May 17, 2026 to May 23, 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

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

HUD Removes Environmental Clearance Officer Review for Large Housing Projects

The Department of Housing and Urban Development published an interim final rule eliminating the requirement for Environmental Assessments of projects exceeding 200 lots, units or beds to be reviewed by Field Environmental Clearance Officers (FECO) or Program Environmental Clearance Officers (PECO). This adjustment, effective June 22, 2026, is intended to accelerate federal housing project timelines by minimizing duplicative permit steps, while retaining compliance with NEPA and applicable statutes. HUD will update guidance documents to mirror the regulatory change. The rule affects roughly 80 projects annually and does not impose new compliance costs or preempt state laws. Public comments are accepted through July 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Extends Compliance Deadlines for Refrigerant Rules, Proposes Changes to Emissions Regulations

President Donald J. Trump announced the rollback of Biden-era refrigerant regulations, with the EPA revising the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule to extend compliance deadlines for hydrofluorocarbon use in refrigeration. Proposed adjustments to the 2024 Emissions Reduction and Reclamation Rule will relax leak repair mandates for large-scale refrigeration systems. EPA projects $2.4 billion in cost savings and over 350,000 jobs protected, with $1.5 billion saved for refrigerated goods transporters. Additional regulatory changes include doubled SBA loan limits, modified fuel economy standards, increased tariff quotas for lean beef trimmings, and repeal of the Obama-era Endangerment Finding. These cumulative deregulatory actions are projected to lower living costs and generate estimated savings of $1.2 trillion.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HUD Solicits Comments on Information Collection for Public Housing Mortgage Program and Section 30

HUD issued a 60-day notice seeking public input on information collection for the Public Housing Mortgage Program and Section 30 under the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. Public housing agencies applying for financing must submit items ranging from debt service schedules to legal opinions and appraisal reports. Estimated annual burden rests at 3,760 hours, with an annual cost of $249,700. Comments on necessity, accuracy, and burden minimization are invited until July 20, 2026 via regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Highway Administration Seeks Input on Grant Programs for Pedestrian Safety and Bridge Rehabilitation

The Federal Highway Administration aims to gather comments regarding two new information collections for programs established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. The STOP competitive grant program will provide $5 million for bollard and barrier installations to protect pedestrian areas, while the BIT3 program offers $25 million for replacement or rehabilitation of Type 3 county-owned bridges over USBR water conveyance structures. Both collections expect approximately 50 applicants with annual burdens of 200 hours each. Submissions are due by July 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Procurement Agencies Request Comments on Architect-Engineer Qualifications and Bond Requirements

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, DoD, GSA, and NASA announced requests for comment on the extension of information collection regarding Architect-Engineer Qualifications (SF-330) and requirements related to Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 28. The SF-330 form is used to assess qualifications for federal architect-engineer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, with an annual burden of 46,632 hours. FAR Part 28 covers bid guarantees, bonds, and alternative payment protections; the extension affects 22,916 respondents and 22,912 burden hours annually. Deadlines for comment submissions are July 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

ROAD to Housing Act of 2025

Bill 6337, ROAD to Housing Act of 2025, relates to Housing and Community Development. The latest action sent the bill to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

Sources: www.congress.gov

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Bill 1299, 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, advanced via a motion to reconsider laid on the table agreed to without objection. Bill 6644, House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment pursuant to H. Res. 1299 (consideration: CR H3643-3644).

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Housing Regulatory Clarity Act of 2026

Bill 8944, Housing Regulatory Clarity Act of 2026, was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. This legislation may affect regulatory parameters for housing industry participants.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026

Bill 4529, Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026, saw hearings held by the Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To direct HUD to study implementation of work requirements by public housing agencies

Bill 8877 requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to conduct a study on the application of work requirements at public housing agencies. The latest action referred the bill to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Illinois Begins Final Phase of I-80 Bridge Modernization Project

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation initiated construction for new I-80 bridges over the Des Plaines River, marking the last phase of the $1.3 billion I-80 corridor modernization. Completion is expected in 2028.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

New York Launches $48 Million Affordable Senior Housing Development in Brooklyn

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of Bethany Senior Terraces in Brooklyn, featuring 57 affordable units for seniors. State support included federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and NYSERDA funding.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Governor Newsom Directs California Agencies to Prepare for AI-Driven Workforce Changes

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order instructing California agencies to develop new policies and data systems addressing potential workforce disruptions caused by artificial intelligence, including expanded workforce training and revisions to the WARN Act.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Indiana Enacts Law Prohibiting Foreign Adversaries from Owning State Land

Governor ceremonially signed Senate Enrolled Act 256 into law, restricting foreign adversaries, including China and Iran, from purchasing land in Indiana. The legislation requires agent registration and increased disclosure.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

New York DOT Completes Record Pothole Repairs Statewide

Governor Hochul reported more than 250,000 potholes filled across New York State during April, surpassing the initial goal of 175,000. Over 215 DOT crews were deployed and 120,000 tons of asphalt laid.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US single-family housing starts tumble in April: April saw a significant drop in single-family housing starts, with construction activity falling below expectations.
• An Option That Can Help Cut Housing Prices Catches On: Preapproved house plans are gaining popularity and contributing to lower housing prices in several regions.
• Opinion | America Needs to Build More Housing: Op-ed discusses ongoing challenges in expanding affordable housing across the US.
• US labor market shows resilience in face of war; housing still subdued: Labor market remains stable, but housing sector activity remains subdued.
• A Risky, Unconventional Mortgage Is on the Rise Again: Riskier mortgage products are resurging in the US housing market.
• Los Angeles Tried to Tax Mansions. Apartment Construction Tanked.: Mansion taxes in Los Angeles contributed to a decrease in apartment construction.
• These Parents Are Buying Homes for Their Kids—With Strings Attached: Increasing numbers of parents purchase homes for their children with conditions.
• Germany's residential construction drops to 13-year low: Germany reports lowest residential construction levels since 2013.
• Prince William visits housing project, puts his estate to work for communities: Prince William participated in a community housing project, supporting local development initiatives.
• Critical bridge replacement marks final step of $1.3 billion I-80 corridor modernization, a cornerstone of Rebuild Illinois: Illinois embarks on the final stage of its extensive I-80 corridor infrastructure project.

.