June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

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

Federal Government News

White House NEPA Reforms Announced

The Trump Administration released new reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act, as detailed by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, with participation from over 60 federal agencies. Adjustments include a shift towards a 'Categorical Exclusions-First Approach,' expedited environmental reviews, and faster permitting. The Department of the Interior now permits many energy projects in under 28 days, while the Bureau of Land Management reports approval of over 6,100 drilling permits. Measures are intended to reduce delays, save taxpayer funds, and facilitate domestic energy, infrastructure development, nuclear innovation, and critical conservation projects. Habitat restoration, invasive species management, and efficient forest management practices were also incorporated under these reforms.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Directive on Automobile Repair and Aftermarket Parts

President Trump issued a memorandum directing the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce regulatory burdens related to vehicle repairs and aftermarket parts certification under the Clean Air Act. The EPA is mandated to provide guidance within 30 days on permissible emissions repairs and to expedite the certification of aftermarket parts. The memorandum instructs the EPA to deprioritize enforcement actions against individuals conducting good-faith repairs, and considers intellectual property protection and statutory compliance. These actions respond to concerns over California Air Resources Board processes and previous emissions regulations, indicating changes in both certification and enforcement strategies for vehicle repairs.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NOAA Rule Revises Atlantic Cod Management in the Northeast

The National Marine Fisheries Service published a final rule revising the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan to reflect four Atlantic cod stock units: Georges Bank, Eastern Gulf of Maine, Western Gulf of Maine, and Southern New England. Newly defined geographic areas, status determination criteria, and catch limits are established for each stock, with specifications for both commercial and recreational allocations for fishing years 2026 and 2027. The action also modifies accountability and reporting for sector and common pool allocations, prohibits recreational retention of SNE cod, and adjusts trip limits for common pool vessels. Implementation is expedited to relieve restrictions of default catch limits and allow effective quota management for the current fishing year.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Mississippi Trustee Restoration Plan Targets Nutrient and Bird Recovery

The Department of the Interior released the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group Draft Restoration Plan 5 and Environmental Assessment for public comment, focusing on nutrient reduction and bird habitat restoration. The plan identifies three preferred alternatives with a proposed budget of $19.5 million, drawing funds from Deepwater Horizon settlement allocations. Projects include stormwater system enhancements in Moss Point, Mississippi, wetland habitat expansion for migratory birds in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, and the creation of beach/dune habitat on Cat Island. The activities follow Oil Pollution Act and NEPA procedures, with the administrative record available for review through official channels.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Environmental Impact Statements Filed for Major Infrastructure and Resource Projects

The Environmental Protection Agency published its weekly notice of availability for Environmental Impact Statements submitted by federal agencies. Projects filed include the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project in Texas, Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision in Oregon, Mississippi Crossing Project and South System Expansion, and the Wilmington Harbor Navigation Project in North Carolina. EPA comments, when available, are posted online for public review, and corresponding agencies provide contact information and deadlines for public feedback.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025

H.R. 3300, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, underwent a legislative reassignment to designate Representative Hurd (CO) as first sponsor, expanding opportunities for cosponsors and procedural revisions. The bill focuses on environmental protection and wildland firefighter safety and is currently positioned for further legislative activity.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

S. 629, titled the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025, was presented to the President after passage in both chambers. The measure relates to agricultural conservation programs and addresses procedures for emergency management of conservation resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Globally

H.R. 9507, a bill aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing worldwide, is now under review by multiple House committees, including Natural Resources, Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill targets international sources of IUU fishing and awaits committee consideration for provisions under jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, was referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. This legislation provides for development and management of water resources, with implications for habitat and water quality, and awaits further subcommittee action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Direct the Secretary of the Interior to Study Alternative Habitat for Manatees

H.R. 9590 directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on alternative habitat for certain manatees. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and is positioned for review concerning aquatic habitat and endangered species management.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump administration aims to cut regulations on US commercial fishing: Administration officials propose regulatory reductions for the commercial fishing sector.
• Many California fishermen are nearing retirement. Can the industry save its graying fleet?: California's commercial fishing fleet faces demographic shifts as many operators approach retirement.
• Sustainable Business: Analysis of sustainability practices and investment strategies in business operations.
• E Pluribus Algae: Why Green Pond Scum Is as American as Red, White and Blue: Examines the impact and cultural history of algae in U.S. landscapes.
• Hungary threatens clampdown on EV battery industry after pollution case: Hungarian authorities respond to environmental compliance issues in the electric vehicle battery sector.
• Hungary to launch new pollution watchdog for EV battery makers: A new regulatory body is created to oversee battery manufacturer pollution.
• Kenyan activists launch new court case against luxury lodges in Maasai Mara reserve: Conservation activists seek legal remedies for wildlife habitat impacts in the Maasai Mara.
• Tribes hope Farm Bill can feed more people and preserve Indigenous culture: Tribal organizations focus on shaping farm bill provisions for food security and cultural preservation.

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