Congress Advances Key Environmental and Energy Bills in June 2025 Legislative Session
Key Insights
The Senate passed the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act, extending water conservation efforts in the drought-stricken region until 2026.
Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the ESTUARIES Act to reauthorize the National Estuary Program, supporting restoration in 28 critical estuaries.
The REUSE Act, introduced by Sens. Merkley and Capito, mandates a federal study on plastics reuse and refill systems to address sustainability challenges.
These bills highlight Congress's focus on conservation, resilience, and sustainable practices amid growing environmental concerns.
The U.S. Senate and bipartisan lawmakers advanced several key environmental and energy bills during the week of June 16-20, 2025, addressing critical issues such as water conservation, estuary restoration, and sustainable plastics management. The Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act (S.154), passed by the Senate, extends the System Conservation Pilot Program through 2026. This program, championed by Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and bipartisan cosponsors, tests innovative water conservation strategies in the drought-impacted Colorado River Basin. The extension aims to mitigate the effects of severe water shortages in the region, which supports millions of residents and vast agricultural operations.
In another significant move, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), alongside Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.), introduced the Enhancing Science, Treatment, and Upkeep of America’s Resilient and Important Estuarine Systems (ESTUARIES) Act (S.2063/H.R.3962). This legislation seeks to reauthorize the National Estuary Program, which funds local restoration projects in 28 estuaries of national significance. The program is vital for protecting coastal ecosystems and economies, as highlighted in a recent episode of EESI’s Climate Conversation podcast featuring Daniel Hayden of Restore America’s Estuaries.
Meanwhile, the Research for Environmental Uses and Sustainable Economies (REUSE) Act (S.2110), introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), proposes a federal study on plastics reuse and refill systems. The study would identify barriers and opportunities for scaling these systems across sectors, addressing the growing challenge of plastic waste. The bill reflects a broader push for circular economy solutions in federal policy.
These legislative efforts underscore Congress's commitment to addressing pressing environmental and energy challenges through bipartisan collaboration. The bills, if enacted, could significantly impact conservation, resilience, and sustainability initiatives nationwide.