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Environment and Public Works Committee

Roster

Members · 18

Legislation

Recent bills · 5

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 7, 2026

S 5363: New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act

The New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act amends the Clean Air Act to clarify when industrial facilities must obtain permits for changes that could increase air pollution. It defines a "modification" as a change that raises the maximum hourly emission rate of a pollutant compared to the highest level achievable in the preceding ten years, while explicitly excluding projects designed to improve safety, reliability, or reduce emissions per unit of production unless they pose an adverse health or environmental risk. Additionally, the bill narrows the scope of "construction" to physical work on specific emissions-generating parts of a facility, ensuring that other costly or permanent on-site activities do not automatically trigger permitting requirements if they do not result in a significant increase in actual annual emissions.
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 7, 2026

S 5368: Water Cyber Shield Act of 2026

The Water Cyber Shield Act of 2026 mandates cybersecurity risk assessments and emergency response plans for community water systems serving more than 3,300 people and large wastewater treatment facilities serving over 10,000 people with a design flow rate of at least one million gallons. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish baseline cybersecurity standards in collaboration with federal agencies and industry experts, while authorizing states to assume primary enforcement responsibilities if they demonstrate adequate capacity and security protocols. It allocates $300 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to help water systems build cybersecurity resilience, prioritizing assistance for facilities with the greatest need for resources or expertise. Additionally, the legislation expands cyber incident reporting obligations under the Homeland Security Act to include these specific water infrastructure entities and requires that submitted security documentation be protected from public disclosure under federal and state freedom of information laws.
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

SJRES 210: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Commercial Harbor Craft Regulations; Notice of Decision".

This joint resolution seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that sets pollution control standards for nonroad engines used in commercial harbor craft. If passed, the measure would prevent the rule from taking effect, meaning the new regulations for these vessels would not be enforced. The bill directly impacts the EPA and the maritime industry by stopping the implementation of the stated pollution limits. It functions as a legislative veto, using existing federal law to disapprove the agency's decision without creating new policies itself.
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

SJRES 209: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth; Notice of Decision".

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding pollution control standards for nonroad engines used in ocean-going vessels while they are at berth. If passed, the measure would legally void the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect or continuing to apply to the shipping industry. The bill directly impacts the Environmental Protection Agency and maritime operators subject to these emission regulations by removing the federal mandate associated with the California standards.
in committee · United States · Senate Aug 5, 2026

S 5262: Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026

The Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026 significantly narrows the federal definition of "navigable waters" by excluding wetlands without continuous surface connections, intermittent streams, and groundwater from federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The bill prohibits federal agencies from using aggregation methods or the "significant nexus test" to assert authority over these excluded water bodies and invalidates existing regulations that expand the definition of covered waters. Additionally, it requires federal agencies to obtain written consent before entering private property for data collection and mandates that they pay affected landowners double the value of any economic loss caused by new federal water regulations.