Environment across the country

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

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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

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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

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introduced · Illinois · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 5801: FINANCE-BRIDGE FUND TRANSFER

HB 5801 amends the State Finance Act to require the transfer of specific funds from various state accounts into the Budget Reserve for Immediate Disbursements and Governmental Emergencies Fund. This bill directly affects multiple state funds, including those for open space lands, medical cannabis, law enforcement, and wildlife conservation, by mandating that the State Comptroller and Treasurer move designated amounts from each into the reserve. The legislation sets a deadline of July 31, 2025, for completing these transfers, which range from small sums like $43,000 to larger amounts like $15 million. By repealing previous rules that required transfers to the reserve from certain funds, this act establishes a new, comprehensive list of sources for the budget reserve.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill mandates transferring funds from specific state accounts into a reserve, effectively restricting or limiting available budget for those programs.85% confidence ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates transferring funds from law enforcement accounts to a reserve, effectively reducing available resources for criminal justice operations.65% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill mandates transferring funds from open space and wildlife conservation accounts to a general reserve, effectively defunding environmental protection programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Drug Policy Law Enforcement Conservation Wildlife

Sponsor Bob Rita (D)

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4975: HEATS Act

The HEATS Act modifies the Geothermal Steam Act to allow companies to drill for geothermal energy on private land without needing a separate federal permit, provided the federal government owns less than half of the underground resources and the operator holds a valid state permit. This change exempts such projects from certain federal environmental reviews, including those under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, while still requiring royalty payments to the government for electricity production. The legislation explicitly excludes projects on Indian lands and allows federal inspectors to verify production data and royalty payments to ensure accountability.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill facilitates geothermal energy development by removing federal permit barriers and streamlining reviews, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill exempts geothermal drilling from federal environmental reviews like NEPA and ESA, weakening environmental protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

Sponsor John Hoeven (R) · 2 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 13, 2026

S 4956: Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026

The Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026 aims to simplify the permitting process for landowners by changing how federal rules regarding the discharge of dredged or fill material are interpreted. Specifically, the bill directs regulators to broadly allow discharges that do not harm fish or wildlife while strictly limiting the ability to revoke permits later. By amending the Clean Water Act, the legislation seeks to reduce the number of required permits for agricultural and ranching activities involving earth-moving or water management. These changes are intended to provide more flexibility for farmers and ranchers without altering the underlying environmental protections of the law.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill weakens environmental protections by broadening discharge allowances and limiting permit revocation, prioritizing agricultural interests over water and wildlife conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality Wildlife

Sponsor Cynthia M. Lummis (R) · 4 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · House Jul 9, 2026

HR 9631: Bear Poaching Elimination Act

The Bear Poaching Elimination Act prohibits the import, export, and interstate trade of bear internal organs and products, aiming to stop the commercial demand that drives poaching. This law specifically targets items like gallbladders used in traditional medicine and cosmetics, while explicitly excluding blood and brains from the ban. The legislation applies to individuals, businesses, and government entities, with exceptions only for wildlife law enforcement and specific Native American traditional rituals. Violations can result in criminal prison time, civil fines up to $25,000 per offense, and the seizure of the illegal items. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Interior to continue international discussions to reduce the global trade in bear parts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill protects natural resources by banning bear organ trade to stop poaching and conserve wildlife populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

Sponsor Michael T. McCaul (R) · 3 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · House Sep 10, 2026

HR 9590: SAFE for Manatees Act

The SAFE for Manatees Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study identifying potential new habitats for manatees in Florida as industrial sites are decommissioned and water temperatures change. This study must evaluate natural warm-water locations and explore methods for building artificial warm-water refuges in cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers and Florida wildlife officials. The bill requires the Interior Department to publish a report on these findings within 180 days of enactment to inform future conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs study to identify and build artificial warm-water refuges for manatees, directly protecting endangered species and their habitat.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Sponsor Daniel Webster (R) · 6 co-sponsors

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in committee · United States · House Jun 29, 2026

HR 9512: Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act of 2026, aims to improve water management and environmental health in California's Sacramento River Basin by extending deadlines and funding specific restoration efforts. It extends the timeline for completing feasibility studies for federal water storage projects until 2041 and authorizes the federal government to contribute up to 50 percent of the costs for operating and maintaining state-led storage projects that provide public benefits like flood control and ecosystem improvements. The legislation also allocates $500 million over ten years for habitat restoration, fish passage improvements, and scientific monitoring to support endangered species such as Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Federal Leadership Committee to coordinate between various government agencies and state partners to accelerate the implementation of water and habitat projects. Finally, it allows water sellers to keep revenue from temporary water transfers to invest in dam safety, drought resilience, or extraordinary maintenance, provided unused funds are returned to the federal reclamation fund after a decade.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes federal funding for water storage operations and extends project timelines, directly advancing fiscal support for essential infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to improve environmental health and fund restoration efforts in the Sacramento River Basin.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Wildlife

Sponsor James Gallagher (R)

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