October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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

Congressional Bills Signed: Water Rights, Seafood Origin, and Retirement Updates

On October 15, 2026, the President signed three bills into law, including S. 240, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, modifying the 2010 settlement to increase flexibility for water projects within the Crow Tribe’s reservation. S. 283, the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, directs the Department of Commerce to implement chemical analysis-based methodologies for determining seafood provenance, affecting enforcement and traceability requirements for commercial fishery exports and imports. S. 2403, the Retire through Ownership Act, amends ERISA to clarify 'adequate consideration' for closely held stock, which may affect employee retirement plans operating in resource sectors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Forest Service Final Rule: Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process

The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service issued a final rule revising its project-level predecisional administrative review process, effective November 12, 2026. The rule consolidates and updates procedures for public objections to projects implementing land management plans. Changes align the administrative review with current NEPA regulations, shorten minimum public comment periods (now 15 days for EAs, 30 days for EISs), require web-based notification, and update tribal consultation protocols. Comment periods and review timelines have been adjusted for efficiency, with objection responses required within set page and time limits. Emergency actions and certain projects remain excluded from the objection process. Regulatory compliance is affirmed across NEPA, APA, and related statutes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FERC Initiates EIS for Penobscot Mills and Ripogenus Hydroelectric Projects

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has commenced preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the continued operation and maintenance of the Penobscot Mills and Ripogenus Hydroelectric Projects in Maine. Both projects are under review for new major licenses by Great Lakes Hydro America, LLC. The draft EIS is scheduled for July 2027, with a final EIS expected March 31, 2028. Key issues for industry consideration are impacts on aquatic habitats, water management, migratory fish passage, and recreational access. FERC has requested additional public comments, with the scope to cover resource effects, alternatives, and mandatory conditions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Notice: Availability of Environmental Impact Statements

The Environmental Protection Agency published a notice regarding the availability of Environmental Impact Statements dated October 16, 2026. The notice signals continued progress in formal environmental review for major federal actions impacting resource management, land use, and ecological restoration.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Sen. Roger Marshall sought funding to address a water shortage. The project could benefit his ranch: Congressional water funding could have local effects including potential benefits for private landowners.
• Midway to 2030 deadline, countries falling far short on promise to protect nature: Global targets for nature protection are not on track; policy gaps remain.
• Court backs EPA giving Oklahoma authority over environmental rules on tribal lands: A federal court upheld EPA's transfer of environmental regulatory authority to Oklahoma for tribal lands.
• Opinion | Protect Our National Parks: National Parks face mounting preservation challenges according to editorial commentary.
• Michigan communities invest millions in their rivers. Will it bring returns?: Michigan invests heavily in river restoration, with local governments aiming for environmental and economic benefits.
• Exactly how much of an environmental menace is AI? Here’s what we know: Analysis of AI's environmental footprint covers energy, water, and ecosystem impacts.
• Singapore pollution spikes, East Timor shuts schools as Indonesia wildfire haze intensifies: Haze from Indonesian wildfires affects neighboring countries, causing school closures and pollution spikes.
• As pressure on forests mounts, fashion and paper brands turn to alternative fibres: Industry trends show brands shifting toward alternative fibres amid forest resource stress.
• This Copper Mine Led to a Civil War. Can Reopening It Fund a New Nation?: Bougainville considers reopening a historic mine to support national finances despite unresolved environmental concerns.

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