Environment (Air Quality)

in committee · United States · House Sep 8, 2026

HR 10321: Responsible Data Center Siting Act of 2026

The Responsible Data Center Siting Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Energy to create and publish best practices for selecting locations for new data centers. These guidelines must evaluate how proposed sites affect electricity prices, water availability, air quality, local communities, national security, and regional economies. The Department of Energy is required to release these initial recommendations within one year of the bill's passage and update them at least every two years thereafter.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates evaluation of air quality, water availability, and local community impacts for data center siting, promoting environmental protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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in committee · United States · House Aug 27, 2026

HR 10154: Protect America from CARB Act of 2026

The Protect America from CARB Act of 2026 amends the Clean Air Act to require that state emissions standards receive approval from four federal cabinet secretaries before they can be implemented. Specifically, states must obtain concurrence from the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, Interior, and Transportation in addition to completing standard public notice and hearing procedures. This change directly affects state environmental agencies seeking waivers or authorizations for air quality rules, adding a layer of federal oversight to the process. The new requirements apply to any waiver requests submitted on or after the date the bill is enacted into law.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts state authority to implement emissions standards by requiring federal cabinet approval, including the Secretary of Energy, thereby weakening environmental regulations.75% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentThe bill restricts state authority to implement stricter emissions standards by requiring federal approval, thereby weakening environmental protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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in committee · United States · House Jul 27, 2026

HR 9959: Green New Deal for Public Schools Act

The Green New Deal for Public Schools Act directs over $700 billion in federal funding to public schools, prioritizing those serving the most vulnerable communities based on CDC social vulnerability rankings. The legislation establishes a new Office of Sustainable Schools and authorizes grants for "healthy green retrofits" that convert school buildings into zero-carbon facilities with clean air, water, and energy systems, while also providing funds to hire additional educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Additionally, the bill mandates increased federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and creates a climate resiliency program that allows schools to function as community centers during natural disasters. All grant recipients must adhere to strict labor standards, including prevailing wage requirements, Buy American provisions, and local hiring goals that prioritize residents of the surrounding community.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs $700B to public schools for green retrofits and hiring educators, explicitly advancing funding and infrastructure.100% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds zero-carbon retrofits and clean energy systems in schools, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and efficiency.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds zero-carbon retrofits and clean energy systems in schools, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds healthy green retrofits for clean air/water and explicitly allocates resources to hire mental health professionals in schools.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Special Education Student Health Air Quality Mental Health

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 6, 2026

S 5292: GREEN Hospitals Act

The GREEN Hospitals Act authorizes $100 billion in Hill-Burton grants for the construction or modernization of medical facilities, with priority given to projects that incorporate climate resilience features such as renewable energy systems, air quality improvements, and flood protection. The bill also establishes a separate $5 billion Planning and Evaluation Grant Program to help states, tribal governments, and nonprofits develop sustainability plans for hospitals and clinics. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate that their facilities serve vulnerable populations or environmental justice communities and certify that they respect employee labor rights by maintaining collective bargaining agreements or non-interference policies. Additionally, the legislation requires that at least 50 percent of planning grant funds be allocated to projects located in environmental justice communities and prohibits the use of training repayment agreements for employees and apprentices.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyThe bill explicitly prioritizes renewable energy systems in hospital construction funding, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure investment.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds climate resilience features like renewable energy and air quality improvements in hospitals, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareThe bill authorizes $100 billion in grants specifically for the construction or modernization of medical facilities, directly funding healthcare infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Air Quality Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Hospitals

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in committee · United States · House Aug 6, 2026

HR 10065: Methane Pollution Accountability Act

The Methane Pollution Accountability Act requires that royalties be paid on all natural gas extracted from federal lands and the outer Continental Shelf, including gas that is vented, flared, or lost through equipment failures during operations. This mandate applies to leases issued after the bill's enactment but includes exceptions for short-term emergency releases, gas used directly within the lease area, and unavoidable losses. Additionally, the legislation directs the Bureau of Land Management to enforce existing waste prevention rules and prohibits the agency from finalizing new regulations that would alter these standards unless they can demonstrate that the changes will further reduce gas waste or improve public health and air quality.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyThe bill imposes new royalty costs on natural gas extraction from federal lands, increasing operational expenses and potentially restricting fossil fuel production.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill targets methane pollution by requiring royalties on vented or flared gas, directly strengthening environmental regulations and reducing emissions from federal lands.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Air Quality Public Lands

