July 05, 2026 to July 11, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing: Ending Supply Chain Dependency: On July 15, 2026, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing titled 'Ending Supply Chain Dependency: Aligning Tools, Capital, and Partnerships,' with officials from USTDA, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and US International Development Finance Corporation scheduled to testify.

Federal Government News

DOE Moves to Overhaul Energy Conservation Standards Procedure

The Department of Energy has issued a proposed rule revising its Process Rule for energy conservation standards and test procedures for consumer products and commercial/industrial equipment. Key proposed changes include setting thresholds for significant full-fuel-cycle energy savings, codifying binding steps for regulatory actions, restoring the 2020 Process Rule's requirement for early stakeholder involvement, and introducing a 'walk up' approach to economic justification in standard level selection. The rule also addresses the differential treatment of deregulatory actions, proposes minimum public comment periods, and considers reverting language on coordination with industry standards. Comments are due August 6, 2026, with a public webinar scheduled for July 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Initiates Section 232 Action on Aircraft Imports

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 directing the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to pursue agreements with trading partners regarding imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and associated parts. The objective is to address national security risks stemming from foreign market interventions affecting domestic aerospace manufacturing, critical to defense and economic security. If no effective agreements are reached within 180 days, the President retains authority to adjust imports.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

USDA Tightens Rules for Biorefinery and Renewable Chemical Loan Guarantees

Effective July 9, 2026, the Rural Business–Cooperative Service finalized revisions to the Section 9003 Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. The updated regulation strengthens oversight of the $250 million loan guarantee portfolio, introducing measures that prohibit borrowers or guarantors—along with related entities—from remaining involved in projects after the agency sustains a monetary loss. Debt write-downs are now barred for borrowers retaining control, except as ordered by bankruptcy courts, closing prior loopholes and aligning participation rules to prevent abuse.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Initiation of Wide-Ranging Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews

The Department of Commerce began administrative reviews for antidumping and countervailing duty orders with May anniversary dates, covering products including steel, aluminum, chemicals, and mattresses from countries such as China, India, Korea, and Turkey. CBP data and questionnaires will be used for respondent selection, with reviews subject to rescission for companies lacking suspended entries. Deadlines for submission of particular market situation allegations and certification applications are set in accordance with Commerce regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House CEQ Names Selected Technologies for Permitting Innovators Expo

The Council on Environmental Quality announced the technology solutions chosen for the inaugural Permitting Innovators Expo, set for July 31, 2026, near Washington, D.C. The Expo follows a presidential directive to modernize federal permitting, and solutions address technology gaps in workflow, document analysis, and automation for environmental reviews. Select innovators will present their products to federal officials; the featured solutions will be catalogued for agency access later this year.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026

Bill 9593, the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act of 2026, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill seeks to address the use of PFAS chemicals in food packaging.

Sources: www.congress.gov

No PFAS in Cosmetics Act

Bill 9594, titled the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The legislation would prohibit the use of PFAS substances in cosmetic products.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act

Bill 8893, the Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act, was ordered to be reported (amended) by a unanimous 35-0 vote following Energy and Commerce Committee consideration. The bill addresses the use of AI in deceptive practices.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• He Wanted to Track Microplastics in the Sea. The E.P.A. Fired Him.: A researcher’s firing fuels debate on EPA’s approach to monitoring microplastics in U.S. waters.
• EU plans to impose emissions costs on waste incineration plants: The European Union moves to apply CO2 pricing to waste incinerators to reduce industrial emissions.
• YP-MFG Shares Industry Guidance on Selecting a Reliable CNC Machining Supplier for Custom Precision Parts: YP-MFG outlines criteria for evaluating and partnering with CNC machining suppliers.
• Malaysian Precision Manufacturer Recognised Across ASEAN for Rapid Multi-Plant Expansion: A Malaysian manufacturer achieves regional acclaim following the launch of multiple advanced facilities.
• Stuck in linear: Can a European push help the circular economy get into gear?: Analysis examines the EU’s efforts and obstacles in transitioning to a circular economic model.

.