Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | September 15 - September 19, 2025

The House passed the Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act (H.R.3427), which aims to ensure the availability of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) water infrastructure resources for small, rural, and economically disadvantaged communities. The bill, introduced by Rep. David Taylor (R-Ohio) and cosponsored by Reps. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.) and Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.), mandates a report on the EPA’s work on clean water technical assistance. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

The House Committee on Natural Resources passed the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025 (H.R.528). Reps. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) reintroduced the bill, which would bolster recovery and resilience efforts in communities struck by natural disasters.

The House Committee on Natural Resources also passed the Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 (H.R.1676). The bill, introduced by Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), aims to improve government efficiency in conservation. State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) identify non-game species in greatest need of conservation. The bill, if passed, directs the Secretary of the Interior to approve SWAPs within 180 days. Currently, they do not have a set deadline and usually take over 18 months for approval. 

The House Committee on Natural Resources passed the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act (H.R.1809). Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) and Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) reintroduced the bill, to provide continued funding to the U.S. Geological Survey for research on and protection of the Great Lakes’ native fish populations and habitats. Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio) introduced the bill’s companion (S.2878) in the Senate.

To catch up on all of the recent environmental and energy legislation in Congress, read the pdf here.