August 02, 2026 to August 08, 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

NOAA Implements Adjustments to Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management (Framework 72)

NMFS issued an interim final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 72 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, effective August 4. The action incorporates updated status determination criteria for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, updates catch limits for 12 groundfish stocks—including multi-year projections through 2030—and modifies the process for setting recreational measures for Atlantic cod and haddock. Shared U.S.-Canada quotas for eastern Georges Bank cod, haddock, and yellowtail flounder reflect recent stock assessments, with the 2026 quotas reflecting increased allocations for cod and reductions for haddock and yellowtail flounder. The rule also removes the management uncertainty buffer for most sector sub-allocations, based on 100% at-sea monitoring coverage achieved this year, and outlines potential further adjustments following additional industry comments. Modest regulatory clarifications unrelated directly to Framework 72 are included under Secretarial authority.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Issues Incidental Harassment Authorizations for Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge Project, Columbia River

NMFS finalized two consecutive Incidental Harassment Authorizations for the Bonneville Lock 1 Bridge Replacement Project in Oregon, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with activities resulting in incidental take of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The IHAs are effective beginning December 2027, with mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures required. NMFS found no significant impact to affected species or stocks, and determined the project qualifies for categorical exclusion under NEPA. No take of ESA-listed species is anticipated and no public comments were received.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Issues Environmental Assessments for Multiple Hydroelectric Projects

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced the preparation or availability of environmental assessments for three hydroelectric projects. Marlow Hydro, LLC's Nash Mill Dam project in New Hampshire will have an EA issued for public review, with a targeted completion date of May 12, 2027. Scott's Mill Hydro, LLC's proposed project on Virginia's James River is the subject of an EA concluding licensure with protective measures would not cause significant environmental impact. Pacific Gas and Electric Company's application to continue Balch Hydroelectric Project operations in California, affecting over 500 acres of US Forest Service lands, was also the subject of an EA with a similar finding of non-major impact.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Issues Modified Incidental Harassment Authorization for Sitka, Alaska Marine Construction

NOAA issued a modified Incidental Harassment Authorization to the U.S. Coast Guard for marine construction activities linked to fast response cutter homeporting in Sitka, Alaska. The changes reflect a shift from steel to plastic piles for fenders and an updated calculation of take for killer whales (by stock) and humpback whales. Take estimates, mitigation, and monitoring measures remain in place. The project received ESA clearance following an internal consultation and the action is categorically excluded from additional NEPA review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Publishes Notice of EIS Filings and Adoptions by Federal Agencies

EPA announced its weekly receipt and public availability of Environmental Impact Statements, including draft and final supplements for projects ranging from military airspace optimization in South Dakota to federal adoption of EIS documents on military training and sonar testing. EPA comment letters are made available to the public under Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Congress Considers Resolution to Disapprove EPA Rule on PFAS Reporting

Bill 187, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the EPA’s rule modifying the start of PFAS reporting and recordkeeping under TSCA 8(a)(7), was rejected by the Senate in a 48-50 vote.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Introduced to Clarify Definition of Navigable Waters in Clean Water Act

Bill 5262 was introduced to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable waters. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Resolution Introduced to Disapprove Rule on California Small Off-Road Engine Standards

Bill 205 would nullify the EPA’s decision approving California's pollution control standards for small off-road engines. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Seeks to Amend Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act

Bill 5230 would require the Secretary of the Interior to approve state wildlife conservation and restoration programs within set timeframes. It was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Resolution on Endangered Species Act Rule Rescission

Bill 204, a joint resolution, aims to disapprove the rule rescinding the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act, submitted by FWS and NOAA. It was read twice and sent to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• British Columbia is logging its last old growth. Protesters are sleeping in the road to stop it: Activists in British Columbia are blocking roads in response to continued old-growth logging amid concerns over deforestation.

.