Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Simpson
In Committee
Summary
A single bill that would combine large, discrete appropriations with many policy riders to shape management of public lands, parks, wildlife, tribal programs, and water infrastructure. It funds agencies while blocking or delaying a range of regulatory actions on species, energy, and land use.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
27 provisions identified: 17 benefits, 3 costs, 7 mixed.
More guaranteed loans for Tribal businesses
If enacted, the bill would add $25 million to support guaranteed or insured loans for eligible Tribal borrowers in 2026. Up to $2.85 million could cover program administration. The subsidy could back loan principal up to $450,524,470. Funds would stay available until September 30, 2027.
Big investments in forests and wildfire safety
The bill would provide about $1.87 billion through 2029 for hazardous fuels, forest products, and restoration, including up to $30 million for biomass-use grants. Another $157 million through 2029 would fund Forest Service construction and maintenance. Volunteer and rural fire departments could get grants and excess equipment for wildland fire training and response.
More money to clean up old mines
If passed, $33.231 million from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund plus $135 million would go to reclamation and related community development. The $135 million must be paid within 90 days of enactment, with daily cuts to OSMRE salaries if late. A new Treasury fund would collect mill site fees to pay for mine cleanup under existing law. OSMRE would also get $119.786 million for regulation and technology, including $66 million for State and Tribal regulatory grants.
Funding boost for Tribal programs
If enacted, $2.26 billion would fund Indian programs through September 30, 2027. Up to $80.494 million could cover welfare assistance, and that cap could be exceeded for declared Federal disasters. Tribes could use their priority funds to cover unmet welfare needs. Up to $78.661 million would stay available until spent for housing improvements, road maintenance, land and legal costs, records, hearings, and the Navajo–Hopi Settlement Program.
More funding for BIE school operations
If enacted, $1.235 billion would fund Bureau of Indian Education operations. Up to $895.483 million for school operations would become available on June 1, 2026 and stay available through September 30, 2027. Up to $99.886 million could cover administrative cost grants approved before June 1, 2026.
Cheaper federal loans for water projects
If enacted, $64.634 million would subsidize up to $12.5 billion in WIFIA loans for water infrastructure. $5 million is reserved for certain projects to State infrastructure finance authorities. Each loan must meet criteria set in June 2020 and be certified by EPA and OMB.
Blocks EPA climate rules and SCC
If enacted, agencies could not spend money to carry out a long list of EPA rules named in the bill. It would also block work on methane charges under the Clean Air Act. Agencies could not use the “social cost of carbon” in rule cost-benefit tests. This could cut compliance costs for many industries but reduce some environmental protections.
More offshore leasing and inspection fees
Starting in FY2026, Interior would have to hold at least two Gulf-wide and one Alaska offshore oil and gas lease sale each year, where not under a moratorium. BOEM and BSEE would get $146.246 million, reduced by certain collections, with some funds available until 2027 or longer. Offshore operators would pay nonrefundable inspection fees in FY2026, and at least half of those fee dollars BSEE spends would fund staffing and faster permit reviews.
Higher pay floor for DOI appraisers
If enacted, the Interior Secretary could raise minimum basic pay for DOI appraisers (GS-1171, grades 11–15) by up to 15% for FY2026. This would lift the minimum base pay for covered employees.
Easier hardrock mining on public lands
If enacted, mill sites could include as many 5-acre locations as reasonably needed under an approved plan, but would not carry mineral rights. BLM would prioritize claim validity decisions within the Public Land Order 7921 area and aim to finish within three years after a request. Two named mineral leases in Minnesota would have to be reinstated within 30 days of enactment.
Ranchers: grazing credits and steady rules
If enacted, ranchers who graze on National Grasslands could get a credit up to 50% of their grazing fee for a conservation practice approved before the fiscal year. The credited amount would stay available each year for that approved project. This credit authority would end after September 30, 2029. It would also keep 2026 Forest Service grazing permit terms the same as current rules on certain lands.
Limits on BLM land-use restrictions
If enacted, BLM could not use funds in FY2026 for its May 9, 2024 Conservation and Landscape Health rule. Agencies could not require you to transfer State water rights to get or renew BLM or Forest Service permits. Funding could not be used to enforce Public Land Order 7917.
