June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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

• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Business Meeting: Restoration Fund Reauthorization: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will convene June 17 to consider S.1547, a bill to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.
• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Hearing: State of U.S. Territories: An open hearing on June 17 will examine the status of U.S. Territories, held by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Dirksen 366.

Federal Government News

Trump Administration Removes Commercial Fishing Restrictions in Pacific Marine Monuments

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on June 11 that rescinds monument-based fishing prohibitions and allows U.S.-flagged vessels to operate commercially in newly accessible areas including the Papahānaumokuākea, Mariana Trench, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments. The move relies on existing federal management frameworks, specifically the Magnuson-Stevens Act, to regulate fisheries and marine resources. Certain existing restrictions remain until modified. NOAA has begun action to deregulate fisheries, increase catch limits, and adapt federal regulations as directed by the proclamation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act Signed Into Law

S. 254 was signed June 12, amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act. States will be prohibited from restricting interstate commerce or possession of marine mammal ivory, bone, and baleen when used by Alaska Natives to create authentic handicrafts and garments.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Incidental Take Permits Issued for Marine Mammal Pile Dike Repairs, Columbia River

The National Marine Fisheries Service issued two incidental harassment authorizations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on June 10 for pile dike repairs at Miller Sands Island, Rice Island, and Cottonwood Island. The authorizations allow minimal take of marine mammals for both projects, effective for up to one year from issuance. Monitoring and mitigation requirements are included; no ESA-listed marine mammals are affected.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Point Blue Conservation Science Receives Marine Mammal IHA for Seabird Research

NMFS authorized incidental harassment for marine mammals during seabird research at South Farallon Islands, Año Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes Headlands. The permit is effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Monitoring and reporting requirements apply, and no ESA-listed species are expected to be impacted.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Input on Voluntary Prelisting Conservation Actions

On June 12, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice for renewal of its information collection regarding voluntary conservation actions for unlisted species. States participating must track actions and report annually, facilitating mitigation credit for landowners if species are later listed. Estimated annual burden is 1,925 hours, with comments accepted until August 11.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025

Bill 3276 was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute (amended) by unanimous consent in the House. It relates to conservation incentives and bird habitat stewardship.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act of 2026

Bill 5929, focusing on environmental protection and minerals, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 602.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act

Bill 1288 passed Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee without amendment, proposing designation and stewardship of the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Wildfire Prevention Act of 2025

Bill 140, focused on public lands and wildfire management, was ordered to be reported favorably with amendments by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act

Bill 3693, concerning water resources development, was ordered to be reported favorably with amendments by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump restores commercial fishing in protected areas of Pacific Ocean: USA Today examines the presidential move to allow commercial fishing in previously protected Pacific marine areas.
• Pentagon reviews are blocking wind farms, putting jobs at risk, lawsuit says: AP reports that Pentagon reviews are cited in a suit as a barrier to wind energy projects and job creation.
• The race to bolster the ocean’s potential to combat climate change: Reuters covers current initiatives to expand ocean-based climate mitigation strategies.
• Exclusive: Tata's iPhone parts factory contaminated farmland water, India pollution body alleges: Reuters reports alleged contamination of farmland water linked to Tata’s factory in India.
• Inside the campaign to discredit a key climate science report: Politico explores organized attempts to undermine a major climate science assessment.

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