Environment

in committee · United States · House Aug 27, 2026

HR 726: Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025

This bill amends the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to update funding mechanisms for water infrastructure projects on the Crow Tribe reservation. It creates two new accounts: the MR&I Projects Account for water infrastructure (like treatment plants and pipelines) and the Crow CIP Implementation Account for other settlement expenses. The bill replaces "System" with "Projects" throughout the law and extends the timeframe for Yellowtail Dam from 15 to 20 years. These changes affect how funds are managed for the Crow Tribe's water rights settlement, primarily impacting the Crow Tribe of Montana and federal management of settlement funds.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water infrastructure projects including treatment plants and pipelines, supporting clean water access and resource conservation on tribal lands.85% confidence

Tags Tribal Nations

Track

in committee · United States · House Feb 2, 2026

HR 2072: To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

HR 2072 allows hydropower project licensees to request extended construction timelines from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). It specifically applies to projects licensed before March 13, 2020, with original construction deadlines expiring after December 31, 2023. FERC may extend the construction period by up to 6 additional years (in 2-year increments) if a licensee demonstrates good cause, and will automatically reinstate expired licenses for affected projects upon the bill's enactment. This bill directly affects hydropower developers whose licenses were nearing expiration due to delays, providing administrative flexibility without changing core licensing requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill extends timelines for hydropower projects (renewable energy), facilitating construction of existing licensed renewable infrastructure without restricting development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFacilitates hydropower (renewable energy) project timelines, promoting clean energy deployment without environmental harm mentioned.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Mar 12, 2025

S 859: Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025

The Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 establishes new fees and royalties for hardrock mining operations on federal land. Mining claim holders must pay $200 annually per claim, and operators pay a 5-8% royalty on mineral production. The bill creates a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund to which these fees and royalties will be deposited for reclaiming abandoned mine sites. It also establishes new permit requirements for mineral exploration and mining, along with financial assurance requirements to ensure reclamation. These provisions directly affect mining operators on federal lands, requiring them to comply with new fee structures, permit processes, and reclamation obligations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund from mining fees to reclaim abandoned mine sites, directly addressing environmental remediation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 9, 2025

S 1391: Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025

S.1391, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025, amends the 2009 Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act to improve collaboration on ocean acidification issues. It requires the federal advisory board to include two tribal representatives and mandates ongoing input mechanisms - like liaisons or online platforms - from coastal stakeholders, fishery councils, Indigenous knowledge groups, and non-Federal experts. The bill specifically directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize collaboration with Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and underserved coastal communities in research planning, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation efforts. These changes aim to integrate diverse community knowledge into federal ocean acidification monitoring and response strategies.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAmends ocean acidification research act to enhance collaboration, require tribal input, and mandate stakeholder engagement for improved monitoring and protection of coastal ecosystems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 30, 2025

HR 4818: Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025

HR 4818, the Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025, mandates that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) existing January 2025 rule on gas pipeline leak detection and repair (Docket No. PHMSA-2021-0039) becomes effective immediately upon the bill's enactment. This directly affects gas pipeline operators, requiring them to implement the specific leak detection and repair protocols outlined in the PHMSA rule. The bill allows the Secretary to later adopt stricter regulations but does not alter the current rule's requirements. It is a procedural measure to finalize an existing safety rule, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates immediate implementation of PHMSA leak detection protocols, reducing methane emissions from pipelines and strengthening pollution control regulations.95% confidence

Track

in committee · United States · House Mar 3, 2025

HR 1808: Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025

The Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025 establishes a federal Task Force to identify and address challenges facing working waterfronts, which are properties used for commercial fishing, boating businesses, aquaculture, and other water-dependent coastal activities. It creates a $50 million annual grant program (2025-2029) to help coastal states, tribal governments, and Native Hawaiian organizations develop and implement working waterfronts plans that preserve access to coastal waters and protect these businesses from threats like sea level rise and conversion to incompatible uses. The bill also authorizes a preservation loan fund to provide low-interest loans for waterfront preservation, with special provisions for disadvantaged communities. Covered entities must develop plans identifying threatened waterfront areas, prioritizing preservation needs, and ensuring public access. The law aims to protect working waterfronts through coordinated federal and local planning efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPreserves coastal access via $50M grants for waterfront conservation, aligning with natural resource protection and conservation goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds $50M grants for waterfront infrastructure preservation, a critical transportation component for commercial water access and port operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Ports

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2025

S 2538: Working Waterfront Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act

This bill creates a 30% tax credit for businesses investing in disaster mitigation projects on "working waterfront" properties, such as those used for commercial fishing, boating, or aquaculture. The credit covers up to $300,000 annually per business for eligible costs like floodproofing, shoreline stabilization, or warning systems designed to prevent damage from natural hazards. To qualify, a business must meet a gross receipts limit of $47 million annually and use the property for water-dependent activities with access to navigable waters. The credit applies to projects completed after 2025 and is limited to one claim per business every 10 years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 30% tax credit for businesses on disaster mitigation, reducing tax liability for qualifying waterfront operations. Directly modifies tax policy to incentivize investments.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds disaster mitigation projects (floodproofing, shoreline stabilization) on waterfront properties to protect against natural hazards, advancing environmental resilience and resource protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Coastal & Flood Protection

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2025

S 2272: Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

The Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025 provides federal funding to improve water infrastructure on Tribal lands and for the Native Hawaiian community. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for water and waste facility loans and grants, $500 million for sanitation facilities construction through the Indian Health Service, and $100 million for operation and maintenance of water systems, all from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It also provides $30 million annually for technical assistance to help Tribes access funding and develop sustainable water systems. The bill aims to address the lack of clean water access, which affects nearly half of all households on Tribal lands. The funding requires no matching contribution from Tribes and prioritizes facilities most in need of assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly authorizes $730M+ in federal funding (2026-2030) for Tribal water infrastructure, sanitation, and operations, directly increasing public service funding.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water infrastructure on Tribal lands, directly advancing clean water access and environmental protection through specific federal allocations for facilities and maintenance.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides federal funding for water infrastructure on Tribal lands, which directly supports public health and healthcare access for Native communities by improving sanitation and water quality.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Tags Tribal Nations

Track

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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds rural water/wastewater systems to prevent pollution and protect water resources, aligning with environmental protection through infrastructure improvements.85% confidence

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

Track

in committee · United States · House Dec 5, 2025

HR 5782: Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025

The Western Wildfire Support Act of 2025 aims to improve wildfire management across western U.S. federal lands by enhancing preparation, detection, suppression, and recovery efforts. The bill requires federal agencies to improve transparency around wildfire funding, establish reimbursement for military training-related wildfires, and create strategic fire management plans for at-risk areas. It authorizes research on drone technology for firefighting, funding for local firefighter training, and establishes a new account for long-term burned area rehabilitation. The act directly affects federal land management agencies, state and local fire departments, and communities in wildfire-prone areas across the western United States. Key provisions include improved detection technology, post-fire recovery resources, and incentives for innovative solutions to invasive species problems following wildfires.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enhances wildfire management on federal lands, focusing on prevention, recovery, and protecting natural resources from wildfire damage, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAuthorizes research on drone technology for firefighting, directly advancing technology application in wildfire management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Natural Disasters Public Lands Emerging Technology

Track