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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Presidential Memorandum on Energy Production and Infrastructure under Defense Production Act

President Trump issued a memorandum on April 20, 2026, instructing the Secretary of Energy to act under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to address critical needs in large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure. The memorandum follows Executive Order 14156's declaration of a national energy emergency and identifies domestic capacity shortfalls in energy production, transportation, refining, and generation. The determination permits purchases, financial support, and expedited actions to expand infrastructure capabilities. Statutory requirements under Section 303 have been waived to accelerate implementation, and the Secretary of Energy is tasked with publishing the determination in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Memorandum on Grid Infrastructure, Equipment, and Supply Chain Capacity

On April 20, President Trump authorized the Department of Energy to deploy the Defense Production Act to strengthen the electric grid and expand domestic supply chain capacity for grid components such as transformers, transmission lines, and substations. The measure cites national security concerns arising from aging infrastructure and reliance on imports. The directive authorizes financial support and exceptional actions to address supply chain constraints, with the Secretary of Energy designated to put measures into effect.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Determination Covering Coal Supply Chains and Baseload Power Generation

President Trump directed the Department of Energy to take actions under the Defense Production Act to enhance coal mining, logistics, stockpiles, and associated power generation capacity. The determination, dated April 20, 2026, treats coal-fired baseload power as vital to defense infrastructure and technological development. Due to regulatory and market barriers, expedited financial and operational support is authorized to boost capacity. The Energy Secretary is required to carry out the orders and initiate Federal Register publication.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Proposes Technology Review for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants—Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities

The EPA proposed revisions to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for crude oil and natural gas production facilities on April 22, 2026. The proposal presents two approaches to unregulated emission points: one defers new standards, while the other sets new requirements for acid gas removal units, transport vessel loading, and process controllers. The EPA is also proposing to regulate methanol as a hazardous air pollutant from certain regulated sources and technical amendments to compliance equations for dehydrators. Comments are accepted through June 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pipeline Safety: Multiple Standards Updated by PHMSA for Gas Distribution and Transmission

The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued direct final rules on April 24, 2026, updating references to several industry standards for pipeline safety. The amendments cover ASTM standards for polyethylene pipe (D2513), solvent cements for PVC systems (D2564), heat fusion and electrofusion joining for pipe fittings (F2620, F1055, F2767, F1973), and pressure vessel forgings (A372/A372M). Additionally, MSS SP-75 is updated for high-strength butt-welding fittings. These changes ensure alignment with industry practice, minimize compliance burden, and affect design and installation for gas distribution and transmission systems. All rule changes are effective January 1, 2027, unless adverse comments are received.

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

Legislative Updates

Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resiliency Act

H.R. 5929 was ordered to be reported with a substitute amendment by voice vote. The bill addresses measures to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain for industry and national security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026

H.R. 8431, which focuses on third-party certification and inspection, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on April 22, 2026. The act addresses modernization measures relevant to manufacturing quality oversight.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026

H.R. 8287, the Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026, was ordered to be reported (amended) by the Yeas and Nays, 43-0. The measure relates to controls, international activities, and supply resilience for the U.S. semiconductor sector.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

H.R. 1501 was ordered to be reported by the House on April 21, 2026, by a 21-16 vote. The act pertains to strengthening U.S.-based mining projects and asks for regulatory review of public lands access.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Energy Affordability and Reliability Act of 2026

H.R. 8448 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill covers federal policy regarding energy affordability and grid reliability.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Becomes First U.S. State Accepted as IUCN Member

Governor Gavin Newsom announced California’s official acceptance to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making it one of the first subnational entities and the largest from the U.S. to join.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Niagara Bottling to Build $160 Million Manufacturing Facility in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Niagara Bottling will invest $160 million in a new manufacturing and warehousing facility in Perth, NY, creating up to 70 jobs, with state support via tax credits and grants.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas Governor Backs Concrete Industry Management Program at Texas State University

Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the Texas State University Concrete Industry Management Scholarship Gala, commending the program's role in workforce development, with CIM graduates achieving 100% job placement.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Avant Technology Receives Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant

Governor Abbott announced a $4.8 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant to Avant Technology for expanding its Pharr facility, expected to create 250 jobs and represent a $20 million investment.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• U.S. Tariff Relief on Autos, Metals Must Be Part of Trade Pact, Canada Minister Says: The Canadian Trade Minister indicated U.S. tariff relief is essential for future North American trade talks.
• Trump cites defense production act to sign energy-related memorandums: President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to authorize federal action for domestic energy production and infrastructure investments.
• Exclusive | AI Could Trigger New Demand for Carbon-Removal Sector, Report Says: A new report finds AI-driven power demand could increase carbon removal market opportunities.
• Pini Althaus: Building a Practical Blueprint for Critical Minerals Supply Chains: Supply chain strategist Pini Althaus outlines approaches for competitive U.S. minerals sourcing.
• Zambia's copper smelters plan extended shutdowns, squeezing output and chemical supplies: Extended copper smelter shutdowns in Zambia restrict supply and impact chemicals inputs for global manufacturing.

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