The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing agencies and tribal entities for the comprehensive rehabilitation, energy upgrades, and modernization of public housing stock. These funds are intended to transform properties into zero-carbon homes by installing renewable energy systems, electrifying appliances, and repairing infrastructure, while also establishing workforce development programs that offer training, apprenticeships, and stipends to residents and local low-income workers. The bill mandates strict labor standards, including prevailing wages and the use of U.S.-made materials, and requires agencies to maintain or increase the total number of public housing units while prioritizing resident participation through elected councils and community engagement processes.
The MORE American Fuel Act of 2026 amends the Atomic Energy Act to allow companies to begin constructing uranium enrichment facilities before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issues an operating license, provided the application has been officially accepted and all federal laws are followed. This change shifts the licensing process from requiring approval before construction starts to a model where construction can proceed at the applicant's own financial risk while the regulatory review is still pending. To ensure local awareness, the bill mandates that applicants notify state governors, local government officials, and nearby tribal leaders at least 15 days before starting construction. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required to update its regulations within 180 days of the act's passage to reflect these new procedures, while retaining full authority to deny licenses if safety or operational standards are not met.
The Data Center Resource Disclosure Act requires operators of data centers in the United States to voluntarily report their annual energy and water usage to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce. These operators must submit the data within 180 days of the law's enactment and every year thereafter. The government will then publish the results on an interactive map, identify facilities that did not provide information, and share feedback from public interest groups. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary must coordinate with other federal agencies and submit a report to Congress with recommendations for improving data center transparency.
The Lowering Energy Costs through Grid Modernization Act encourages utilities to upgrade power lines by replacing old conductors with more efficient ones that carry more electricity and generate less heat. To support these upgrades, the bill allows for faster federal environmental reviews and makes it easier to secure permits for projects that fit within existing land rights. Additionally, the legislation expands a federal tax credit to include these high-performance transmission upgrades, offering a higher credit rate for smaller projects or those meeting specific domestic content requirements.
The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 updates the Clean Air Act to broaden the definition of renewable biomass eligible for carbon credits. It specifically allows materials from forest management, such as slash, storm debris, and wood residuals, to be counted as renewable fuel if they come from sustainably managed lands or public forests designated for fuel reduction. The bill also includes vegetation cleared from defensible space around buildings and from wildfire risk reduction projects in the wildland-urban interface. By clarifying these categories and establishing certification requirements, the legislation aims to increase the supply of biomass available for generating renewable energy credits.
The Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act of 2026 amends the Clean Air Act to officially recognize prescribed fires and cultural burning as "exceptional events," meaning air quality issues caused by these deliberate, managed burns will no longer be counted as violations of pollution standards. The bill requires the EPA to update its regulations within a year to clarify how these fires are defined and to streamline the process for states to petition for exemptions when wildfires or prescribed fires impact air quality. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new "Smoke Ready Communities" grant program that provides up to 90 percent federal funding to states, tribes, and local entities to help communities prepare for and mitigate wildfire smoke hazards in public buildings like schools.
The Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act amends the Federal Power Act to modify how federal licenses for hydropower projects are issued. Specifically, it requires that license conditions include measures to reasonably mitigate direct adverse effects on federal reservations and fish populations within applicable river systems. These changes aim to ensure that new or existing hydropower projects address environmental impacts on protected lands and aquatic species before a license is granted. The bill directly affects hydropower project developers and federal agencies responsible for licensing and environmental oversight.
The Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop better methods for measuring energy and water use in data centers, including those running artificial intelligence models. This research program aims to create standardized definitions and reporting guidelines that account for different power systems, cooling setups, and varying workload demands. The bill also requires the agency to coordinate with industry experts and international partners to establish global standards while sharing data to improve future energy demand forecasts. To support these efforts, the legislation authorizes $10 million in funding for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2029.
The Make More in America Act of 2026 expands the Export-Import Bank's authority to provide loans, guarantees, and other financial support specifically for U.S. manufacturing projects that are intended for export. This new program targets strategic industries such as renewable energy, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and advanced robotics, with a goal of creating at least 30 percent of the Bank's annual financing for these domestic projects. To ensure accountability, the bill requires recipients to meet prevailing wage standards, commit to workforce training, and adhere to strict timelines, with funds subject to clawback if these conditions are not met. Additionally, the legislation increases the Bank's overall lending authority, establishes a new interagency committee to coordinate federal investment strategies, and tightens rules on who is eligible for Bank support.
This resolution formally recognizes the value of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, a federal system that requires over 8,000 industrial facilities to submit data on their emissions. The bill highlights how this program provides transparent information on pollution sources to help government agencies, researchers, and communities make informed decisions about public health and environmental protection. It specifically notes that the data collected supports efforts to address climate change and protects vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by air pollution. The measure does not create new laws or regulations but serves to express support for the existing reporting requirements and their role in maintaining scientific integrity.
