Bill · S. 5409· Senate(119-S-5409)
Environmental Health Restoration Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/16/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Sheldon Whitehouse
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
S. 5409 is known as the Environmental Health Restoration Act of 2026. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to bring back regulations, guidance, and enforcement programs that were in effect on January 19, 2025. It blocks officials from delaying or weakening these reinstated rules without approval from Congress. The legislation also rebuilds scientific advisory boards, requires peer-reviewed science for decisions, and brings back the social cost of carbon. Additionally, it restores environmental justice programs, sets minimum enforcement funding, and gives citizens the right to sue if the agency fails to follow the law.
Yes· 3 of 15
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+9
Section 3(a) reinstates greenhouse gas emissions standards, methane rules, and the social cost of carbon to curb climate change.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+9
The bill mandates the full reinstatement of environmental regulations, guidance, and enforcement programs in effect on January 19, 2025.
Would children be better off under this?+6
Lower air pollution levels resulting from reinstated environmental standards provide direct health benefits to children.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-5
Section 5(c) authorizes an appropriation of nearly $11 billion annually for Environmental Protection Agency duties and enforcement requirements.
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?-4
Mandating stringent greenhouse gas standards and the social cost of carbon could drive up compliance costs and consumer energy prices.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3(a) requires the immediate reinstatement of rules covering greenhouse gases, methane, mercury, and vehicle emissions that were in place on January 19, 2025. This could benefit everyday people by reducing toxic pollution in the air we breathe and protecting public health.
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Section 6(b) requires the Administrator to prioritize monitoring, permitting oversight, and enforcement in communities that experience disproportionate pollution burdens. This directly helps overburdened neighborhoods get relief from heavy local pollution.
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Section 7(a) gives any person adversely affected by the failure of the Administrator to comply with the Act the right to bring a civil action in a United States district court. This holds officials accountable to the people by allowing citizens to force compliance through the courts.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 5(c) authorizes an appropriation of $10,993,653,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each year thereafter to carry out EPA duties and enforcement requirements. This places a massive financial burden on taxpayers to fund the expanded agency operations.
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Section 4(c) forces the Administrator to restore the social cost of carbon at a value of $190 in 2020 dollars per metric ton along with a 2 percent discount rate. This specific mandate could drive up regulatory compliance costs for domestic energy and industrial sectors, which may ultimately burden consumers with higher costs for goods and energy.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+6Good For Children+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Seniors+6Good For Urban Residents+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+9Reduces Carbon Emissions+9Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+4Reduces Gas Prices-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6Increases Research Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+6
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- 9/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/16/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon