This Week in Construction & Housing — Washington (#18, 2026)
EPA proposes NSR rule revisions affecting construction permitting; HUD seeks comment on MTW contract amendments; Congressional hearings address home builder challenges, nuclear materials sourcing; hydropower project deadline extension signed into law.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction as well as infrastructure and government initiatives and programs concerning housing and housing affordability. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Congressional Calendar
- House Small Business Committee Hearing: Small Home Builders and Housing Gap: The House Small Business Committee will hold a hearing titled “Building the Future: How Small Home Builders are Closing America’s Housing Gap” on May 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2360.
- Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee Hearing: Nuclear Materials Sourcing and Licensing: The Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety will examine proposed legislation including "Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act", "RECHARGE Act", and "Enrichment Licensing Modernization Act" on May 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 406.
Federal Government News
EPA Proposed Rule Revising NSR Preconstruction Permitting Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency released a proposed rule revising the New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction air permitting regulations. The action seeks to clarify the distinction between construction of stationary sources and construction of non-emitting components at industrial sites. The proposed changes would allow certain preparatory construction, such as utility installation, concrete pads, and building shells, to proceed before a NSR air permit is obtained, provided these activities do not involve pollutant-emitting equipment. Key sections of 40 CFR will be updated, including new definitions for 'begin actual construction' and 'pollutant-emitting activities.' The EPA is accepting public comments until June 29, 2026, with a virtual public hearing tentatively scheduled for May 28, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD 60-Day Notice: Moving to Work Consolidated Contract Amendment
The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a 60-day notice regarding a proposed information collection for the Moving to Work (MTW) Amendment to Consolidated Annual Contributions Contracts. The MTW ACC Amendment establishes terms of participation for new and existing public housing agencies under the MTW demonstration program and outlines requirements for program operation pursuant to Public Law 114-113. HUD is seeking comment on practical utility and burden reduction through electronic responses; comments are due by July 14, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
HUD 60-Day Notice: Energy and Performance Information Center (EPIC) Data Collection
HUD released a notice for revision of its EPIC data collection system, which automates five-year planning, budget, and performance evaluation processes for public housing agencies. The revision enables digital submission for capital fund projects, tracking physical needs assessments, and includes processes for collecting data related to energy efficiency improvements and public housing development. With over 20,000 expected responses annually, HUD is soliciting public feedback through July 14, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
HUD 60-Day Notice: Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program Information Collection
HUD published a notice soliciting comments on reinstatement of information collection for the Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) program. The forms evaluate applicant eligibility and capacity for ROSS grants, which support resident self-sufficiency in public housing. With 350 expected respondents, HUD seeks input on program utility and burden; comments are due by July 10, 2026.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Congressional Bills S. 98 and S. 1020 Signed into Law
On May 11, 2026, the President signed S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, mandating the FCC to vet applicants seeking broadband infrastructure funding. S. 1020 was also signed, granting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects by up to six years, supporting flexibility and project completion in the energy sector.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
Legislative Updates
H.R. 8789: Expanding Housing Program Eligibility for Volunteer First Responders
Bill 8789 was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The measure would expand eligibility for certain housing programs to qualified volunteer first responders.
Sources: www.congress.gov
S.J.Res. 149: Disapproval Motion on 'Truth in Lending' Home Sales Rule Withdrawal
A joint resolution (Bill 149) to disapprove withdrawal of consumer protections for homes financed under contracts for deed, was rejected in the Senate by voice vote.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 4478: TRUST Act of 2025
The TRUST Act of 2025 (Bill 4478) was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The bill addresses finance and housing policy.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 7432: Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act
H.R. 7432 was placed on the Union Calendar. The bill is focused on expanding housing opportunity programs for foster youth.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 8739: Brownfields Revitalization for a Better Tomorrow Act
Bill 8739 was referred to both Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, imposing conditions on mineral materials sales contracts near urban communities.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 8773: Mineral Materials Sales Contract Conditions Near Urban Areas
Bill 8773 proposes conditions on mineral materials sales contracts and use permits for large-scale extraction projects near urban communities; referred to House Natural Resources Committee.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 4437: SMART Act of 2025
The SMART Act of 2025 (Bill 4437) was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, addressing financial sector concerns in housing.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 7487: Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act
The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act (Bill 7487) was ordered to be reported as a substitute amendment, advancing water resources project support.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 8749: Medicare Coverage of Home Resiliency Services
Bill 8749, offering Medicare coverage for medically necessary home resiliency services, was referred to Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees.
Sources: www.congress.gov
H.R. 2066: Investing in All of America Act of 2025
H.R. 2066, focused on economic and infrastructure investment, was presented to the President.
Sources: www.congress.gov
S. 1020: Hydropower Project Construction Deadline Extension
Bill 1020 became Public Law No: 119-90, authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend licensee construction start deadlines for hydropower projects.
Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- In Brooklyn, Finding a First Home Was Just the Beginning: Renovation of a Brooklyn townhouse focused on passive home standards for energy efficiency.
- Exploring the Co-ops of Riverdale With About $600,000: Riverdale co-op apartments offer various layouts for buyers seeking property in the Bronx.
- US indicts two foreign operators, individual in 2024 collapse of Baltimore Key Bridge: The DOJ indicted parties involved in the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse, affecting local infrastructure.
- BlackRock's GIP teams up with Temasek, Abu Dhabi heavyweights to target $30 bln in infrastructure deals: BlackRock and partners launched a $30 billion initiative for global infrastructure investments.
- Gas giant met with White House about New England pipeline project: Enbridge discussed a New England pipeline project with White House officials amid regional demand concerns.
- New York Governor Says Fewer Second Homes to Pay Pied-à-Terre Tax Under New Proposal: New York's revised pied-à-terre tax would apply to fewer second home owners under new legislation.