The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act expands federal geothermal research to include advanced technologies like closed-loop and supercritical systems. It directs the Department of Energy to create a new research program, establish a center of excellence, and award grants for developing drilling equipment and materials needed for these systems. The bill also requires the creation of a public database for geothermal data and mandates periodic reports on water usage and the commercial potential of next-generation geothermal energy.
This bill, titled the Negating Neighborhood Noise Act of 2026, restricts the use of federal highway funds for building specific noise barriers while allowing exceptions for older projects or those near pre-existing developments. It permits the use of surface transportation block grant money for constructing these barriers if they meet new criteria regarding age and location. Additionally, the legislation encourages the creation of "multipurpose" barriers that can also support renewable energy, electrical lines, or broadband infrastructure, and requires sponsors to consider the visual appearance of these structures.
The Stop Oil Exports to Lower Gas Prices Act prohibits the export of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel starting in March 2026, with the goal of keeping these resources in the United States. This ban remains in effect until the President declares that military operations against Iran have ended and certifies that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for global shipping. The law includes a specific exception allowing the President to permit crude oil exports if they cannot be efficiently refined domestically, provided the oil is refined abroad and then imported back into the United States.
The Protecting America's Small Oil and Gas Producers and Rural Jobs Act modifies federal tax rules to provide financial incentives for small oil and gas producers. It increases the percentage of income that can be deducted for taxes on marginal oil properties and removes a specific income limit that restricts these deductions. Additionally, the bill raises the threshold for counting oil as depletable from 1,000 to 2,000 barrels per well. These tax changes are designed to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
The INVEST Act amends the federal tax code to expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for employers who hire veterans with specific renewable energy skills. To qualify for this credit, a veteran must be certified by a local agency as having military training in renewable energy fields, a recent vocational degree in the sector, or a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The legislation defines renewable energy broadly to include sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power. Additionally, the bill addresses tax implications for U.S. territories by providing compensation for any lost tax revenue and ensuring coordination between federal and local tax credits. These provisions will take effect for employees who start working for an employer after December 31, 2025.
The Geese House Site Conveyance Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer approximately 21,578 acres of federal land within Denali National Park and Preserve to the Doyon, Limited corporation within one year of the bill's enactment. This transfer excludes specific lots and bodies of water while reserving public easements and adjusting the park's official boundaries to remove the conveyed area. The law imposes strict limits on the recipient, prohibiting them from selling the land to others, conducting mining activities, or developing the site in ways that would harm the cultural significance of the Geese House. Additionally, the bill waives certain standard federal regulations and past land withdrawals that would normally apply to this type of property transfer.
The Shared Micromobility Investment Act allows shared micromobility projects, such as bikesharing and shared-scooter systems, to receive funding from specific federal surface transportation programs. It achieves this by amending existing laws to explicitly include these projects in the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, the Carbon Reduction Program, and the Local and Regional Project Assistance program. By adding these categories to the list of eligible uses, the bill enables local governments and transit agencies to use federal money to support shared bike and scooter infrastructure.
The No Passes for Polluters Act of 2026 requires Congress to explicitly approve any federal exemptions from Clean Air Act requirements before they take effect. Under this bill, the President and federal agencies must submit a detailed message to both houses of Congress whenever they propose to exempt a pollution source from regulations, outlining the reasons and potential impacts. Once received, these proposals must be reviewed by congressional committees and enacted through a joint resolution that requires a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislation also mandates regular reports to Congress and allows citizens to sue if the government uses an exemption without the necessary congressional approval.
The Youth Climate Leadership Act of 2026 requires heads of five major federal agencies to create advisory councils composed of young people aged 16 to 29 to provide recommendations on environmental issues. These councils must include at least 50% of members from disadvantaged communities and draw from diverse backgrounds such as business, academia, and government, with no single group making up more than 60% of the membership. The councils will meet at least once a year, submit annual reports to agency heads, and receive administrative support and funding of $250,000 annually from 2027 through 2037.
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.
