August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Trump Executive Order: Support for America’s Ranchers and Review of Wolf Protections

On September 4, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at bolstering the nation’s ranching sector. The order directs federal departments to review regulations impacting ranchers, with a 90-day timeline for recommendations to improve financial viability and market access. The Department of the Interior is mandated to assess the status of gray and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act, exploring potential delisting or downlisting. The order also seeks to revise standards for lethal takings of wolves, update compensation standards for predator losses, and review country-of-origin labeling authorities for beef. All actions are subject to statutory and budgetary constraints, and reporting costs will be covered by the Department of Agriculture.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Fish and Wildlife Service: Nine Species Not Warranted for ESA Listing

On September 4, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published notifications that nine species, including the Big Bar hesperian, Chesapeake logperch, Kirtland’s snake, orangefin madtom, and tall western penstemon, are not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The decisions are based on species assessment forms and species status assessments evaluating the five ESA listing factors alongside current and projected threats. The findings include detailed reviews of regulatory and conservation measures, with peer review incorporated as required. The agency invites ongoing submission of new information relevant to these species’ status.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Issues Modified LOA for Marine Mammal Take Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in Gulf of America

The National Marine Fisheries Service has modified the Letter of Authorization previously issued to Future Energy Consultants for incidental take of marine mammals during seismic surveys in the Gulf of America. The LOA’s expiration has been extended from December 31, 2026, to June 30, 2027, following a delayed project start. The modification is based on updated analysis of take estimates by species for the affected period, ensuring remains within thresholds set out by the 2026 final rule (91 FR 20784). The LOA remains compliant with regulatory requirements concerning negligible impact and small numbers determination for each marine mammal stock.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Survey: Economic Data Collection for Greater Atlantic Commercial Fishing Sector

NOAA is seeking OMB approval for its 2026 Greater Atlantic Region Commercial Fishing Business Cost Survey, which will collect data on industry costs, earnings, and productivity. The survey targets 220 commercial business respondents and is expected to require 110 annual burden hours. Data generated will inform regulatory analyses, economic impact assessments, and stock evaluations as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Comments are accepted for 30 days following notice publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NMFS Issues Incidental Take Permit to Texas for Turtle Bycatch During Gill Net Surveys

The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued Incidental Take Permit No. 29887 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the incidental take of ESA-listed sea turtles during fisheries-independent gill net surveys. The ten-year permit covers Kemp’s ridley, hawksbill, green, and loggerhead sea turtles, with species-specific limits. Conditions include season limits, net modifications, soak time restrictions, release protocols, and education programs. TPWD’s Conservation Plan is funded by state appropriations and supplemental sources.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Climate and Environment - Page 10: Latest climate and environment headlines from The New York Times on policy, research, and global events.
• TaipeiPLAS 2026 Unveils Plastics and Rubber Program on Circular Materials, Market Trends and Sustainability: TaipeiPLAS 2026 launches a program focusing on circular materials and market sustainability trends in plastics and rubber.
• Climate shocks hit EU maize heartland in Hungary and Romania: Extreme weather conditions are impacting maize production in Hungary and Romania, with climate change rising as a primary concern.
• In Surprise Twist, California Lawmakers Fail to Pass Watered-Down Wildfire Bill: The California legislature did not approve a diluted wildfire bill after significant debate and last-minute negotiations.
• UK offers $541 million loan to Brazil-led tropical forest fund: The UK government pledges a $541 million loan to support Brazil’s efforts for tropical forest preservation.

.