April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

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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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• "Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining" — House Education and Workforce Committee: The House Education and Workforce Committee will convene a hearing titled "Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining" at 9:15 a.m. ET on May 8, 2026, at Vincennes University Gibson County Center in Fort Branch, IN.

Federal Government News

Presidential Permit Issued for Bridger Pipeline Expansion at Montana-Canada Border

President Donald J. Trump granted a Presidential permit to Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC on April 30, 2026, authorizing the company to construct, connect, operate, and maintain facilities to transport crude oil and petroleum products across the U.S.–Canada border in Phillips County, Montana. The permit restricts activities to crude oil and petroleum products but excludes natural gas, and includes multiple conditions regarding compliance with federal, state, and local laws, environmental standards, inspection, security, and facility removal upon termination. Transferred interests must be approved in writing by the U.S. government, with the permit outlining indemnification, reporting, and inspection provisions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Proposes CERCLA Settlement for Goodrich Asbestos Superfund Site in Oklahoma

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed an administrative settlement under CERCLA Section 122(h)(1) for the Goodrich Asbestos Superfund Site in Miami, Ottawa County, Oklahoma. Under the agreement, Allan Kaspar will pay $100,000 to EPA to resolve potential CERCLA Section 106 and 107(a) claims. The proposal is based on an ability-to-pay analysis. The settlement is open for public comment until June 1, 2026, with the EPA retaining the right to modify or withdraw consent depending on comments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Lower Columbia River Channel Maintenance Plan EIS Notice

The Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of the Final Integrated Dredged Material Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Lower Columbia River Channel Maintenance Plan. The statement reviews ongoing maintenance dredging activities and associated impacts. The review period ends on May 29, 2026, with the Army Corps of Engineers as the lead agency.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

H.J.Res. 140 Signed: 2023 Mining Moratorium on 225,504 Acres in Minnesota Disapproved

On April 27, 2026, H.J.Res. 140 was signed into law by President Trump, effectively disapproving the Bureau of Land Management’s 2023 Public Land Order that had withdrawn 225,504 acres of National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota, from mineral and geothermal leasing for 20 years.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NOAA Proposes Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammals in Alaska Dock Repair

NOAA received a request from Coeur Alaska, Inc. for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Kensington Dock repair in Berners Bay, Alaska. Activities include pile driving (vibratory, impact, DTH), with analysis of potential effects on marine mammals and mitigation measures. The draft Incidental Harassment Authorization proposes takes by Level B harassment only and is open for comment until May 29, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

State Government News

New York Awards $3 Million to 14 Long Island Aquaculture Businesses

Governor Hochul announced $3 million in infrastructure grants to 14 Long Island aquaculture businesses, as part of the Blue Food Transformation initiative and disaster relief for Suffolk County growers after severe winter losses.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas Adds Palo Pinto County to Severe Weather Disaster Declaration

Governor Abbott expanded the Texas disaster declaration for severe storms to include Palo Pinto County, bringing the total to four counties. Damage assessments are ongoing, and Texans are encouraged to submit reports using the iSTAT tool.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Pennsylvania Flags at Half-Staff for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Governor Shapiro ordered U.S. and Commonwealth flags to be flown at half-staff on May 3 to honor Pennsylvania firefighters lost in the line of duty during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

Sources: pacast.com

New York Landmarks Illuminated Red for Fallen Firefighters Memorials

Governor Hochul directed 17 state landmarks to be lit red on May 2 for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters to honor those who died in service, coinciding with the national memorial ceremony May 3.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Connecticut Budget Features Funding for Education, Housing, and Transportation

Governor Lamont described the FY 2027 budget adjustment as providing new investments in education, housing, transportation, municipal aid, early childhood, and addressing unfunded liabilities, alongside several targeted tax changes and appropriations.

Sources: portal.ct.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• As Wildfire Risks Rise, Forest Service Shutters Labs That Study Them: The U.S. Forest Service is closing wildfire research labs despite increasing wildfire risks.
• EU to remove leather from anti-deforestation law after industry pressure, officials say: The EU reportedly plans to exempt leather from its anti-deforestation law following lobbying by industry groups.
• Trump lifts ban on mining near Boundary Waters, clearing way for Chilean company to seek permits: President Trump’s action ends the mining moratorium near Minnesota's Boundary Waters, allowing new permit applications.
• The E.P.A.’s Lost Science: Coverage on EPA scientific staff reductions and program changes affecting research and regulatory work.
• A Supreme Court case over pesticides is bringing out the ‘MAHA moms’ — and threats of consequences for the midterms: Grassroots groups are organizing around the Supreme Court’s deliberations regarding pesticide regulation.

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