Environment (Conservation)

in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9901: To provide that the final rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration titled "Rescinding the Definition of 'Harm' Under the Endangered Species Act" shall have no force or effect.

This bill would invalidate a final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that rescinded the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. By declaring that the 2026 rule has no force or effect, the legislation aims to restore the previous legal interpretation of how actions can harm protected species. This change directly affects entities subject to the Endangered Species Act by reinstating the broader regulatory framework for protecting endangered and threatened wildlife.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill restores the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act, strengthening protections for threatened and endangered species.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Natural Disasters Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Sep 1, 2026

HR 10214: To amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to modify the cost-sharing requirement for conservation projects carried out by a qualified youth or conservation corps, and for other purposes.

This bill amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to change the funding rules for conservation projects led by qualified youth or conservation corps. It increases the maximum federal contribution from 75 percent to 90 percent of project costs. Consequently, the required non-federal cost share is reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent. These changes directly affect organizations and agencies that partner with these corps groups to implement conservation work on public lands.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill increases federal funding for conservation projects by youth corps, directly advancing environmental protection and natural resource management.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5309: COWS Act of 2026

The COWS Act of 2026 amends the Food Security Act to expand federal conservation programs by formally recognizing alternative manure management practices and on-farm composting as eligible activities for financial assistance. These provisions directly affect dairy and livestock producers, particularly small and medium-sized operations, who can receive payments covering up to 100% of the costs associated with planning, equipment, installation, and labor for these new practices. The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize applications that maximize greenhouse gas reductions and carbon sequestration while ensuring geographic diversity and support for beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers. Additionally, it allows groups of producers to submit joint applications for shared composting facilities and mandates the development of new conservation standards specifically for on-farm compost production within one year of enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill expands federal conservation programs by funding alternative manure management and composting, directly advancing environmental protection and pollution control.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

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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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill converts cropland to perennial grasses, promoting soil conservation, erosion control, and habitat restoration, which are key environmental protection measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife Tags Agriculture

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in committee · United States · House Aug 10, 2026

HR 10073: Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026

The Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Act of 2026 establishes a dedicated fund within the existing Multinational Species Conservation Fund to provide competitive grants for the protection of animal species classified as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Secretary of the Interior will manage this program, awarding financial assistance to foreign wildlife authorities and qualified organizations to support projects such as habitat restoration, illegal trade enforcement, and scientific research aimed at recovering wild populations outside the United States. To ensure accountability and effectiveness, grant recipients must submit periodic progress reports that are generally made available to the public, while specific restrictions prohibit the use of funds for captive breeding unless it is strictly necessary for releasing animals back into the wild. The legislation authorizes $5 million per year in appropriations from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 and requires the Secretary to report on the program's results to Congress every two years.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill establishes a dedicated fund to provide grants for the protection of endangered animal species, directly advancing conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 4, 2026

S 5230: Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2026

The Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2026 amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to establish a mandatory 180-day deadline for the federal Secretary to approve state wildlife conservation and restoration programs. To prevent funding delays, the bill requires the Secretary to conditionally authorize these programs immediately upon submission and set aside the associated financial amounts while the review process is ongoing. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Secretary develop a streamlined process with states to ensure timely reviews and prioritizes these approvals as a congressional intent. If the federal agency fails to approve a state's plan within the specified timeframe, the Secretary must submit a report to relevant congressional committees explaining the delay.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to expedite approval of state wildlife conservation programs, directly advancing environmental protection and natural resource management.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9953: Bycatch Reduction Act

The Bycatch Reduction Act establishes new rules for fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to reduce accidental catches of protected species and damage to the ocean floor. It requires boats using mid-water trawl nets to install sensors that detect contact with the seabed and mandates the use of devices that prevent salmon from being caught. The bill also creates a new task force to study salmon migration and orders the government to conduct research on how fishing gear affects marine ecosystems. Additionally, the legislation improves transparency by requiring fishing councils to record votes and make meeting materials available online, while also setting up a fund to help fishermen purchase better, cleaner fishing technology. Finally, the Act prohibits the import of seafood from foreign vessels that do not meet U.S. standards for fishery conservation and management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates sensors and devices to reduce bycatch and seabed damage, directly protecting marine ecosystems and conserving natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 3, 2026

SJRES 204: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration relating to "Rescinding the Definition of 'Harm' Under the Endangered Species Act".

This joint resolution seeks to formally disapprove a federal rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rule in question aims to remove the legal definition of "harm" from the Endangered Species Act, a change that could alter how agencies regulate activities affecting protected species. If passed, the resolution would prevent the new rule from taking effect, thereby keeping the existing definition of harm in place. The measure directly impacts federal conservation efforts and the regulatory framework governing endangered species.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill blocks a rule that would weaken the Endangered Species Act, thereby preserving existing environmental protections for species.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9894: Investing in State Energy Act of 2026

The Investing in State Energy Act of 2026 requires federal agencies to distribute funds and guidance for energy conservation programs within 30 to 60 days of receiving state plans. It specifically affects States, Indian Tribes, and other direct recipients by mandating faster payment schedules and earlier publication of funding allocations. The bill also authorizes an additional $500 million in funding for these programs over five years, starting in fiscal year 2027. These changes aim to streamline how federal energy assistance is delivered to local governments and tribes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $500M in funding for energy conservation programs and mandates faster federal disbursement, directly strengthening fiscal management of state budgets.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill allocates $500M for energy conservation programs and mandates faster funding distribution to states and tribes.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds energy conservation programs and mandates faster distribution of resources to states and tribes for environmental initiatives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

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in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9933: South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026

This bill, titled the South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026, aims to temporarily close commercial fishing for red snapper in Federal waters whenever recreational fishing is prohibited. The legislation directly affects commercial fishermen, retailers, and other businesses by making it illegal to harvest, sell, or trade red snapper caught during these specific closed periods. By aligning commercial restrictions with recreational closures, the bill seeks to ensure that conservation burdens and access limitations are shared fairly between the two sectors. The Secretary of Commerce is required to issue regulations within 90 days to enforce these rules under existing federal fishery laws.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enforces fishing closures to conserve red snapper populations, directly protecting natural resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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