This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news regarding the environment, climate change policies, fish and wildlife protection, habitat conservation, environmental activism, and forestry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Critical Habitat Designation Proposed for 22 Mariana Islands Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the designation of critical habitat for 22 species of wildlife and plants in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal covers approximately 59,886 acres across 41 areas and details habitat features for mammals, reptiles, snails, butterflies, damselflies, orchids, forest plants, and savanna plants. Areas already managed under approved military plans are exempt, and some conservation areas may be considered for exclusion. The agency’s economic analysis projects less than $31,300 in total incremental annual costs. The Service is accepting public comments for 60 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Requests Public Input on Clean Water Act Financial Capability Assessment Guidance

EPA has opened a public comment period for its Clean Water Act Financial Capability Assessment (FCA) Guidance, which informs how the agency evaluates municipal financial capability to meet regulatory obligations on water infrastructure and standards. The agency seeks comment on the effectiveness of poverty metrics, potential inclusion of cost of living adjustments, appropriate compliance schedule lengths, and if further guidance is needed to account for asset management, stormwater, and drinking water costs in water quality analyses. The comment deadline is May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Forest Service Seeks Input on Extension of Data Collection for Logging Operations

The Forest Service is requesting comments on its plan to extend the information collection approval for data systems on forest industries and logging operations, as required by federal law for timber usage and harvest monitoring. The agency collects mill and harvest utilization data and provides public access to summaries relevant for industry and policy decisions. Comments on the extension are due by May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Bureau of Indian Affairs Proposes Renewal of Water Request Information Collection

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is proposing to renew its information collection (No. 1076-0141) regarding water usage requests for irrigation projects it owns and operates, to ensure accurate customer billing and eligibility assessment. The notice seeks public comment on utility and burden by April 27, 2026. No changes to the forms or procedures are proposed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Proposed Settlement for Richardson Flat Tailings Superfund Site, Utah

EPA announced a proposed settlement agreement with LHM DEV RIH LLC for performance of a response action and payment of response costs at the Richardson Flat Tailings Superfund Site (Operable Unit 1) in Summit County, Utah. The agreement, negotiated under CERCLA, sets requirements for the purchaser’s cleanup actions and public comment is open through April 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

American Water Stewardship Act (H.R. 6422)

The American Water Stewardship Act was received in the Senate on March 25 and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The bill, concerning water stewardship and environmental protection, is under review for further legislative action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill to Amend the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (S. 4234)

S. 4234, which would amend the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act for improved administration, was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act (H.R. 6893)

The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act was the subject of subcommittee hearings, with focus on advancing watershed training, restoration, and research initiatives.

Sources: www.congress.gov

ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (H.R. 1897)

The ESA Amendments Act of 2025, addressing updates to the Endangered Species Act, has been placed on the Union Calendar (No. 489) in the House, pending further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill to Require Data Center Operators to Report Energy and Water Use (S. 4213)

Senate bill S. 4213 would mandate data center operators to submit reports to state and federal agencies on energy and water utilization; it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Residents and wildlife along Mexico's coast bear the brunt of Pemex oil spill: Coastal communities and wildlife in Mexico are facing ongoing disruption after a Pemex offshore oil spill.
• With a Landmark Report and Historic Investments, California Doubles Down on Ocean Health: California released a major report and new funding commitments aimed at advancing ocean health and marine protections.
• What you might have missed: March's most-read fishing news: National Fisherman shared highlights from the month's most-read stories in the commercial fishing sector.

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