This bill, known as the Stop Taxing Our Power Act, prevents states from collecting fees specifically to fund the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Energy Efficiency Program. It directly affects state governments that currently use charges to support this regional climate initiative, which operates across several northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. The legislation removes the authority for states to impose these particular charges, effectively cutting off a funding source for the program. The bill does not address other ways the program might be funded or alter the program's overall goals, focusing solely on prohibiting state-imposed charges for this specific purpose.
This bill, known as the State Boating Act, would allow states to charge fees to boat owners when issuing vessel registration numbers. The fees could cover costs for search and rescue operations, boating safety programs, and efforts to control aquatic invasive species. States would be permitted to collect these boating-related fees at the same time they collect other vessel numbering fees. The law would also require that any money collected through these fees be used only for activities that directly support recreational boating, boater safety, waterway access, and aquatic invasive species mitigation.
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a program focused on researching how environmental factors, such as air pollution, chemicals, and heavy metals, may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The legislation would establish collaborative research centers at universities and medical institutions to study these environmental links, train scientists, and share findings with the public and healthcare professionals. The program includes provisions for creating a national data system and information clearinghouse to track disease patterns and environmental exposures across different communities. Funding of up to $50 million annually through 2031 is authorized to support these research efforts, with biennial reports required to Congress on progress and outcomes.
This resolution expresses support for the United Nations designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. It recognizes the economic, social, and ecological importance of rangelands and the ranchers, farmers, and land managers who steward them. The measure encourages federal agencies, universities, and organizations to promote education, research, and outreach related to rangeland management during this designated year.
This bill establishes a grant program to help rural water systems adopt digital technologies like sensors, data analytics, and cybersecurity tools to improve water infrastructure management. The Environmental Protection Agency would administer the program, which provides funding for designing, constructing, and maintaining digital systems that monitor water flow, detect leaks, and protect against cyber threats. Grants can also cover software costs and workforce training, with priority given to smaller systems serving fewer than 3,300 people and community-owned organizations. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from 2027 to 2031 and requires a study five years after enactment to evaluate the program's impact on rural water systems.
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to work with federal agencies, tribes, universities, and private nurseries to improve training, technical assistance, and research for tree planting and forest restoration programs. It creates a new grant program that will become available two years after enactment, allowing eligible recipients such as state forestry agencies, tribes, and private nurseries to use funds for expanding nursery infrastructure, improving seed storage, and developing workforce skills. The legislation also authorizes up to $5 million per year from the Reforestation Trust Fund to support these efforts and includes provisions to speed up the permit process for collecting seeds on national forest lands.
This bill extends the authorization for a uranium mill tailings disposal site in Mesa County, Colorado, until the site is filled to its designed capacity. It directly affects the facility operators and local communities by allowing them to continue using the site for waste disposal beyond the current expiration date. The legislation amends the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 to remove the previous September 30, 2031 deadline, replacing it with a condition based on the site reaching its intended capacity. This change provides regulatory certainty for ongoing operations at the disposal facility.
This bill, titled the Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2026, aims to reduce and eventually eliminate the production and use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or forever chemicals. It requires manufacturers and users to report their PFAS activities annually and mandates a 10-year phaseout of nonessential uses, with specific timelines for banning PFAS in products like carpets, food packaging, cosmetics, and apparel. The bill also prohibits all releases of PFAS above detection thresholds after 10 years, establishes research centers to develop detection and remediation technologies, and extends legal protections for victims of PFAS exposure by modifying bankruptcy and statute of repose rules.
This bill, known as the Farm Equipment Safety Act, would remove certain agricultural machinery from federal emission standards under the Clean Air Act. It directly affects farmers and manufacturers of nonroad engines and vehicles used for farming purposes. The key provision adds a specific exemption to Section 213 of the Clean Air Act, allowing agricultural equipment to operate without meeting the emission limits that apply to other nonroad vehicles. The legislation does not change existing rules for other types of engines or vehicles, nor does it alter the overall structure of the Clean Air Act.
The Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act of 2025 requires companies to ensure that recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer product packaging are accurate and supported by third-party certification. The bill mandates that recyclable claims must include information about local recycling availability, while compostable claims must be backed by scientific evidence and clearly explain disposal limitations. Companies must also provide actual reuse systems or products for reusable packaging claims, and the Federal Trade Commission will issue guidance on compliance without creating binding regulations.
