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: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 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

• Senate Environment and Public Works Committee: Hearings on Great Lakes Restoration: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on April 15 to examine restoration efforts in the Great Lakes Region at Dirksen 562.
• House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: United States Forest Service Budget Hearing: The Subcommittee will conduct a budget hearing for the United States Forest Service on April 16, with Chief Tom Schultz testifying at Rayburn 2008.

Federal Government News

CEQ Guidance on Categorical Exclusions under NEPA

The Council on Environmental Quality published guidance for federal agencies on categorical exclusions (CEs) under NEPA, intended to streamline project reviews and reduce permitting burdens. The new guidance incorporates amendments from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and supersedes previous NEPA regulations. Digital tools such as the CE Explorer database and CE Works have been introduced to simplify CE application processes, aiding agency compliance and permitting efficiency. CEQ Chairman Katherine Scarlett stated the goal is to facilitate practical permitting with efficient environmental review standards.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

BLM Proposed NEPA Categorical Exclusion for Timber Salvage on Federal Lands

The Department of the Interior released a proposal to revise NEPA implementing procedures for the Bureau of Land Management, restoring and expanding a categorical exclusion for timber salvage harvest. The proposed exclusion permits salvage harvests up to 5,000 acres under defined circumstances, citing historical data demonstrating limited significant environmental effects for such operations. The Notice invites public comment until May 6, with supporting substantiation reports and associated restrictions on permanent and temporary road construction, erosion control, species management, and public safety considerations. The measure aligns with Executive Order 14225 calling for immediate expansion of American timber production.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM Proposed NEPA Categorical Exclusion for Forest Density Management

The Department of the Interior proposes a new NEPA categorical exclusion for forest and woodland density management, extending the threshold for excluded projects to 5,000 acres from the previous 70-acre limit. Actions covered include thinning, chipping, burning, restoration, and road construction with specifications to mitigate environmental impacts. This revision is based on analysis of 1,800 projects since 1990 and intends to address wildfire risk, forest health, and operational constraints. Public comments are solicited by May 6, 2026; the change retains the existing CE for smaller-scale projects.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Receives and Posts Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)

The Environmental Protection Agency issued its weekly notice of Environmental Impact Statements received March 30 to April 6. EISs filed include pipeline projects in Mississippi and Texas, water supply in Iowa, nuclear construction in Tennessee, watershed planning in North Dakota, and air training in Oregon, with ongoing comment periods. EPA’s review and comment postings are available online; Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act mandates public access.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Rescinds Fishing Restrictions in Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument

NOAA issued a final rule lifting commercial fishing prohibitions within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, effective April 3. This action conforms federal regulations to the February 6 Presidential Proclamation Unleashing Commercial Fishing in the Atlantic. The rule eliminates 50 CFR 600.725(x), clarifies permitted activities, and is designated deregulatory under Executive Order 14192, requiring no additional tribal consultation or regulatory flexibility analysis.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 4219 - National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Act of 2025

This bill aims to establish strike teams for invasive species management in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The latest action is referral to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8238 - EPA and Commerce Collaboration on Revitalization of Environmental Contamination Sites

The bill directs EPA and the Secretary of Commerce to collaborate for economic revitalization of contaminated sites. It was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure, Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce Committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 6409 - FENCES Act

The FENCES Act, related to environmental protection, is currently placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 514.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 6387 - FIRE Act

The FIRE Act addresses environmental protection measures for fire management and is listed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 515.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8195 - Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

This bill sets provisions for cormorant management and is referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 6398 - RED Tape Act

The RED Tape Act, in the environmental protection category, is placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 516.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 6251 - Amend Marine Mammal Protection Act for Polar Bear Trophy Imports

This bill would allow importation of polar bear trophies from sport hunts in Canada predating threatened species designation. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 7288 - Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act

The bill authorizes a feasibility study for water supply projects in Western South Dakota and has been referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The fight for control of an iconic Florida fish scales up: Reporting on red snapper fishery management disputes in Florida.
• E.P.A. Targets Microplastics and Drugs in Drinking Water: EPA announces steps to address microplastics and pharmaceutical contamination in U.S. water supplies.
• Exclusive: JPMorgan strikes carbon removal deal that doubles as wildfire prevention: JPMorgan enters a carbon removal partnership with wildfire mitigation benefits.
• Opinion | Maine Shouldn’t Miss the Infrastructure Boom: Editorial on Maine’s infrastructure opportunities amid federal funding.
• Investors push for action to end deforestation and human rights risks in nickel mining: Investors advocate policy changes in nickel mining to reduce deforestation risks.
• Ocean protections clash with mining pressure in Indonesia’s most diverse marine ecosystem: Examination of tensions between conservation and mining in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat region.

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