles transporting 436 watercraft. Of these, 326 were fully compliant with the clean, drain, dry standards. Inspectors found 110 watercraft in violation, 38 required decontamination, and two had visible Zebra Mussels. Drivers were given instructions to address prevention protocols. Another joint blitz is scheduled for later in the year.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian space sector invests $3.9 million in satellite-driven environmental monitoring

The Canadian Space Agency has dedicated $3.9 million to five Canadian companies, targeting innovations that employ satellite data to address environmental challenges. The funding supports Arctic monitoring (C-CORE), real-time wildfire detection (Mission Control), eelgrass mapping for biodiversity (Hatfield Consultants LLP), North Atlantic right whale detection (AltaML), and right whale monitoring (Fluvial Systems Research). These projects collectively aim to improve operational responses to marine ecosystem threats, strengthen biodiversity protections, and support advanced wildlife management tools.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal investments bolster wildfire resilience in Yukon communities

A combined investment exceeding $17 million from the federal and Yukon governments will fund risk-mitigation projects across Whitehorse, Teslin, and Haines Junction. Funding supports Wildland Fire Management initiatives, including new fuel break construction and the retreatment of forested areas in accordance with updated FireSmart standards. Work will include increasing tree spacing and reducing hazardous vegetation to limit the risk of extreme wildfires in the northern boreal region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal funding targets energy efficiency and clean growth in Alberta and Northwest Territories

Over $13.3 million has been allocated under the Low Carbon Economy Fund for five separate projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The supported projects span heat recovery at Cavendish Farms in Lethbridge; boiler efficiency improvements at Sherritt International in Fort Saskatchewan; biogenic carbon capture at the Taurus Canada Renewable Natural Gas feedlot; an energy retrofit for Denendeh Manor in Yellowknife; and ground-mounted solar kits for Inuvialuit-owned cabins. The program combines both Challenge and Indigenous Leadership streams, driving progress on emissions reduction, community adaptation, and job creation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal government supports post-wildfire community recovery with special immigration measures

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, announced waivers for Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose official documents were lost or damaged in this year's wildfires. These individuals may apply for replacements without cost until November 30, 2025, and temporary residents affected can renew status or apply for restoration or permits free of charge. Application and biometric fees are also being waived for foreign emergency services personnel assisting in Canadian wildfire response.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Trade Tribunal launches inquiry into federal Fisheries and Oceans environmental DNA analysis procurement

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) is probing Department of Public Works and Government Services' recent environmental DNA analysis solicitation (F6088-230865B) on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Newfoundland-based eDNAtec Inc. alleges that the contract was improperly awarded to the University of Guelph on the grounds of unfair subsidization and failure to meet technical requirements. The Tribunal decided to inquire into the complaint, with further information available from the CITT Registry.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Federal Environment Minister posts methane regulation equivalency agreement with Alberta for comment

The Department of the Environment published a draft equivalency agreement between federal and Alberta methane regulations for the province’s oil and gas sector under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The proposed agreement, available as of July 5, 2025, may receive comments or objections for 60 days. The agreement aims to recognize Alberta's regulatory regime as equivalent to federal methane standards.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Natural resource sector GDP grows in Q1 2025

According to Statistics Canada, the real gross domestic product for the natural resources sector increased by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2025, following a 0.2% rise in the previous quarter.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

US Department of Agriculture rewrites NEPA procedures in wake of CEQ regulatory repeal

The US Department of Agriculture has issued an interim final rule significantly revising its NEPA implementing procedures (7 CFR Part 1b) following the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) rescission of federal NEPA regulations in April 2025. The rule eliminates USDA agency-specific NEPA regulations, consolidating policies under a single departmental framework, and incorporates strict deadlines, page limits, and definitions drawn from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and recent Supreme Court jurisprudence. Agency NEPA procedures are now more concise, clarify what constitutes a major federal action, outline extraordinary circumstances, and codify best practices for timely and efficient environmental review. USDA will continue to receive public comment on the new rule until July 30, 2025.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Department of the Interior rescinds NEPA regulations and migrates NEPA procedures to agency handbook

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has issued an interim final rule effective July 3, 2025, rescinding most of its NEPA regulations at 43 CFR Part 46 in response to CEQ’s regulatory repeal and requirements from recent legislation and the US Supreme Court. DOI will retain only selected provisions related to emergency response, categorical exclusions, and applicant/contractor-prepared NEPA documents, moving the remainder of NEPA procedures to an internal agency handbook. This structural shift grants DOI greater flexibility in updating processes, reduces regulatory overlap, and accommodates new statutory deadlines and procedural mandates for environmental review under NEPA.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Transportation, FHWA, FRA, and FTA issue interim final rule revising NEPA regulations

