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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Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

EPA Repeals 2009 Endangerment Finding and Associated Regulations

President Trump announced the revocation of the Obama-era 'Endangerment Finding,' removing regulatory mandates imposed since 2009. This action, described as the largest regulatory relief in U.S. history, eliminates standards affecting vehicle costs, transportation, and energy sector compliance. Industry groups, automakers, and energy firms expressed support, noting expected cost decreases and greater market flexibility. The repeal is projected to lower vehicle costs by roughly $2,400 and relax certain climate-related requirements. The Endangerment Finding’s repeal shifts regulatory authority and is being welcomed by several energy and manufacturing stakeholders.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching: Instrument Revisions

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued notice to revise the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching (FHWW), including reinstating questions from prior versions to improve utility and clarity. The updated survey adds details about participation in target shooting, archery, and non-motorized boating, as well as questions about wildlife watching and species sought in hunting or fishing. The survey is expected to be conducted in 2027, with coordination from state agencies; OMB Control Number 1018-0088. The revised instruments are anticipated to provide more granular recreation and expenditure data for program administration under the Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson Acts.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Wood Stork Delisted from Endangered Species Act

Effective March 12, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing the Southeast U.S. distinct population segment of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The agency determined the population no longer meets the ESA's definition for listing, citing evidence of stable or increasing population trends, expanded range, and improved productivity across breeding areas. Conservation measures, including wetland restoration, contributed to recovery. The species will remain protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and a 10-year post-delisting monitoring plan has been established.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications for Endangered and Threatened Species

The Fish and Wildlife Service opened public comment on applications for recovery permits under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act. The permits cover scientific research and conservation activities involving multiple listed species in California and nationwide, including surveys, capture, release, and habitat restoration work. Written comments are accepted until March 16, 2026, with procedures outlined in the Federal Register. Issuance of permits will be followed by separate notice, and objections may be filed as specified at 50 CFR17.22(d).

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Proposed Modification to Consent Decree for Superfund Groundwater Site

The Department of Justice lodged a proposal with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California to modify the consent decree covering groundwater remediation at the Glendale North and South Operable Units of the San Fernando Valley Superfund Site. The modification extends performance requirements for 'Settling Work Defendants' and the City of Glendale through at least November 30, 2030, and defers the request for a Certificate of Completion until that date. Written comments are invited for 30 days following notice publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Marine Mammals: Research and Display Permit Applications

NOAA received applications for permits involving marine mammals. Amanda Bishop, Ph.D., University of Alaska Anchorage, seeks permission to receive, import, and export pinniped parts for scientific research covering up to 500 individuals of each species annually, excluding walrus. Fort Wayne Zoo requests importation of one adult female California sea lion from the West Edmonton Mall for public display; permit validity requested through May 31, 2027. Both applications are subject to comment and review; NEPA categorical exclusions apply.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Environmental Impact Statement Notices: Dam Retirement and Fossil Plant Operations

EPA Office of Federal Activities published notice of recent EIS filings: the FERC Final EIS for Anderson Dam Hydroelectric Project (California) surrender, NRCS Draft EIS for Milk River and St. Mary River Watersheds (Montana), TVA Final Supplement EISs for ongoing operations at Cumberland and Kingston Fossil Plants (Tennessee). Documents are available for review and comment as detailed online.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Deletion Correction from the National Priorities List

EPA issued a correcting amendment for the Superfund National Priorities List to update the site name in Port Jefferson Station, NY. Lawrence Aviation, Inc. is revised to Lawrence Aviation Industries, Inc. in table 1 of appendix B to 40 CFR part 300. The correction applies retroactively to March 5, 2025, for regulatory accuracy.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Marine Mammals: Incidental Takes for Naval Infrastructure Projects

NOAA issued a correction for documentation outlining incidental takes of marine mammals associated with the Naval Base Point Loma Deperming Pier Replacement Project and Naval Base San Diego Chollas Creek Quay Wall Repair in San Diego Bay, California. Table 7 column headings were revised for clarity in regulatory standards regarding harassment zones for gray whales, dolphins, harbor seals, and California sea lions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Air Plan Approval: Alaska SIP Updates

EPA finalized notification updating the materials incorporated by reference into the Alaska State Implementation Plan (SIP). The action codifies regulatory provisions approved by EPA and effective prior to November 21, 2025, including minor permits for several facilities. The SIP compilation is maintained for public inspection and regulatory compliance tracking.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

LASSO Act

The LASSO Act (House Bill 34) underwent subcommittee hearings. The bill pertains to public lands and natural resources management, with discussions focused on land access and conveyance policies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act

House Bill 952, the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act, was reviewed during hearings of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. The legislation addresses the transfer of federal land interests.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025

House Bill 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, passed to the Senate and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill seeks enhanced protection for sub-sea communications infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

ACRES Act

House Bill 204, titled ACRES Act, was discussed in hearings of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. The measure focuses on acreage management and federal land stewardship.

Sources: www.congress.gov

EARA

House Bill 677 (EARA) was reviewed in committee hearings under the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee. This government operations bill is related to public lands administration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2025

House Bill 1829, the Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2025, underwent public lands subcommittee hearings. The bill covers land transfer and conveyance procedures.

Sources: www.congress.gov

La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act

House Bill 1043, La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act, received a written report from Senator Lee and was filed by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill supports renewable energy projects and employment opportunities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

General George C. Marshall House Affiliation with National Park System

House Bill 1352 proposes designation of the General George C. Marshall House (Virginia) as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The bill was ordered to be reported (amended) by unanimous consent.

Sources: www.congress.gov

America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act

House Bill 1945, America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act, advanced with a report ordered by unanimous consent. The legislation aims to designate the museum as a National Historic Landmark.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• What to Know About the E.P.A.’s Big Attack on Climate Regulation - The New York Times: EPA’s recent climate regulation changes and their anticipated industry impacts.
• From Fishing Nets to Furniture: Turning Ocean Plastic Into Usable Products - The New York Times: An overview of efforts converting recovered ocean plastics into commercial products.
• Companies told to protect nature now or face extinction themselves: Some corporations face pressure to prioritize nature conservation or risk long-term viability.
• From cocoa to coffee, collaborating on climate action yields results: Joint climate initiatives are driving improvements in agricultural supply chains.
• E&E News: EPA repeals endangerment finding: Coverage of EPA’s withdrawal of the Endangerment Finding and its regulatory ramifications.
• Trump Allies Near ‘Total Victory’ in Wiping Out U.S. Climate Regulation: Recent developments in dismantling U.S. climate rules and regulatory frameworks.
• What is the Real Cost of Wind Energy? Energy News Beat Stand-Up: Wind energy costs have begun affecting state green policy initiatives in New York.

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