Environment (Wildlife)

in committee · United States · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 8259: Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026

The Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 aims to increase the involvement of local water contractors during environmental consultations for federal water projects. It directly affects federal agencies operating water supply projects and the public or quasi-municipal agencies and water user associations that contract for water from these projects. The bill mandates that these water contractors receive routine opportunities to discuss and submit information during the development of biological assessments and draft biological opinions under the Endangered Species Act. Furthermore, it requires federal agencies to inform and engage contractors on the legal and scientific basis for proposed actions that could reduce water delivery, explaining why less impactful alternatives are inadequate, and providing details on proposed mitigation measures.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill increases local contractor involvement in environmental consultations for federal water projects, strengthening environmental oversight and protection processes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Apr 16, 2026

HR 8195: Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

This bill establishes a regional management framework for double-crested cormorants across four U.S. flyways, requiring the Secretary of the Interior to develop plans within 180 days that specify allowed hunting methods, time periods, and authorized entities including state and tribal agencies, lake managers, and pond managers. The framework must ensure cormorant populations remain sustainable while addressing impacts on fisheries, vegetation, other bird species, human safety, water quality, and endangered species. The bill mandates population surveys every five years and requires the management plans to be reviewed and updated every five years based on survey results and current data.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill aims to manage cormorant populations to protect fisheries, vegetation, and water quality, which are environmental concerns. Framework ensures sustainable populations while addressing ecological impacts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 7954: Don Young Doug LaMalfa Indian Buffalo Management Act

This bill establishes a framework for the Department of the Interior to work with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations to restore and manage buffalo populations on Indian lands. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide contracts, grants, and technical assistance to support tribal buffalo restoration programs, commercial buffalo activities, and mobile meat processing facilities. The legislation also requires ongoing consultation between the Department and tribes on buffalo management initiatives and ensures that culturally sensitive tribal information remains confidential. Additionally, the bill allows for the transfer of surplus buffalo from federal lands to Indian lands and explicitly preserves existing treaty rights of Indian Tribes, with all provisions set to expire seven years after enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill supports buffalo population restoration and management on tribal lands, which contributes to biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands Wildlife Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 26, 2026

S 4250: Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026

This bill extends federal funding for sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety through 2031, directly benefiting anglers, boaters, and conservation organizations. It updates the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act by changing the funding period from 2026 to 2031 and modifies how multistate conservation grants are distributed. The key provision ensures each state receives the greater of 0.0375 percent of total appropriations or $200,000 for conservation projects, replacing the previous $1.2 million cap. These changes aim to provide more predictable and flexible funding for fisheries management and water safety initiatives across the United States.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends federal funding for sport fish restoration and wildlife conservation, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resource management.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4200: Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act

This bill transfers various federal lands in Douglas County, Nevada to the state, county, and the Washoe Tribe for conservation, recreation, and tribal purposes. It designates approximately 12,392 acres as the Burbank Canyons Wilderness, protects tribal cultural resources, and allows for the sale of certain federal lands with proceeds supporting education and open space preservation. The legislation also establishes rules for land use, environmental protection, and management of wildlife and water resources within the designated areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill transfers federal lands for conservation, designates wilderness area, protects cultural resources, and establishes environmental protection rules.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Mar 9, 2026

HR 7862: National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026

This bill would modify how the Endangered Species Act applies to the National Flood Insurance Program by exempting certain flood insurance actions from endangered species protections. It directly affects the Federal Emergency Management Agency and property owners seeking flood insurance coverage, as well as wildlife agencies that currently review flood insurance decisions. The legislation requires the removal of existing biological opinions that evaluate the program's impact on endangered species and adds language to ensure flood management actions are designed solely for protecting property and human health. These changes would allow the National Flood Insurance Program to operate without the usual environmental review requirements that could delay or restrict flood insurance coverage in areas with endangered species.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill limits Endangered Species Act protections for flood insurance, weakening environmental conservation requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 11, 2026

S 4053: A bill to take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes.

This bill would transfer approximately 860 acres of federal land in Riverside County, California, into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. Once taken into trust, the land would become part of the tribe's reservation and be managed according to federal laws governing property held for Native American tribes. The legislation includes specific conditions requiring the land to remain open space dedicated to protecting archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources, while explicitly prohibiting any gaming activities on the property. Existing water rights, service agreements, and current land use restrictions would remain unchanged, and the map identifying the land would be kept on file for public inspection.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly requires land to remain open space dedicated to protecting archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources, directly supporting environmental conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife Tags Tribal Nations

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passed · United States · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SRES 665: A resolution designating April 2026 as "National Native Plant Month".

This resolution designates April 2026 as National Native Plant Month to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous plant species in the United States. The bill directly affects environmental advocates, land managers, and the general public by encouraging recognition of native plants' ecological benefits, such as supporting wildlife habitats and improving soil and water quality. It formally acknowledges that native plants are better adapted to local conditions and play a critical role in ecosystem resilience compared to non-native species. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the value of preserving native plant diversity.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes native plant conservation, which supports wildlife habitats, improves soil and water quality, and strengthens environmental protection through ecological awareness.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Wildlife Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4146: Local Data for Better Conservation Act

This bill, known as the Local Data for Better Conservation Act, would require the federal government to use data collected by states when deciding whether to list or remove species from the endangered or threatened lists. The key provision adds a new requirement to the Endangered Species Act mandating that the Secretary of the Interior must accept and integrate state-collected information into listing determinations. This change directly affects state agencies that gather biological and environmental data, as well as federal wildlife officials who make conservation decisions. The bill aims to incorporate local knowledge and regional expertise into federal conservation assessments without altering the overall framework of the Endangered Species Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens Endangered Species Act by requiring federal agencies to use state-collected conservation data, enhancing environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 4091: Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Habitat Connectivity on Working Lands Act of 2026, amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to expand federal conservation funding and technical support for wildlife habitat connectivity and migration corridors on private working lands. It defines native big game species such as deer, elk, and pronghorn to ensure conservation efforts prioritize these animals and increases payment limits for land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. The legislation also authorizes cost-share payments for habitat restoration projects on grasslands and mandates that conservation practice standards include nonstructural methods like virtual fencing to manage livestock distribution while protecting wildlife corridors. Additionally, it directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance for implementing these practices and establishes virtual fencing as a high-priority research area to study its effects on natural resources and wildlife habitats.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands federal conservation funding for wildlife habitat connectivity and migration corridors on private lands, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation of natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife

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