The Puerto Rico Energy Opportunity and Geothermal Assessment Act of 2026 directs the U.S. Geological Survey, in coordination with the Department of Energy and local officials, to conduct geothermal resource assessments for Puerto Rico. These studies must include high-resolution mapping, evaluations of groundwater vulnerability in sensitive terrain, and analyses of seismic risks associated with enhanced geothermal systems. The Secretary of the Interior is required to submit progress reports to Congress annually for the first year and biennially thereafter until the assessment is complete.
The Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026 directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to integrate environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling into federal fishery stock assessments through a multi-year pilot study and subsequent implementation plan. To support this transition, the bill establishes the National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network, a multi-agency body tasked with developing national standards for eDNA collection, analysis, and data sharing across various aquatic environments. Additionally, the legislation authorizes funding to expand NOAA’s workforce and laboratory capabilities, encourages partnerships with private-sector technology developers, and amends the Magnuson-Stevens Act to formally incorporate eDNA methods into fisheries management.
The Bycatch Reduction Act establishes new rules for fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to reduce accidental catches of protected species and damage to the ocean floor. It requires boats using mid-water trawl nets to install sensors that detect contact with the seabed and mandates the use of devices that prevent salmon from being caught. The bill also creates a new task force to study salmon migration and orders the government to conduct research on how fishing gear affects marine ecosystems. Additionally, the legislation improves transparency by requiring fishing councils to record votes and make meeting materials available online, while also setting up a fund to help fishermen purchase better, cleaner fishing technology. Finally, the Act prohibits the import of seafood from foreign vessels that do not meet U.S. standards for fishery conservation and management.
The POLAR Act establishes a new Directorate for Polar Programs within the National Science Foundation to oversee and advance scientific research, education, and infrastructure in the Arctic and Antarctica. This new directorate will manage logistics, support research stations and vessels, and coordinate with federal agencies and international partners to maintain a strong U.S. presence in these regions. The legislation authorizes the directorate to award grants and fellowships to universities, research institutions, and other entities, with a specific focus on incorporating indigenous knowledge and building a skilled workforce. Additionally, the act requires the creation of an advisory committee to guide program strategies and mandates annual reporting to Congress on funding priorities and progress.
The FISH Act of 2026 establishes a federal list of foreign vessels and their owners engaged in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing or forced labor, requiring the Secretary of Commerce to maintain this public registry with specific details about each entry. To enforce this list, the bill mandates that foreign owners or beneficial owners of listed vessels be denied U.S. visas and have any existing entry documentation revoked, while also directing the Coast Guard to increase patrols and boardings of suspected violators on the high seas. The legislation further requires the creation of strategies to identify seafood linked to forced labor, mandates regular reports on enforcement actions and the economic impacts of illegal fishing, and authorizes funding to support international efforts to combat these practices.
The National Coordination on Resilience for Security Act of 2026 creates a new Chief Resilience Officer within the National Security Council to lead federal efforts in preparing for natural hazards and enhancing national security. This official will establish interagency working groups and a Partners Council on Resilience that includes representatives from state, local, tribal, and private sector entities to coordinate strategies and identify funding gaps. The bill requires the development of a National Resilience Strategy that outlines how federal agencies will collaborate with non-federal partners to improve infrastructure, reduce waste, and support vulnerable communities. Additionally, the act mandates the creation of a public clearinghouse to share resilience data and technical assistance, with all provisions set to expire after ten years or following a third independent assessment.
The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act amends the Federal Power Act to modify how federal licenses for hydropower projects are issued. It requires project operators to reasonably mitigate direct adverse effects on Indian reservations and fish populations before a license is granted. These changes aim to ensure that environmental and tribal concerns are addressed as specific conditions within the licensing process. The bill directly affects hydropower developers and the agencies responsible for reviewing and issuing federal project licenses.
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Tribal Nations
This bill establishes the Native Children's Commission Implementation Act of 2026 to improve health, education, and safety outcomes for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children and families. It creates several new advisory committees within federal agencies to provide ongoing guidance on issues such as juvenile justice, maternal health, substance abuse, and environmental protection. The legislation also authorizes grants and pilot programs to expand access to mental health services, increase the perinatal workforce, support Native language schools, and provide housing assistance for homeless youth and families. Additionally, it modifies existing laws to allow Tribes greater flexibility in administering nutrition and child care programs while ensuring they receive adequate funding for administrative costs.
This bill establishes the Bycatch Reduction Act to lower the accidental catch of marine species and protect seafloor habitats in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. It requires fishing vessels using trawl nets to install specific technologies, such as seafloor contact detection systems and salmon excluders, to minimize damage to the ocean bottom and reduce the capture of salmon and other important species. The legislation also creates new research task forces and funding programs to study marine ecosystems and develop innovative gear, while mandating greater transparency in how fishery management councils make decisions. Additionally, the bill prohibits the import of seafood from foreign vessels that do not meet U.S. conservation standards and sets up a new fund to help fishermen purchase or modify equipment that reduces environmental impact.
The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create grant programs that help develop and train firefighters on using protective gear free from PFAS chemicals. Under this law, eligible nonprofit and educational organizations can receive funding to research next-generation turnout gear that maintains safety standards without relying on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation allocates up to $25 million between 2027 and 2031 for research grants and $2 million between 2028 and 2032 for training initiatives, ensuring that new gear designs are tested and that first responders learn proper care and decontamination methods. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of enactment to track the implementation of these safety improvements.
