Republicans, Backed by Trump, Roll Back Biden-Era Regulations
In their first 100 days of controlling Congress, Republicans—aligned with Donald Trump—have launched a sweeping effort to undo President Biden’s regulatory agenda, focusing heavily on energy and financial rules. Using the fast-track Congressional Review Act (CRA), they’ve already repealed seven major regulations and are racing to dismantle more before procedural deadlines expire.
CRA: A Rare but Powerful Tool
The CRA lets Congress overturn federal agency rules with a simple majority and no filibuster. Once repealed, agencies can’t issue similar rules without congressional approval. But there’s a short window—typically 60 legislative days—to act on prior administration rules, fueling the current rush.
Key Repeals So Far
-
Methane Emissions Fee – Removed a charge on oil and gas emissions, criticized for raising energy costs.
-
Offshore Drilling Reviews – Ended archaeological survey mandates seen as delaying projects.
-
Appliance Efficiency Standards – Repealed rules for hot water heaters and freezers.
-
Crypto Oversight – Scrapped IRS rules requiring DeFi platforms to report user data.
-
Financial Protections – Eliminated overdraft fee limits and digital payment reporting rules.
Industry Applauds, Critics Sound Alarms
Business and energy groups welcomed the changes, while environmentalists and consumer advocates warn of long-term damage to climate, public health, and consumer safety.
Next Steps and Bigger Goals
Republicans aim to repeal more Biden regulations, including rules on household appliances and labeling standards. Their coordinated strategy with Trump’s team signals a broader ideological shift away from federal oversight.
Democratic Resistance and Legal Challenges
Democrats are pushing back with messaging and exploring legal avenues, though the CRA limits their ability to stop the rollbacks. Some states are stepping in with their own regulations.
A Lasting Shift
This marks one of the most ambitious deregulatory pushes in recent memory and could reshape the federal government’s regulatory role for years to come.
