July 05, 2026 to July 11, 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 Committee Markup – Water Rights, Conservation, and Marine Mammal Act Amendments: The House Natural Resources Committee will meet July 15 to mark up bills addressing Crow Tribe water settlements, conservation in Nevada, NOAA workplace protections, marine mammal trophy imports, Chesapeake Bay restoration, water research, and North Atlantic right whale regulation extension.
• Senate Subcommittee Hearing – Colorado Special Management Areas, Offshore Decommissioning, and Mining Permits: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee will hold a hearing July 15 on bills designating conservation areas in Colorado, managing Douglas County lands, offshore oil and gas decommissioning, geothermal permitting reforms, and hardrock mineral resources.
• Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Business Meeting – Water Resources Development Act and Fish and Wildlife Nominee: On July 15, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will consider the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 and the nomination of Kevin Lilly for Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife.

Federal Government News

Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a final rule implementing Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) resolutions, effective July 7, 2026. The new measures reduce the closure for purse seine vessels targeting tropical tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean from 72 to 64 days, providing U.S. fleets with additional fishing days. Vessel owners of class 4-6 purse seiners must pay a one-time fee of $6.16 per cubic meter of well capacity to support the Regional Tuna Tagging Program. Changes include revised procedures for the safe handling and release of sea turtles, reporting requirements for all observed sea turtle interactions, FAD satellite buoy restrictions, updated vessel assessment fee deadlines, and technical corrections to regulatory language and cross-references. The rule satisfies U.S. obligations under the Antigua Convention and stays in effect until amended or replaced by future IATTC resolutions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Draft Guidance for PFOS/PFOA Risk Reduction in Biosolids

On July 6, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency released a draft memorandum providing voluntary recommendations for wastewater treatment plant operators, landowners, and state agencies regarding PFOS and PFOA mitigation in biosolids. The guidance proposes practices for surface disposal, incineration, and land application of sewage sludge, aiming to clarify EPA expectations following critiques of the agency's earlier Draft Risk Assessment. Stakeholders may submit feedback on the draft for 60 days, with EPA seeking data on best management practices, source reduction approaches from state programs, and strategies related to land use decisions. Comments will inform future guidance and potential regulatory changes related to PFAS management in biosolids.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Information Collection for Source Water Protection (Renewal)

The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting feedback on its proposed extension of the information collection request for source water protection program data. All U.S. states submit annual progress reports describing risk reduction strategies for community water systems, with new streamlined digital tracking expected to reduce reporting burdens. EPA anticipates decreased respondent hours as a result of improved state database systems and direct submission to the Safe Drinking Water Information System. Public comments are open until September 8, 2026, and will inform reporting practices and database improvements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House CEQ Permitting Innovators Expo Announcement

The White House Council on Environmental Quality announced selected technology solutions for the inaugural Permitting Innovators Expo, scheduled for July 31, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The Expo highlights industry tools that address technology gaps in environmental review and permitting, including document analysis, workflow management, data integration, and automation. Solutions will be showcased to federal agencies and leaders, and featured in the Permitting Innovators Solutions Catalog distributed later this year. The Expo is a direct response to President Trump's directive to modernize federal permitting processes through technological innovation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Endangered Species Act Permit Modification Request for Kennebec River Sampling

The National Marine Fisheries Service announced receipt of a permit modification application from the Midwest Biodiversity Institute for electrofishing surveys in Maine’s Kennebec River system. The request seeks to increase incidental take limits for listed shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic salmon due to expanded study areas and increased species encounters. Conservation measures outlined include strict seasonal limits, coordination with NOAA and Maine agencies, trained personnel, and adaptive management protocols. Comments on the application are open until August 6, 2026; final permit determinations will follow National Environmental Policy Act review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bear Poaching Elimination Act

Bill 9631, the Bear Poaching Elimination Act, was introduced and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, with additional referrals to Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means. The bill targets the prevention of bear poaching and cross-jurisdictional enforcement, awaiting committee consideration before further legislative action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026

Bill 9621, Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026, has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The legislation aims to support management actions directed at protecting endangered salmon populations from predation. Pending committee discussions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Common Sense 250 Act of 2026

Bill 9600, titled Common Sense 250 Act of 2026, entered review in the House Committee on Natural Resources. The bill addresses resource management and environmental regulatory concerns, currently in early committee review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026

Bill 9593, Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill proposes restrictions on PFAS in food containers, with Health and Commerce policy implications for industry compliance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump Cuts Habitat Protections for Endangered Species: The Trump administration modifies Endangered Species Act rules, reducing habitat protections for threatened species.
• Critics claim industry bias is driving EPA actions on ‘forever chemicals’: Allegations persist that EPA decisions on PFAS may favor industry interests amid regulatory discussions.
• He Wanted to Track Microplastics in the Sea. The E.P.A. Fired Him.: An EPA scientist investigating ocean microplastics was terminated, raising concerns over agency research priorities.
• Trump administration rule weakens protections for threatened species: Revised federal rules reduce regulatory safeguards for species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
• Trump administration rolls back a key protection for imperiled wildlife: Habitat-protection provisions for imperiled wildlife are reversed by the Trump administration.
• Trump admin scraps ‘weaponized’ wildlife rule that became 'burden' on American families and businesses: Burgum: The administration repeals the wildlife rule, citing the regulatory burden on business and families.
• As East Africa’s oceans change, coastal women build new livelihoods: Kenyan women adapt to climate-related shifts in marine resources by developing alternative income strategies.
• Bumper haul of Pacific bluefin tuna a double-edged sword for Japan's fishermen: A significant bluefin tuna harvest in Japan poses both benefits and challenges for local fishermen.

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