Environment across the country

in committee · United States · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9953: Bycatch Reduction Act

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates sensors and devices to reduce bycatch and seabed damage, directly protecting marine ecosystems and conserving natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Sponsor Nicholas J. Begich III (R)

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 3, 2026

SJRES 204: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration relating to "Rescinding the Definition of 'Harm' Under the Endangered Species Act".

This joint resolution seeks to formally disapprove a federal rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rule in question aims to remove the legal definition of "harm" from the Endangered Species Act, a change that could alter how agencies regulate activities affecting protected species. If passed, the resolution would prevent the new rule from taking effect, thereby keeping the existing definition of harm in place. The measure directly impacts federal conservation efforts and the regulatory framework governing endangered species.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill blocks a rule that would weaken the Endangered Species Act, thereby preserving existing environmental protections for species.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Sponsor Adam B. Schiff (D) · 1 co-sponsor

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1310: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1802 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 208).

This bill officially establishes a legal framework for conservation banks in Hawaii, which are designated sites used to restore or protect habitats for threatened and endangered species. The law authorizes public and private entities to operate these banks to provide long-term environmental protection and requires the Endangered Species Recovery Committee to oversee their applications and performance. By defining specific terms like "credits" and outlining rules for maintaining these sites, the legislation aims to make environmental mitigation projects more predictable and efficient for developers who need to offset impacts to wildlife.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes conservation banks to restore habitats for threatened species, directly strengthening environmental protection and conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1328: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3253 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 226).

This bill formally recognizes a newly established nonprofit organization as the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary to support the state's conservation efforts. The nonprofit is authorized to create and manage specific protected areas, including sanctuaries around a recreational body of water, in areas suitable for native birds, and in other locations appropriate for wildlife protection. By exempting state funds given to this entity from certain legal requirements, the bill aims to provide flexible management for preserving endangered species and enhancing biodiversity in Hawaii.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a nonprofit to manage protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, directly advancing conservation and environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9894: Investing in State Energy Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $500M in funding for energy conservation programs and mandates faster federal disbursement, directly strengthening fiscal management of state budgets.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill allocates $500M for energy conservation programs and mandates faster funding distribution to states and tribes.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds energy conservation programs and mandates faster distribution of resources to states and tribes for environmental initiatives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

Sponsor Chris Pappas (D) · 3 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9933: South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026

This bill, titled the South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026, aims to temporarily close commercial fishing for red snapper in Federal waters whenever recreational fishing is prohibited. The legislation directly affects commercial fishermen, retailers, and other businesses by making it illegal to harvest, sell, or trade red snapper caught during these specific closed periods. By aligning commercial restrictions with recreational closures, the bill seeks to ensure that conservation burdens and access limitations are shared fairly between the two sectors. The Secretary of Commerce is required to issue regulations within 90 days to enforce these rules under existing federal fishery laws.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enforces fishing closures to conserve red snapper populations, directly protecting natural resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Sponsor Austin Scott (R)

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SB 1418: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for hunting and trapping education; and imposing duties on the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to create a model program for hunting and trapping education for students in grades six through twelve. The program must include age-appropriate firearm safety instruction covering topics like safe handling, maintenance, and wildlife conservation, taught only by certified instructors without bringing actual firearms onto school property. Schools can offer this as an optional extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses, and parents may request to excuse their children from the instruction without penalty. Additionally, the bill allows schools to receive reimbursement for program costs and counts related training hours toward staff professional development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational curriculum by mandating a new hunting and trapping education program with safety instruction for K-12 students.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates wildlife conservation education and firearm safety, fostering respect for natural resources and promoting conservation awareness among students.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Sponsor James Malone (D) · 1 co-sponsor

Track

introduced · California · Assembly Jul 3, 2026

AJR 34: Relative to public lands.

This measure would declare support for maintaining national public lands under the stewardship of the United States government and federal land management agencies and for foundational public processes designed to guide the sustainable use of these lands. The measure would declare opposition to all efforts that directly or indirectly diminish the public's voice, access, and recourse in the use and management of national public lands. The measure would call upon members of California's congressional delegation, the Governor, and the Attorney General to take all necessary actions to defend the public processes and statutory safeguards that ensure public lands are retained under federal stewardship in trust for the American people and managed for the broadest possible public benefit.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill supports maintaining federal stewardship of public lands and sustainable use, opposing efforts that diminish public access and management, which aligns with environmental conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Public Lands

Sponsor Chris Rogers (D) · 5 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2026

S 4962: Securing America's Water Supply Act

The Securing America's Water Supply Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to create a new office dedicated to improving water supply, conservation, and drought resilience. This office will identify opportunities to use existing federal authorities to store and manage water for municipal and industrial needs, while also helping states and local groups access technical and financial assistance. Key actions include clearing backlogs on water supply studies, updating internal policies on how reservoir storage is allocated, and coordinating with other agencies to plan for future water shortages. The bill also requires the Corps to report annually on the office's progress, staffing levels, and the status of ongoing water projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a new office to improve water conservation and drought resilience, directly protecting natural resources.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Sponsor Raphael G. Warnock (D) · 1 co-sponsor

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 2, 2026

HR 9572: BUFFER Act

The BUFFER Act modifies the eligibility rules for the Conservation Reserve Program to include farmland that is already subject to existing Tribal, state, or local environmental protection laws. Under this change, landowners can enroll such land in the program unless the requirement to follow those local rules was imposed by a court or administrative order. This provision aims to encourage the conservation of agricultural land while respecting current local regulations, directly affecting farmers and land managers participating in federal conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands Conservation Reserve Program eligibility to include land under existing environmental laws, promoting agricultural conservation and respecting local environmental regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Sponsor Becca Balint (D)

Track