DEC Announces 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge, encouraging residents to identify birds from March 1 to November 1, 2026. Participants who identify 10 species and submit a challenge sheet by November 18, 2026, will receive a patch and certificate, with opportunities to win prizes.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission - Puget Sound Pilots Tariff Revision

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission issued Order 03 regarding Puget Sound Pilots' tariff revisions (Docket TP-250574). The order grants a motion to revise testimony and exhibits, denies a motion for leave to reply, and grants in part and denies in part a motion to strike. The case involves proposed tariff revisions that would increase the organization's revenue requirement by 60.0 percent.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission - Penalty for Landscaping Violations

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has assessed a $1,000 penalty against Green Town Landscaping, LLC for violating excavation safety laws. The company is accused of damaging a natural gas facility on January 14, 2026, by excavating without a required locate ticket.

H.C. Impressions Fined $3,000 for Notice Violations

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has fined H.C. Impressions NW, Inc. $3,000 for three violations of notice requirements before excavation. The company failed to provide proper notice to a one-number locator service before beginning work on January 12, 2026.

Bill Repeals Conflict Minerals Disclosure Requirements

A bill, H.R. 7085, has been reported by the House Committee on Financial Services to repeal certain conflict minerals disclosure requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this repeal will reduce federal costs associated with compliance.

Senate Bill Requires Amtrak Baby Changing Tables

A Senate bill, S. 71, the Baby Changing on Board Act, requires Amtrak to provide baby changing tables on its trains. The Congressional Budget Office estimates no federal budget effect from this legislation.

H.R. 528 Reforestation Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has provided a cost estimate for H.R. 528, the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025. The estimated cost associated with the bill is approximately $1 million.

H.R. 4284: Convey National Forest cemeteries to local governments

The House Committee on Natural Resources reported H.R. 4284, the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act, on January 14, 2026. This bill proposes to allow the conveyance of certain National Forest cemeteries to local governments. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provided a cost estimate on February 27, 2026.

Northside Hospital Inc. v. Anita Silk Adams - Interlocutory Application Denied

The Court of Appeals of Georgia denied an interlocutory application filed by Northside Hospital Inc. against Anita Silk Adams. The docket number for this case is A26I0131. This decision means the appeal cannot proceed at this stage.

UCS Dials Mill Road, LLC v. Department of Transportation - Inverse Condemnation

The Court of Appeals of Georgia affirmed a trial court's dismissal of an inverse condemnation claim filed by UCS Dials Mill Road, LLC and Anderson-Wells II, LLC against the Georgia Department of Transportation. The court remanded the case with direction, finding the claims were not ripe for review.