The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, and Federal Transit Administration jointly published an interim final rule revising 23 CFR Part 771 to reflect the removal of the CEQ's NEPA regulations, amendments from the Fiscal Responsibility Act’s BUILDER Act, and additional provisions under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The amendments update definitions such as 'major federal action,' clarify timelines and page limits for environmental documents, integrate best practices for programmatic reviews, permit reliance and adoption of other agencies' NEPA documents or categorical exclusions, and specify new timelines and page counts for EISs and EAs. The rule is effective immediately with a public comment period extending to August 4, 2025.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

EPA adds three sites to the National Priorities List/Superfund under CERCLA

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the addition of three sites to the National Priorities List (NPL) effective August 4, 2025. The new sites include Historic Potteries (Trenton, NJ), Carlisle Village Cleaners (Albuquerque, NM), and J.H. Baxter (Eugene, OR). The NPL, maintained under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), guides EPA’s assessment and potential remedial actions at sites with significant public health or environmental risks. Public comment periods for each site have concluded, and EPA will direct CERCLA-funded remediation or further investigation as needed.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

White House establishes Make America Beautiful Again Commission to promote conservation and access

President Donald J. Trump, through executive order, has formed the "Make America Beautiful Again Commission" chaired by the Secretary of the Interior. The commission is tasked with advising on strategies and interagency coordination to enhance outdoor recreation, conserve public lands and waters, expand public access for recreation, promote voluntary conservation, and address maintenance backlogs—including $23 billion for the National Park Service. The initiative outlines active forest management and resource stewardship objectives, seeks to enable conservation through collaboration rather than regulation, and directs federal land agencies to expedite improvements while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and budget constraints.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta and Ontario call for repeal of federal regulations impacting provincial competitiveness

Ahead of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment meeting, Alberta and Ontario have requested urgent federal discussions to repeal the Impact Assessment Act, Clean Electricity Regulations, and other policies seen as hindering economic growth and delaying project development in the provinces.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia releases coastal hazard disclosure measures in property sales

As of July 1, real estate transactions in Nova Scotia now allow buyers to request disclosure on coastal flooding, erosion, and drainage issues affecting the property. The measure, produced collaboratively with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission, targets informed property purchases in high-risk coastal areas.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia introduces mapping tool for coastal aquaculture suitability

Nova Scotia’s new Coastal Classification System mapping tool provides public access to data on water depth, temperature, and environmental conditions to guide oyster, mussel, salmon, and trout aquaculture siting decisions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario announces penalties for illegal deer hunting violations

Two hunters in Durham, Ontario, received fines totaling $8,500 and two-year bans from antlerless deer hunting after being convicted of multiple forestry and wildlife regulation violations relating to tag misuse and illegal firearm activity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta provides wildfire updates following new fire starts and weather changes

Alberta authorities reported over 700 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area as of July 4, with recent rainfall improving some conditions but lightning strikes still causing new fire activity. Multiple evacuation orders and fire advisories remain active.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca, Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Canadian Food Inspection Agency opens consultation on stakeholder input for modernizing shellfish sanitation program

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is collecting public and stakeholder feedback through December 1, 2025, for the modernization of the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program, with a report to be published following consultations.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: N

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Aaron Gunn posted about T-MAR in Campbell River, BC, highlighting their creation of the world’s first diesel-electric grapple yarder.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Randeep Sarai recognized Safi Sana’s work converting organic waste into renewable energy and fertilizer with Canadian and Grand Challenges support.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Shannon Stubbs posted remarks about the impacts she attributes to the current federal regulatory system on project proponents in resource sectors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Kim Pate tweeted concerns regarding Bill C-5, citing environmental protection and Indigenous sovereignty issues in the accountability framework.

Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com

Senator Rosa Galvez used her social media platform to reference a recent speech on Bill S-229—proposing legal protections for Gatineau Park.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada partners with the Manitoba Government to conduct an aquatic invasive species roadside inspection blitz: National coverage on cross-border AIS inspections and results.
• Baby eels wade into high-stakes battle over treaties and fisheries in the Maritimes: Reporting on legal and conservation issues surrounding elver fisheries in Atlantic Canada.
• The Americans fighting back against Trump's attacks on climate: US coverage of climate activism responding to recent administrative shifts.
• NOAA Budget Cuts to Gut Climate Research, Slash Jobs: Details on the impacts of US budget reductions on federal climate and ocean research.
• Zimbabwe’s scrap metal hunters are quietly fighting climate change one piece at a time: Profile of informal sector activity with environmental implications.
• Save Earth Mission Concludes Grand Vision Unveiling; Launches Global Tree Plantation Campaign: Industry news item on global tree planting programs.
• ‘A beehive of activity’: Sask. village braces for wildfire threat, strong winds fuel concerns: Local view of wildfire risk management and emergency response.
• Save Earth Mission Concludes Grand Vision Unveiling; Launches Global Tree Plantation Campaign: International reforestation initiative with industry participation.
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