Senate Committee Approves FY 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, providing $38.6 billion in nondefense discretionary funding. The bill, which was advanced by a vote of 26-2, supports tribal programs, National Parks, public lands, and federal efforts to suppress wildfires. The legislation invests in a range of initiatives, including clean drinking water and wastewater assistance, conservation and management of national parks and public lands, and tribal programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides $38.6 billion in nondefense discretionary funding.
  • The measure includes $15.1 billion for the Department of the Interior, which will support management of National Parks, Refuges, and Forests, conservation and energy development on public lands and waters, and tribal trust responsibilities.
  • The National Park Service will receive $3.3 billion to support visitor services and park management needs, as well as preserve historic sites.
  • Indian Affairs (BIA and BIE) will receive $3.9 billion, including support for public safety and justice services, community and economic development, and probate programs.
  • Contract support costs (CSC) and tribal lease payments are fully funded.
  • Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) is fully funded to provide communities in 49 states and in the territories compensation for lost tax revenues resulting from federal land ownership within their jurisdiction.
  • Wildland Fire Management will receive $6.4 billion, with nearly $2.9 billion made available through the wildfire suppression cap adjustment.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency will receive $8.6 billion in grants and program funding, including $2.8 billion for the Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds.
  • The bill also includes funding for Indian Health Services, the U.S. Forest Service, the Smithsonian Institution, the Holocaust Museum, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Statistics:

  • $38.6 billion in nondefense discretionary funding provided for FY 2026.
  • 26-2 vote in favor of the FY 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
  • $15.1 billion for the Department of the Interior.
  • $3.3 billion for the National Park Service.
  • $3.9 billion for Indian Affairs (BIA and BIE).
  • 49 states and territories to benefit from Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.
  • Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.