As President-elect Trump prepares to reverse President Biden’s stringent net-zero emission regulations, energy policies are poised for a significant shift.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump intends to dismantle Biden-era net-zero emission regulations.
- This initiative will employ executive orders and face adherence to the Administrative Procedures Act.
- The Congressional Review Act may expedite the deregulatory process.
- Appointees within federal agencies will be pivotal in implementing these changes.
Transition from Biden to Trump Energy Policies
President-elect Donald Trump has set his sights on rolling back Biden’s regulations, specifically those targeting net-zero emissions in the energy sector. His strategy relies heavily on using executive orders and coordinating with Congress and the judiciary to realize these changes. The Congressional Review Act (CRA) could facilitate overturning current regulations faster if both congressional chambers and the President agree.
A significant aspect of this transition is the Biden administration’s inauguration of over a thousand regulations, leading to substantial economic and bureaucratic impacts. Alterations involve categorizing regulations based on executive orders, congressional actions, or formal regulations, each requiring distinct processes for modification. The Administration’s Procedures Act (APA) mandates a formal process to revoke regulations instituted as “final rules.”
With Donald Trump expected to turn back climate progress, here's what Biden should focus on for the remainder of his presidential term. https://t.co/aGmXANt5db
— Fast Company (@FastCompany) November 14, 2024
Simplifying the Reversal Process
Numerous Biden mandates were not formalized through rule-making, simplifying their rescission. Trump can potentially rescind Biden’s executive orders through similar directives. The CRA offers an additional mechanism for Congress to overturn certain regulations, contingent on presidential consent. However, time constraints of around six months limit congressional action on repealing specific rules through the CRA.
“You do need to undergo rule-making to change rule-making, but a lot of the Biden administration mandates weren’t issued through rule-making,” said Matt Bowman.
The judiciary also plays a crucial role; regulations found illegal in court can be repealed swiftly. Personnel decisions within federal agencies will heavily influence Trump’s regulatory policy execution, with appointees driving policy adherence within these organizations.
Impact and Opposition
During his campaign, Trump criticized climate change policies, labeling them a “green new scam.” His proposed actions include supporting fossil fuel production and revoking limitations on the oil and gas industry. This initiative extends to reversing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and potentially withdrawing the U.S. from international commitments like the Paris Agreement.
“He has pledged to do the bidding for Big Oil on day one,” per Andrew Reagan.
However, some Republicans dissent against wholly rescinding the Inflation Reduction Act due to its economic incentives and job creation, especially in enhancing domestic manufacturing. This opposition highlights potential challenges in achieving the complete reversal of current energy policies.
