Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to modify allotments under that Act, and for other purposes.

The proposal would change how the federal government distributes money and authority for water pollution control programs to states and tribes. These modifications could affect how states manage their water quality standards, pollution permits, and cleanup efforts for rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The specific changes would impact state environmental agencies, water utilities, industries that discharge into waterways, and communities relying on clean water.

A bill to require the Secretary of the Army to issue guidance relating to the review of applications for alteration or temporary or permanent occupation or use of certain hydropower projects, and for other purposes.

The Army Secretary would have to create clear rules for how the government reviews requests from companies or individuals who want to change, temporarily use, or permanently use existing hydropower dams and water projects. This would make the approval process more consistent and transparent for businesses and organizations that depend on these facilities for power generation or water management. The bill affects hydropower companies, dam operators, and anyone seeking to modify how these water projects are used.

Water Resources Development Act of 2026

The legislation would authorize federal funding and projects to improve water infrastructure across the country, including dams, levees, flood control systems, and water supply projects managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies. It would affect communities that depend on federal water projects, construction companies that build these systems, and taxpayers who fund them. The bill would also likely address environmental concerns related to water management and navigation on major rivers and waterways.

Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act of 2026

The bill would provide funding and technical support to help communities fix water quality problems and drinking water emergencies, allowing experts to assist local water systems when they face contamination or infrastructure failures. It expands existing programs under federal water laws to give more resources to cities and towns dealing with water crises, whether from pollution, aging pipes, or other water safety issues. Communities and water utilities would benefit from this emergency assistance to protect public health.

Wildfire Prevention and Recovery Act

The Army would be required to assess wildfire risks on its properties and installations across the country, identifying which areas are most vulnerable to fires and what damage could result. This would help the military better prepare its bases and facilities for wildfires, protecting both military infrastructure and nearby communities from fire threats.

Securing America's Water Supply Act

The proposal would create a new office within the Army Corps of Engineers focused on managing water supplies, promoting water conservation, and helping communities prepare for and respond to droughts. This office would coordinate efforts to protect water resources and build resilience in regions facing water shortages. The bill affects water utilities, farmers, municipalities, and anyone relying on stable water supplies in drought-prone areas.

Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026

The bill would clarify which activities are exempt from needing federal permits when companies or individuals discharge dredged material or fill into waterways, potentially affecting construction projects, farming operations, and development near wetlands and streams. By narrowing or expanding what counts as an exempt activity, the bill could make it easier or harder for businesses and property owners to proceed with projects without going through the federal permitting process. Environmental groups and construction companies would likely be most affected by how these exemptions are defined.

End EPA Abuse Act of 2026

This bill would limit the federal government's ability to regulate air pollution and vehicle emissions under the Clean Air Act, while also restricting rules that could affect the electric power grid. It aims to preserve consumer choices in vehicle types, potentially slowing the transition to electric vehicles by limiting stricter emissions standards. The legislation would affect automakers, power companies, and consumers by changing how aggressively the government can push for cleaner air and transportation.

American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026

The bill would speed up the process for getting government approval to build natural gas pipelines and related infrastructure by reducing the time and paperwork required under federal environmental laws. It would make it easier for companies to obtain permits by streamlining reviews under environmental protection rules, though it could result in less detailed environmental analysis before projects are approved. The changes would primarily affect natural gas companies and energy projects, while potentially reducing the environmental scrutiny that communities and conservation groups currently have input on.

Remote Waste Storage Act

The proposal would modify federal waste disposal rules to allow communities in remote areas to store certain solid waste on-site rather than requiring it to be transported elsewhere for disposal. This change would primarily affect rural residents and small communities that lack nearby landfills or waste management facilities, potentially reducing transportation costs and environmental impacts from long-distance waste hauling. The bill is currently under review by the Senate's environmental committee.

A resolution recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 22 through June 28, 2026, as "National Pollinator Week".

This resolution sets aside June 22-28, 2026, as National Pollinator Week to highlight how important bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are to farming and natural ecosystems across the country. The designation aims to raise public awareness about pollinators and their role in producing food and maintaining healthy environments. The resolution has been sent to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for consideration.

FIRE SMART Act of 2026

The EPA would be required to change how it manages state revolving funds, which are federal loan programs that help states and communities pay for drinking water infrastructure projects like pipes and treatment plants. These changes would likely make it easier or faster for local governments to access money to fix aging water systems and improve water quality for residents. The bill is currently under review by the Senate's environmental committee.

DEEP Act

The bill would direct the Army Corps of Engineers to create a streamlined permit process that allows dredging projects across the country to proceed more quickly without going through individual case-by-case reviews. Dredging—removing sediment and debris from waterways—is commonly needed for maintaining shipping channels, ports, and flood control systems, and this change would make it easier for companies, ports, and local governments to get approval for these projects. The measure aims to reduce the time and paperwork involved in obtaining permits for routine dredging work.

Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026

The EPA would study how artificial intelligence data centers affect the environment, particularly their energy use and pollution impacts, while NIST would bring together experts to share findings on these issues. The EPA would also create a system for companies to report their AI operations' environmental effects. This would help the government and public understand the environmental costs of the rapidly growing AI industry.

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 "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal".

Congress is considering blocking an Environmental Protection Agency rule that would eliminate pollution limits for coal and oil-burning power plants that emit hazardous air pollutants like mercury and arsenic. If approved, this would overturn the EPA's decision to repeal those emission standards, keeping the pollution restrictions in place for electric utilities. Power plant operators and environmental groups would be most affected by whether these pollution controls remain required.

Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026

The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice Program would be formally authorized to help businesses identify and use safer chemical alternatives in their products and manufacturing processes. This program affects companies across industries, consumers who use these products, and workers who handle chemicals, by promoting the development and adoption of less toxic substances. The bill would give the EPA official backing to continue and expand this voluntary partnership program that encourages safer innovation.

Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026

Oil and gas companies operating small, low-producing wells would be exempted from certain air pollution control requirements that normally apply to the oil and gas industry under federal environmental law. This could allow these marginal wells to operate with fewer restrictions on emissions like methane and volatile organic compounds, potentially reducing compliance costs for operators but possibly affecting air quality in areas where these wells operate. The change would primarily benefit smaller oil and gas producers while potentially reducing environmental protections in communities near these wells.

Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026

The bill would let nuclear power plants use cheaper, standard commercial-grade steel and concrete in parts of their structures that don't directly affect safety systems, rather than requiring the more expensive specialized materials currently mandated. This change could reduce construction and maintenance costs for nuclear plant operators, though it only applies to non-critical structures that don't control or contain radioactive materials. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission would need to approve which specific structures qualify for this less stringent requirement.

Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act of 2026

The bill would create a test program to study and control golden mussels, an invasive species that damages water infrastructure like pipes and dams by attaching to them and clogging water systems. The program would help states and water utilities develop better methods to prevent golden mussels from spreading to new waterways and to remove them from areas where they've already established themselves. This affects water companies, farmers who rely on irrigation systems, and communities that depend on clean water supplies.

Tropospheric Ozone Research Act of 2026

The EPA would be required to create a research program focused on studying tropospheric ozone, which is ground-level ozone that forms when sunlight reacts with pollution from cars, factories, and other sources and contributes to smog and respiratory problems. This program would help scientists better understand how ozone forms and spreads, which could lead to more effective ways for the government to protect public health and improve air quality in communities affected by smog. The research would benefit people with asthma and other lung conditions, as well as outdoor workers and athletes who are most vulnerable to ozone pollution.