August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

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

Federal Government News

Notice of Intent: Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Review

The National Marine Fisheries Service will prepare an environmental analysis for modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. NMFS is soliciting public input through October 16, 2026, with online comments and a virtual scoping meeting. The notice details ongoing entanglement and mortality issues affecting the North Atlantic right whale and other large whales, with the current right whale population estimated at 380 individuals. The initiative responds to statutory requirements in the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, and is intended to inform measures for compliance in fisheries along the U.S. East Coast. The review will assess impacts of fishing gear modifications, seasonal closures, and other risk reduction strategies, balancing conservation and industry economic viability.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Proposes to Rescind 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule

The Department of Agriculture has proposed rescinding the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which restricts road construction and timber harvests in inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands. The reversal would shift decision authority to local Forest Service officials and facilitate regulatory flexibility for wildfire mitigation, timber production, and recreational management. Public comments are accepted until September 21, 2026. The proposed rescission, which excludes Idaho and Colorado-specific rules, could allow increased timber harvests, road building, and changes in local ecosystem management. The agency has published a draft environmental impact statement and regulatory flexibility analysis, noting ongoing tribal consultation regarding potential impacts on sovereignty and ecological resources.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Navy Proposes Marine Structure Maintenance and Pile Replacement Work in Puget Sound

The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a proposed incidental harassment authorization for the Navy’s 2026 Marine Structure Maintenance and Pile Replacement Program in Puget Sound. The Navy seeks authorization for incidental take of ten marine mammal species during pile driving and removal at three installations. The notice outlines measures to mitigate noise impacts, including monitoring zones, bubble curtain use, and reporting requirements. Construction activities are planned for 227 days between July 2026 and July 2027, and public comment is open through September 17, 2026. The environmental review found the project categorically excluded from further NEPA assessment.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposed Settlement: NRDC Neonicotinoid Tolerances Petition

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a proposed settlement agreement to address litigation filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council concerning EPA's delayed response to a 2020 petition seeking revocation of food tolerances for five neonicotinoid pesticides. EPA has agreed to issue a final decision by April 30, 2027. Comments on the settlement are open until September 21, 2026. The settlement stipulates that the litigation will be held in abeyance pending EPA action, and DOJ/EPA may adjust terms based on received public feedback.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department: Coal Management Information Collection Review

The Bureau of Land Management is requesting public comment on the extension of an expiring information collection for coal management activities under 43 CFR part 3400. The review allows the agency to assess federal coal resources, evaluate environmental impacts, and determine lease compliance. The notice details the types and frequency of information required from applicants, license-holders, and state/tribal land owners. Comments are requested by October 19, 2026, and address need, burden, and improvements for the information collection procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026

The bill (3276) has been placed on the Union Calendar No. 659. It addresses environmental protection measures for local communities and stewardship of bird habitats.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act

The bill (6893) has been placed on the Union Calendar No. 664. This legislation focuses on improving restoration and science efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Sources: www.congress.gov

AWRC Act of 2025

Bill 7889, placed on Calendar No. 665, deals with water resources development. The bill is pending further House action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025

Bill 2406 is focused on improving NOAA's procedures for sexual harassment and assault prevention. It has been placed on Union Calendar No. 662.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Crossett Experimental Forest Act of 2026

Bill 10136 has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The measure addresses research and management practices at Crossett Experimental Forest.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Climate: Saving Old Trees Might Save Lives: Preserving mature forests could reduce risks to both biodiversity and human health.
• Trump Administration Moves to Open Millions of National-Forest Acres to Logging: White House signals shift toward increased logging on national forest land.
• Maritime: Maritime policy developments remain central to ocean conservation and port infrastructure planning.
• How Trump Is Trying to Crush California’s Environmental Policies: Federal administration pursues measures challenging California's climate rules.
• NEWSLETTER: El Niño and its effects on food supply chains: El Niño weather patterns are affecting the stability of global food supply chains.

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