August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

EPA Releases 2026 Unified Agenda and Section 610 Regulatory Reviews

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published its 2026 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, detailing ongoing and new regulatory priorities affecting environmental protection. The agenda outlines rulemakings under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, TSCA, RCRA, and other environmental statutes, and provides notice of current Section 610 reviews as required under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. In 2026, EPA is conducting new reviews on the Risk Management Program, Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products, and Oil and Natural Gas Sector rules, in addition to the ongoing review of NESHAP standards for brick and clay products. Updates cover review schedules, public comment procedures, and agency points of contact. The agenda also summarizes requirements and timelines for regulatory analysis and stakeholder engagement under various executive orders and legal mandates.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Endangered Species – Issuance of Permits Announced by USFWS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the issuance of multiple new permits authorizing specified activities with endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The permits were granted following review of applications and public comments and include purposes such as scientific research, propagation, and wildlife management. The announcement lists permittees across zoos, universities, and conservation programs nationwide, along with permit numbers and dates of issuance. Documentation and public comments for each application are available at regulations.gov. The Service asserted each application was filed in good faith and that the granted permits do not disadvantage the species involved.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Administrative Settlement Agreements for Texas Superfund Site

The Environmental Protection Agency issued three notices proposing CERCLA settlement agreements for the Bulldog Environmental Services Superfund Site in Anton, Texas. The agreements, open for public comment until September 14, 2026, involve Clean Fuels National, Inc. ($170,000), Wanzek Construction Inc. ($200,000), and NorthStar Demolition & Remediation, Graco Fishing & Rental Tool, and Precision Drilling ($80,000 for de minimis contributors), totaling $370,000 for two major generators and $80,000 for smaller contributors. EPA may modify or withdraw consent based on comments, and all responses will be available for public inspection.

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

USFWS Opens Public Comment on Migratory Bird Permit Information Collections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public comment on proposed revisions and new information collections related to migratory bird permitting. This action covers reporting and recordkeeping associated with permits for live possession, wild take, specimen possession, and falconry standards under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and associated regulations. The Service proposes to revise, standardize, or discontinue several forms to reduce burden, move some reporting to new OMB control numbers, and implement electronic annual reporting. Stakeholders have until October 13, 2026, to respond via regulations.gov or mail, with comprehensive details provided in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Message Promotes Conservation, Outdoor Access, and Sporting Heritage

The President issued an official message recognizing National Shooting Sports Month, noting the ties between responsible firearm use and conservation. The message thanked hunters and anglers for their support in preserving wildlife habitats and restoring game populations. The administration highlighted actions of the Make America Beautiful Again Commission related to land stewardship and expanded outdoor access. Agencies including the BLM and Forest Service will partner with conservation groups to provide additional opportunities for recreational shooting and hunting. Regulatory efforts by DOJ and ATF are reported to focus on limiting burdens for lawful gun owners while upholding constitutional protections.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026 Introduced

Bill H.R. 10073, the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The bill would address conservation measures focused on critically endangered fauna in the United States.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act Submitted to House

Bill H.R. 10083, the Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on August 13, 2026. The bill proposes the extension and potential revision of water technology research authority.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Hazardous Materials Transparency Act Referred to House Committee

Bill H.R. 10108, the Hazardous Materials Transparency Act, was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The legislation concerns matters related to information transparency in the reporting, handling, or management of hazardous materials.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Resolutions Introduced to Disapprove EPA Engine Pollution Control Rules Affecting California

Bills H.J.Res. 213 and H.J.Res. 214 were introduced in the House to provide for congressional disapproval of EPA decisions relating to California's Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards for Commercial Harbor Craft and Small Off-Road Engines, respectively. Both resolutions were referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Mining Claims Staked on Land Cut From Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Monuments: Mining claims have been filed on parcels removed from Utah national monuments during the Trump administration.
• The race to save Maine’s seagrass meadows: Conservationists are working to restore Maine's seagrass meadows, which are threatened by pollution and warming waters.
• The punk and the bruiser: Invasive species thrive as global warming transforms the Mediterranean: Invasive marine species are flourishing in the Mediterranean as climate change alters water temperatures.
• Corporate concern over El Nino hits multi-year high: Corporations report the highest level of concern over El Nino impacts in several years, with risks to operations and supply chains.
• Heat, Fire, Smoke and Storms Are Wreaking Havoc on the Economy: Heat waves, wildfires, and storms are causing significant disruptions to businesses and the broader economy.
• Solar industry grapples with cutting its growing waste stream: The solar industry is addressing the issue of increasing waste from end-of-life solar panels and system components.
• Spain investigates likely shooting of endangered 'grandmother' orca: Spanish authorities are investigating a suspected shooting incident involving a well-known endangered orca.
• Climate and Environment - Page 2: Recent climate and environmental news from the New York Times, including updates on global climate actions.

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