Environment: South Dakota Congressional Delegation

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5277: RANCH Act

The RANCH Act establishes a program for the Secretary of Agriculture to enroll cropland that has been planted in at least four of the last six years, requiring its conversion to perennial grass and forb cover to support grazing. Landowners who enter into contracts lasting 10 to 15 years receive annual rental payments equal to 75 percent of the local average dryland cash rental rate, along with cost-sharing assistance for establishing vegetation. To participate, landowners must develop a site-specific grazing management plan within two years and are permitted to graze livestock, manage fire risks, and conduct emergency haying during declared droughts or natural disasters. The program prioritizes beginning farmers, wildlife habitat conservation, and highly erodible land, with a total enrollment cap of 20 million acres and an individual annual payment limit of $155,000.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife Tags Agriculture

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 & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Forestry Parks & Recreation Public Lands

passed · United States · Senate May 21, 2026

SRES 747: A resolution expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as "Renewable Fuels Month" to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in lowering fuel prices for consumers, lessening reliance on foreign adversaries, supporting rural communities, and reducing carbon impacts.

This Senate resolution formally designates May 2026 as Renewable Fuels Month to honor the contributions of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. The bill highlights how these fuels support rural economies, create jobs, and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. It also notes the environmental benefits, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality, without imposing any new laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Air Quality Climate Change

in committee · United States · House Apr 27, 2026

HR 8497: Supporting Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Act

The Supporting Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Act extends tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel production through 2029. It prevents taxpayers from receiving both the production credit and the fuel use credit for the same fuel, ensuring only one benefit is claimed. These changes apply to fuel sold or used after the bill becomes law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · United States · House Apr 10, 2025

HR 2819: DRIVE Act

HR 2819, the DRIVE Act, prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from requiring speed limiting devices on trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds operating in interstate commerce. This directly affects commercial truck drivers and carriers that operate large vehicles across state lines. The bill blocks the agency from implementing any rule mandating speed limiters that would cap these trucks' maximum speed. It prevents a potential new federal requirement for trucking companies without altering existing safety standards.

Topics ✗ Environment ✗ Labor & Employment ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight Traffic Safety

in committee · United States · Senate Feb 6, 2025

S 443: Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act

This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to allow Indian tribal governments to directly request fire management assistance grants from FEMA for wildfires, rather than requiring state authorization. It specifically adds tribal governments as eligible recipients in the law and permits their chief executives to submit requests directly to FEMA, bypassing state governors. The bill also requires the President to issue new regulations within one year, clarifying that tribal governments can receive assistance either directly or through state-authorized requests, while preserving existing eligibility pathways. This change directly affects tribal governments facing wildfire disasters by streamlining access to federal disaster aid.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management Tribal Nations

in committee · United States · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SRES 645: A resolution recognizing 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists".

This resolution formally recognizes 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, acknowledging the ecological and economic importance of these lands to the United States. The bill highlights that rangelands cover a significant portion of U.S. territory and support domestic production of food, fiber, and energy while providing critical ecosystem services like carbon storage and wildfire risk reduction. It encourages federal agencies, universities, and organizations to engage in education, research, and outreach activities related to sustainable rangeland management during the designated year. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves to raise awareness and promote collaboration among stakeholders involved in rangeland stewardship.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

in committee · United States · House Mar 20, 2026

HR 7530: Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2026

This bill provides new grant and low-interest loan options (zero percent or 1 percent interest) for rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems. It directly assists eligible rural facilities facing public health/safety needs or financial hardship in disadvantaged or economically distressed areas. Key provisions allow the Secretary to forgive loan principal/interest, modify loan terms, or refinance existing loans - though new loans cannot be combined with these modifications for the same facility. Eligibility for hardship-based assistance requires the Secretary to establish affordability metrics based on water costs relative to median household income in each area. The bill amends existing rural water programs under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Waste Management Water Quality Tags Agriculture Rural Communities

in committee · United States · House Feb 4, 2026

HR 3699: Energy Choice Act

This bill prevents state or local governments from banning or restricting energy connections (like installation, modification, or access) based on the type or source of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, or renewable fuels. It directly affects consumers choosing energy providers and energy companies seeking to offer services. The key provision prohibits local laws, regulations, or policies that limit energy services sold in interstate commerce, covering all energy types listed in the bill’s definitions. It does not create new programs but limits regulatory authority at the state or local level. The law aims to ensure open access to diverse energy sources without source-based restrictions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

in committee · United States · Senate Feb 6, 2025

S 480: Timber Harvesting Restoration Act of 2025

S 480, the Timber Harvesting Restoration Act of 2025, requires forest supervisors managing National Forest System units where timber sales are below two-thirds of the maximum allowable volume to create plans to increase sales. Within 180 days of enactment, supervisors must submit reports identifying actionable steps, after consulting with industry, tribes, states, and other stakeholders. The Secretary of Agriculture will review progress one year later; if sales reach 75% of the allowable volume, no further reports are needed, but if not, supervisors must submit new plans and may receive additional resources like staff or expedited environmental reviews. This directly affects National Forest units with low timber sales volumes, aiming to boost timber harvests through structured reporting and performance tracking.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry

All environment bills