May 24, 2026 to May 30, 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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Environment channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Mining. Also consider subscribing to our Environment - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 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 Hearing: Oversight of the United States Forest Service: The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee will convene an open hearing titled 'Oversight of the United States Forest Service' on June 2, 2026, in Dirksen 106.
• Senate Hearing: Advancing the Blue Economy: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries will review advancing fisheries, maritime strength, and coastal economies in a hearing on June 2, 2026, Russell 253.
• House Hearing: Legislative Update on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Bills: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries holds a legislative hearing on bills affecting marine mammals and national monuments on June 3, 2026, Longworth 1324.
• House Hearing: Mobile Source Requirements Under the Clean Air Act: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment examines Clean Air Act mobile source provisions in a hearing on June 3, 2026, Rayburn 2123.
• House Hearing: Science and Technology in Environmental Protection: The House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment convenes June 4, 2026, Rayburn 2318, to review advances in science and technology for environmental protection.

Federal Government News

Executive Order Rescinds Restrictions on Off-Road Vehicle Use on Federal Lands

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order on May 29, 2026, revoking Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which previously governed off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs federal agencies to revise or rescind related regulations, citing advancements in technology and existing statutory frameworks for land management, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Land Policy and Management Act. The administration's rationale includes removing what it characterized as outdated criteria that restricted energy production, recreational access, and infrastructure operations. The directive does not create enforceable individual rights and will be implemented based on available legal and budgetary authority.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Montana Regulatory Program Amended Under SMCRA

On May 29, 2026, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement approved Montana’s amendment to its surface mining program following House Bill 587. The update defines 'material damage' to the hydrologic balance, alluvial valley floors, and subsidence, and allows permit applicants to submit self-collected hydrologic data if government data are unavailable. The amendment’s effective date is June 29, 2026. OSM found the new definitions consistent with federal statutes and regulations, noting the amendment does not supersede any federal water quality requirements or affect tribal consultation obligations. Multiple public comments were received and addressed in the approval notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Availability of New Environmental Impact Statements

On May 29, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency published its weekly notice of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) filed between May 18 and 22, 2026. Projects covered include Waterville Valley Resort’s expansion (NH), invasive plant management in Lincoln National Forest (NM), Grand Targhee Master Development Plan (WY), ash impoundment closure at Johnsonville Fossil Plant (TN), and continued operation of Sandia National Laboratories (NM). The draft and final EISs include contact information for public comments, with deadlines ranging from late June to August 2026. All EPA comments on these EISs are available online.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Revises NEPA Procedures for Bureau of Reclamation Hydropower

The Department of the Interior revised its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures for the Bureau of Reclamation by adding two new categorical exclusions for hydropower-related actions on May 29, 2026. The exclusions streamline NEPA compliance for activities shown to have no significant impacts, including non-federal hydropower development on existing facilities and routine maintenance or replacement of hydropower equipment. These changes align with Executive Order 14154 and Secretary’s Order 3418, supporting Reclamation’s Hydropower Action Plan to improve energy production and operational efficiency. Extraordinary circumstances review will still apply prior to use of the exclusions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Forest Service Withdraws EIS for Camp Hale Restoration Project

On May 27, 2026, the Forest Service announced withdrawal of its Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Camp Hale Restoration and Enhancement Project in Eagle County, Colorado. The withdrawal allows the agency to re-evaluate resource needs in the project area. The original notice of intent was published in March 2015. Stakeholder and public inquiries can be directed to the regional NEPA Coordinator.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 9023: Amend SMCRA for Enhanced Environmental Controls

The bill seeks to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) to strengthen environmental controls over surface coal mining. Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 9029: SMCRA Amendment to Protect Taxpayers From Reclamation Liability

This legislation would amend SMCRA to address taxpayer liability related to reclamation of surface coal mining operations. The latest action is referral to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 9035: Bankruptcy Reform for Oil, Gas, and Coal Reclamation Obligations

H.R. 9035 aims to amend Title 11 of the U.S. Code, requiring bankrupt oil, gas, and coal companies to fulfill environmental reclamation obligations. Currently before both the Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 9034: Decommissioning Accounts for Offshore Oil and Gas

This measure proposes amendments to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act by establishing fitness standards and decommissioning escrow accounts for offshore operators. The bill is under review by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Rivers set free: Why countries are tearing down hundreds of dams: Governments in multiple regions increase efforts to remove river barriers to restore ecosystem function.
• Opinion | The Environmental Defense Fund Makes It Harder to Reduce Emissions: WSJ editorial questions the efficacy of certain environmental group litigation strategies on emission abatement.
• SMX and The Age of Parity: Why Recycled Plastic Is Moving From Green Promise to Economic Necessity: Growing demand and regulatory pressure push recycled plastics toward mainstream adoption.
• Brazilian court orders restoration of Fordlandia, Henry Ford’s Amazon ghost town: A Brazilian judge instructs authorities to rehabilitate the Amazon site of Fordlandia.
• Opinion | The ‘Renewable’ Boondoggle: Analysis critiques large-scale renewable energy projects for inefficiencies and economic cost.
• Mining and Quarrying: Sector coverage and updates on US and global mining industry activity.
• It Was Supposed to Be a Lifeline for a Blue-Collar Town. Then Trump Returned.: Political shifts affect wind energy projects in Massachusetts port communities.
• Florida’s famed agriculture industry faces bumper crop of natural disasters: Florida growers contend with a series of climate-related challenges impacting citrus and other crops.
• Opinion | The Curse of Climate Anxiety: Commentary examines psychological impacts of climate change concerns.

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