Environment

The Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop better methods for measuring energy and water use in data centers, including those running artificial intelligence models. This research program aims to create standardized definitions and reporting guidelines that account for different power systems, cooling setups, and varying workload demands. The bill also requires the agency to coordinate with industry experts and international partners to establish global standards while sharing data to improve future energy demand forecasts. To support these efforts, the legislation authorizes $10 million in funding for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2029.

The Next Generation Shipping Act establishes a $10 billion funding program over ten years to support the development and deployment of zero-emission vessels and clean alternative fuel technologies. Administered by the Department of Transportation, the program provides grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees to eligible entities such as shipowners, manufacturers, and port authorities, while explicitly prohibiting the use of funds for automated vessel systems. To guide these efforts, the bill creates an advisory committee representing diverse stakeholders including labor groups, environmental organizations, and industry leaders to evaluate technologies and identify gaps. Additionally, the legislation mandates that funded projects prioritize workforce training, community benefits, and environmental justice, ensuring that laborers receive prevailing wages and that local communities are engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

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.

The Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Act extends the funding and authority for a federal program that studies shared underground water sources between the United States and Mexico. This legislation adds Arizona to the list of states eligible for the program, while also updating the funding period to cover fiscal years 2026 through 2036. The bill directly affects the federal agencies responsible for managing water resources and the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona by ensuring continued support for their cross-border aquifer assessments.

The EDUCATE Act of 2026 directs the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to create a grant program for universities to research marijuana cultivation and processing, with a specific focus on soil health, sustainability, and economic opportunities for minority farmers. This legislation also establishes a scholarship program to support students pursuing careers in marijuana agriculture and requires that at least 25% of the research funding be reserved for Hispanic-serving institutions. To encourage participation, the bill includes protections ensuring that institutions and individuals conducting federally authorized marijuana research cannot face denial of benefits or federal prosecution solely for their work. The program is authorized for five years, with $5 million allocated annually for research grants and $100,000 annually for scholarships, and recipients must agree to comply with all applicable federal laws regarding marijuana.

This resolution recognizes the vital role that pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, play in supporting U.S. agriculture and ecosystem health. It highlights that these creatures contribute over $18 billion annually to crop production while helping to maintain biodiversity and environmental stability. The bill formally expresses support for National Pollinator Week and encourages the public to participate in related conservation and educational activities. Additionally, it acknowledges the significant decline in certain pollinator populations due to habitat loss and disease, urging continued efforts to protect these species.

This Senate resolution designates June 22 through June 28, 2026, as National Pollinator Week to raise awareness about the vital role pollinators play in agriculture and ecosystem health. The measure directly affects the general public, agricultural producers, and conservation groups by encouraging them to observe the week with ceremonies and educational activities. It acknowledges that pollinators support over 80 percent of flowering plants and contribute billions of dollars annually to crop production while highlighting the decline of species like the monarch butterfly. The resolution also expresses the Senate's intent to continue working on conserving native pollinator species and improving public understanding of their importance.

The SCALE Act of 2026 creates a new grant program to help states and eligible Indian tribes improve soil health and wildlife habitat on agricultural lands. Between fiscal years 2027 and 2031, the Department of Agriculture will provide up to $10 million annually to recipients that meet specific performance standards, with a total funding pool of $250 million. To receive these funds, applicants must submit a plan detailing their goals and agree to match federal dollars with their own state or tribal funds, unless they cannot provide the full match. The law also sets strict rules on how the money can be spent, limiting administrative costs and prohibiting conditions that would force changes to existing local programs. Recipients must submit annual audit results and could be disqualified from future funding if they fail to comply with the grant terms.

The PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create grant programs that help develop and train firefighters on using protective gear free from PFAS chemicals. Under this law, eligible nonprofit and educational organizations can receive funding to research next-generation turnout gear that maintains safety standards without relying on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation allocates up to $25 million between 2027 and 2031 for research grants and $2 million between 2028 and 2032 for training initiatives, ensuring that new gear designs are tested and that first responders learn proper care and decontamination methods. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of enactment to track the implementation of these safety improvements.

The Paraquat Prevention Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately cancel the registration of paraquat, a pesticide used in agriculture, and to revoke any existing safety limits for its residues in food. This legislation also prohibits the sale and use of any remaining paraquat stocks already on the market and bars the EPA from re-registering the chemical in the future. By removing paraquat from legal use, the bill directly impacts farmers who currently rely on it and consumers concerned about pesticide exposure in their food supply.