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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate EPW Committee: Toxic Substances Control Act Fee Reauthorization and Improvement Act Hearing: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on March 4, 2026, to review a discussion draft of the Toxic Substances Control Act Fee Reauthorization and Improvement Act. Meeting is scheduled for Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 562.

Federal Government News

Proposed Settlement Agreement Addresses Hazardous Waste Regulation for Phosphogypsum

The Environmental Protection Agency issued notice of a proposed settlement to resolve litigation regarding the agency's delayed action on a 2021 rulemaking petition. The petition seeks reversal of the 1991 Bevill regulatory determination and requests rules that would classify phosphogypsum and phosphoric acid production process wastewater as hazardous wastes under RCRA Subtitle C. The proposed agreement stipulates EPA will issue a final decision by February 1, 2027, and parties will continue to hold litigation in abeyance until such decision. Written public comments are open until March 30, 2026, via regulations.gov, and all submissions will be made publicly available. EPA or DOJ reserves the right to withhold consent if comments reveal inconsistencies with APA or RCRA requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Demolition and Construction at Naval Submarine Base New London

NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Navy for an incidental harassment authorization under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for demolition and construction operations at Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Connecticut. Activities include in-water pile driving, removal, and drilling, potentially affecting five marine mammal species. Noise thresholds and mitigation measures are detailed, with extensive population and behavioral data supplied. Proposed take estimates are outlined and only Level B harassment is anticipated, with no serious injury or mortality expected. The public may submit comments until March 30, 2026, and a draft IHA is available via NOAA Fisheries.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Rule: DOI Revises NEPA Regulations and Moves Procedures to Handbook

The Department of the Interior has adopted its interim final rule updating NEPA implementing regulations, partially rescinding the 2008 rule and relocating detailed procedural requirements to a Departmental Handbook. The revised regulations include emergency response protocols, categorical exclusions, and guidance for applicant or contractor-prepared documents. Additional provisions codify lead and cooperating agency roles. The Handbook addresses compliance processes, review levels, and incorporates statutory deadlines and page limits. More than 6,600 public comments were received, mostly concerning public participation and categorical exclusions. DOI applied a categorical exclusion under NEPA for this procedural action; rule is effective February 24, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

American Energy Policy Changes Under President Trump

President Trump has prioritized policies aimed at American energy independence, resulting in record LNG exports (over 100 million metric tons in 2025) and increased natural gas output. The administration expanded federal lands access, approving 6,000 new drilling permits—up 55% from prior years. Other actions include withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, allocating $625 million to coal industry modernization, and reversing prior regulatory findings and fuel economy standards. Investments have been made in new nuclear reactors, while the Biden-era EV mandate was rescinded. These measures were put forward to enhance domestic energy and economic growth.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Prior Notice of Citizen Suit Regulation Amendments

The EPA released a proposed amendment requiring Notices of Intent to file citizen suits under several environmental statutes (including CAA, CWA, SDWA, RCRA) to be served electronically rather than by mail. The change is intended to improve efficiency and tracking of notices, with exceptions allowed for certified mail in certain circumstances. Economic impact assessments indicate no significant burden on affected parties. Public comments are due by March 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act Advances

Bill No. 972, the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act, passed the Senate without amendment via unanimous consent (refer to CR S697-699). The act concerns public lands and natural resources and has moved forward in both chambers.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

Bill No. 1501, titled Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025, is currently under House subcommittee review with hearings held. The bill addresses energy and mining policy and is awaiting further Committee action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act

Bill No. 1945, America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act, was placed on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 442. The proposed legislation covers public lands and historic site designation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Judge Axes Exxon’s Defamation Suit Against Environmentalists: A California judge dismissed Exxon's lawsuit against environmental groups after rejecting defamation claims.
• E&E News: 4 takeaways from the DC Circuit’s big climate hearing: A summary of four key points from a major climate litigation hearing at the DC Circuit.
• Vanguard Settles Case Claiming It Tried to Kill the Coal Industry: Vanguard reached a settlement in a Texas suit alleging it attempted to undermine coal, with no admission of wrongdoing.
• Bird Losses Are Accelerating, New Study Finds: New research reports an uptick in global bird population declines, raising concerns about ecosystem health.
• UK activists plan protests over climate, social impacts of AI data centres: Environmental groups in the UK announce plans for protests targeting climate and social impacts of AI data centers.
• February 24, 2026 Ms. Kelly Hammerle Bureau of Ocean Management (VAM-LD) 45600 Woodland Road Sterling, VA 20166-9216 Submitted v: Official submission made to Bureau of Ocean Management regarding coastal management issues.

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