Support for waste and forest bioenergy
EPA would have 30 days after enactment to send Congress a plan to qualify fuels from waste plastic and tires as cellulosic biofuel. Energy, Agriculture, and EPA would align forest bioenergy policy and recognize forest biomass benefits when it does not cause forest conversion. This could encourage investment in bioenergy.
Faster conservation funds and spending
If passed, LWCF FY2026 funds would be allocated within 45 days of enactment, with detailed project lists due in 30 days. At least half of each account would have a supplementary list subject to approval before spending. DOI funds would have to be ready to obligate and spend within 60 days of enactment. This could speed project starts and reporting.
Funding rules for Tribal contract support
If enacted, FY2026 contract support costs for Tribal self-determination agreements with BIA and BIE would be paid only from amounts in this Act. Those funds would be available to obligate through September 30, 2027. The funds could not pay prior-year claims or be moved to other accounts.
Fewer EPA and livestock rules for farms
If passed, agencies could not issue pesticide guidance or labels that conflict with EPA human health assessments. It would also block greenhouse gas reporting for manure systems and stop Title V air permits for certain livestock-related biological emissions. Farmers and pesticide makers would face fewer new or conflicting rules.
No new lead rules for ammo and tackle
If enacted, federal agencies could not regulate lead in ammunition, components, or fishing tackle using these funds. Agencies also could not ban lead ammo or tackle on federal hunting and fishing areas unless local data shows lead is the main cause of a wildlife decline and the State agrees. Hunters and anglers would avoid new rules unless those conditions are met.
Water projects must use U.S. steel
If enacted, State water and sewer projects using federal revolving funds would need to use U.S.-made iron and steel. A waiver could apply if it harms the public interest, U.S. supply is lacking or low quality, or it would raise total project costs by over 25%. Waiver requests would be public for at least 15 days. The EPA could keep up to 0.25% of these funds for oversight.
NEA grants refocused and state caps
If enacted, the NEA could award individual grants only for literature, National Heritage, or Jazz Masters fellowships. Most recipients could not re-grant funds to others. NEA would prioritize projects for underserved populations and create a national-impact touring category. Total grants to any one State would be capped at 15% of funds (not counting national-impact awards), and NEA would report yearly by State.
Tighter federal buying rules and China ban
If enacted, agencies could use funds for contracts only if they follow federal procurement law and the FAR, with some exceptions. Agencies could not buy computers, printers, or video meeting services from companies with any People’s Republic of China ownership. Vendors would face tighter eligibility and compliance checks.
New rules for Alaska timber sales
If enacted, Region 10 timber sales showing a deficit rate could not be advertised. Surplus western red cedar must be offered to Lower 48 processors at domestic prices first. Sale holders could export extra volumes and sell Alaska yellow cedar at export prices.
Changes to wild horse and burro care
If enacted, nonprofits and others could sign agreements or contracts up to 10 years to provide long-term care for excess wild horses and burros. Agencies could transfer excess animals to government agencies for use as work animals under strict limits against commercial slaughter. Appropriated funds could not be used to destroy healthy, unadopted animals.
Mark hatchery salmon for harvest
If enacted, the Fish and Wildlife Service would mass-mark salmon and steelhead from federally run or funded hatcheries that are intended for harvest. The marks must be easy for commercial and recreational fishers to see. This helps fishers and managers identify hatchery fish.
Convey forest land for flood control
If the Riverside County Flood Control District asks within 365 days, USDA would convey specified National Forest land at fair market value. The District must pay all costs, like survey and environmental reviews. Proceeds go to the Sisk Act fund. USDA would not be required to clean up hazards or pay post-sale infrastructure costs.
Mining patents mostly still on hold
If enacted, agencies could not accept or process mining patent applications unless they were filed by September 30, 1994 and met the law then. Applicants could ask BLM to use a third-party mineral exam at the applicant’s expense. A report would be due on September 30, 2027.
Higher appraisals for Forest Service land
If enacted, certain Forest Service land appraisals would have to use the highest fair appraised value, including historical value. This could raise prices buyers must pay in federal land sales. The change would take effect upon enactment.
No Park housing for undocumented people
If enacted, these funds could not be used to provide National Park Service housing to someone who lacks lawful immigration status. This would limit access to that housing for that group.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Simpson
ID • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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