April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

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.

📋 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

• "Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining" – House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing: On May 8, 2026, the House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a hearing titled "Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining" at Vincennes University Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch, IN.

Federal Government News

Commerce Initiates CVD Investigation Into Steel Wire Rod From Algeria

The Department of Commerce has initiated a countervailing duty investigation on carbon and alloy steel wire rod imports from Algeria, based on petitions from U.S. producers filed April 6, 2026. The petitioners include Charter Steel, Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Steel USA, Nucor Corporation, and Optimus Steel, LLC. The review period covers January 1 through December 31, 2025. The initiation follows supplemental information requests and responses, with the agency determining there is adequate industry support. Commerce will individually examine subsidy programs, with preliminary determinations expected within 65 days unless postponed. The International Trade Commission will be notified, though no ITC injury determination is required for non-Subsidies Agreement countries such as Algeria. Affected parties may submit scope comments through May 18, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigation on Oil Country Tubular Goods From Austria

The Department of Commerce initiated a countervailing duty proceeding on certain oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Austria, following a petition received April 2, 2026. Petitioners include the U.S. OCTG Manufacturers Association, United States Steel Corporation, and the United Steelworkers. The alleged period of investigation is calendar year 2025. The investigation covers a broad scope of hollow steel products for oil and gas extraction, with the Department finding sufficient industry support. The Austrian government participated in consultations with Commerce on April 20, 2026. Commerce will next select mandatory respondents using CBP import data and conduct a preliminary determination within 65 days. The ITC will make an injury determination within 45 days of filing unless terminated earlier.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Results in Antidumping Duty Review for Canadian Large Diameter Welded Pipe

Commerce issued the final results of its administrative review into large diameter welded pipe from Canada for the period May 2023 to April 2024. The agency found that Pipe & Piling Supplies Ltd. made U.S. sales at less than normal value, assigning a weighted-average dumping margin of 50.89% based on adverse facts available. Commerce determined Evraz Inc. NA had no shipments during the review period. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is instructed to assess duties based on these findings, with cash deposit requirements updated. This determination is effective as of May 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Approval of Maryland Air Plan for Waste Combustor NOx Controls

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to approve Maryland SIP revisions submitted in 2018 and 2020 that implement Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements to limit NOx emissions from municipal waste combustors. The revisions affect both large and small combustors and include stricter emission limitations, continuous emission monitoring, and specific standards during startup and shutdown phases. The public comment period extends through May 29, 2026. Adoption of these measures is intended to help Maryland meet its RACT obligations for the 2008 and 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Launches Permitting Innovators Initiative

The Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, launched the Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions to modernize federal permitting. The program, open through June 2, 2026, seeks submissions from technology firms, startups, and researchers to propose workflow and process improvements for permitting associated with infrastructure, energy, and security projects. Up to 50 solutions will be selected for an Expo in July 2026 and inclusion in a solutions catalog. An informational webinar is scheduled for May 14, 2026; further details are available at permittinginnovators.com.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 (Bill 1346)

H.R. 1346, focused on environmental protection and fuel sales, saw its associated rule (H. Res. 1224) pass the House. The bill relates to consumer and retailer fuel choices.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act (Bill 4214)

H.R. 4214, which addresses improvements in clean air permitting and building infrastructure, was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 543. It covers environmental protection policies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act (Bill 161)

H.R. 161, aimed at revising the New Source Review permitting process under environmental regulations, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 542.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act of 2025 (Bill 6373)

H.R. 6373, concerning air permitting issues relevant to national security and environmental protection, is placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 544.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To support research, development, and other activities to develop innovative vehicle technologies (Bill 8609)

H.R. 8609 was referred to the House Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and Energy and Commerce for provisions related to vehicle technology R&D.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Launches Extended Day-Ahead Energy Market

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the start of the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM), broadening regional energy trade in California and the western U.S. to lower costs and improve grid reliability.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Indiana Enacts Law to Reduce Electricity Transmission Costs

Governor Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 240 into law, allowing new energy generation and battery projects to utilize existing transmission interconnections, aiming to reduce infrastructure expenses and speed energy supply additions.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

What We're Reading This Week

• UK factories, hit by Iran war, brace for higher costs and more delivery delays: British manufacturers face increased costs and supply chain disruption due to conflict in Iran, according to Reuters.
• EU to remove leather from anti-deforestation law after industry pressure, officials say: EU to exclude leather from anti-deforestation rules after lobbying by industry groups, Reuters reports.
• California adopts new rules allowing manufacturers to test and deploy heavy-duty autonomous vehicles: California will permit manufacturers to trial and launch heavy-duty driverless trucks under newly-adopted state regulations, Reuters covers.

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