Environment across the country

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5200: Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the fight against the invasive spotted lanternfly as a top research priority for federal agricultural programs. It authorizes the issuance of grants to develop and share new tools and treatments aimed at controlling this pest. Additionally, the bill extends the funding period for these high-priority agricultural research initiatives from 2023 to 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds research to control invasive species, protecting ecosystems and natural resources from harm.90% confidence

Sponsor John Fetterman (D) · 4 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5195: Green New Deal for Public Schools Act

This bill establishes the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, which creates new funding streams to help U.S. public schools, including those run by the Bureau of Indian Education, become environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate change. It directs billions of dollars toward retrofitting existing school buildings to be energy-efficient and zero-carbon, constructing new green schools, and hiring local educators and support staff to improve school environments and community partnerships. The legislation also mandates that a significant portion of funds be used in environmental justice communities to address inequities, while requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages and prioritize hiring from local and historically disadvantaged groups. Additionally, the bill sets up a new office within the Department of Education to coordinate these efforts and ensures that schools can serve as community centers during disasters by upgrading infrastructure for power, water, and internet access.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates billions for school infrastructure, energy efficiency, and hiring local educators, directly strengthening public schools.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly funds energy-efficient retrofits and zero-carbon construction for schools, directly advancing renewable energy and efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds retrofits for energy efficiency and zero-carbon construction in schools, directly advancing environmental sustainability.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill directs billions to hire local educators and support staff, expanding employment opportunities and strengthening the workforce.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Environmental Justice

Sponsor Edward J. Markey (D) · 3 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · House Jun 29, 2026

HR 9507: FISH Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill combats illegal and unregulated fishing, which protects marine biodiversity and natural resources.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill targets forced labor and illegal employment practices, directly protecting workers' rights and strengthening labor standards by denying visas to violators.90% confidence

Sponsor Nicholas J. Begich III (R)

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1311: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1728 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 209).

This bill, signed into law on July 8, 2026, requires all counties in Hawaii to allow the installation and operation of rainwater catchment systems on any property, regardless of whether it is connected to a public water system. The legislation defines these systems as setups that collect and store rainwater from rooftops for uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cleaning. While counties must permit these systems, the law also allows local governments to require registration, inspection, or notification if necessary to protect public health or water quality. This change aims to reduce strain on public infrastructure and support sustainable water management across the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates rainwater catchment systems to conserve water resources and reduce reliance on public water supplies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1306: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1618 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 204).

This bill establishes a new revolving loan fund to help Hawaii homeowners afford the high costs of converting outdated cesspools into approved wastewater systems or connecting to sewer lines. Administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the program will offer low-interest or forgivable loans, prioritizing low- and moderate-income households, to assist with these necessary upgrades. The law also directs the Department of Health to transfer money from an existing water pollution control fund to help start and maintain this new lending program. By creating a dedicated financing source, the legislation aims to accelerate the cleanup of cesspools that currently threaten public health and the environment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds wastewater system upgrades to replace outdated cesspools, directly reducing pollution and protecting water quality.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 15, 2026

GM 1361: Informing the Legislature that on July 15, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2999 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 258).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor on July 15, 2026, directs the Hawaii Department of Transportation to create a clean fuel standard for alternative fuels. The new rules must be adopted by January 1, 2028, and will establish a schedule to lower the carbon intensity of fuels used in the state. The standard aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10% below 2019 levels by 2035 and 50% by 2045. By incentivizing cleaner fuels, the legislation seeks to support economic growth, improve public health, and promote the use of waste materials and renewable energy sources.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes a clean fuel standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote alternative fuels.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates a clean fuel standard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower carbon intensity, directly protecting the environment.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates a clean fuel standard to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation, directly advancing environmental goals within the sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Climate Change

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

GM 1291: Informing the Legislature that on July 7, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2175 SD2 HD2 CD1 (ACT 189).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on July 7, 2026, bans the sale of disposable electronic smoking devices statewide starting January 1, 2027. The legislation defines these devices as non-refillable units with non-rechargeable batteries intended for single use and prohibits any person or entity from selling, offering for sale, or distributing them. Violations of the ban are subject to a fine of up to $100 per day for each instance. The law aims to address environmental concerns such as plastic pollution, hazardous waste from lithium batteries, and fire risks associated with improper disposal of these products.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans disposable electronic smoking devices to reduce electronic waste and environmental pollution, explicitly aiming to address environmental concerns.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1305: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2218 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 203).

This bill authorizes the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources to enter into formal community co-management agreements with local nonprofit organizations to better steward public trust resources. It establishes specific qualifications for eligible community groups and allows these agreements to cover land and natural resources without requiring a public auction. The legislation aims to support long-term partnerships with place-based communities, such as those in Haena and Kipahulu, by providing a legal framework that honors traditional Native Hawaiian management practices.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes community co-management agreements to better steward public trust resources and conserve natural resources.90% confidence

Track

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1309: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2401 SD1 HD2 CD2 (ACT 207).

This bill establishes a framework for creating regional shoreline mitigation districts to address coastal erosion and hazards threatening Hawaii's beaches and infrastructure. It empowers the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to identify these districts and facilitate collaborative planning among state and county agencies, property owners, and community groups. The legislation requires the development of adaptation pathways plans that assess risks to public resources and private structures while exploring various solutions, such as erosion mitigation or managed retreat. Importantly, designating a district is for planning purposes only and does not approve any specific projects or shoreline changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates regional districts to mitigate coastal erosion and hazards, directly protecting natural resources and infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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