September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Proposed Consent Decree Resolving Clean Air Act Citizen Suit on Ozone SIP Deadlines

On September 24, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of a proposed consent decree in Center for Biological Diversity et al. v. Lee Zeldin, addressing delays in EPA's final actions on state implementation plan (SIP) revisions submitted by California and Colorado for the 2008 and 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards. The consent decree establishes deadlines for EPA to take action on Colorado's SIP submitted June 2023, with staged requirements for nonattainment planning and emissions budgets. Additionally, EPA must decide on previous SIP submissions related to Reasonably Available Control Technology by August 31, 2027, and resolve California’s methane rule deficiencies by March 15, 2028. Public comments on the decree are open until October 26, 2026. The progress will directly impact regulatory timelines for air quality compliance and associated reporting requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation: Executive Order 14430

The President issued Executive Order 14430 on September 17, 2026, directing federal agencies to shift toward enabling access for marine recreational fishing. The order calls for modernization of data collection practices, including the deployment of electronic reporting via mobile platforms, and mandates review of National Standards under the Magnuson-Stevens Act to enhance recreational fishery integration. Federal agencies are tasked to expedite permitting processes and fast-track artificial reef projects, with an Outer Continental Shelf Reef-in-Place Program launched within 60 days. The order also establishes an Interagency Shark and Pinniped Depredation Task Force, and instructs agencies to support habitat restoration initiatives. These actions are set to affect permitting, public access, restoration, and management activities across ocean and coastal resources.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Reinvigorating America's Hunting Heritage: Executive Order 14429

Executive Order 14429 was signed on September 17, 2026, aiming to expand access to federal lands for hunting and shooting sports. Within 90 days, the Department of the Interior must allow hunting of non-endangered species in Castle Mountains and Craters of the Moon National Monuments. Agencies are instructed to review and amend policies to generally permit hunting unless locally justified and to encourage public access improvements. The order also seeks enhancements in hunter education, support for youth and veterans, and promotes robust game species populations through coordinated management strategies. The directive is poised to change wildlife access, management practices, and hunting permission protocols on federal lands.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act Signed into Law

On September 25, 2026, the President signed H.R. 3657, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act. This legislation requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to produce annual public reports detailing the status of hydropower licensing applications and related activities. The law targets increased visibility into federal hydropower permitting, which may influence project development timelines, compliance, and stakeholder communications.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Providing Meaningful Water Quality Improvements Through Collaboration and Oversight of Federal Support

On September 16, 2026, Executive Order 14428 revoked the previous Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration order. Federal agencies, including EPA, are now instructed to focus resources on direct water quality interventions, shifting funding away from efforts that lack measurable progress in nutrient and sediment reduction. Agencies are to prioritize objective performance indicators and coordinate with state jurisdictions to assess burdens imposed by stormwater fees and encourage their repeal where appropriate. This action redefines federal oversight and funding priorities concerning regional water quality programs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER, CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, GET O: Lawsuit considers regulatory obligations for environmental protection in the Ninth Circuit.
• The Trump Administration Defangs the Endangered Species Act: Podcast covers recent changes that reduce Endangered Species Act protections.
• Following the herd: The push to make beef deforestation-free: Report examines industry efforts to eliminate deforestation in global beef supply chains.
• Opinion | Here’s why the seafood on your plate had to be imported: Analysis details factors contributing to reliance on seafood imports in the domestic market.
• A Second Judge Strikes Down New York’s Climate ‘Superfund’ Law: Court ruling invalidates New York’s climate liability legislation for fossil fuel companies.
• Countries still way behind on UN biodiversity targets, research shows: Study reports slow global progress toward the United Nations’ biodiversity objectives.
• Climate Forward Highlights: Energy Secretary Dismisses Idea of Diesel Export Ban: Energy Secretary clarifies diesel export ban will not proceed amid climate conference debate.

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