Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

A bill to authorize the Safer Choice Program within the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes.

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.

Extinction Prevention Act of 2026

The bill would set aside dedicated federal funding to protect and restore populations of butterflies across North America, native plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater mussels throughout the United States, and desert fish species in the Southwest. These conservation efforts would help prevent species extinction and maintain healthy ecosystems that support wildlife and benefit communities that depend on these natural resources. The funding would support activities like habitat restoration, research, and monitoring programs run by government agencies and conservation organizations.

Protecting America's Drinking Water from Extreme Temperatures Act of 2026

The bill would expand a federal grant program that helps medium and large water systems upgrade their infrastructure to better withstand extreme heat and cold. Water utilities could use these federal funds to make improvements like better insulation, backup power systems, or other upgrades that protect drinking water systems from temperature-related damage. This would help ensure communities maintain reliable access to safe drinking water during extreme weather events.

Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025

Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure (a measure of gasoline's volatility) that are placed on gasoline during the summer ozone season. Specifically, the bill applies the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements that is applicable to gasoline blended with 10% ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15). This change allows gasoline that is blended with 10% to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round. Currently, states may be excluded from the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements by submitting documentation supporting that the waiver would increase air pollution. The bill nullifies existing state exclusions, but states may submit documentation after enactment of the bill to be excluded going forward. The bill also modifies the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, which requires transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to contain minimum volumes of renewable fuel. Under the existing program, obligated parties, such as small refineries, must satisfy the volume obligations by either blending renewable fuels into their gasoline or diesel fuel products or by acquiring credits that represent the required renewable fuel volume. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to return compliance credits to small refineries under certain circumstances.

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.

Safe Bus Routes to School Act

The bill would expand the federal Safe Routes to School program to specifically include improvements to school bus routes and safety measures. This would allow schools and communities to use federal funding to make bus stops safer, improve bus route planning, and address hazards that students encounter while waiting for or riding school buses. The changes would help protect students who rely on buses to get to school.

I–47 Future Interstate Act of 2026

The proposal would officially redesignate U.S. Route 287 as Interstate Route I-47, which would change how this major highway is classified and maintained within the federal highway system. This change would affect how the road is funded, managed, and marked, potentially improving its status as a major transportation corridor. The bill is currently under review by the Senate's environmental and infrastructure committee.

Wildlife Health Coordination and Zoonotic Disease Prevention Act of 2026

The bill would improve how federal, state, and tribal governments work together to monitor and respond to diseases that spread between wildlife and humans, such as bird flu or other animal-borne illnesses. It aims to strengthen disease surveillance systems and create better coordination plans for handling disease outbreaks before they become widespread public health crises. This would affect wildlife agencies, public health officials, Native American tribes, and ultimately the general public by helping prevent disease transmission from animals to people.

Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act

Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s capability to incorporate satellites in broadband projects. Specifically, the study must review and analyze the capacity and cost-effectiveness of using satellite broadband service for business purposes and economic development.

Unlock American Energy and Jobs Act of 2026

The bill would streamline the federal permitting process for infrastructure projects, aiming to reduce the time and complexity required to get approval for activities like construction, energy development, and environmental permits. By establishing clearer timelines and procedures for federal agencies to review and approve permits, the legislation could help speed up projects that affect businesses, workers, and communities while maintaining environmental and safety standards.

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 "Air Plan Disapproval; Colorado; Regional Haze Plan for the Second Implementation Period".

Congress is considering blocking an EPA rule that rejected Colorado's plan for reducing air pollution haze in the state during a specific time period. If approved, this resolution would overturn the EPA's disapproval and allow Colorado to proceed with its own approach to meeting regional haze standards. The decision affects Colorado's air quality regulations and how the state manages pollution from industrial sources and other contributors to haze.

No FED in West Texas Act

The federal government would be prevented from putting a land protection plan into effect at Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. This would block efforts to manage and protect the refuge's land according to a specific conservation strategy that officials had developed.

FIRE Act

Fire Improvement and Reforming Exceptional Events Act or the FIRE Act This bill modifies the definition of exceptional events under the Clean Air Act and requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise its regulations regarding exceptional events or actions to mitigate wildfire risk. Generally, the EPA must exclude data from use in determinations of exceedances and violations of national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) if a state demonstrates that an exceptional event caused a specific air pollution concentration. The bill provides that events caused by human activity that are intended to mirror the occurrence or reoccurrence of a natural event are exceptional events. Additionally, the bill no longer excludes from consideration as an exceptional event (1) meteorological events involving high temperatures or a lack of precipitation, or (2) stagnation of air masses that does not ordinarily occur. The bill requires the EPA to revise regulations regarding the reviewing and handling of air quality monitoring data influenced by actions to mitigate wildfire risk. The bill also requires the EPA to conduct regional modeling and analysis when multiple states submit petitions regarding the same exceptional event or action to mitigate wildfire risk.

No Passes for Polluters Act of 2026

The proposal would change how the Clean Air Act works by requiring Congress to vote and approve certain exemptions that the President's administration currently grants on its own authority, and it would eliminate one existing exemption from the law. This would shift some decision-making power over air pollution rules from the executive branch to Congress. The bill affects companies that operate under Clean Air Act exemptions and the public's exposure to air quality standards.

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 "Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7)".

Congress is considering blocking an Environmental Protection Agency rule that would change when companies have to start reporting on their use of PFAS chemicals (human-made substances used in products like non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing). The rule would delay the deadline for companies to submit information about these chemicals, which some environmental groups worry could harm public health since PFAS chemicals have been linked to health problems. If approved, this resolution would overturn the EPA's decision and require companies to meet the original reporting deadline.

Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act

Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act This bill repeals certain energy efficiency performance standards for new federal buildings and federal buildings undergoing major renovations. Specifically, the bill repeals the performance standards that phase out fossil fuel use in such buildings by FY2030. The bill directs the Department of Energy to implement the standards as though such phase-out requirements had never taken effect until it issues regulations with revised performance standards. The bill also specifies that certain systems that certify green buildings may not prohibit federal buildings from obtaining a certification as a green building or high-performance green building solely based on direct or indirect consumption of fossil fuels.