October 04, 2026 to October 10, 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

EPA Announces Availability of Environmental Impact Statements Filed in Early October

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its weekly list of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) received September 28–October 5, 2026, following CEQ guidelines under 42 U.S.C. 4332. Notable filings include a draft EIS from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the Project Matador Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus AP1000 Units 1-4 in Texas, with public comment open until November 23. Additionally, an amended EIS from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service extends public comment on Grizzly Bear Damage Management in Montana. EPA’s comments on these EISs, as required by Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act, are now online.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Seeks Public Comment on Draft EIS for Project Matador in Texas

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Fermi America LLC’s proposal to construct and operate four AP1000 reactors at the Project Matador Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus in Carson County, Texas. The NRC evaluated environmental impacts of granting the Combined License and the no-action alternative. Public comments are invited until November 23, 2026. NRC’s preliminary recommendation is to issue the license subject to successful completion of the safety review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Revises NEPA Procedures: New Categorical Exclusion for NPR-A Oil and Gas Exploration

Effective October 9, 2026, the Department of the Interior added a categorical exclusion to its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures for wintertime oil and gas exploration in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). This exclusion covers seismic surveys, drilling, and related activities, streamlining approvals based on findings from 47 Environmental Assessments conducted over nearly three decades. Each action will undergo review for extraordinary impacts; documentation and safeguards remain intact. The initiative aligns with recent executive orders aiming to expedite development in Alaska.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Renews Reporting Requirements for Commercial Fisheries Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act

NOAA submitted an information collection renewal to the Office of Management and Budget concerning mandatory reporting of injuries and mortalities of marine mammals caused by commercial fishing, as required under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The extension affects approximately 200 respondents, with reporting obligations classified by Category I, II, and III fisheries. The collected data informs NMFS population impact determinations and annual List of Fisheries updates. Public comments are accepted through www.reginfo.gov for 30 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Publishes Final Rule Reclassifying Rainbow Runner in Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan

NOAA issued a final rule implementing Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (FMP), reclassifying the rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish. Sector annual catch targets and accountability measures have been updated; sector-specific annual catch limits remain unchanged. This revision is intended to align management approach with the species’ biological traits and fishing patterns. With this rule, certain reef fish restrictions no longer apply to rainbow runner in federal waters off Puerto Rico.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Encroaching energy, mine concessions threaten protected ecosystems, research shows: New research finds energy and mining concessions are impacting protected ecosystems.
• New Brazil Congress poses risk to environmental legislation, campaign group says: Advocacy group warns Brazil’s new congress may jeopardize environmental laws.
• Restoring the Amazon, one carbon credit at a time: Carbon credit initiatives are contributing to restoration efforts in the Amazon.
• They sat atop a ‘grandmother’ tree for months. Border agents knocked it down.: Protesters occupied an old tree; border agents later removed it amid ongoing tensions.
• Australia's top court backs grassroots group in landmark climate case on coal mine: Australia's High Court rules in favor of a grassroots climate group regarding coal mining.
• How Alaska’s Fish Became a Defining Issue for the Midterms: Alaska's fisheries policy is emerging as a central topic in upcoming national elections.

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