The Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act prevents the Bureau of Land Management from approving any expansion of the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry. Specifically, it bars the processing of applications for increased mineral operations or sales contracts on specific land parcels in Garfield County, Colorado, that are currently designated for mining. This restriction directly affects the quarry's ability to grow and limits future development on the identified sections of public land.
The No Passes for Polluters Act of 2026 requires Congress to explicitly approve any exemptions from Clean Air Act regulations before the President or federal agencies can use them. Under this bill, the President must submit a detailed message to both houses of Congress explaining the reasons and facts behind any proposed exemption, which then triggers a special legislative process. To pass such an exemption, a joint resolution must be approved by a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, with limited debate and no amendments allowed. Additionally, the Comptroller General will review these proposals to ensure they have legal authority, and any unauthorized use of exemptions could lead to civil lawsuits. The legislation also mandates that the President reconsider certain executive branch emissions regulations every three years.
The FLOWS Act updates regulations for hydropower projects by clarifying which changes require Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval and exempting routine maintenance from such requirements. It also establishes a new, streamlined licensing process for small-scale micro hydrokinetic energy projects that generate up to 5 megawatts from moving water without impounding it. Under this new section, applicants would file a notification of intent followed by a formal application, with the Commission required to issue a final decision within one year. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commission create specific rules to define project alterations and implement categorical exclusions to speed up environmental reviews for these smaller projects.
The RAAM Act repeals federal fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks starting with the 2029 model year, removing the requirement for manufacturers to meet specific mileage targets. It also prevents states from creating their own fuel economy rules, reserving this authority exclusively to the federal government. Additionally, the bill updates legal definitions to clarify how vehicles are classified and modifies the process for challenging federal regulations in court. These changes directly affect automobile manufacturers, state governments, and consumers by eliminating federal mileage mandates and blocking state-level fuel economy laws.
The FIRST Act establishes a new program within the Department of State to promote the international deployment of American small modular reactor technology. Managed by the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, the program will advocate for U.S. nuclear exports, ensure high safety and security standards, and provide support for project development and workforce training abroad. The legislation requires the program to submit detailed reports and briefings to Congress every 120 days regarding its activities and funding, and it is set to expire in 2034.
The Investing in State Energy Act of 2026 requires federal agencies to distribute funds and guidance for energy conservation programs within 30 to 60 days of receiving state plans. It specifically affects States, Indian Tribes, and other direct recipients by mandating faster payment schedules and earlier publication of funding allocations. The bill also authorizes an additional $500 million in funding for these programs over five years, starting in fiscal year 2027. These changes aim to streamline how federal energy assistance is delivered to local governments and tribes.
The Enhancing Electric Grid Resilience Act modifies the Federal Power Act to establish a new rule for how costs are assigned for large-scale interstate or offshore transmission lines. Under this bill, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must require that the costs of these major projects be shared by customers based on the benefits they receive, such as improved reliability and resilience. The law specifically applies to new transmission lines with a capacity of at least 1,000 megawatts or upgrades that add 500 megawatts or more, ensuring that those who gain the most from the infrastructure contribute proportionally to its expense. This change aims to create a fairer cost-sharing framework for significant power grid projects while leaving the rules for smaller facilities unchanged.
This bill, titled the National Security Interstate Pipeline Act, allows the President to designate specific oil and natural gas pipelines as critical to national security, thereby placing them under exclusive federal control for siting and permitting. Once designated, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission becomes the sole lead agency responsible for approving these projects, bypassing state and local regulations that could delay construction. The legislation also grants pipeline companies the right to use eminent domain to acquire necessary land after a good-faith negotiation attempt and permits the President to waive certain environmental laws if delays threaten national defense. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for federal and state agencies to complete reviews, deeming requirements satisfied if actions are not taken within specified periods, while requiring the President to report these designations and waivers to Congress.
This bill directs the National Guard Bureau and the Corporation for National and Community Service to create a pilot program that combines military service with national service activities. The program aims to protect critical infrastructure like energy and transportation systems, improve cybersecurity for schools and local governments, and help communities prepare for disasters. It also seeks to build a nationwide training pipeline that connects part-time National Guard members with career opportunities to address economic insecurity. Before launching the pilot, the agencies must conduct a feasibility study to determine the costs, necessary legal changes, and potential benefits of integrating these two types of service.
The Defending Our Energy and Water Act directs the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government to update minimum requirements for new federal data centers, mandating the use of the most water-efficient cooling systems. This update must be completed within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Additionally, the legislation extends a previous deadline for reviewing data center standards from 2026 to 2031 and requires the Department of Defense to identify and integrate water efficiency technologies to protect water resources. These changes apply specifically to federal data centers and aim to minimize their operational impact on water supplies.
