Environment

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9901: To provide that the final rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration titled "Rescinding the Definition of 'Harm' Under the Endangered Species Act" shall have no force or effect.

This bill would invalidate a final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that rescinded the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. By declaring that the 2026 rule has no force or effect, the legislation aims to restore the previous legal interpretation of how actions can harm protected species. This change directly affects entities subject to the Endangered Species Act by reinstating the broader regulatory framework for protecting endangered and threatened wildlife.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill restores the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act, strengthening protections for threatened and endangered species.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Natural Disasters Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Sep 3, 2026

HR 10255: Penalties for Polluters Act

The Penalties for Polluters Act significantly increases the maximum civil penalties for violations of federal mineral leasing, oil and gas royalty management, and offshore lands laws to better account for inflation. These higher fines apply to companies and individuals who fail to comply with regulations regarding natural resource extraction and environmental protection. The bill also establishes a Penalty Revenue Reinvestment Fund that collects the additional revenue generated by these increased penalties. Half of this fund is distributed to states, Indian tribes, and local governments harmed by violations, while the other half supports federal agencies in enforcing compliance and safety standards.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases penalties for violations of environmental protection and natural resource laws to enforce compliance.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 9808: No Passes for Polluters Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens Clean Air Act regulations by restricting fossil fuel pollution exemptions, aligning with clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protections by requiring explicit congressional approval for Clean Air Act exemptions, preventing deregulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9615: BRACE Act

The BRACE Act updates federal regulations to improve how lithium-ion batteries are managed and recycled in the United States. It requires facilities that store these batteries before recycling them to follow stricter safety and record-keeping rules similar to those for large industrial waste handlers. Additionally, the bill modernizes existing laws by replacing outdated references with current environmental protection standards. These changes directly impact businesses and organizations involved in the collection, storage, and recycling of lithium-ion batteries.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by updating lithium-ion battery management and recycling standards to reduce pollution and protect resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 24, 2026

S 4944: American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026

The American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026 streamlines the permitting process for natural gas pipelines and other energy projects by designating the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews and establishing strict deadlines for federal and state agencies to complete their portions of the review. The bill also modifies water quality laws to reduce the number of required certifications for discharges into navigable waters, extends the validity of certain nationwide permits for dredged or fill material from five to ten years, and creates a new fund to address abandoned hardrock mines. Additionally, the legislation updates the National Environmental Policy Act to limit the scope of environmental reviews to effects directly caused by a project, impose specific timelines for agency decisions, and restrict the ability of courts to issue injunctions that would halt construction while legal challenges are pending.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines permitting for natural gas pipelines and energy projects, reducing regulatory barriers to energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill streamlines permitting for pipelines, designates FERC as sole lead for reviews, modifies water quality laws to reduce certifications, and establishes strict deadlines, indicating deregulation of environmental standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Jun 18, 2026

HR 9337: Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens hydropower licensing by requiring mitigation of environmental impacts, protecting renewable energy infrastructure and aquatic species.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates mitigation measures for adverse effects on federal reservations and fish populations, directly strengthening environmental protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Tags Licensing

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in committee · United States · House Jun 25, 2026

HR 9453: End EPA Abuse Act of 2026

The End EPA Abuse Act of 2026 amends the Clean Air Act to limit the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to create new regulations. Specifically, it prohibits the EPA Administrator from issuing rules that restrict the sale or use of internal combustion engine vehicles, force power plants to switch fuel sources, or reduce the reliability of the electric grid. The bill also bars the agency from mandating technologies that are commercially unavailable, too expensive without subsidies, or technically unfeasible due to geographic or infrastructure limitations. Additionally, the law prevents the EPA from expanding its regulatory power beyond what Congress originally intended. These changes directly affect the EPA's ability to enforce environmental standards and impact industries such as automotive manufacturing and energy production.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts EPA authority to regulate internal combustion engines and power plant fuel sources, limiting renewable energy and clean energy standards.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill explicitly limits EPA authority to restrict ICE vehicles and mandate fuel switches, weakening environmental regulations.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts EPA authority to mandate emerging clean technologies and limits regulatory actions that could drive innovation in energy sectors.85% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill restricts EPA authority to regulate vehicle emissions and fuel sources, limiting environmental protections and sustainable transportation policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Air Quality

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in committee · United States · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 9250: Great American Outdoors Act 250

This bill redesignates the existing National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund as the America's Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. It directs revenue from recreation fees and a portion of energy development income into the fund, which must be used primarily for repairing critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring that most funds go toward non-transportation projects, mandates transparency through public dashboards tracking project status, and sets aside a small percentage for matching private donations. Additionally, the bill increases entrance fees for foreign visitors to ensure they contribute to the fund, while prohibiting the use of these specific funds for land acquisition or employee bonuses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for federal land maintenance using recreation fees and energy income, directly strengthening fiscal management for public services.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds infrastructure repair on federal lands, directly supporting conservation and environmental protection.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds repair of critical infrastructure including roads and trails managed by federal agencies, directly advancing transportation maintenance.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Parks & Recreation Public Lands

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in committee · United States · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 9183: Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026

The Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026 directs the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report on the environmental effects of artificial intelligence, including energy and water use, pollution, and electronic waste. This bill requires large data centers to annually submit detailed public reports on their resource consumption and environmental footprint, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it establishes a stakeholder consortium to develop standardized methods for measuring these impacts and to identify ways to promote beneficial uses of AI while reducing negative effects. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding the growing environmental costs associated with AI infrastructure and operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates EPA study of AI environmental impacts and requires data centers to report resource use, promoting transparency and accountability for environmental protection.85% confidence

Tags Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · House Jun 11, 2026

HR 9080: Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026

This bill directs federal agencies to prioritize the construction of public buildings using domestically sourced mass timber products. It requires the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense to give preference to wood harvested from U.S. forests and produced at facilities located within the country. The legislation further mandates that these wood products come from responsibly managed sources, such as forests undergoing restoration or those managed to prevent wildfires, while also supporting underserved forest owners. Additionally, the bill requires an independent lifecycle assessment of these new buildings to evaluate their environmental impact and a subsequent report to be submitted to Congress.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMass timber is a renewable, low-carbon building material that reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-intensive construction methods and supports sustainable forest management.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates use of domestically sourced mass timber from responsibly managed forests, promoting conservation and wildfire prevention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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