Environment

The Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2026 permanently ends the federal government's effort to build a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain by withdrawing the construction application and terminating the associated licensing process. The bill prohibits the Department of Energy from reconsidering the site for this purpose in the future and requires the agency to reclaim the area while mitigating any environmental damage caused by previous activities. Additionally, it mandates that the Office of Management and Budget conduct a study within 180 days to evaluate the economic potential and job-creation benefits of alternative uses for the land, such as renewable energy development, scientific research, or defense operations.

The Truth in Labeling Act of 2026 establishes national standards for labeling packaging, food service products, and beverage containers as recyclable, compostable, reusable, or refillable to reduce consumer confusion. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to define these terms based on specific criteria, such as the existence of a responsible end market for recycling or acceptance by a certain percentage of composting programs. Producers are prohibited from using symbols like chasing arrows or making claims that a product is recyclable or compostable unless it meets these federal standards, with violations treated as deceptive practices under existing law. The legislation also mandates the creation of standardized on-package labels and digital labeling options, while establishing an advisory committee to guide the development of these criteria and enforcement mechanisms.

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.

The Shared Values Act is a comprehensive legislative package that modifies various federal programs to support local agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure while introducing new regulations for government employees and public services. It increases funding for farmers' markets, establishes a new Climate and Health program within the CDC, and mandates the installation of baby changing tables on Amtrak trains. The bill also expands financial disclosure requirements for special government employees, raises the cap on state and local tax deductions, and authorizes the Secretary of State to assist international efforts against violence against LGBTQI+ people. Additionally, it includes provisions to improve nursing workforce development, restrict sexual relationships between House members and their staff, and create a pilot program for critical infrastructure security training.

The Green New Deal for Health Act establishes a comprehensive federal framework to address the health impacts of climate change by creating new offices, expanding funding, and mandating specific actions across the health care sector. It directly affects hospitals, medical facilities, health care workers, and communities, with a specific focus on protecting environmental justice and low-income populations from climate-related health risks. Key provisions include the creation of an Office of Climate Change and Health Equity to develop a national strategic plan, requirements for hospitals to provide extended notice before closing or reducing essential services, and significant grants to upgrade medical facilities for climate resilience. The bill also mandates that the health care sector reduce its own carbon emissions through new disclosure rules for medical supplies and grants for green manufacturing, while simultaneously funding education to train health professionals on climate-related health threats. Additionally, the legislation authorizes Medicare coverage for home resiliency services, such as heat pumps and solar batteries, for individuals at risk during climate disasters, and allocates billions of dollars to expand the community health workforce and support mental health resilience programs.

The FLOOD Act amends the Food Security Act to incorporate specific emergency watershed protection measures from the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. This change directly affects farmers and agricultural operations by integrating existing disaster response protocols into the broader food security framework. The bill does not create new programs but rather expands the scope of current emergency measures to include watershed protection. By linking these two statutes, the legislation ensures that watershed safeguards are formally recognized as part of the emergency response options available to the agricultural sector.

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.

The Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act of 2026 directs the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants and loans to help local air pollution control agencies purchase and operate portable air sensors in rural and remote areas. These low-cost devices are intended to measure smoke pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone in locations where traditional monitoring equipment is scarce, thereby improving the accuracy of air quality data for communities affected by wildfires. To ensure success, the bill also authorizes funding for technical assistance to help agencies install and maintain these sensors, while requiring that the data collected be shared with the EPA to update public air quality maps. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually through 2032 for grants and provides additional unspecified funding for loan programs and technical support, with a specific focus on expanding coverage to Indian tribes and areas lacking existing monitoring infrastructure.

The Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allocate at least $75 million annually toward developing new plant cultivars and animal breeds that are publicly funded and available for commercial use. This funding prioritizes research on climate-resilient crops, nutritionally improved varieties for local populations, and breeds adapted to specific regional conditions or dual-use energy systems. The bill also establishes a new coordinator role to oversee breeding research across the department and mandates that any public breed developed with federal funds must be produced substantially within the United States if sold under exclusive rights. Additionally, the legislation requires the implementation of strategic plans to assess and utilize national collections of plant and animal genetic resources, ensuring these materials remain accessible for future agricultural needs.

This resolution expresses support for designating July 2026 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month" to raise awareness about the environmental and health risks of plastic waste. It highlights statistics on plastic production, low recycling rates, and the impact of microplastics on marine life and human health to underscore the need for action. The bill encourages individuals across the United States to participate in activities that reduce plastic use and pollution throughout the year, rather than implementing new laws or regulations.