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: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology – Hearing on Robotics and U.S. Manufacturing Leadership: On April 21, 2026, the subcommittee will hold a hearing titled 'Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation' in Rayburn 2318.
• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment – Hearing: Impact of Environmental Laws on Critical Material Supply Chains: A hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2026, in Rayburn 2123 to examine how U.S. environmental laws affect critical material supply chains, national security, and economic growth.
• House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces – Hearing: Revitalizing Shipbuilding and the Maritime Industrial Base: On April 22, 2026, a hearing will be held in Rayburn 2118 on the topic of revitalization efforts for shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base.
• House Natural Resources Committee – Markup on Multiple Resource and Resiliency Bills: Scheduled for April 21, 2026, in Longworth 1324, the committee will mark up bills including the Protecting Domestic Mining Act, CLEAN Act, FISH Act, Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act, and others.

Federal Government News

White House Launches Permitting Innovators Program to Modernize Federal Environmental Reviews

The White House Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, introduced the Permitting Innovators program on April 15, 2026. The initiative aims to connect public and private sector efforts to improve environmental review and federal permitting through technology upgrades, as identified in the Permitting Technology Action Plan. Industry participants will have the opportunity to submit solutions via an upcoming Call for Solutions, with selected entries to be highlighted at the Permitting Innovators Expo in summer 2026 and included in a solutions catalog. The program addresses technology gaps to improve collaboration between agencies and stakeholders and aligns with the presidential memorandum on modernizing permitting. Interested parties may sign up for notifications about participation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Permit Issued for Enbridge Energy Pipeline Facilities at U.S.-Canada Border

President Donald J. Trump granted a presidential permit on April 15, 2026, to Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, allowing ongoing operation and maintenance of the company’s cross-border pipeline facilities in St. Clair County, Michigan. The permit, which supersedes the previous 1991 authorization, covers the transport of crude oil and petroleum products, except natural gas. The permit mandates compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations and sets reporting obligations. Provisions address facility modification approvals, U.S. government inspection and national security rights, indemnification, and pipeline removal upon termination. Any substantial changes or transfer of ownership must be reported. The permit does not confer enforceable rights against the U.S. government.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Commerce Finalizes Antidumping Duty Administrative Review for Certain Aluminum Foil from China

The U.S. Department of Commerce published final results on April 16, 2026, in the antidumping duty administrative review of certain aluminum foil from China for the period April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Weighted-average dumping margins assessed include 25.76% for Dingsheng/New Materials and 29.10% for Zhongji and affiliates, with remaining companies receiving margins at 27.19% or included in the China-wide rate. Commerce completed changes to margin calculations after public comment and addressed eligibility for separate rates. Cash deposit requirements for future imports will reflect these findings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will carry out assessment instructions after 35 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Affirmative Determination: Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) from China Sold at Less than Fair Value

On April 13, 2026, Commerce found that methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) from China was sold in the United States at less than fair value during the July–December 2024 investigation period. The department set a 159.04% weighted-average dumping margin for the China-wide entity, based on adverse facts available, and an 85.11% rate for Covestro Polymers (China) Co., Ltd. and Shandong Mingko Co., Ltd. Suspension of liquidation for subject entries took effect on September 16, 2025, but was discontinued as of March 16, 2026. If the International Trade Commission determines injury, Commerce will impose antidumping duties retroactively; otherwise, the proceeding will terminate.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Finalizes Review of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Taiwan

The U.S. Department of Commerce finalized its 2023-2024 administrative review of common alloy aluminum sheet from Taiwan on April 16, 2026. A weighted-average dumping margin of 0.71% was calculated for C.S. Aluminium Corporation. No changes were made from the preliminary results. Importers are directed to file reimbursement certificates as required, and assessment instructions will be issued to U.S. Customs and Border Protection no earlier than 35 days after publication. The cash deposit rate for shipments of this merchandise will be updated accordingly.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 8330 / S. 4340 – Energy Industry Liability Protections

House bill H.R. 8330 and Senate bill S. 4340 would prohibit liability against entities involved in the production, refinement, and distribution of energy products for damages or injunctive relief arising from use of their products. Both were introduced and referred to the respective Judiciary Committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

H.R. 8277 – Copper as Applicable Critical Mineral for Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit

This House bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to designate copper as an applicable critical mineral and includes ore extraction costs for purposes of the advanced manufacturing production credit. It was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

S. 4312 – Energy Conservation Policy Act Amendment: Mechanical Insulation as Efficiency Measure

Introduced in the Senate, S. 4312 would modify the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to include installation of mechanical insulation property as a recognized energy or water efficiency measure. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

S. 4281 – Export Restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

S. 4281 aims to provide for export restrictions on certain semiconductor manufacturing equipment and components. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8262 – Build More Power Act

The Build More Power Act was introduced to the House and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

IBM–Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute Expands AI and Quantum Initiatives

Governor JB Pritzker announced an expanded partnership between IBM and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to advance the state's quantum and AI capabilities, with new education and workforce initiatives planned.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive | U.S. to Create High-Tech Manufacturing Zone in Philippines: The United States plans to establish a high-tech manufacturing hub in the Philippines to support supply chain resilience.
• Canadian Factory, Wholesale Trade Lifted by Rebound in Auto Industry: Canadian manufacturing and wholesale sectors reported growth, attributed to a recovery in auto industry output.
• Exclusive | Pentagon Approaches Automakers, Manufacturers to Boost Weapons Production: The Pentagon seeks assistance from automakers and manufacturers to expand domestic weapons manufacturing capacity.
• Exclusive: China weighs curbs on exports of solar manufacturing equipment to US: China is considering restrictions on the export of solar manufacturing equipment to the United States.
• Climate reporting rules for food sector set high bar for regenerative agriculture: New climate reporting standards for the food sector could challenge adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.
• As Global Energy Markets Continue to Face Volatility, Domestic SAF Highlights a Structurally Distinct and More Resilient Supply Chain: Volatility in global energy markets is drawing attention to domestic sustainable aviation fuel supply chains.
• Carbon Removal Industry Reels as Microsoft Retreats: The carbon removal industry faces uncertainty after Microsoft scaled back its investments in the sector.

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