Legislative Activity

The Farmers and Ranchers Relief Act of 2026 aims to reduce regulatory burdens by expanding permit exemptions for routine agricultural activities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The bill directs that these exemptions be interpreted broadly and removes restrictive provisions that previously required permits for certain farming and ranching operations.

The POWER Up Act grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the interconnection of large electricity-consuming facilities (100 megawatts or greater) to the interstate transmission grid. This aims to ensure the reliability of the bulk-power system by standardizing interconnection procedures. The bill explicitly preserves the authority of state and local governments over siting, permitting, and retail electric service.

The Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 exempts small-scale "marginal wells" from specific Clean Air Act emission standards and regulatory requirements set by the EPA. This legislation removes obligations like monitoring, reporting, and leak detection for these low-production oil and gas sites. Furthermore, it prevents the EPA from requiring states to include these standards in their air quality plans.

This bill officially renames the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming, to the **Barbara L. Cubin National Historic Trails Interpretive Center**. The legislation ensures all official documents and references will use the new designation moving forward.

This act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to update regulations to allow the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants. The NRC can only deny this authorization if specific, demonstrable safety risks related to national defense or public health require stricter standards. This aims to streamline construction by reducing material requirements for non-critical components.

The Strengthening American Nuclear Energy Act of 2026 codifies four key executive orders into federal law to provide long-term stability for the nuclear energy sector. By formalizing these directives, the bill ensures consistent regulatory support and promotes the continued advancement of American nuclear power.

The Local Data for Better Conservation Act requires the Secretary to incorporate state-collected data when making listing or delisting determinations under the Endangered Species Act. This legislation ensures that local scientific information is formally integrated into federal decision-making processes for species protection.

This resolution formally recognizes 2026 as the "International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists." It highlights the vital ecological and economic contributions of rangelands while honoring the generations of ranchers and land managers who sustain them. The measure encourages nationwide efforts to promote education, research, and sustainable management practices for these essential landscapes.

The FENCES Act amends the Clean Air Act to protect states from certain regulatory consequences when air quality standards are unmet due to emissions originating outside the United States. Specifically, it prohibits nonattainment designations if pollution is caused by foreign emissions. Furthermore, the bill exempts severely polluted areas from sanctions and fees if they can demonstrate that compliance failure is due to uncontrollable external emissions or exceptional events. States must still implement all authorized control measures and periodically renew their demonstration to the EPA.

The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act of 2026 clarifies the regulatory status of certain software developers in the digital asset space. This bill specifically exempts non-controlling developers and service providers for distributed ledger technology from being classified as "money transmitters" under federal law. This exemption applies when their activities involve creating software or providing infrastructure support, rather than controlling user transactions. The Act ensures these foundational developers are not subject to money transmission registration requirements based solely on their technical contributions.

This bill reauthorizes the Congressional Award Program, extending its authorization through October 1, 2028. It also updates the requirements for the composition of Congressional Award medals. Finally, the Act makes a technical correction regarding the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to strike these medals.

The Wyoming Education Trust Modernization Act updates the language governing the disposal of public lands for educational purposes. By clarifying terminology related to trust funds, the bill modernizes the legal framework for managing educational earnings in the state.

The CLEAR Act of 2025 invalidates a specific Forest Service rule concerning criminal prohibitions. This legislation strips the rule of all legal force and explicitly prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from enforcing it or any substantially similar future rule.

The Safeguarding U.S. Rulemaking Act amends the Administrative Procedure Act to restrict participation in federal agency public comment periods. This legislation specifically prohibits foreign adversaries, their nationals, and related entities from submitting comments on proposed rules. The goal is to ensure that the rulemaking process is exclusively open to U.S. citizens and domestic entities.

The SMART Infrastructure Act of 2025 aims to modernize federal infrastructure permitting by integrating advanced digital twin technology and establishing a centralized electronic portal for NEPA compliance. This legislation mandates pilot programs and guidelines to test how these digital tools can improve coordination, transparency, and data sharing for transportation projects. Ultimately, the goal is to accelerate the development of critical infrastructure by streamlining environmental reviews and reducing permitting timelines by at least 25% for eligible projects.

The COAL Act of 2025 mandates the swift processing and approval of all pending, qualified coal lease applications that were already undergoing environmental review upon enactment. It requires the Secretary to finalize necessary valuations and grant these leases as soon as possible. Furthermore, this Act explicitly repeals Secretarial Order 3338, removing previous restrictions on future coal leasing.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning October 19, 2025, as "Coal Week." It serves to recognize and commend the workers in the coal industry for their vital contributions to American energy security and economic stability. The bill also highlights coal's historical importance and its continued role in providing reliable, affordable electricity.

The Diesel Truck Liberation Act of 2025 prohibits the federal government from mandating, certifying, or enforcing any requirement for emissions control devices or onboard diagnostic systems on vehicles and engines. This legislation voids existing EPA regulations and eliminates all civil or criminal penalties related to the manufacture, sale, or use of vehicles without these emission control systems. It also mandates the immediate release of individuals currently imprisoned for violations concerning these devices.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) rule regarding the Buffalo Field Office Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment. Through this action, Congress nullifies the submitted BLM rule, meaning it will have no legal effect.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. Drivers must be able to read traffic signs, communicate with the public and officials, and complete necessary paperwork in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in the driver being immediately placed out of service.