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 7, 2026

S 5363: New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act

The New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act amends the Clean Air Act to clarify when industrial facilities must obtain permits for changes that could increase air pollution. It defines a "modification" as a change that raises the maximum hourly emission rate of a pollutant compared to the highest level achievable in the preceding ten years, while explicitly excluding projects designed to improve safety, reliability, or reduce emissions per unit of production unless they pose an adverse health or environmental risk. Additionally, the bill narrows the scope of "construction" to physical work on specific emissions-generating parts of a facility, ensuring that other costly or permanent on-site activities do not automatically trigger permitting requirements if they do not result in a significant increase in actual annual emissions.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentThe bill weakens environmental protections by excluding safety/reliability projects from New Source Review permitting requirements, potentially allowing increased pollution without new controls.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 5, 2026

SJRES 208: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Car Program; Reconsideration of a Previous Withdrawal of a Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision".

This bill allows Congress to reject a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that concerns vehicle pollution standards in California. The measure would effectively cancel the EPA's decision to reinstate a waiver that previously let California set its own stricter air quality rules for cars. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, meaning California would lose the ability to enforce its Advanced Clean Car Program under the current framework. The legislation directly impacts the relationship between federal environmental regulations and state-level automotive policies.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill blocks California's Advanced Clean Car Program, weakening clean air standards and limiting renewable energy adoption.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill cancels EPA waiver allowing California stricter vehicle pollution standards, weakening environmental protections.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill cancels EPA waiver allowing California stricter vehicle pollution standards, weakening regional transportation emission controls.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 28, 2026

S 5145: Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds air quality sensors to better monitor wildfire pollution, directly supporting environmental protection and data accuracy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Forestry

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 5, 2026

SJRES 207: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air Act Preemption for California's Advanced Clean Car Program and a Within the Scope Conformation for California's Zero Emission Vehicle Amendments for 2017 and Earlier Model Years".

This joint resolution seeks to overturn a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency that allowed California to set its own stricter vehicle emission standards. By using a congressional disapproval mechanism, the bill aims to nullify this waiver, which would otherwise let California enforce unique pollution control requirements for cars and trucks. If passed, the measure would require all states to follow the federal government's uniform vehicle emission rules instead of California's separate standards. The legislation directly impacts automakers, state regulators, and consumers by ensuring a single set of national rules applies to motor vehicle pollution.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill seeks to overturn EPA rules allowing California to enforce stricter vehicle emission standards, limiting state-level clean air and energy efficiency policies.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill seeks to overturn EPA rules allowing California stricter emission standards, thereby weakening environmental protections and increasing pollution.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill seeks to nullify a waiver allowing California stricter emission standards, limiting state ability to enforce unique pollution controls for vehicles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Air Quality Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

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in committee · United States · House Aug 6, 2026

HJRES 211: Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Standards; Notice of Decision Granting a Waiver of Clean Air Act Preemption for California's 2009 and Subsequent Model Year Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for New Motor Vehicles".

This joint resolution seeks to overturn a 2009 Environmental Protection Agency rule that allowed California to set its own stricter greenhouse gas emission standards for new motor vehicles. By using a congressional disapproval process, the bill aims to cancel this waiver, which would force California to adopt the same vehicle pollution rules as the rest of the United States. If passed, the measure would directly affect vehicle manufacturers and the state of California by eliminating their ability to enforce unique environmental regulations for cars and trucks. The legislation does not propose new emission limits but instead restores the federal Clean Air Act's preemption over state-level vehicle standards.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill seeks to overturn EPA rules allowing California stricter GHG standards, which limits clean energy vehicle adoption and weakens environmental regulations.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill seeks to overturn EPA rules allowing California stricter greenhouse gas standards, effectively weakening environmental protections and increasing vehicle emissions.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill seeks to cancel a waiver allowing California to set stricter vehicle emission standards, which limits the ability to implement advanced environmental regulations for transportation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Climate Change Vehicle Registration

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