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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Baltimore Marine Construction Projects Receive Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs)

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed two consecutive Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) for the Federal Highway Administration for the Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Project in Baltimore, Maryland. These IHAs would allow temporary take, by Level B harassment only, of Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins due to underwater noise from pile driving associated with bridge demolition and construction. The authorizations prescribe monitoring and mitigation, including bubble curtains, soft starts for pile driving, and protected species observers. Public comment is open until May 22, 2026. No take by Level A harassment or mortality is proposed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Sparrows Point Container Terminal Project IHA Proposed for Marine Mammal Take

NMFS has also proposed two consecutive IHAs for Tradepoint TiL Terminal, LLC’s Sparrows Point Container Terminal (SPCT) project, also in Baltimore County, MD. The authorizations would cover dolphin exposure to underwater noise from pile driving for terminal construction between June 2026 and May 2028. The IHAs require monitoring, pre- and post-activity clearance, and sound field verification. Level B harassment is the only take proposed. Public comments are requested by May 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Seeks Comment on Renewal of TSCA Section 8(e) Substantial Risk Notification ICR

The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an Information Collection Request renewal to OMB covering Notification of Substantial Risk of Injury to Health and the Environment under TSCA Section 8(e). The request covers ICR 0794.18, OMB #2070-0046, due for renewal in April 2026. The EPA estimates 40 respondents will generate 27,883 hours of burden annually, reflecting an increase in annual Section 8(e) submissions from 343 to 552. Comments on the ICR are due by May 26, 2026, and may be submitted online or by mail.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Arbor Day Message and Tree Planting

On April 24, the President recognized Arbor Day, marking the 154th anniversary of the observance in the United States, by planting two American chestnut trees at the White House. The message noted the economic and ecological importance of forests and woodlands, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to responsible land management and preservation, and encouraged Americans to plant trees in their communities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Environmental Assessments Released for Hydropower Projects in New York and Oregon

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Environmental Assessments for EONY Generation Limited’s Moose River Hydroelectric Project (No. 4349, Lewis County, NY) and PacifiCorp’s Fall Creek development. Staff found that continued licensing and the administrative removal of certain project elements would not significantly affect human or natural environmental quality. Comments for Moose River’s EA are due by May 21, 2026, and for Fall Creek by May 15, 2026.

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

Legislative Updates

Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026 (H.R. 8474)

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and addresses policies related to urban forestry and neighborhood tree planting. No further congressional action has been reported.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 (H.R. 8259)

The bill seeks to improve consultation processes for federal water projects impacting wildlife and fisheries. It was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries on April 22.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A resolution raising awareness of lake sturgeon (S. Res. 683)

This Senate resolution, regarding conservation awareness for lake sturgeon, was introduced and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works as of April 22, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To provide for the conservation of wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity (H.R. 8438)

This bill was referred to multiple House committees, including Natural Resources, Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Armed Services, to address wildlife corridors and habitat issue areas.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act (H.R. 7287)

The measure would authorize feasibility studies for expanding the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. On April 22, it was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Admitted to IUCN, Expands Conservation Partnerships

California announced official membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature, becoming one of the first and largest subnational governments admitted. The move enables closer cooperation with global partners on climate, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity, and positions California to help develop IUCN’s subnational strategy.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Ohio Opens Appalachian Hills Visitor Center and Jesse Owens State Park Cabins

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources opened the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center and a campground with cabins at Jesse Owens State Park, located in reclaimed mining land in the Appalachian region. The facilities aim to support outdoor recreation, tourism, and environmental education.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

New York Proceeds with $278 Million Arverne East Affordable, Sustainable Housing Project

Governor Kathy Hochul announced groundbreaking for Arverne East Building D in Far Rockaway, part of a larger project that will deliver 1,650 homes—80% affordable—and resilient to flooding. The site will be fossil fuel-free, powered by solar and geothermal, and includes rental and homeownership units.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

California's Delta Conveyance Project Moves Forward

Governor Newsom’s Delta Conveyance Project, intended to secure the state’s water supply through the State Water Project, received support from the Delta Stewardship Council, confirming certification of consistency with the Delta Reform Act and Delta Plan. Only two technical issues remain. Approval advances the project toward final permitting and construction.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New York Announces $16.6 Million for Seaway Trail Bridge and Culvert Improvements

Governor Hochul launched a project to replace six bridges and one culvert along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail in Jefferson County. The upgrades are expected to improve water flow, reduce maintenance, and provide upgraded access to regional parks and recreation sites.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Environmental Groups Sue to Block BP’s Plan to Drill in Deep Gulf Waters: Environmental groups filed litigation seeking to halt BP’s deepwater drilling plans in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Why nature risk for companies is far bigger than deforestation: Analysis explores business risks associated with nature loss beyond deforestation.
• Consumers are lost at sea as seafood sustainability grows more complex: Complexity around sustainable seafood labels is creating confusion for consumers.
• Judge Halts Trump Actions Aimed at Throttling Renewable Energy: A judge ordered a pause on Trump administration rollbacks targeting solar and wind energy.
• E&E News: Consumers adrift as seafood sustainability gets complicated: Reporting examines the rising complexity of sustainability certifications in seafood markets.
• A New Bureau Will Oversee Both Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining: The Interior Department is establishing a bureau to regulate both offshore drilling and mineral extraction from the seabed.
• Investors urge UK audit watchdog to scrutinize HSBC's climate accounting: Investors are pressing the UK audit regulator to review HSBC's handling of climate-related accounting disclosures.
• The world is searching for oil. This summit is looking to get rid of it.: An international climate summit in Colombia debates strategies to reduce global oil dependence.
• Climate and Environment - Page 4: The New York Times' climate section covers recent updates and ongoing environmental issues.
• Consumers adrift as seafood sustainability gets complicated: Seafood markets face increasing challenges over competing sustainable fishery certifications.

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