This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning most types of manufacturing activities (except agricultural, automotive, aerospace, food, and pharmaceutical), e.g. textile and apparel, chemical, electronics, wood and paper, metals, plastics and rubber, packaging, and machining. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Manufacturing? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Mining and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Manufacturing - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 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

• House Energy and Commerce: Computing Power and Competition Hearing: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a hearing on "Computing Power and Competition: Examining the Semiconductor Ecosystem" on April 15, 2026, in Rayburn 2123.

Federal Government News

EPA Finalizes Amendments to Oil and Gas Sector Emissions Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule amending New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines for the oil and natural gas sector to address petitions for reconsideration of the March 2024 climate rule. Amendments included technical changes to temporary flaring provisions and net heating value (NHV) requirements for flares and enclosed combustion devices. The rule extends the baseline time limit for temporary flaring of associated gas from 24 to 72 hours, allows extensions in exigent circumstances, and revises NHV monitoring requirements. EPA estimates compliance cost savings of between $1.9 and $2.5 billion (present value). The amendments are effective June 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Proclamation Adjusts Tariffs on Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Imports

A presidential proclamation issued by the White House (dated April 2, 2026; published April 9) modifies the Section 232 tariff regimes on aluminum, steel, copper, and derivative products. Effective April 6, 2026, ad valorem tariffs now apply to the full customs value, with most aluminum, steel, and copper articles subject to a 50% rate. Derivative articles receive 25% or reduced rates for U.K. and U.S.-origin materials. Tariff exclusions for certain products have been revised, prior inclusion processes terminated, and agencies authorized to add further derivative articles as national security reviews warrant. The proclamation specifies compliance, drawback, and foreign trade zone policies; existing trade agreements remain unaffected.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CEQ Releases NEPA Categorical Exclusion Guidance

The Council on Environmental Quality published new guidance on April 9 for federal agencies regarding categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act. The guidance reflects amendments from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and the repeal of previous NEPA regulations. It is intended to clarify application and documentation for projects typically not expected to have significant environmental effects. CEQ announced new technology platforms for managing categorical exclusion records, including a Categorical Exclusion Explorer and CE Works database.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Oil Country Tubular Goods Trade Case Initiated Against Austria, Taiwan, and UAE

On April 7, the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of oil country tubular goods from Austria, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. The ITC will determine if there is a reasonable indication that U.S. industry is injured or threatened due to imports allegedly sold below fair value and subsidized by Austria. A preliminary injury determination is expected by May 18, 2026, unless extended.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC Seeks Comment on Potential Glass Substrate Importation Ban

The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a notice on April 10, 2026, following an initial determination of a Section 337 violation involving imports of certain glass substrates for liquid crystal displays by Chinese and international respondents. The ITC is requesting public submissions by May 8, 2026, regarding the impact of possible exclusion or cease and desist orders on U.S. public health, competition, and consumers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

RED Tape Act

Bill 6398, known as the RED Tape Act, addresses environmental protection policy and is currently placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 516.

Sources: www.congress.gov

FIRE Act

Bill 6387, the FIRE Act, focused on environmental protection, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 515.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Emergency Reporting Act

Bill 5200, the Emergency Reporting Act, concerning science, technology, and communications policy, is on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 517.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lulu’s Law

House Bill 2076, Lulu’s Law, is related to science, technology, and communications, and was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 518.

Sources: www.congress.gov

EDA-EPA Collaboration at Contaminated Sites Bill

Bill 8238 seeks to mandate collaboration between the Economic Development Administration and EPA for economic revitalization of contaminated sites; it has been referred to multiple House committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Industry recalibrates after steel tariff overhaul: U.S. and foreign manufacturers respond to sweeping changes in U.S. steel import duty rules.
• Nano One to Receive Additional C$4.3M from the Government of Canada to Advance Battery Material Production for Energy Security & Defence: Canadian government bolsters funding for domestic battery materials production.
• E.P.A. Targets Microplastics and Drugs in Drinking Water: EPA moves to address microplastics and pharmaceutical contaminants in U.S. water supplies.
• India aiming to cut steel emissions by 25%, double capacity, document shows: Indian government reportedly targets 25% emissions reduction while planning major expansion of the steel manufacturing sector.
• Investors push for action to end deforestation and human rights risks in nickel mining: Shareholders pressure mining sector over environmental and social risks in the nickel supply chain.

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