May 17, 2026 to May 23, 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

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

Federal Government News

President Trump Reverses Refrigerant and Emissions Rules Affecting Manufacturing and Supply Chains

President Trump announced the rollback of key Biden-era EPA rules on refrigerants, revising the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule to extend compliance deadlines for hydrofluorocarbon use and proposing changes to the 2024 Emissions Reduction and Reclamation Rule to relax large-scale refrigeration system leak repair mandates. The EPA projects $2.4 billion in savings associated with these revisions, with $1.5 billion expected for refrigerated goods transporters alone. The administration states these changes will lower costs for consumers and businesses, claiming the move will protect over 350,000 jobs. The announcement forms part of a wider deregulatory agenda, including increased tariff-rate quotas for beef and changes to SBA loan limits.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NRC Advances Broad Regulatory Modernization of Byproduct Material Use

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a proposed rule to overhaul licensing and oversight of byproduct, source, and select special nuclear materials. This proposal, triggered by Executive Order 14300, includes updated radionuclide decommissioning standards, creation of new 'standard general licenses' (SGLs), reduced reporting for consumer products, and modernization of industrial radiography and well logging regulations. The update introduces an SGL category with simplified registration for certain fixed/portable gauges, analytical equipment, and in vitro testing, alongside significant reductions in administrative and notification burdens. NRC estimates net savings of nearly $3 million through these changes. The draft rule is open for comment until July 2, 2026. No immediate effect occurs until the rule is finalized.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIST Announces MEP Technology Accelerator Pilot Program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published a Notice of Intent for a competitive pilot under the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The pilot program, with expected commitments of $20 million per project over two years, targets accelerating additive manufacturing in aerospace and the development of a domestic critical minerals supply chain. Existing MEP centers can apply, with an anticipated formal funding opportunity to be announced in the second quarter of 2026. The program aims to create collaborative hubs among industry, academia, and government for advancing technology adoption among small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Seeks OMB Approval for Methlyene Chloride and PVC Emission Reporting

The Environmental Protection Agency submitted an information collection renewal for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) affecting polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and copolymer production facilities. Thirteen major source facilities face ongoing compliance, testing, reporting, and recordkeeping costs of $50.6 million annually. Simultaneously, EPA has requested extension of an information collection related to methylene chloride regulation under TSCA Section 6(a), consolidating requirements for workplace protection programs and recordkeeping, with an annual industry burden decrease to 72,699 hours and $5.3 million in costs. Comments are open until June 22, 2026.

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

FDA Revises Drug Manufacturing and Advanced Technology Information Collection

The FDA submitted an updated information collection proposal to OMB covering Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) for drugs, including advanced manufacturing technologies designation and recognition of voluntary consensus standards. The revision excludes medical gas requirements, resulting in a reduced annual recordkeeping burden of 890,455 hours for industry. Guidance on the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) program and standard recognition is available online.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Incentives for Domestic Printed Circuit Board Production

S.4569 proposes amendments to the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for U.S. printed circuit board manufacturing. The bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026—Hearings Conducted

S.4529, aimed at promoting use of domestic materials in nuclear reactor construction, held a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. No further action reported.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Waste Heat to Wattage Act of 2026—Rural Energy Recovery

H.R.7080, which would support conversion of waste heat to energy in agriculture and food production, was referred to the House Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

Sources: www.congress.gov

NIST Biomanufacturing and Biometrology Program Establishment Bill

H.R.8981 seeks to create a measurement research program for engineering biology and biomanufacturing at NIST. The bill was referred to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Small Business Competitions Act

H.R.2804 passed House committee vote, proposing adjustments to competition rules benefitting small business. It will advance after a 23-0 vote.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Blue Origin Commits $600 Million Expansion for Rocket Manufacturing in Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis announced Blue Origin's Rocket Park campus expansion at Cape Canaveral, featuring an 830,000 sq. ft. upper stage manufacturing facility and supporting 500 aerospace jobs with average salaries above $98,000.

Sources: www.flgov.com

Indiana Updates Motor Vehicle Towing Rules for Manufacturers

Indiana Governor ceremonially signed Senate Enrolled Act 13, giving RV manufacturers a new exemption for towing incomplete chassis less than 40 miles, impacting Elkhart County’s manufacturing sector.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Indiana Enacts Bill to Strengthen Defense Sector Collaboration

Indiana’s House Enrolled Act 1268 adds legislative appointees and National Guard representation to the state Defense Task Force, promoting greater collaboration between government, military, and industry in state defense development.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Indonesia to exempt nickel pig iron and some palm oil derivatives from centralised export policy: Indonesia will exclude nickel pig iron and select palm oil products from its centralized export regime.
• Opinion | Germany’s Slow Industrial Suicide: The Wall Street Journal discusses regulatory challenges and competitiveness in Germany’s industrial sector.
• India's top copper producers oppose inclusion of scrap-based rods in standards: Indian copper producers voice concerns over proposed standards allowing scrap-based copper rod use.
• Auto industry braces for motor oil shortage: U.S. auto sector faces tightening motor oil supply and rising prices linked to global disruptions.

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