September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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

Executive Order Issued for Tick and Mosquito Population Control in D.C.

On September 29, 2026, the President issued an executive order establishing mandates to reduce invasive mosquito populations in the District of Columbia by 90% and tick populations by 50% by 2028. The policy directs federal agencies—including the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and EPA—to deploy non-chemical and technology-enabled pest control solutions, advance regulatory frameworks for novel technologies, and promote research into diagnostics and treatments for vector-borne diseases. Implementation of these measures relies on legal and budgetary constraints, with funding responsibilities assigned to the Department of the Interior.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Incidental Take Authorization Granted for Navy Structure Maintenance—Puget Sound

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the U.S. Navy for its Marine Structure Maintenance and Pile Replacement Program in Puget Sound, Washington. Effective from September 25, 2026 to September 24, 2027, the authorization allows for the incidental take of 10 marine mammal species—by Level B and, for some, Level A harassment—during pile driving, removal, and related construction at three Navy facilities. The IHA includes requirements for real-time monitoring, shutdown protocols, and reporting, with specific measures tailored to ESA-listed species such as southern resident killer whales. Monitoring of impacts, including the implementation of acoustic and visual observation plans, is mandated throughout the project period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM Initiates Resource Management Plan Amendment for Nevada Mining Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the initiation of a Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment and environmental assessment for the Western Quarry Limestone Project in Humboldt County, Nevada. The proposal, submitted by Lithium Nevada LLC, would authorize a new open pit limestone mine with operations projected to span 43 years and disturb approximately 474 acres of public land. The process includes a 30-day scoping period for public comment and consideration of changes to Visual Resource Management classifications within the Winnemucca District. The RMP amendment is required to align the plan with proposed mining activities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Environmental Assessment Released for Hawks Nest Hydroelectric Modernization

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) for Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC’s proposal to amend the license for the Hawks Nest Project No. 2512 in West Virginia. The modernization seeks to enable direct power sales to the grid. FERC’s EA finds that the proposed action would not significantly affect the human environment. The EA is open for public comment until October 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Environmental Impact Statements and Amended Review Deadlines

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its weekly listing of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), including a final supplement for safer vehicle fuel economy regulations (SAFE Vehicles Rule III for model years 2022–2031) and a final EIS for the Sabine Pass Stage 5 Expansion Project in Texas. EPA also issued a revised comment period ending October 19, 2026, for the Anderson Dam Hydroelectric Project FEIS adoption.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• States Sue Over Trump’s Repeal of Climate Rules for Power Plants: More than a dozen states are challenging the EPA's rollback of power plant climate regulations.
• Opinion | Biased Climate Classes for Judges: The Wall Street Journal editorializes on judicial climate seminars and federal influence.
• Inside IKEA’s quest for sustainable wood: IKEA’s procurement and auditing practices for wood products are examined in the context of supply chain standards.
• Exasperated by Delays, Congress Aims to Speed Up Energy Permits: Congressional leaders consider permitting reforms to address delays for major energy projects.
• Senate reaches bipartisan deal on permitting bill to speed approvals of new energy projects: A Senate deal is reached to accelerate environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.
• NEWSLETTER: Water contamination and cancer concerns: Reuters reports on new studies linking water contaminants to cancer risk.
• Opinion | American Buffalo Roam Again Thanks to Privatization: Private land initiatives are credited with supporting American buffalo recovery.
• A Climate Change Rebrand: Multinational companies revise climate messaging amid geopolitical and regulatory changes.

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