May 10, 2026 to May 16, 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
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing – Land and Forest Management Bills: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands will hold a legislative hearing May 21, 2026, at 1324 Longworth House Office Building. Bills up for discussion include Action Versus No Action Act, New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act, road construction on National Forest System lands, Accelerating Forest Management Act, Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Reduction Act, and Military Land Withdrawals near Yuma Proving Ground.

Federal Government News

EPA Delegates Federal Plan Authority to Northwest Clean Air Agency for Sewage Sludge Incineration Units

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized delegation of authority for implementing and enforcing Federal plan requirements targeting sewage sludge incineration units to the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) in Washington. The affected area includes Island, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties, not Indian land, with the Memorandum of Agreement effective since December 2018. NWCAA assumes oversight for emission limits and control requirements, including inventory, public hearing, and regulatory compliance obligations. EPA updated regulatory text at 40 CFR part 62, subpart WW, formalizing the transfer, which does not alter existing substantive regulations. The delegation is part of EPA's ongoing efforts to streamline Federal plan administration for designated facilities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Announces Import Status for Swimming Crab Fisheries under Marine Mammal Protection Act

The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued new comparability findings for swimming crab fisheries in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, determining these are now comparable to U.S. standards for minimizing marine mammal bycatch. Imports from these sources may continue, following a settlement that required reconsideration after initial September 2025 bans. Philippine swimming crab fisheries were deemed non-comparable, and their products will be prohibited beginning June 11, 2026. Details are available in the April 2026 Decision Memorandum, with other previous findings maintained. These findings directly affect permitted fish and fish product imports according to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Availability of Environmental Impact Statements for Nebraska and Utah Watershed Projects

EPA posted Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for two watershed projects: Elm and Turkey Creeks in Nebraska (Final, review period ending June 15, 2026) and Wellsville Canyon in Utah (Draft, comment period ending June 29, 2026). The agency shared its Clean Air Act Section 309 comments publicly, encouraging stakeholders to access summaries and full EISs through EPA's online portal. Project contacts are Melissa Baier for Nebraska and Ammon Boswell for Utah. All submitted comments and EPA's analysis are maintained and accessible online for review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Marks the Anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

The White House issued a Presidential Message commemorating the 222nd anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which began May 14, 1804, commissioned by President Jefferson. The Corps of Discovery mapped the Louisiana Territory, documented wildlife and plant species, and reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. The statement credits Sacagawea and indigenous guides with vital roles and notes the expedition's influence on westward expansion and scientific understanding. The anniversary is presented as a celebration of national commitment to innovation and exploration.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NMFS Issues Incidental Harassment Authorization for Marine Mammals in Shelter Cove, California

The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a one-year Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Bureau of Land Management for marine mammal takings incidental to the Mal Coombs Stairway Replacement Project in Shelter Cove, California. The application was reviewed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and National Environmental Policy Act, with mitigation protocols and monitoring requirements prescribed. No comments were received during the public review period, affirming the original proposal and regulatory analysis. This action is categorically excluded from further NEPA review, and no Endangered Species Act-listed species are affected.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To prohibit the import of goods sourced from deforestation and bar their sale in interstate commerce

Bill 8744 proposes prohibiting imports of certain goods produced or derived from deforestation and restricting their commercial distribution within the U.S. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, and additionally to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce for jurisdictional review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Reduction Act

Bill 8688, titled Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Reduction Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. The bill addresses management strategies and risk mitigation for wildfires and forest health on public lands.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Accelerating Forest Management Act

Bill 8682, the Accelerating Forest Management Act, was sent to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. It seeks to enhance forest management activities and expedite certain procedural requirements for land management agencies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act

Bill 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, was presented to the President after advancing through the House. Focusing on public lands and natural resource management, its progression indicates imminent enactment.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To create dedicated funds for conservation of butterflies, Pacific Islands plants, freshwater mussels, and desert fish

Bill 4543 establishes dedicated funds for conserving butterflies in North America, Pacific Islands flora, freshwater mussels in the United States, and desert fish in the Southwest. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Bipartisan Senate Push Aims to Reduce Water Waste at Data Centers: Senators introduce measures targeting water efficiency in U.S. data centers.
• Indonesia wants to reforest 12 million hectares of degraded land, may sell carbon offsets, minister says: Indonesia plans large-scale reforestation and explores carbon offset sales.
• US EPA moves to speed clean air permits for power plants, industry: EPA considers mechanisms to expedite air permit approvals for major industries.
• They’ve Got a Plan to Combat Global Warming (and Also Russian Tanks): Lithuania invests in peatland restoration as dual strategy for climate and defense.
• US EPA proposes delaying enforcement of Biden vehicle pollution rule: EPA submits proposal to postpone implementation of vehicle emission standards.
• How a ‘Model’ for Climate Migration Became a Cautionary Tale: A Louisiana relocation project raises questions about climate migration strategies.
• New Zealand state farming goes bush in support of nature credit market: New Zealand state farms commit land for nature credit pilot markets.
• Beware of Wolves, but Straw Houses Could Help With Climate Change: Straw-bale construction emerges as a low-carbon housing solution.
• Opinion | Judges and the Climate Tort Lobby: Judicial challenges in environmental lawsuits examined.

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